BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to software user interfaces, and more specifically to interactive multi-element software controls.

[0002] It is known to use a software application to permit a user to shop for and to purchase services such as paid parking. This type of software application may permit a user to select a time interval and then to purchase the service for the selected interval.

[0003] One problem with prior art interfaces of this type is that they may not permit the user to understand all of the factors affecting the total cost of the service, including for example, rate changes based on time of day or minimum/maximum time rules.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] This problem is addressed by an interactive rate selector or quantity selector interface which simultaneously displays multiple factors influencing a resulting calculation such as a cost to be paid.

[0005] According to one aspect of the technology described herein, an apparatus includes: a combined display and input device operably connected to one or more microprocessors operable to execute programmed instructions, wherein the one or more microprocessors are programmed to drive the combined display and input device to present an interactive rate selector interface, the interactive rate selector interface including: an interactive rate scale which simultaneously: displays information from at least two variable factors that affect an end computation to be made by the one or more microprocessors, wherein the information includes at least one rate indicator which is synchronized to a time scale or a quantity scale; accepts user input via interaction with the displayed information; and updates the displayed information in response to user interaction. [0006] According to another aspect of the technology described herein, a method includes: providing a combined display and input device operably connected to one or more microprocessors operable to execute programmed instructions; using the one or more microprocessors to drive the display to present an interactive rate selector interface, the interface including: an interactive rate scale which simultaneously: displays information from at least two variable factors that affect an end computation to be made by the one or more microprocessors, wherein the information includes at least one rate indicator which is synchronized to a time scale or a quantity scale; accepts user input via interaction with the displayed information; and updates the displayed information in response to user interaction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The invention may be best understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures, in which:

[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary mobile computing device;

[0009] FIGS. 2A-2C are sequential schematic views of an interactive quantity selector showing a process of enforcing a minimum time;

[0010] FIGS. 3A-3C are sequential schematic views of an interactive quantity selector showing a process of enforcing a maximum time; and

[0011] FIG 4 is a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of an interactive quantity selector.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The interactive rate scale of the present invention is implemented using a conventional computing device, defined as a device including one or more

microprocessors operable to execute programmed instructions, along with supporting components such as an electrical power source (e.g. battery), input/output devices (e.g. keyboard, touchscreen display, microphone, and/or speakers). [0013] In one example, the computing device may be a conventional mobile computing device 10, an example of which is shown schematically in FIG. 1. In addition to the microprocessor and other components described above, mobile computing device 10 may include one or more transceivers operable to communicate data over various wireless protocols including but not limited to BLUETOOTH, Wi Fi, and/or cellular networks. The mobile computing device 10 may include one or more physical data ports for two-way data transmission, for example a port compatible with a universal serial bus (USB) cable. Nonlimiting examples of commercially-available mobile computing devices include laptop computers, tablet computers, "smart watches", and "smartphones". A mobile computing device could also include other types of devices such as vehicle "infotainment" systems.

[0014] In the illustrated example, the mobile computing device 10 is a

conventional smartphone with a touch screen 11 serving as a combined display and input device. The mobile computing device 10 is provisioned with a client software program (also referred to as a "client application" or "client app" 12) containing appropriate programming for the interactive rate scale display and quantity selection method described herein.

[0015] In use, mobile computing device 10 would typically be connected by a communications channel 14 such as a Wi-Fi or a cellular data connection to a wide area network 16 such as the Internet.

[0016] In a typical end use, the client app 12 system 10 may communicate to a remote application 18 through the wide area network 16. The remote application 18 could be, for example, a network server application associated with a parking services vendor.

[0017] The client app 12 implements an interactive quantity selector which is useful for interactively displaying resultant information such as cost or pricing to a user, wherein that resultant information is dependent on multiple factors. Many types of services have these characteristics, [0018] The interactive rate scale is particularly useful for services in which a physical space is licensed or rented for a limited time, with the fee charged typically being a price per unit time. One particular example of such a service is the use of a paid parking space, which is described relative to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The cost of paid parking may be influenced by factors including but not limited to time of day, physical location of the service provided, characteristics of the user or user's vehicle, the time of day and/or date the service is used, or the duration the service is used. As will be described in more detail below, the interactive rate scale not only displays dynamic information, but permits a user to easily select the desired service and to understand the total price that will be charged within the context of other associated variables.

[0019] FIG. 2A shows an example of a screen layout displayed by the client app 12 on the touch screen 11. The screen layout comprises numerous elements which can include static displays of graphics or information, dynamic displays of graphics or information, controls, defined as portions of the display which respond to user input, such as a finger touch or gesture, or a pointing device click, to generate commands, and combinations thereof. All of the elements of the screen layout considered together are referred to herein as an "interactive quantity selector" or "interactive rate selector" 20

[0020] It will be understood that terms such as "button", "switch", or "slider" may refer to display elements which function as virtual analogs to physical controls. For example, a "button" may represent a portion of a display which is responsive to a user action such as a finger press or a pointing device operation (e.g. a mouse click) to generate a software input to the client app 12. In operation, user interaction with the "button" may cause a software action such as generating an interrupt, storing a specific value in a memory location, or other similar actions.

[0021] The interactive quantity selector 20 includes an interactive rate scale 22.

The rate scale 22 is a combination of a dynamic display and a control which is operable to simultaneously display information from two or more variable factors that affect an end computation, and to update the information in response to user interaction.

[0022] The rate scale 22 includes a time scale 24 which displays the hours of the day with appropriate labeling and sub-increments. In the illustrated example, time scale 24 is a linear scale which increments along a left-right axis. Other arrangements are possible. For example, a linear scale could extend in any direction such as vertically or diagonally. The scale could follow a curvilinear path, an arc, or circle. The scale could be depicted as a three-dimensional object. The rate scale 22

(including time scale 24) may be configured to scroll left or right in response to a conventional control gesture, such as a user "dragging" or "swiping" the rate scale 22 using a finger, in order to display additional information extending beyond the left and right edges 26, 28, respectively of the touch screen 11.

[0023] The rate scale 22 further includes one or more rate indicators (indicated generally at 30) which are synchronized to the time scale 24. In the illustrated example, the rate indicators 30 are depicted as generally rectangular bands or strips laid out adjacent to each other along the centerline of the time scale 24. One rate indicator 30 is provided for each time period or interval that has a unique rate. For example, a first rate indicator 30A shown in FIG. 2A terminates at 7:00 PM and indicates a rate of $2 per hour. A second rate indicator 30B shown in FIG. 2 A begins at 7:00 PM and ends at 9:00 PM and indicates a rate for that time period of $5 per hour. The information required to display the rate indicators 30 may be

preprogrammed into the client app 12, or it may be information that is updated at defined intervals e.g., by regular downloads of updated information, or it may be information that is acquired from an outside source contemporaneously with the use of the client app 12.

[0024] The layout of the rate scale 22 with rate indicators 30 provides a visual representation of upcoming rate or rule change and/or restrictions. These are visible without actually selecting a time that would involve such upcoming rate or rule change, thus giving the user an opportunity to "preview" rate or cost changes. This feature may provide a further enhanced preview ability where the rate scale 22 is scrollable. [0025] The rate scale 22 further includes a selector bar 32 with a start time marker 34 and an end time marker 36. The location of the start time marker 34 would generally be determined by the current time and is displayed in the appropriate position along the time scale 24. Alternatively, the user could select a future time by first scrolling the time scale 24 to the desired starting time and then applying an input such as clicking or tapping the time scale 24 at the desired start time, to set the position of the start time marker 34.

[0026] The location of the end time marker 36, and thus the size and location of the selector bar 32, are determined by user operation. More specifically, user input causes the start time marker 34 to move away from the end time marker 36. The selector bar 32 increases or decreases in length as the distance between the end time marker 36 and start time marker 34 increases or decreases. As one example, a user may "tap" and "drag" the rate scale 22, thus producing relative movement which affects the position of the end time marker 36. The selector bar 32 is represented in a visually distinct manner from its surroundings (e.g. by different color, pattern, shape, etc.).

[0027] The interactive quantity selector 20 may include additional elements as required to support operation of the interactive rate scale 22. In the illustrated example, the interactive quantity selector 20 includes a location identifier 38, a user attribute identifier 40, a summary message 42, shortcut buttons 44, and an action button 46.

[0028] The location identifier 38 displays information confirming the identity or location of the service to be used. In this example, the location identifier 38 is shown as a four-digit number representing a "zone". A zone could represent a physical location such as a parking lot or a particular parking space in parking lot or on a city street. In typical operation, the user would select a zone of interest within the client app 12 prior to arriving at the interactive quantity selector 20 of FIG. 2 A.

[0029] The user attribute identifier 40 displays confirmatory information relating to the user or user's vehicle. In the illustrated example, the user attribute identifier 40 displays the name of an exemplary vehicle "my car". This information is useful as the rates charged may depend on the identity and/or type of vehicle. For example, a commercial vehicle or a larger vehicle may be charged a higher rate by parking facility than a smaller vehicle or a privately-owned vehicle. In typical operation, the user would input user or vehicle identifying information within the client app 12 prior to arriving at the interactive quantity selector 20 of FIG. 2 A.

[0030] The summary message 42 displays the results of the time computation executed by the client app 12 in response to operation of the selector bar 32. In the illustrated example, the summary message 42 displays a total amount of parking time and an end point of the parking time. The total amount of parking time may be computed by subtracting the starting time from the end time.

[0031] The shortcut buttons (referred to at 44 generally) provide one-touch controls to drive operation of the interactive rate scale. Examples of shortcut buttons include a minimum button 44A operable to drive the selector bar 32 to the minimum permitted increment or and, a predetermined amount of time button 44B operable to drive the selector bar 32 to a predetermined increment of time such as one hour, and/or or a maximum button 44C operable to drive the selector bar 32 to the maximum permitted increment or and time.

[0032] The action button 46 provides a control to indicate the user wants to proceed with the purchase of the service with the selected parameters. As illustrated, the action button 46 may be combined with a dynamic display of the result of the cost computation executed by the client app 12 in response to operation interactive rate scale 22. The cost may be computed, for example, by multiplying the amount of time in each rate by that rate to arrive at a subtotal, and then summing the subtotals to arrive at a total cost for display on or near the action button 46.

[0033] The interactive rate scale 22 provides synchronized representations of timeframe, rate, and clock elements through interaction. When scrolling, values for two or more fields update together, each based on its own particular rules, but each depending on the value from the selector bar 32. For example, when the selector bar 32 is changed in response to movement of the rate scale 22, the applicable rate updates at each threshold for which a new calculated rate would apply, while in tandem, the amount of time represented updates as well as the clock representation of that amount of time from the current time (as applicable). These synchronized representations may optionally be further connected to corresponding "quick times" shortcut buttons. The synchronized representations are interpreted appropriately for each component. For example, if the rules state that a maximum price for a day of parking is $5, the price for an hour is $1, a maximum amount of time is eight hours, and required increment is the time afforded by $1, then once a user attempts to select five hours or more, but less than eight hours, the price component will stay constant even though the selector bar 32 will expand to eight hours (as that is the amount afforded by the same amount of fees).

[0034] In addition to the functions described above, the interactive quantity selector 20 may incorporate various optional functions.

[0035] One optional function illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C is that at a minimum allowable scalar value (e.g., time interval or starting time) is visually represented, communicated to the user, and enforced upon attempted interaction.

[0036] FIG. 2B illustrates an example in which a user has attempted to move the end time marker of the selector bar 32 down below a permitted minimum of 15 minutes, with the start time marker 34 and end time marker 36 being coincident. The client at 12 may be programmed to respond this attempted input by moving the rate scale 22 to the minimum allowable value, and preventing the selector bar 32 from showing a selection of an option below such minimum. FIG. 2C shows that the client app 12 has moved the rate scale 22 to the minimum selectable interval of 15 minutes, with the end time marker 36 being moved to 7 PM. Optionally a notification 47 may be displayed on the interactive quantity selector 20 informing the user that the minimum setting has been reached. Optionally, this same result could be achieved by the user pressing the minimum button 44A.

[0037] One optional function illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C is that at a maximum allowable scalar value (e.g., time interval or starting time) is visually represented, communicated to the user, and enforced upon attempted interaction.

[0038] For example, FIG. 3B illustrates an example in which a user has attempted to move the end time marker of the selector bar 32 beyond the permitted maximum of two hours the client at 12 may be programmed to respond this attempted input by moving the rate scale 22 to the maximum allowable value, and preventing the selector bar 32 from showing a selection of an option above such maximum. FIG. 2C shows that the client app 12 has moved the rate scale 22 to the maximum selectable interval of two hours, with the end time marker 36 being moved to 8:45 PM. Optionally a notification 48 may be displayed on the interactive quantity selector 20 informing the user that the minimum setting has been reached. Optionally, this same result could be achieved by the user pressing the maximum button 44C.

[0039] Optionally, the client app 16 may be programmed to enforce specific time increments, preventing the user from using the rate scale 22 to select a value that does not occur at a multiple of allowable increment between the minimum allowed value and the maximum allowed value. For example, the relative position of the rate scale 22 and the end time marker 36 may be programmed to move to the nearest allowable incremental value in response to user input.

[0040] Optionally, the client app 16 may be programmed to identify anomalous inputs. For example, if the user attempts to select a value which would extend beyond a predetermined typical duration, the client app 16 may be programmed to provide a notification such as a visual display or sound warning the user of the anomalous input. For example, if a particular parking facility is typically used for daily parking, and the user accidentally scrolls the time scale 24 to an extremely large duration, the client app 16 may notify the user that the proposed rate extends into a following calendar day or that the proposed duration is a very large value such as 24 hours.

[0041] Optionally, information from the user's service selections may be used to provide the user with personally-tailored information. For example, in response to the user's time selection being coincident with a significant time of day (e.g. a mealtime) or a significant quantity of time (e.g. overnight), the client app 16 may be

programmed to provide a notification such as a visual display or sound in conjunction with the tailored information. For example, if the user's parking overlaps lunch time, the client app 16 could provide notification of the location of nearby restaurants, and/or deliver electronic restaurant advertisements or coupons to the user. As another example, if the user's parking extends over a long time, the client app 16 could suggest different purchase arrangements such as monthly contracts.

[0042] The example embodiment described above relates to a time-based service such as paid parking. The quantity selector concept may be applied to other processes or services.

[0043] FIG. 4 shows an example of a screen layout displayed by an alternative client app 112 on the touch screen 11. The screen layout comprises numerous elements which can include static displays of graphics or information, dynamic displays of graphics or information, controls, defined as portions of the display which respond to user input, such as a finger touch or gesture, or a pointing device click, to generate commands, and combinations thereof. All of the elements of the screen layout considered together are referred to herein as an "interactive quantity selector" 120. The interactive quantity selector in this example would be used for computing the cost of parcel or freight shipping, wherein the cost of the service is related to multiple factors such as the quantity, size, and weight of objects to be shipped.

[0044] The interactive quantity selector 120 includes an interactive rate scale 122. The rate scale 122 is a combination of a dynamic display and a control which is operable to simultaneously display information from two or more variable factors that affect an end computation, and to update the information in response to user interaction.

[0045] The rate scale 122 includes a quantity scale 124 which displays the quantity of items to be shipped and which is moveable in response to user input in a similar manner as described above for rate scale 22. In the illustrated example, quantity scale 124 is a linear scale which increments along a left-right axis. [0046] The rate scale 122 further includes one or more rate indicators (referred to generally at 130) which are synchronized to the quantity scale 124. In this example, the rate indicators indicate a cost of packing and shipping for each item to be shipped. One rate indicator 130 is provided for each item quantity that has a unique rate. For example, a first rate indicator 130A extends to a maximum of less than 50 units and indicates a rate of $2 per unit. A second rate indicator 130B extends between 50 to less than 75 units and indicates a rate of $1 per unit. A third rate indicator 130C begins at a minimum of 75 units and indicates a rate of $0.50 per unit.

[0047] The information required to display the rate indicators 130 may be preprogrammed into the client app 112, or it may be information that is updated at defined intervals e.g., by regular downloads of updated information, or it may be information that is acquired from an outside source contemporaneously with the use of the client app 112. The information required to display the rate indicators 130 may be affected by multiple factors. For example, the size and weight of the items to be shipped may dictate the number and size of boxes or other containers to be used. The rate indicators 130 may take in account a computed optimization of the minimum total cost of boxes. This may involve some mixture of size of boxes or other containers.

[0048] The rate scale 122 further includes a selector bar 132 which indicates exact quantity of items to be shipped. In this particular example, an exact quantity of 62 items is shown. The position of the selector bar 132 is determined by user operation. As one example, a user may "tap" and "drag" the rate scale 122, thus producing relative movement which affects the position of the selector bar 132. A similar result may be obtained either by holding the selector bar 132 stationary and moving the rate scale 122, or moving the selector bar 132 while the rate selector 122 is stationary, or some combination of the two.

[0049] The interactive quantity selector 120 may include additional elements as required to support operation of the interactive rate scale 122. In the illustrated example, the interactive quantity selector 120 includes a service level identifier 140, a summary message 142, and an action button 146. [0050] The service level identifier 140 displays confirmatory information relating to the shipping service which is selected. Shipping services will have different cost and availability which will affect the computation of the rates shown in the rate indicators 130. For example, a faster service would generally show an increased rate as compared to a slower service. In the illustrated example, the user identifier 140 displays a service level identified as "2-day ground shipping ".

[0051] The summary message 142 displays the results of the packaging computation executed by the client app 112 in response to operation of the selector bar 32. In the illustrated example, the summary message 142 displays an optimized box count of 10 boxes of size "A" and 20 boxes of size "B" required in order to package 62 items.

[0052] The action button 146 provides a control to indicate the user wants to proceed with the purchase of the service with the selected parameters. As illustrated, the action button 146 may be combined with a dynamic display of the result of the cost computation executed by the client app 112 in response to operation interactive rate scale 122. The cost may be computed, for example, by multiplying the rate of packaging and shipping costs per item, plus the item's sales cost or price, by the total number of items to arrive at a total cost for display on the action button 146.

[0053] The interactive quantity selector described herein has advantages over prior art user interfaces. It provides a means for dynamic display and selection of a rate which is influenced by multiple factors. It also provides a means for easily determining a total cost to purchase a service, using a single interactive software control.

[0054] The foregoing has described an interactive quantity selector user interface. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. [0055] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0056] The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing

embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.