Planetary graphical interface
AssigneesSony Corporation, Sony Connect Inc.
InventorSteve Crystal
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A graphical interface and method are provided for search and browse functionality implemented in client or server software. The software includes a file browsing functionality for items in a repository of items such as an online store. The items may be products such as online media downloads, games, merchandise, etc. A graphical metaphor used by this GUI is that of planets or planet nodes circling a seed node. Items displayed as planets are content items relevant to the seed, and are typically though not necessarily of like kind as the seed, whether song, file, movie, video game, etc.
Claims25
A method of browsing for content items in a repository containing a plurality of content items, at least one item of metadata associated with each content item to be searched, comprising:
- a. receiving seed information;
- b. displaying a seed node representative of the seed information;
- and
- c. displaying at least one planet a distance from the seed node, the planet relevant to the seed information.
A user interface for displaying the results of a browsing or searching operation on a repository of content items, comprising:
- a. a seed node representative of seed information that is the basis of a browsing or searching operation;
- b. if the browsing or searching operation results in the discovery of at least one content item relevant to the seed node, then the user interface further comprises a planet indicating the content item;
- c. if the browsing or searching operation fails to result in the discovery of at least one content item relevant to the seed node, then the user interface further comprises an indicator of a null result for the browsing or searching operation.
A method of setting category information or metadata for a content item or group of content items, comprising:
- a. providing an entry window for a user to enter or select a content item or a group of content items;
- b. populating a window with at least one central node and at least one category node, the category node indicating a category of metadata pertaining to the content item or group of content items;
- c. adjusting a distance of the category node from the central node, the distance indicating the value of the metadata within the category of metadata;
- d. such that the metadata value for the category of the content item is set by the adjusting.
A method of searching for one or more content items in a repository containing a plurality of content items, at least one item of metadata associated with each content item to be searched, comprising:
- a. displaying at least one category node, the category node associated with a category of metadata;
- b. receiving user input about a location of the category node, the location of the category node associated with a value of the metadata contained within the category;
- c. conducting a search, the search results determined at least in part by comparing the value of the metadata associated with the location of the category node with the value of metadata associated with each of a plurality of content items in a repository;
- and
- d. displaying search results from the search.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.