System and method for a graphical user interface having a resizable recommendations area

A system and method for rendering a graphical user interface having recommendations. The method includes accessing, within a mobile device, a data store corresponding to a multimedia container. The multimedia container comprises a first object and a second object and the multimedia container is operable to comprise one or more applications, widgets, pieces of content, and other multimedia containers. The data store comprises metadata associated with the first object and the second object. The method further includes displaying a plurality of images each corresponding to a respective recommendation based at least on the metadata associated with the first object and receiving an input. The plurality of items is displayed within a first portion of a display device. The method further includes in response to the input, displaying the plurality of images within a second portion of the display device. The second portion of the display device is greater in size than the first portion of the display device.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are generally related to graphical user interfaces that may be part of a mobile device operating system.

BACKGROUND

As computing technology has advanced, computers have become smaller and more portable thereby bringing about powerful handheld devices capable of performing functions of more traditional computing technology. These advancements have resulted in rapid growth and sales of mobile devices. The portable nature and corresponding smaller size of mobile devices means that conventional merchandising and advertising are not well suited for mobile devices.

A user browsing the Internet may be able to quickly identify content that looks and feels like advertisements and often ignores perceived advertising content accordingly. For example, banner ads may be tall and thin while other advertisements are short and wide. The smaller screen of a mobile device may result in a user being increasingly more critical of content that may be an advertisement and accordingly ignores content perceived to be an advertisement. In particular, content that regularly directs a user to pay content is likely to be avoided or ignored by a user. Thus, conventional advertisements are not well suited for a mobile device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, what is needed is a solution to allow content to be presented to a user in an area that receives the user's attention and is relevant to the user. Embodiments of the present invention provide contextual recommendations with a mixture of free and pay content. The recommendations may be browsed in a full screen mode to enable browsing of recommended items more quickly and efficiently. Users are thereby able to more easily and quickly discover new and interesting content. Embodiments of the present invention further provide content source indicators and data type indicators associated with an item image to provide a user with insight into a recommended item before selecting the recommended item. Embodiments of the present invention support changing the size of an image corresponding to a recommended item based on a priority thereby emphasizing a recommended item and bringing a user's attention to the particular recommended item. The features described above facilitate a user locating a relevant item for purchase.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method for rendering a graphical user interface. The method includes accessing, within a mobile device, a data store corresponding to a multimedia container. The multimedia container comprises a first object and a second object and the multimedia container is operable to comprise one or more applications, widgets, pieces of content, and other multimedia containers. The data store comprises metadata associated with the first object and the second object. The method further includes displaying a plurality of images each corresponding to a respective recommendation based at least on the metadata associated with the first object and receiving an input. The plurality of items is displayed within a first portion of a display device. The method further includes in response to the input, displaying the plurality of images within a second portion of the display device. The second portion of the display device is greater in size than the first portion of the display device. The second portion of the display device may comprise a substantially full screen portion of the display device. In one exemplary embodiment, a size of a respective image of the plurality of images is based on a priority of a respective recommendation corresponding to the respective image.

In one embodiment, each respective image of the plurality of images comprises a content source indicator, wherein the content source indicator is operable to indicate a content provider corresponding to the respective image. The indicator of content source may be selected from the group consisting of a website, a database website, a music service, a video service, an electronic book service, and an online store. In another embodiment, each of the plurality of images comprises a data type indicator. The data type indicator may be selected from the group consisting of an electronic book, a video, audio, an image, a website, an application, and a widget.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed toward a computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon, computer executable instructions that, if executed by a computer system cause the computer system to perform a method for displaying a graphical user interface. The method includes accessing, within a mobile device, a data store corresponding to a multimedia container. The multimedia container comprises a first object and the first object is operable to be selected from the group consisting of an application, a widget, a piece of content, and another multimedia container. The data store comprises metadata associated with the first object. The method further includes displaying a first image corresponding to a first recommendation based at least on the metadata associated with the first object. The first image is displayed within a first area of a display device. The method further includes receiving a first input to expand the first area comprising the first image and in response to the first input, displaying the first image within a second area of the display device. The second area of the display device corresponds to a full screen mode and the first image is scaled according to a priority corresponding to the first recommendation.

The method may further includes receiving a second input to reduce the second area and in response to the second input, displaying the first image within the first area of the display device. The method may further include receiving a second input to scroll the second area of the display device and in response to the second input, displaying a second image corresponding to a second recommendation based at least on metadata associated with the first object. The method may further include receiving a second input to select a second multimedia container. The second multimedia container comprises a second object. In response to the second input, the method may include displaying a second image corresponding to a second recommendation based on the second object.

In one embodiment, the first image comprises a source indicator. The source indicator may be selected from the group consisting of a website, a database website, a music service, a video service, an electronic book service, and an online store. In another embodiment, the first image comprises a type indicator. The type indicator may be selected from the group consisting of an electronic book, a video, audio, an image, a website, an application, and a widget.

In another embodiment, the present invention is implemented as a system for displaying a graphical user interface. The system includes a data store access module operable to access a data store corresponding to a first multimedia container, wherein the multimedia container comprises a first object, wherein the first object is operable to be selected from the group consisting of an application, a widget, a piece of content, and another multimedia container. The system further includes a recommendation access module operable to access one or more recommended items corresponding to the first object. Each image of a plurality of images corresponds to a respective recommended item. The system further includes display module operable to display each respective image corresponding to a respective recommended item and a resize module operable to resize a portion of a display device displaying a first image of the plurality of images. The first image corresponds to a first recommended item. In one embodiment, the resize module is operable to invoke display of the first image in a full screen mode.

The system may further include an image sizing module operable to scale the first image based on a priority of a first recommendation corresponding to the first object. The system may further include an indicator determination module operable to determine at least one of a content source indicator and a data type indicator corresponding to a first recommended item. The system may further include an input module operable to receive input to invoke the resize module to resize the portion of the display device displaying the first image.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Notation and Nomenclature:

Exemplary Systems and Methods for a Graphical User Interface Having a Dynamic Recommendations Area

Embodiments of the present invention provide contextual recommendations with a mixture of free and pay content. The recommendations may be browsed in a full screen mode to enable browsing of recommended items more quickly and efficiently. Users are thereby able to more easily and quickly discover new and interesting content. Embodiments of the present invention further provide content source indicators and data type indicators associated with an item image to provide a user insight into a recommended item before selecting the recommended item. Embodiments of the present invention support changing the size of an image corresponding to a recommended item based on a priority thereby emphasizing a recommended item and bringing a user's attention to the particular recommended item. The features described above facilitate a user locating a relevant item for purchase.

FIGS. 1-7illustrate example components used by various embodiments of the present invention. Although specific components are disclosed inFIGS. 1-7, it should be appreciated that such components are exemplary. That is, embodiments of the present invention are well suited to having various other components or variations of the components recited inFIGS. 1-7. It is appreciated that the components inFIGS. 1-7may operate with other components than those presented, and that not all of the components ofFIGS. 1-7may be required to achieve the goals of embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1shows an exemplary mobile device and an exemplary multimedia container of an exemplary graphical user interface, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 1depicts an exemplary graphical user interface comprising an exemplary multimedia container displayed by a device (e.g., tablet computing device, mobile phone, smartphone, or the like).

In one embodiment, device100is a mobile computing device (e.g., tablet). Device100comprises speakers130and screen102. In one embodiment, screen102is a touch sensitive screen (e.g., a capacitive touch screen) operable to receive input (e.g., from a user via one or more fingers) and display a graphical user interface. Speakers130are operable for output of audio during rendering of content (e.g., video, video games, animations, system functions, etc.).

Device100is operable to render a graphical user interface comprising a multimedia container. A multimedia container is a graphically navigable container that is operable to hold various objects of various media types (e.g., content), applications, widgets, and other multimedia containers. A multimedia container may include other multimedia containers therein which may further include respective content, applications, widgets, etc. In one exemplary embodiment, a multimedia container may include a song, an e-book, a video, a webpage, a contract, an email message, a text message, an application, etc. Multimedia containers display content in a pictorial manner thereby surfacing content for immediate consumption.

FIG. 1depicts an exemplary graphical user interface rendered by device100. The exemplary graphical user interface comprises search icon104, voice recognition icon106, container name108, applications icon110, object area112, recommendation area120, and control icons160-164. It is noted the objects within the multimedia container described herein are exemplary and embodiments of the present invention can support more or less objects.

Object area112comprises pieces of content, application icons, widgets, and other multimedia containers within a multimedia container being displayed. In one exemplary embodiment, object area112includes image140, website image142, video image144, application icon146, widget148, and multimedia container image150. Pieces of content may be shown in pictorial form (e.g., without filenames). Objects in object area112can be resized by a user. Objects within object area112are selectable to launch a corresponding application or corresponding application for rendering content corresponding to the object in object area112. Objects within object area112may be moved around (e.g., via dragging after selection via pressing and holding) or resized (e.g., via pressing and holding and manipulating a size control).

Image140is an image (e.g., scaled image, thumbnail, or the like) corresponding to an image that is stored on device100. In one exemplary embodiment, image140is a scaled version of a child playing basketball (e.g., without a filename). Image140is selectable (e.g., via a touch or press) and is operable to launch an image viewing application to display an image corresponding to image140at full resolution. For example, a user can view image140at one resolution within the multimedia container and to see more detail a user can select image140to see the high resolution image that image140corresponds thereto.

Website image142corresponds to a rendering of a webpage (e.g., via a browser). In one exemplary embodiment, website image142is a scaled version of a rendering of the webpage according to a size specified corresponding to a multimedia container. In another embodiment, website image142is an image determined and selected from the content of the website corresponding to website image142. Website image142is operable to be selected (e.g., via a touch or press) and is operable to launch a web browser to display the website corresponding to website image142. Website image142and other objects within a multimedia container may be updated periodically (e.g., hourly, daily, and the like). In one embodiment, website image142and other objects are updated each time a user accesses the content corresponding to the object (e.g., the website corresponding to website image142).

Video image144corresponds to a video (e.g., stored locally on device100or available over a communications network). In one embodiment, video image144is a scaled version (e.g., thumbnail) of a key frame of a video with an optional title. In one exemplary embodiment, video image144is a scaled version of a key frame of the video scaled according to a size specified corresponding to a multimedia container. Video image144is operable to be selected (e.g., via a touch or press) and is operable to launch a video application (e.g., for a video stored locally on device100or available for streaming) or launch a website with the video corresponding to video image144.

Application icon146corresponds to an application and is selectable to launch the corresponding application. In one exemplary embodiment, application icon146corresponds to a calendar application and application icon146comprises an image of a calendar with the current date and text below with the name of the application.

Widget148is a widget and is operable to display live, auto-updating content. In one exemplary embodiment, widget148is a clock widget operable to display the current time. In one embodiment, widget148is operable to be selected (e.g., via touch or press) and upon selection launch a corresponding application (e.g., a clock application with alarm, timer, and stopwatch functionality).

Recommendation area120is operable to display recommendations of content (e.g., free or pay content) based on the objects of a multimedia container (e.g., based on the metadata associated with the objects of a multimedia container). In one embodiment, recommendation area120includes images representing content that is recommended based on the pieces of content (and/or applications and widgets) in the multimedia container.

Multimedia container image150is of a reading related multimedia media container which may include reading related objects (e.g., electronic book related application, widgets, and content). In one embodiment, display of multimedia container image150comprises images of objects within the multimedia container corresponding to multimedia image150. In one exemplary embodiment, multimedia container image150includes an outerframe and triangle to indicate to a user that multimedia container image150corresponds to a multimedia container and selecting (e.g., via touch or press) launches display of the multimedia container. Multimedia container image150may be selected with a press and hold interaction and then dragged around to move multimedia container image150.

Control icons160-164are operable for navigation of a plurality of multimedia containers and switching applications. Back control160is operable for navigation to a previous multimedia container. Home control162is operable for navigating to a home multimedia container. Recent applications button164is operable to invoke a function for changing or switching applications.

Applications icon110is operable for invoking display of a graphical user interface for browsing application icons and launching corresponding applications. In one embodiment, the graphical user interface for browsing applications is organized into multiple pages of application icons.

FIG. 2shows an exemplary graphical user interface with an exemplary recommendation area in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Exemplary graphical user interface200includes images214, icons216, recommendation area204, status area208, and controls160-164. In one embodiment, exemplary graphical user interface200includes elements similar to exemplary graphical user interface100.

Images214correspond to a Reading multimedia container, a Watching multimedia container, and a Listening multimedia container. Images214may further include image218comprising one or more images corresponding to objects within a respective multimedia container. Icons216correspond to applications of the multimedia container being displayed in exemplary graphical user interface200. Each of icons216is operable to launch the corresponding application.

Status area208includes information of the current status of the device. In one exemplary embodiment, status area208includes the battery status, cellular service strength, Wi-Fi strength, and the current time.

The recommendations in recommendation area204may be based on the pieces of content, applications, and widgets in the home multimedia container and the multimedia containers within the home multimedia container (e.g., Browsing, Reading, and Watching multimedia containers as shown inFIG. 2). Recommendation area204may thus include recommended pieces of content based on the objects within a multimedia container being displayed and the objects within the multimedia containers that are within the multimedia container being displayed. For example, when a user is in a home multimedia container which includes a reading multimedia container and a car multimedia container, recommendation area204may include recommended items related to the books in the reading multimedia container and cars multimedia container.

When a multimedia container is opened or accessed, recommendations area204may present recommendations based on the contents of the opened and displayed multimedia container. For example, if a user opens a car multimedia container, recommendations area204may include car related items including websites about cars and car videos. As another example, if a user has a multimedia container for his or her favorite holiday spot, when the multimedia container is opened, recommendations area204may display books about the area and magazine articles about new restaurants. Additional recommended items may be displayed in recommended area204via scrolling.

The recommendations may be determined (e.g., based on the contents of the multimedia container) as described in non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 13/631,563, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE INCLUDING RECOMMENDATIONS,” with filing date Jun. 28, 2013, and hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In one embodiment, the recommendations in recommendation area204have source indicators210a-c. Source indicators, as described herein, allow a user to quickly look at or scan a recommended item and determine the source, content source, or content provider (e.g., without having to invoke displaying of and reading additional information). Embodiments of the present invention support source indicators for books, audio, video, games, photos, websites, etc. In one exemplary embodiment, source indicators210a-cindicate to a user the source of the content. Source indicator210aindicates that the source of the recommended piece of content is an internet movie website (e.g., Internet Movie Database (IMDb), available from Amazon Corporation of Seattle, Wash.). Source indicator210bindicates that the source of the recommended piece of content (e.g., a song or album) is a streaming music service (e.g., Rdio, available from Rdio Corporation of San Francisco, Calif.). Source indicator210cindicates that the source of the recommended piece of content is an internet website (e.g., depicted by a globe image). Source indicators210a-cmay thus indicate the content provider. Source indicators210a-cmay be helpful to the user to quickly determine information about the recommended item which may lead to a faster purchase decision or increased interest in the recommended item.

Recommendation area204further includes expansion image206(e.g., expansion slider) operable for expanding recommendation area204(e.g., via an upward or “pulling up” motion). Expansion image206thus allows a user to expand recommendation area204to a larger portion of the screen (e.g.,FIGS. 3-5 and 7) thereby allowing browsing of more recommended items.

FIG. 3shows an exemplary graphical user interface with an intermediate state of an expanded recommendation area in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 3depicts an intermediate state of a recommendations area during expansion. In one embodiment, exemplary graphical user interface300includes elements similar to exemplary graphical user interface200.

Exemplary graphical user interface300includes expanded recommendation area310(e.g., partially expanded) and expansion image206. In one embodiment, exemplary graphical user interface300may be displayed when a user has pressed and is dragging or pulling expansion image206upward on a screen of the display device. In another embodiment, exemplary graphical user interface300may be displayed in response to a user pressing on expansion image206causing recommendation area304to expand automatically to the size of expanded recommendations310and beyond. In one exemplary embodiment, the expansion of the recommendations area may be shown using a curtain effect that shows the raising of a curtain to reveal a larger recommendations area.

FIG. 4shows an exemplary graphical user interface with an expanded recommendation area in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 4depicts an expanded recommendations area, e.g., expanded to a full screen mode. In one embodiment, exemplary graphical user interface400includes elements similar to exemplary graphical user interface300. Exemplary graphical user interface400allows a user to browse additional recommended items at a single time beyond the recommendations of recommendation area204. Exemplary graphical user interface400further allows a user to scroll through, select, and purchase recommended items via a full screen mode. Exemplary graphical user interface400thereby allows a user to browse more recommendations more easily as compared to recommendation area204.

Exemplary graphical user interface400includes recommendation area410, multimedia container indicator420, search icon422, and menu icon424. Multimedia container indicator420includes the name of the current multimedia container, e.g., Home multimedia container, that is being used as the basis for the recommendations within expanded recommendation area410. In one embodiment, multimedia container indicator420is operable for selection by a user to select another multimedia container to be used as a basis for recommendations. A user may thus select multimedia container indicator420to change the recommendations in recommendation area410to be based on the contents of a different multimedia container. Search icon422is operable for invoking a search function to search the recommendations of recommendation area410(e.g., including recommendations not currently displayed). Menu icon424is operable for invoking a menu settings area to configure the recommendations area.

Expanded recommendation area410includes a plurality of recommended items represented by images and collapse or reduce size button452. Collapse or reduce size button452is operable for a user to use (e.g., via pulling downward) for reducing the size of the recommendation area (e.g., back to the previous size as shown inFIG. 2). Exemplary recommended items 450 include a music album called “the two sides of fela” and a television series called “Cheers.” It is noted that the recommendations shown herein are for illustrative purposes only, and the actual recommendations may vary accordingly. Recommended items in expanded recommendation area410may have source or content provider indicators453and454. For example, source indicator453of a recommended music item corresponds to a streaming radio service (e.g., Rdio from Rdio Corporation in San Francisco, Calif.). The source or content provider indicator may be used for content which is being accessed from sources that have a business relationship with the provider and/or recommendations company that developed graphical user interface400. As another example, source indicator454of a recommended movie item corresponds to a website (e.g., Internet Movie Database (IMDb), available from Amazon Corporation of Seattle, Wash.) of the website that the image of the movie poster will bring the user to upon selection.

In one embodiment, the images corresponding to the recommended items displayed in graphical user interface400may be sized based on the priority of the recommended item. For example, if a recommended item (e.g., piece of content) is highly recommended based on the contents of the Home multimedia container, the image corresponding the recommend item (e.g., “the two sides of fela” music album or “Narnia” movie) may enlarge relative to other images of recommended items (e.g., “Cheers” video or “Adele” music album). Exemplary graphical user interface400may thus allow an image corresponding to a recommended item to be two dimensionally sized based on priority of the recommended item in a full screen mode.

FIG. 5shows an exemplary graphical user interface upon selection of a recommendation from a recommendation area in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 5depicts a context window502that may be presented upon a user selecting a recommendation. Context window502may allow a user to preview, purchase, and/or learn more about the recommended content. Context window502may include option504which allows a user to add (or “pin”) the recommended content to a multimedia container, as described in, non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 13/601,426, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING OBJECTS IN A MULTIMEDIA CONTAINER,” with filing date May 23, 2013, and hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Context window502may be presented upon selection of a recommended item as described, for example, with respect to FIG. 3A-3B and 4A-4B in non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 13/631,563, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE INCLUDING RECOMMENDATIONS,” with filing date Jun. 28, 2013, and hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIG. 6shows an exemplary graphical user interface of a recommendation area with data type indicators in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 6depicts an exemplary graphical user interface600with a recommendation area604having type indicators. In one embodiment, exemplary graphical user interface600includes elements similar to exemplary graphical user interface200.

Recommendation area604includes recommendations having data type indicators620a-d. Data type indicators, as described herein, allow a user to quickly look at or scan a recommended item and determine the data type (e.g., without having to invoke displaying of and reading additional information). Embodiments of the present invention support data type indicators including books, audio, video, games, photos, websites, etc. Data type indicator620a(e.g., of an electronic book company logo) indicates that the corresponding recommended piece of content is an electronic book (e.g., from Kobo Inc. of Toronto, Canada). Data type indicator620b(e.g., of a video camera) indicates the corresponding recommended piece of content is a movie or video. Data type indicator620c(e.g., of a compact disc) indicates the corresponding recommended piece of content is audio (e.g., song or album). Data type indicator620d(e.g., of a graphics file) indicates the corresponding recommended piece of content is an image (e.g., a photograph). In one exemplary embodiment, recommendations in recommendation area604may alternatively display source indicators (e.g., source indicators210a-d) or data type indicators (e.g., data type indicators620a-d) in an animated fashion.

FIG. 7shows an exemplary graphical user interface of an expanded recommendation area with source indicators in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 7depicts an expanded recommendations area710with recommendations having data type indicators. In one embodiment, exemplary graphical user interface700includes elements similar to exemplary graphical user interface400.

Recommendation area710includes recommendations having data type indicators750-760. Data type indicator750(e.g., of a globe) indicates the corresponding recommended piece of content is a website. Data type indicator752(e.g., of a compact disc) indicates the corresponding recommended piece of content is audio (e.g., song or album). Data type indicator754(e.g., of a video camera) indicates the corresponding recommended piece of content is a movie or video. Data type indicator756(e.g., of a graphics file) indicates the corresponding recommended piece of content is an image (e.g., a photograph). Data type indicator758(e.g., of an electronic book company logo) indicates the corresponding recommended piece of content is an electronic book (e.g., from Kobo Inc. of Toronto, Canada). Data type indicator760(e.g., of a musical note) indicates the corresponding recommended piece of content is audio (e.g., song or album).

With reference toFIG. 8, flowchart800illustrates example functions used by various embodiments of the present invention for displaying graphical user interfaces. Although specific function blocks (“blocks”) are disclosed in flowchart800, such steps are examples. That is, embodiments are well suited to performing various other blocks or variations of the blocks recited in flowchart800. It is appreciated that the blocks in flowchart800may be performed in an order different than presented, and that not all of the blocks in flowchart800may be performed.

FIG. 8shows a flowchart of an exemplary computer controlled process for generating a graphical user interface in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 8depicts a process800for displaying recommended items concurrently with the contents of a multimedia container (e.g.,FIG. 2) and displaying the recommended items in an expanded view or area (e.g.,FIG. 4).

At block802, a data store corresponding to a multimedia container is accessed (e.g., within a mobile device). In one embodiment, the multimedia container comprises a first object and the data store comprises metadata associated with the first object. The first object is operable to be selected from the group consisting of an application, a widget, a piece of content, and another multimedia container. The multimedia container is operable to comprise one or more applications, widgets, pieces of content, and other multimedia containers.

At block804, a first image corresponding to a first recommendation based at least on the metadata associated with the first object is displayed within a first area of a display device. In one embodiment, a plurality of images each corresponding to a respective recommendation based at least on the metadata associated with the first object is displayed. The plurality of items is displayed within a first portion of a display device.

At block806, the first image optionally includes a source indicator. In one embodiment, the source indicator may be selected from the group consisting of a website, a database website, a music service, a video service, an electronic book service, and an online store.

At block808, the first image optionally includes a type indicator or data type indicator. In one embodiment, the type indicator may be selected from the group consisting of an electronic book, a video, audio, an image, a website, an application, and a widget.

At block810, a first input to expand the first area comprising the first image is received (e.g., via expansion image206), as described herein.

At block812, the first image is displayed within a second area of the display device. In one embodiment, the second area of the display device corresponds to a full screen mode or a substantially full screen portion of the display device. The first image may be scaled according to a priority corresponding to the first recommendation. In one embodiment, the plurality of images is displayed within a second portion of the display device. The second portion of the display device is greater in size than the first portion of the display device.

In one exemplary embodiment, the size of an image corresponding to a recommended item may be sized (e.g., scaled or enlarged) based on the priority of a recommendation corresponding to the recommended item. In one embodiment, a size of a respective image of the plurality of images is based on a priority of a respective recommendation corresponding to the respective image.

At block814, the first image optionally includes a source indicator, as described herein.

At block816, the first image optionally includes a type indicator, as described herein.

At block818, a second input to reduce the second area is received (e.g., via collapse button452). Block804may then be performed and the first image is displayed within the first area of the display device.

At block820, a third input to scroll the second area of the display device is received, as described herein.

At block822, a second image corresponding to a second recommendation based at least on metadata associated with the first object is displayed. For example, a newly recommend item may be displayed during scrolling.

At block824, a fourth input to select a second multimedia container is received. The second multimedia container comprises a second object.

At block826, a second image corresponding to a second recommendation based on the second object is displayed. For example, the second image may correspond to a recommendation based on a newly selected multimedia container.

At block828, a fifth input is received selecting an image corresponding to a recommended item. For example, the fifth input may be received upon a user selecting an image corresponding to a recommended item.

At block830, a context window is displayed in response to selection of an image corresponding to a recommended item. In one embodiment, the context window is operable for previewing, viewing, and/or purchasing a piece of content corresponding to the image (e.g.,FIG. 5).

At block832, content corresponding to the selected image (e.g., selected by a user) is displayed. In one embodiment, the content is a piece or pieces of content recommended based on the content of a multimedia container, as described herein.

FIG. 9illustrates exemplary components used by various embodiments of the present invention. Although specific components are disclosed in computing system environment900, it should be appreciated that such components are exemplary. That is, embodiments of the present invention are well suited to having various other components or variations of the components recited in computing system environment900. It is appreciated that the components in computing system environment900may operate with other components than those presented, and that not all of the components of system900may be required to achieve the goals of computing system environment900.

FIG. 9shows a block diagram of exemplary computer system and corresponding modules, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. With reference toFIG. 9, an exemplary system module for implementing embodiments includes a general purpose computing system environment, such as computing system environment900. Computing system environment900may include, but is not limited to, servers, desktop computers, laptops, tablet PCs, tablet computing devices, mobile devices, and smartphones. In its most basic configuration, computing system environment900typically includes at least one processing unit902and computer readable storage medium904. Depending on the exact configuration and type of computing system environment, computer readable storage medium904may be volatile (such as RAM), non-volatile (such as ROM, flash memory, etc.) or some combination of the two. Portions of computer readable storage medium904when executed facilitate efficient execution of memory operations or requests for groups of threads. Computing system environment900may further include a power source (e.g., battery) (not shown) operable to allow computing system environment900to be movable and mobile while operating.

Additionally, computing system environment900may also have additional features/functionality. For example, computing system environment900may also include additional storage (removable and/or non-removable) including, but not limited to, magnetic or optical disks or tape. Such additional storage is illustrated inFIG. 10by removable storage908and non-removable storage910. Computer storage media includes volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computer readable medium904, removable storage908and non-removable storage910are all examples of computer storage media. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by computing system environment900. Any such computer storage media may be part of computing system environment900.

Computing system environment900may also contain communications connection(s)912that allow it to communicate with other devices. Communications connection(s)912is an example of communication media. Communication media typically embodies computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includes any information delivery media. The term computer readable media as used herein includes both storage media and communication media.

Communications connection(s)912may allow computing system environment900to communication over various networks types including, but not limited to, fibre channel, small computer system interface (SCSI), Bluetooth, Ethernet, Wi-fi, Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Local area networks (LAN), Wireless Local area networks (WLAN), Near Field Communication (NFC), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Long-term Evolution (LTE), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), wide area networks (WAN) such as the internet, serial, and universal serial bus (USB). It is appreciated the various network types that communication connection(s)912connect to may run a plurality of network protocols including, but not limited to, transmission control protocol (TCP), internet protocol (IP), real-time transport protocol (RTP), real-time transport control protocol (RTCP), file transfer protocol (FTP), and hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP).

Computing system environment900may also have input device(s)914such as a touch screen (e.g., capacitive touch screen), keyboard, mouse, pen, voice input device, touch input device, remote control, camera, etc. Output device(s)916such as a display (e.g., touch screen), speakers, etc. may also be included. All these devices are well known in the art and are not discussed at length.

In one embodiment, computer readable storage medium904includes recommendation area module906and data store module940. Data store module940is operable to store data (e.g., data structures) corresponding to objects (e.g., pieces of content, applications, widgets, and other multimedia containers) within one or more multimedia containers and metadata associated with the objects. Data store module940may further store recommended item information or data based on the multimedia container objects and the associated metadata. Recommendation area module906includes data store access module920, display module922, resize module924, recommendation access module926, image sizing module928, indicator determination module930, and input module932.

In one embodiment, computer readable storage medium904may further include modules, e.g., ofFIG. 8, as described in non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 13/631,563, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE INCLUDING RECOMMENDATIONS,” with filing date Jun. 28, 2013, and hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Data store access module920is operable to access a portion of data store module940corresponding to a first multimedia container (e.g., a multimedia container being displayed) and corresponding recommended items. The multimedia container comprises a first object (e.g., a piece of content, application, widgets, or other multimedia container). The first object is operable to be selected from the group consisting of an application, a widget, a piece of content, and another multimedia container.

Display module922is operable to display each respective image corresponding to a respective recommended item, as described herein. Display module922is further operable to display each respective image with a source indicator or data type indicator, as described herein.

Resize module924is operable to resize a portion of a display device displaying a first image of the plurality of images wherein the first image corresponds to a first recommended item. In one embodiment, resize module924is operable to invoke display of the first image in a full screen mode.

Recommendation access module926is operable to access one or more recommended items (e.g., from data source940or another data source) corresponding to the first object where each image of a plurality of images corresponds to a respective recommended item, as described herein.

Image sizing module928is operable to scale the first image based on a priority of a first recommendation corresponding to the first object, as described herein.

Indicator determination module930is operable to determine at least one of a content source indicator and a data type indicator corresponding to a first recommended item, as described herein.

Input module932is operable to receive input to invoke resize module924to resize the portion of the display device displaying the first image (e.g. upon a user dragging up expansion image206). Input module932is further operable to receive input to invoke resize module924to reduce the portion of the display device displaying the first image (e.g. upon a user dragging down collapsed button452). Input module932is operable to receive a selection of a respective image corresponding to a respective recommended item. Input module932may invoke exemplary graphical user interface500upon selection of a recommended piece of content.