Patent ID: 7404142
Filing Date: 2008-07-22
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A method for presenting structured digital content items, comprising: a) reading a first file to obtain one or more categories associated with a present layer, wherein the first file defines a hierarchical structure for presenting digital content items, the hierarchical structure defining a plurality of layers into which digital content items are classified; b) dividing a display area into regions and mapping the one or more categories associated with the present layer to areas on the display, such that each category maps to a unique, particular region in the display; c) receiving an x-coordinate and a y-coordinate corresponding to a location on the display, the x-coordinate and the y-coordinate defined by a pointing device, the x-coordinate and the y-coordinate representing a first display location; d) displaying a category that maps to the x-coordinate and the y-coordinate; e) determining whether the user has selected the first display location; f) if the user has selected the first display location, then determining whether the category mapped to the x-coordinate and the y-coordinate location is associated with a next-lower layer, g) if the category is associated with the next-lower layer, then making the next-lower layer the present layer, and repeating steps a) through g); h) if the category is not associated with the next-lower layer, then reading one or more second files associated with the category to obtain one or more sets of one or more digital content items associated with the category, wherein each of the second files associates each of one or more digital content items with the category; i) dividing the display area into new regions according to how many digital content items are associated with the category, such that the display area is divided into the new regions, with each content item mapping to particular new region, and mapping the obtained digital content items to the new areas on the display; j) displaying the one or more digital content items wherein the displayed items correspond only to a same layer within the hierarchical structure; k) receiving a second display location from the user; l) displaying the one or more digital content items corresponding to the second display location; m) storing a username associated with a user that selects a digital content item and a time of the selection; and n) prioritizing the displaying of the one or more digital content items according to the username and the time.