WO2007036367A1

WO2007036367A1 - Method and device for selecting a data object from a plurality of data objects in a data bank

Info

Publication number: WO2007036367A1
Application number: PCT/EP2006/009450
Authority: WO
Inventors: Frank Klein; Stefan Wengert; Andreas Manfred Sasse
Original assignee: Frank Klein; Stefan Wengert; Andreas Manfred Sasse
Priority date: 2005-09-29
Filing date: 2006-09-28
Publication date: 2007-04-05
Also published as: DE102005046719A1

Abstract

A method is disclosed for selecting a data object (12) associated with an object from a plurality of data objects (13) in a data bank (14), the data objects (13) being associated with a plurality of objects (1, 10). The method comprises the following steps: providing a film with a sequence of images (9) showing at least one (1) of the objects (1, 10), then: identifying a sequence of image sections (15) essentially formed exclusively by a part of the images (9) which shows the object (1); generating a sequence of control surfaces (7, 7') on a screen which correspond to the image sections (15) in such a way that the control surfaces (7, 7') can be associated with the object (1); selecting the sequence of control surfaces (7, 7') on a screen (8) while the film is played back on the screen (8); displaying the data object (13) associated with the sequence of control surfaces (7, 7'). Also disclosed are a device suitable for implementing this method and a computer program product, in particular a computer program with a program code for implementing the method according to the invention on a computer (19). The invention is characterised in that a data object can be easily and clearly selected from a mass of information, taking into account the dynamics of the object associated with said data object.

Description

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR SELECTION OF AN INFORMATION OBJECT FROM A VARIETY OF INFORMATION OBJECTS

IN A DATABASE

The invention relates to a method and a device for selecting an information object associated with an object from a plurality of information objects in a database, wherein the information objects are associated with a plurality of objects, and a computer program product, in particular computer program with a program code.

It is known to refer to other documents on the Internet within a document by means of hyperlinks. The goal of a hyperlink is to be an existing file (web page, image, audio file, video file, etc.) or a dynamically created document. A link contains the address of the destination and usually defines in addition how it should be displayed for the user. The concept of hyperlinks allows to switch from one document to one sub-document or to another when reading a document by clicking on the hyperlink.

It is also known to efficiently generate and compactly store video sequences using methods of vector-based graphics. For example, by means of integrated development environments (eg Macromedia Flash) films, so-called flash "films", can be generated in SWF format, with the aid of these graphics in particular animated advertising banners can be generated which have the properties of a hyperlink and by clicking on a corresponding website refer. Despite the possibilities offered by the linking and the efficiency in the presentation of complex, in particular dynamic, graphics and image sequences, there is still a need to present information as efficiently and clearly as possible. The need for clarity and clarity is particularly great when individual information should be selected from a mass of information. Thus, in practice, it may be difficult for a user to obtain information about a single item when there are a variety of items for which a large amount of information exists.

This problem is particularly serious if the user still does not know exactly to which item at all he needs more information. In this case, he can not get by looking up a catalog to the desired information a particular item; he would have to leaf through the entire catalog with the objects depicted therein.

Moreover, individual images of an article may not be sufficient or impractical to give the user a three-dimensional impression of the article.

If, for example, a buyer wants to be inspired by a wide range of goods without being irritated by confusing references or large amounts of text in a catalog, it is essential to dispense with a considerable amount of information about the individual goods. The clarity of a range of goods is usually in competition with the depth of information on the individual goods. This rivalry can not be solved with the help of an illustrated (possibly electronic) catalog, since the single catalog page has only one (realistically recordable) finite data volume and so the Catalog either cluttered and unpractical or superficial and uninformative.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and a device for selecting an object of information associated with an item from a plurality of information objects in a database, whereby the selection is made particularly simple, efficient and clear. Furthermore, it is an object to provide a computer program product which supports this method.

This object is achieved by the method, by the device and the computer program product as indicated in the respective independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments and developments, which may be applied individually or combined with each other, are the subject of j dependent dependent claims.

The method according to the invention for selecting an information object assigned to an object from a multiplicity of information objects in a database, wherein the information objects are assigned to a plurality of objects, comprises the following method steps:

Providing a film having a sequence of images, the sequence showing at least one of the objects; subsequently

Identifying a sequence of image sections, the image sections being formed essentially exclusively by the part of the images showing the article;

Generating a sequence of screen buttons, wherein the screen buttons correspond to the image sections such that the screen buttons are assignable to the object; Selecting the sequence of screen buttons on a screen while the screen is being played on the screen;

Display the information object associated with the sequence of screen buttons.

A film is generally understood to mean a sequence of images, in particular a video sequence, which can be recorded using a video camera, for example. The film is usually in an electronically stored form and is played back by a player such as a video recorder. a hard drive, DVD / CD-ROM drive etc provided. The movie shows a variety of items. The film provides the basis for selecting an information object associated with an item.

The information object is understood as meaning all further information or information on the object, in particular information about the properties of the object or the relationships with or in which the object is related to other objects. An information object may be a description of the subject or the subject context. With an information object, conditions for the object can be described or the effects of the object can be represented. An information object may be realized as using a reference (e.g., hyperlink) to another document dealing with the subject.

Image excerpts are excerpts from the images shown in the film. Their dimensions are smaller than the image size of the film. Essentially, they only show the part of an image that represents the object. In principle, several or even a multiplicity of sequences of image sections can be identified in one film at the same time and / or in succession which are each assigned to an item. In this case, it is advantageous if the image sections do not overlap, so that each point on the screen, ie each screen pixel, can be assigned to exactly one image section.

The term "screen buttons" refers to a commonly used element of graphical user interfaces in an application program that allows the user to trigger a function associated with the control, such as using buttons on the Internet to submit form data or make references graphically attractive Button that can be clicked on via a touch screen or with the aid of a cursor.

The image sections are used to generate a sequence of screen buttons, wherein the size and the position of the screen buttons approximately correspond to the image sections, so that recognizable for the user, the screen buttons are assigned to the object. With the help of the image sections, screen buttons are generated, which are associated by the user with the object, so that the user can obtain information about the object by clicking on the (depicted) object.

The selection of an item of information about an item occurs during a dynamic presentation of the item. The dynamic of the presentation gives a three-dimensional impression of the object. In addition, the dynamic representation makes it possible to use the time dimension as another descriptive feature; the object can be detected in its movement. For example, the film may show how a garment (item) fits or snuggles against a human body as the human moves. The information object is selected using the sequence of screen buttons on the screen while the movie is being played on the screen. After clicking the information object is displayed, which is assigned to the sequence of screen buttons.

Unlike known hyperlinks, the screen button is dynamically applied and can change its size and position within the image according to the scene in the movie.

When the user sweeps over a screen button with a cursor, an information object becomes that screen button, i. to the item associated therewith. The information object is stored in a database. The ad can be displayed on a screen next to the movie. The information object can also be shown in the movie.

By the method, a selection of the information object is possible while viewing a dynamically moving object. The selection is not made in the light of a static image of the object but during viewing of the moving object or objects.

The screen buttons may be invisible. However, they can also be color-coded, especially when they are overlined by a cursor. A border of the screen buttons can be at least partially displayed on the screen. The user then recognizes with the help of the border the object to which the information object refers. Advantageously, the film is represented by means of a vector-based graphic, in particular in the context of an architecture as provided by Makromedia Flash. With the help of vector-based graphics, it is particularly easy and efficient to generate sequences of screen buttons on or in a movie.

Advantageously, the film forms a first level and the screen buttons are laid over it as a second level.

The sequence of screen buttons can be selected on a screen by stroking and optionally clicking with a cursor or via a touch screen. In the sequence, each item is assigned a sequence of screen buttons. The screen buttons associated with the respective objects are advantageously arranged relative to one another such that they do not overlap, thereby achieving a clear relationship between the information object and the object.

The inventive apparatus for selecting an information object associated with an item from a plurality of information objects in a database, wherein the information objects are associated with a plurality of items, comprises means for providing a movie with a sequence of pictures, the sequence showing at least one of the items a means for identifying a sequence of image excerpts, the image excerpts being formed substantially exclusively by the portion of the images showing the article; means for generating a sequence of screen buttons, the screen buttons corresponding to the screens so that the screen buttons are assignable to the item; - means for selecting the sequence of screen buttons on a screen while the movie is being played on the screen; means for displaying the information object associated with the sequence of screen buttons.

The identification of the image excerpts takes place in particular in the finished or rotated film.

With the aid of this device, a simple, intuitive and efficient selection of an information object for an object taking into account the dynamics of the object is possible, whereby a high degree of clarity is achieved since unnecessary information about other objects which no longer interest the user remains hidden , The user can obtain additional information on the object of interest in particular by clicking on the object on the screen or activating or sweeping the screen button.

In the apparatus, the items shown in the film are configured as screen buttons by placing around the items a frame that essentially shows only the item and not other items, and the frame is linked to a screen button.

The screen button may be visible, but invisible screen buttons are preferred. The on-screen buttons will not appear until after the Making the film linked to the movie. The screen buttons are dynamic in the sense that their size and position may change according to the sequence of pictures in the movie. They can in principle take any shape, but are preferably simple, ie rectangular, round or oval, surfaces. The user can operate the screen buttons while watching the movie by clicking or touching the object of interest on the screen with the cursor or (in the case of a touch screen) with the finger.

The device may include means for at least partially displaying a border of the screen buttons on the screen.

For example, the corners of a rectangular screen button are displayed so that the user can access both the object associated with the screen button and the active area of the screen

Screen button itself easily recognizes.

The means for selecting may include a cursor with which the

Screen button can be clicked.

The screen can be designed as a touch screen.

The computer program product according to the invention, in particular a computer program with a program code, is suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention on a computer. It can be in compiled or uncompiled form.

Further details and advantageous embodiments, which can be applied individually or combined with one another, are explained in more detail with reference to the following drawings, which are not intended to limit the invention but merely to illustrate it by way of example. They show schematically:

1 shows an inventive device for selecting an information object from a plurality of information objects, and

Fig. 2 shows a screen of the device according to the invention, on which a sequence of three images is shown at different times.

FIG. 1 shows the device according to the invention with which an information object 13 can be selected from a multiplicity of information objects 13. A first article 1, for example a sports shirt, and a second article 10, for example a sports shoe, are recorded by means of a camera 17 and the film thus obtained is supplied to a means 2 for providing a film with a sequence of images 9. The device according to the invention is realized by means of a computer 19 and a screen 8. The computer 19 has a means 3 for identifying a sequence of image sections 15 with which the image sections 15 showing an object 1 are cut out of the images 9 of the film. An image detail 15 essentially shows only an object 1 and not also other objects 10. The computer 19 has a means 4 for generating a sequence of screen buttons 7, 7 ', by means of which screen buttons 7, T are generated, which are the object 1 are assigned. The identification of the image sections and the generation of the screen buttons 7, T can be done manually or automatically, in particular using automatic structure recognition, which can be based, for example, on the pixel color and pixel brightness values. The picture section 15 of the image 9 showing the article 1 is designed as a screen button 7. When the screen button 7 is operated, the information object 13 associated with the object 1 is displayed. The computer 19 has as means 5 for selecting the sequence of screen buttons 7, T a user-operable cursor 16 with which the sequence of screen buttons 7, T can be selected on the screen 8 during the playback of the film on the screen 8. The means 5 for selecting may be a cursor 16 by which the screen button 7, 7 'is operated when the cursor 16 clicks on or over the screen button 7, T. The means 5 for selection can also be formed by a touch screen. The computer further comprises means 12 for displaying the information object 13, by which the information object 13 associated with the object 1 is displayed on the screen 8. With the aid of a means 6 for representing a border 11, the border 11 of the screen button 7, T is shown, so that the user can unambiguously assign the screen button 7, T to the object 1, 10. The information objects 13 are stored in a database 14 in which the film can also be stored. The means 2 for providing, the means 3 for identifying, the means 4 for generating, the means 5 for selecting, the means 6 for representing a border 11, the database 14, the screen 8 are managed by at least one CPU 18 of the computer 19 , On the screen 8, both the objects 1, 10 and a border 11 of the screen button 7, T are shown. The screen button 7 is operated by a cursor 16. The screen button 7 has approximately the same size as the image detail 15, which is associated with the respective object 1, 10. The screen buttons 7, T could be generated at the same or a different frequency as the screen, advantageously they are generated at a frequency in a range of IHz to 30 Hz, preferably in a range of 10 Hz to 20 Hz. Fig. 2 shows three pictures of a sequence at different times and shows a jogging woman running to the right from the left edge of the picture. The first article 1 here represents a sports shirt and the second article 10 a sports shoe. Around the respective imaged articles 1, 10, a respective image detail 15, 15 'is placed. The respective image sections 15, 15 'are designed as a screen button 7, 7' and can be clicked with the cursor 16. Once the respective screen button 7 or 7 'is clicked, the associated information object 13 is displayed by the means 12 for display. For example, the sports shirt displays the available sizes, materials, colors and price in the right part of the screen 8. It can be seen that the screen buttons 7, 7 'change their position in the image 9 from left to right due to the moving scene. The screen buttons 7, 7 'are assigned to the respective object 1, 10.

The process makes it easier for the purchaser to obtain information of interest to him in a more targeted manner, since he only receives information about the objects which actually interests him. In choosing the information, he can resort to the dynamic appearance of the object, which greatly facilitates his choice. He is also hindered in his selection of unnecessary or unwanted information for him.

As soon as the cursor activates the screen button, further information objects for the sports shirt, for example information about the material, the size, the price, etc., are displayed. Another advantage of this method of selection is that the object is not statically imaged, but is shown dynamically, so that the viewer can view a plurality of objects at the same time, without having to forego an information content to a specific object.

Through the dynamic representation of the sports shirt can be considered in its dynamics, as it sits on the human body or clings to it, when the woman moves; the impression of a drapery changing under the movement, of light and shadow plays and other optical effects, which are only expressed during the movement, such as Shine or glitter, is comprehensively conveyed to the viewer.

The invention relates to a method for selecting an information object 12 assigned to an object from a plurality of information objects 13 in a database 14, wherein the information objects 13 are assigned to a multiplicity of objects 1, 10, and comprises the following method steps: providing a film with a sequence of Figures 9, wherein the sequence shows at least one 1 of the articles 1, 10; and subsequently: identifying a sequence of image sections 15, the image sections 15 being formed essentially exclusively by a part of the images 9 showing the article 1; Generating a sequence of screen buttons 7, 7 ', wherein the screen buttons 7, T correspond to the image sections 15 such that the screen buttons 7, 7' are assignable to the article 1; Selecting the sequence of screen buttons 7, 7 'on a screen 8 while the movie is being played on the screen 8; Displaying the information object 13 associated with the sequence of screen buttons 7, T; and a device suitable for carrying out this method and a computer program product, in particular a computer program with a Program code for performing the method according to the invention on a computer 19. The invention is characterized in that an information object from a mass of information can be selected simply and clearly taking into account the dynamics of the object associated with this information object.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 first item

2 means for providing 3 means for identifying

4 means for generating

5 means to choose

6 means for presenting a border 7, 7 'screen button 8 screen

9 picture

10 second item

11 border

12 means for displaying 13 information object

14 database

15 image section

16 cursor

17 camera 18 CPU

19 computers

Claims

claims

A method of selecting an information object (13) associated with an item from a plurality of information objects

(13) in a database (14), wherein the information objects (13) of a

Variety of objects (1, 10) are assigned, comprising the following

Process steps:

Providing a film having a sequence of images (9), the sequence showing at least one (1) of the articles (1, 10), then:

Identifying a sequence of image sections (15), the image sections (15) being formed substantially exclusively by the portion of the images showing the article (1); Generating a sequence of screen buttons (7, 7 '), wherein the

Screen buttons (7, 7 ') correspond to the image sections (15) such that the screen buttons (7, T) are assignable to the article (1),

Selecting the sequence of screen buttons (7, 7 ') on a screen (8) while the movie is being played on the screen (8),

Displaying the information object (13) associated with the sequence of screen buttons (7, 7 ').

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the screen buttons (7, 7 ') are invisible.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a border of the screen buttons (7, 7 ') at least partially on the screen (8) is shown.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the film by means of a vector-based graphics, in particular in the context of a Macromedia Flash architecture, is displayed.

5. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that the film forms a first level and the screen buttons (7, 7 ') are placed as a second level above it.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sequence of screen buttons (7, 7 ') on a screen (8) by sweeping and optionally clicking with a cursor (16) or by means of a touch screen is selected.

7. An apparatus for selecting an object (13) associated information object (13) from a plurality of information objects (13) in a database (14), wherein the information objects (13) of a plurality of objects (1, 10) are associated a means (2) for providing a film with a sequence of images (9), the sequence showing at least one of the objects (1, 10), means (3) for identifying a sequence of image sections (15), the image sections (15) are formed substantially exclusively by the part of the images showing the object; a means (4) for generating a sequence of screen buttons (7, 7 '), wherein the screen buttons (7, 7') correspond to the image sections (15) such that the screen buttons (7, 7 ') are assignable to the object Means (5) for selecting the sequence of screen buttons (7, 7 ') on a screen (8) while the film is being played on the screen (8), means (12) for displaying the information object (13) which is the Sequence of screen buttons (7, T) is assigned.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized by means (6) for at least partially displaying a border (11) of the screen buttons (7, 7 ') on the screen (8).

9. The method according to any one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the means for selecting a cursor (16), with which the screen button (7, 7 ') can be clicked.

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the screen (8) is a touch screen.

11. Computer program product, in particular computer program with a program code, for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 6 on a computer (19).