Abstract:
A method and system for multi-modal fusion of physical and virtual information channels include a virtual information channel and physical information channel and also provide for tracking virtual events and physical events corresponding to the virtual event and altering delivery of virtual space content via the virtual information channel upon determining the tracked at least one virtual event meets predetermined criteria. These also provide for dynamic adaptability of content and corresponding channels via information sprite clusters presented to a user as well as providing a virtual display and populating each of a plurality of sprites with information content correlated to the user; and presenting on the virtual display at least one information sprite cluster containing a plurality of information sprites. The cluster is presented and rotated on the virtual display to improve user accessibility of the plurality of sprites according to derived, and or detected, user personalization factors.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application contains subject matter which is related to the subject matter of the following co-pending applications, each of which is assigned to the same assignee as this application, International Business Machines Corporation of Armonk, N.Y. Each of the below listed applications is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety: “Method And System For Multi-Modal Fusion Of Physical And Virtual Information Channels”, Docket YOR820060182; and “Method And System For In-Context Assembly Of Interactive Actionable Insights And Modalities In Physical Spaces” Docket YOR820060183. 
       TRADEMARKS 
       [0002]    IBM® is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, N.Y., U.S.A. Other names used herein may be registered trademarks, trademarks or product names of International Business Machines Corporation or other companies. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0004]    The present invention relates generally to providing a dynamic presentation system in a virtual and physical environment for interactive use. 
         [0005]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0006]    Many commercial “kiosk” systems provide a similar means of delivering information in the manner similar to a user&#39;s (audience) interaction with Web-like content, such as selecting information content, using a touch screen, keyboard, mouse, or similar choices from physical devices. This is regarded as a virtual space. A physical space includes the content of those devices to deploy the virtual space and additional physical display, interactive and demonstration devices. These can include sight, sound, smell and touch modes for human interaction. However, there is a need in the art to infer something about the audience or user to effectively deliver dynamic content in a manner that suits the audience&#39;s or user&#39;s profiled needs. Furthermore, there exists a need in the art to provide a multi-modal combination of physical and virtual content delivery to enhance the user experience. 
         [0007]    In addition, to maximize the information impact as it applies to providing an elaborate display of content, using system beyond a single multi-modal assembly of virtual and physical content provisioning, there is a need in the art for a method and system for providing a simplified and efficient means to navigate the provided information channels to help ensure the audience obtains satisfactory results in minimum time; and that the results align with business ontologies. 
         [0008]    However, there is a need in the art to infer something about the audience to effectively deliver dynamic content in a manner that suits the audience&#39;s profiled needs. Furthermore, there exists a need in the art to adapt to the immediate physical environment, including the proximity of the user. 
         [0009]    There is also need in the art to teach the methodology for providing the means to assemble interactive and actionable insights between a plurality of multi-modal systems that provide an exceptional experience for the user as each such content-providing “stage” is visited by the user. 
         [0010]    Furthermore, there is a need to define a method for guiding the user from any “stage” to other “stages” while, at the same time, maintaining an inter-stage awareness of the particular user, adapting the content and delivery in a manner appropriated to the user. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    In one embodiment, the present invention is a method and system for dynamic adaptability of content and channels. Embodiments of the present invention enable the interactive user to obtain content in a manner consistent with the learned need of the user and delivered in channels appropriate to the user. Content is defined as the message or information that is imparted to a user or visitor to the system of the invention. Channels are the means for delivering content. Typically, channels include a computer display screen, loud speakers and similar adaptations that convey the intended media or message to the user. Channels include the means for a user to interact with the system of the invention. This is accomplished by receiving user input via standard devices such as a keyboard or touch screen in the normal modality of a computer screen (a “virtual space”) and user information collected though proximity sensing, business card reading, and multi-mode cues from the physical space, including voice and image identification or recognition. Additional cues are obtained from the prior interactions. 
         [0012]    In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention a method for dynamic adaptability of content and corresponding channels via information sprite clusters presented to a user is provided. The method includes providing a virtual display and populating each of a plurality of sprites with information content correlated to the user. The method also includes presenting on the virtual display at least one information sprite cluster containing a plurality of information sprites. The cluster is rotated on the virtual display to improve accessibility of the plurality of sprites. 
         [0013]    The invention is also directed towards a multi-modal system for displaying, via a virtual information channel, a plurality of sprites with information content correlated to a user via a physical information channel. The multi-modal system includes a reconfigurable virtual display for displaying the plurality of sprites with information content correlated to the user. The system also includes at least one input device for receiving the physical information and at least one output device for providing output physical information. In addition, the system includes a processor connected to the reconfigurable display for tracking the physical and corresponding virtual events and reconfiguring the reconfigurable virtual display according to the physical information and altering the output physical information. 
         [0014]    System and computer program products corresponding to the above-summarized methods are also described and claimed herein. 
         [0015]    Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present invention. Other embodiments and aspects of the invention are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed invention. For a better understanding of the invention with advantages and features, refer to the description and to the drawings. 
       Technical Effects  
       [0016]    As a result of the summarized invention, technically we have achieved a solution which improves dynamic adaptability of content and information channels. 
         [0017]    A program storage device readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine to perform a method for dynamic adaptability of content and corresponding channels via information sprite clusters presented to a user is provided. The method includes providing a virtual display and populating each of a plurality of sprites with information content correlated to the user. Populating each of the plurality of sprites with information content correlated to the user includes detecting user motion and/or detecting user proximity. The method also includes presenting on the virtual display at least one information sprite cluster containing the plurality of sprites. The sprite cluster is rotated in accordance with the physical and virtual information to improve accessibility by the user to the plurality of sprites. In addition, the method provides the user with prioritized navigational cues as a result of detecting user motion and user proximity. Providing the user with navigational cues includes providing the user with navigational cues selected from the group consisting of providing audio guidance, visual guidance and/or tactile guidance via the at least one physical information channel. The method also includes populating each of the plurality of sprites with information content correlated to a default event such as an expiration of a predetermined inactivity timer or a no-user-detected state. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0019]      FIGS. 1 and 1A  show a diagram of a physical presentation environment including features of the present invention such as an interactive touch panel display, and items of support and enhancement for operation in a virtual space and the nearby physical space; 
           [0020]      FIGS. 2 and 2A  are diagrams depicting the selection for content via application of revolving Sprites in accordance with the invention shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0021]      FIGS. 3 and 3A  depict the information content hierarchy as it relates to that organization, shown as a connected tree graph that is associated with Sprites in accordance with the invention shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  illustrates the result of a user activation of a selection that launches a presentation show on the display in accordance with the invention shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  illustrates the consequence of a typical user activation of selection that launches a movie clip on the display in accordance with the invention shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  shows the alteration of the content due to feedback in the physical environment in accordance with the invention shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  depicts the logical operation of the virtual environment in accordance with the invention shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  depicts the logical operation of the fusion of the multi-modal environment of the virtual and physical space in accordance with the invention shown in  FIG. 1 ; and 
           [0027]      FIG. 9  shows the assembly of at least two independent multi-modal (i.e., virtual and physical devices) environments that guide (visitors) users from one to another, also, describing the learned modalities and actionable insights learned about the user “in-time” for effecting appropriate setup on the destination independent display environment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0028]    As described herein, one embodiment of the present invention includes an active user presentation system. This embodiment describes a system for displaying data in a virtual space, including media presentations, video clips, photos, sound and other appealing media in an “in-motion”, revolving display that provides selectable sprites and with at least one physical device that enhances and guides the user&#39;s progress in obtaining content. 
         [0029]    In the virtual environment as sprites past one or more areas in a repeating circular pattern, additional information is presented for passive identification of content that lies deeper within the hierarchy of information presented to aid the user in making informed selection decisions. 
         [0030]    The rotating display provides eye-catching animation and improves accessibility, particularly in a large floorshow setting where the viewer might not be able to reach all points of the display area. 
         [0031]    Additionally, methods for adapting the display to factors such as user proximity, interaction history and provided input (such as scanning in the user&#39;s business card) are taught. 
         [0032]    The organization of the display provides a natural alignment with various business ontologies and provides a method for keeping the user on-track. In addition, features of the present invention provide for tracking user and group interaction experience. 
         [0033]    Independent displays, consisting of guiding lighting and other physical devices provide a sensational element of real physical space interaction for the user that intensifies the experience in a tactile way. These can include, but are not limited to, motorized and interlinked mechanical devices, transducers for producing heat, sound, light, fog/mist, vibration, illuminated footprints, and changes to elevation of articles and any similar mode that can both capture the fascination of the user (audience) and deliver information. 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIG. 1  there is shown a diagram of a physical presentation environment including features of the present invention, such as an interactive touch panel display, and items of support and enhancement for operation in a virtual space and the nearby physical spaces. Main display  100  provides a graphical rendition of the user&#39;s  103  primary interaction modality. The user  103  is at least one individual that may have limited access to all parts of the display. It will be appreciated that the display  100  may be any suitable size and may be scaled to a larger size and may also allow for user input via touch panel area  108 . A computer system  101  provides for the display and touch panel area  108  which begins at a top level of presentation, consisting of a rotating cluster of sprites that are explained in subsequent description. One embodiment of the present invention provides the audio  104  and lighting  105  controls for all combinations of delivery channel for the user. 
         [0035]    The lighting  105 , under control from the central computer  101 , may be used to illuminate other presentation in the physical environment. The output of the system described is not limited to computer monitor  102 , sound  104  and lighting  105 , as it can include control of mechanical and electronic devices, including other computer controlled system. 
         [0036]    In addition, it will be appreciated that user input is not simply limited to touch panel  108  and similar conventional computer input devices such as keyboards and mouse. It may include interaction using sound input  106 , proximity sensing system  107 , and any other suitable electro/mechanical device (such as a business card reader  109 ), illuminated eye-catching means such as shadowed footprints  110  or physical delivery means  111 . 
         [0037]    It will also be appreciated that there may be a plurality of systems  10  interconnected as represented by  FIG. 1A . 
         [0038]    Referring also to  FIGS. 2 and 2A , there is shown and embodiment of the virtual space presentation, as two separate intervals,  201  and  205  of the rotation of the field of selectable sprites  210  as a rotating cluster  211  of sprites  210 . Each sprite  210  is normally available when the sprite is in a suitable position, as an example,  202  for subsequent activation via the use of a pointing device, such as a touch panel  108  or mouse (not shown). In addition, the rotation of the cluster  211  may be controlled by the user. For example, the user may control the rotation direction and/or rotation velocity by positioning a pointer on the display. 
         [0039]    Each sprite  210  is annotated with a description leading to its meaning and may be displayed within the sprite  210  or by its rendition as a picture, as a text or a composite text/image. Additionally, a sprite may be annotated in the field of the display  203  when it enters certain zones during the rotation. As the cluster of sprites rotates, sprites occupy advancing positions, such as a depicted by sprite  202  in  FIG. 2  rotating eventually to position  206  in  FIG. 2A ; and similarly as sprite  204  in  FIG. 2  advances to sprite position  208  in  FIG. 2A . Over time, the sprites continue a rotation process, repeating prior positions. At certain positions, the informational annotation field, populated and visible at position  203  may appear for only a narrow angle of rotation, and subsequently may not be displayed  207  until meeting the required angle of proximity. 
         [0040]    It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the number of sprites and the presentation at some level of context to a singular cluster. It is intended that persons who cannot reach areas of the display will have opportunity to interact once the desired sprite comes within reach. It will also be appreciated that reach may be any suitable means for the user  103  to interact with or interrogate the desired sprite  210 . 
         [0041]      FIGS. 3 and 3A  depict the information content hierarchy as it relates to that organization, shown as a connected tree graph that is associated with sprites  210 . Each tree node is an object containing a name and associated information needed for invocation by the user selecting the sprite  210 . In the virtual view  301  a selectable sprite  302  is associated with a tree graph of objects  304 . Invoking object  304  results in a new orbital presentation; in this case, shown as three sprites. The first  306  and third which have no branching, indicative of invoking a viewer or other software in the virtual environment. Invocation of such can be a plurality of functions such as playing media and controlling external system. 
         [0042]    The second sprite  311  may provide a menu of another orbital presentation  308  and thus, the tree hierarchy can go as deeply as desired. Likewise, sprite  305  is a sibling of  303  as they are presented in the same group on the display  301 . The remaining siblings  310  are omitted for clarity. Sprite  307 &#39;s children all represent groups of their own with dependent children  309 . In summary the invocation of sprite  306  invokes a choice of actions depending on the specification, such as invoking a presentation choice, such as media (sound, movie), special programs, and system in the physical realm of the present invention. 
         [0043]      FIG. 4  illustrates the virtual environment of  401 , the result of a user activation of a selection  402  that launches a presentation slide show  403  on the display. 
         [0044]    Similarly,  FIG. 5  illustrates in the virtual environment of  501 , the result of a typical user activation of selection  502  that launches a movie clip  503  on the display. It will be appreciated that any suitable number of simultaneous and combined actions may arise from a single sprite activation. 
         [0045]      FIG. 6  shows the alteration of the virtual content due to feedback in the virtual or physical environments. The feedback may arise from a plurality of possible inputs including sprite activation and means via the physical environment such as sound and gadgetry, such as a business card reader  109  (see  FIG. 1 ) that provides information about the user. 
         [0046]    Consequently, a dynamic change can be formulated as illustrated in the before tree  601  that is changed  603  to a suitable after tree  602 . The change allows the user to discover selection  606  more readily because it is promoted to a higher location of discovery  608 . At the same time, a less likely candidate for selection  604  could be relegated  607  to a lower, less likely position  605 . These are example of possible changes to the selectable navigation. The invention is not restricted to the number of changes and it is not necessary to maintain accessibility of any sprite in reformulations that may occur. 
         [0047]    If user interactions cease for a period of time, or there is discoverability that there is no user in proximity  107 , the system may automatically stop sprite-launched activities; and revert to display of parent sprite groupings. This process continues until the top level of the hierarchy is reached. Launched activities can also be stopped by normal ending or by specified timeouts that are associated with the sprite object. Elements in the physical environment, including the display itself can also be placed into a dormant state as a consequence of specified timeout, schedule or lack of user stimulus. 
         [0048]    Refer also to  FIG. 7  which depicts the logical operation of the virtual environment. The computer system  101  operates software that manages the display  100 , beginning at  701 . After placing the rotating top level cluster  702  the program starts a timer  703  and subsequently awaits a proximity event  704 , a sprite event  705 , or a timeout event  706 . The invention is not limited to only these three events as it may be that other external signaling or sensing could introduce additional tests. The loop depicted here is only for illustration of the means for managing such events. If no event occurs, ultimately a timeout will occur  706  and operations are scaled down  707 . For example, the display may be dimmed, gadgets idled, and illumination and generated sound may be profoundly lowered for this idle period. In such case, a new timer process is initiated  703  and again the process of discovery continues. If a proximity event occurs  704 , the system is placed back into a non-idle state, thus display brightened and the physical environment is adjusted to initial conditions to attract users for sprite selection, also, the timer loop is re-entered  703 . 
         [0049]    Once a sprite is selected  705  software determines whether the sprite represents yet another child cluster or something that can be launched into activity  708 . If it is another cluster, the new child cluster level is invoked  712  and a new timer loop is entered  713 . 
         [0050]    It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited as to the duration times assigned to timers or the requirement for identical timer mechanisms. For example, each sprite object may contain custom information regarding timeouts which can be adjusted. Two general events, sprite selection  714  and timeout  715  are expected during the loop. It will also be appreciated that the invention is not limited by the modality implied by the  FIG. 7  tight timer loops; other operations or simultaneous operations as depicted in this figure may be concurrent. 
         [0051]    If a timeout occurs  715 , the system will leave the lower level cluster by selecting the parent level of the timed-out cluster  716 . If this results in achieving the top level  717  the process reverts to the startup scenario  702 . If this results in an intermediate cluster level then that cluster level is instantiated  712  and the process continues. If the sprite selected  705  or  714  is determined to be not a cluster  708 , then the processing continues using the metadata associated with said sprite to show media or invoke whatever processing might be constructed for that selected sprite. 
         [0052]    Just before invoking the selected sprite, a timer  709  is started to insure cancellation of the process as the user could simply walk away leaving the system in an awkward state. After timer initialization, the target action is invoked  710  and the logical operation awaits its ending or occurrence of the timeout  711 . 
         [0053]    The display of the cluster either continues or is continued by resumption of the flow of the logical operation at either  702  or  712  depending on the level previously shown. The invention is not limited to a modality wherein the launch of a target process for a sprite subsumes the display of the current cluster. The logical operation can consist of simultaneous display of the cluster and the target invocation of the sprite. The logical operation is not limited to any mandate that only one sprite may be selected at a time. Normal disjuncture of the logical operation as shown in  FIG. 7  can allow additional launchings with multiple timeout conditions being maintained. 
         [0054]    Refer also to  FIG. 8  which depicts the multi-modal fusion of the delivery of information. Given any beginning state in the virtual space  801  content is first delivered using a display  802 . During the operation of that system as described in  FIG. 7  the running virtual system can provide event notifications  803 . As these events occur, it is determined  804  if an instantiation or modification to the navigational guidance is required based upon predetermined criteria. 
         [0055]    If the virtual system, on the other hand, requires feedback from the physical space  805 , the physical system is either adjusted or informed that it may adjust itself  808  appropriately. Likewise, for the purpose of synchronizing the physical with the virtual, the virtual display can adjust itself  809 . At any moment in this multi-modal operation there is a synchronous moment when operations can be safely stopped  807 , tested by the system at  806 . 
         [0056]    If guidance is to be provided in the physical space  810 , then the designed cue, appropriate to the needs is discovered  811 ,  813  and  815 ; and appropriately enacted, correspondingly  812 ,  814  and  816 . The invention is not limited to a specific type of sensory channel as depicted in  FIG. 8 . It applies to any stimulus affecting the sensory capability of the subject user. The sequences of  FIG. 8  do not include the notion of timeouts and proximity checks as detailed in  FIG. 7 , but these applications apply equally throughout  FIG. 8  as is suitable. 
         [0057]    Referring also to  FIG. 9 , there is shown the in-context assembly of independent displays in physical spaces. Each of the interactive display systems begins  902 ,  913 , from a starting state  901 ,  912 , wherein all system behavior is default. For our example, the starting point  901  corresponds to a display stage, called stage  1 . Likewise, the starting point  912  corresponds to the display stage  2 . 
         [0058]    Given a first user visitation to stage  1 , as a user interacts with the stage  903 , various adjustments are made to the modality of the virtual and physical articles as previously described for  FIGS. 7 and 8 . In this manner, locally discovered user needs are identified  904  and are applied  905 . If the user interaction is found to indicate desire to eventually  906  move the user to at least one other “stage”, the system can tally stage changes needed to the other stage  907  and pass them concurrently with guiding the user&#39;s move or in advance of an anticipated move. The invention is not limited to the exact timing or bundling of the information as any suitable means may be used to provide the information “in time” for ultimate consumption by the moved user. Ultimately, the stage can decide  908  to entice the user to move  909 . The method for moving can be any means described virtually (display) or physically by exploiting some sensory means such as a lighted pathway  911 . It will be appreciated that any suitable sensory means may be used, such as, for example, audio sounders such as beepers, may be used to guide the user to the other or second stage. It will also be appreciated that any other suitable means to provide guidance and direction to the user for navigation in physical and virtual space using motion detection, proximity, and sensory inputs of the user including sight, sound, touch, smell and taste from one such space to another space may be used. 
         [0059]    Once moved, the user will find that the new stage has had customization instantiated in a manner similar to the user&#39;s old stage customization and therefore appealing to the user. As with stage  1 , the event tracking  914  and modification of iterative actionable insights and modalities  915 ,  916 ,  917  and  919  can be continued in a progressive manner. This can lead to guiding the user back  920 ,  921  to the earlier stage, appropriately re-adjusted  918  to newly acquired insights. This can lead to a continuation of interaction possibilities of another stage and eventually the termination of user interactions. The multi-modal processes of each said stage  902 ,  913  can revert to default after factors of a change in environment occur. These can include timeout(s), loss of subject (user) detection and “system resets”. 
         [0060]    One embodiment claims the in-context assembly of the aforementioned independent displays that are in proximity to each other in a physical space with described means to guide a tracked user from one independent display to at least on other independent display, continuing the information delivery in manner or mode that was deemed appropriate for the user prior to the guided move. 
         [0061]    The capabilities of the present invention can be implemented in software, firmware, hardware or some combination thereof. 
         [0062]    As one example, one or more aspects of the present invention can be included in an article of manufacture (e.g., one or more computer program products) having, for instance, computer usable media. The media has embodied therein, for instance, computer readable program code means for providing and facilitating the capabilities of the present invention. The article of manufacture can be included as a part of a computer system or sold separately. 
         [0063]    Additionally, at least one program storage device readable by a machine, tangibly embodying at least one program of instructions executable by the machine to perform the capabilities of the present invention can be provided. 
         [0064]    The flow diagrams depicted herein are just examples. There may be many variations to these diagrams or the steps (or operations) described therein without departing from the spirit of the invention. For instance, the steps may be performed in a differing order, or steps may be added, deleted or modified. All of these variations are considered a part of the claimed invention. 
         [0065]    While embodiments to the invention have been described, it will be understood that those skilled in the art, both now and in the future, may make various improvements and enhancements which fall within the scope of the claims which follow. These claims should be construed to maintain the proper protection for the invention first described.