Abstract:
An exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to a method and system for facilitating viewer navigation through online information utilizing a metaphorical representation of a periodic table of elements. The system comprises a server in communication with at least one database; a link to an order fulfilment system; a link to a payment processing system; and a link to a client system. The system is executing software including web server and application server software; a commerce tool; and database management and security tools. The system is also executing a navigation tool that includes a user interface displaying objects metaphorically simulating a periodic table of elements. The objects are linked to functions provided by the navigation tool. The invention also includes a method for navigating within a graphical user interface of a computer system over a network. The method comprises providing a metaphorical representation of a periodic table of elements on a display device of the computer system, linking each of the elements to an item stored in a database and, upon selecting one of said elements, retrieving the item from storage and displaying it on the display device. The metaphorical representation includes arranging each of the elements in an asymmetric tabular form, and associating each of said elements with a two-letter abbreviation comprising an upper case alphabetic character followed by a lower case alphabetic character.

Description:
BACKGROUND  
         [0001]    This invention relates generally to graphical user interfaces and navigation tools, and more particularly, the present invention relates to a method and system for facilitating viewer navigation through online information relating to chemical products via a navigation tool and user interface displaying a simulated representation of a periodic table of elements.  
           [0002]    Application programs, such as database, word processing, and spreadsheet programs, perform specified tasks and solve identified problems. Historically, these programs were controlled by operating systems such as Disc Operating System (DOS) supplied by Microsoft(™). A user interacted with these computers by typing predetermined commands into an input device and accessed information within the computer system (i.e., navigated through the system) by typing commands which instructed the computer to run software programs, change directories and view directories.  
           [0003]    In an attempt to make computer use more intuitive, graphical user interface (GUI) operating systems including personal computer navigation systems were developed such as Microsoft Windows (™). These GUI systems use navigation systems which include iconic representations of files and programs. These programs also include representations of virtual file systems to metaphorically represent files which are stored in the computer. For example, file icons representing documents and file folders representing file storage locations were created to make word processing functions easier to learn. The user interface allowed access to these documents and storage locations through the use of a point and click device such as a mouse.  
           [0004]    Other application programs which run on personal computers use physical representations of objects to allow a user to navigate among the objects. For example, a metaphor of a door allows a user to enter a room containing objects. Once within a room, the objects may be viewed more closely by focusing attention on the object. In these programs, the physical representations represent the logical movement of the user within the program. Popular programs utilizing this technology include adventure games and educational tools. Using metaphorical icons and graphical images has been shown to enable users to intuitively navigate and control operation of the computer as well as external systems.  
           [0005]    With current advances in technology, coupled with a growing global Internet economy, many businesses are finding new ways to facilitate online business transactions for their customers in order to encourage and increase online sales. A customer who has trouble navigating through a business&#39; web site looking for information may easily become frustrated and go elsewhere. Unlike the online experience, a salesperson may be available to assist the customer in the physical retail environment. A business conducting sales over the Internet needs to provide easy access to product information and resources if it wants to stay competitive.  
           [0006]    One recent navigation tool sought to simplify the customer&#39;s online shopping experience by providing a virtual reality mall user interface that included real life images of a retail environment in the form of a shopping mall whereby a customer could select a store within the mall and the user interface would retrieve products and information relating to that store. The user could browse and search for products and order them online. Some GUIs even offer three-dimensional images/icons for a more realistic view of the subject.  
           [0007]    Businesses that provide specialized or specific services or products may particularly benefit from a graphical user interface that provides a customer with images and icons that are associated with the products and services they are interested in. By associating an image or icon with a product or service offered via a vendor&#39;s web site, customers are more likely to become favorably habituated to these images, resulting in strengthened, long-term business relationships and customer loyalties.  
         BRIEF SUMMARY  
         [0008]    An exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to a method and system for facilitating viewer navigation through online information utilizing a metaphorical representation of a periodic table of elements. The system comprises a server in communication with at least one database; a link to an order fulfilment system; a link to a payment processing system; and a link to a client system. The system is executing software including web server and application server software; a commerce tool; and database management and security tools. The system is also executing a navigation tool that includes a user interface displaying objects metaphorically simulating a periodic table of elements. The objects are linked to functions provided by the navigation tool. The invention also includes a method for navigating within a graphical user interface of a computer system over a network. The method comprises providing a metaphorical representation of a periodic table of elements on a display device of the computer system, linking each of the elements to an item stored in a database and, upon selecting one of said elements, retrieving the item from storage and displaying it on the display device. The metaphorical representation includes arranging each of the elements in an asymmetric tabular form, and associating each of said elements with a two-letter abbreviation comprising an upper case alphabetic character followed by a lower case alphabetic character. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0009]    Referring now to the drawings wherein like elements are numbered alike in the several FIGURES:  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system environment in which the periodic table navigation tool is implemented in an exemplary embodiment;  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 2 is a structural layout of the arrangements of information and connections between web pages and tools implemented by the periodic navigation tool;  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 3 is an exemplary user interface main menu screen for accessing the features and services provided by the periodic table navigation tool;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of information for allowing navigation to product and technical information; and  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 5 is a computer screen window illustrating a content web page provided by the periodic table navigation tool as seen by a user. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0015]    In an exemplary embodiment, the periodic table navigation tool is implemented via a computer-based network environment such as that shown in system  100  of FIG. 1. System  100  includes an enterprise system  102  which, for purposes of illustration, is also referred to herein as “Store, Inc.”. Enterprise system  102  may be a chemical manufacturer, vendor, or distributor. Enterprise system  102  includes a server  104  running applications including web and applications server programs  108 , one or more commerce tools  110 , a database management tool  112 , and security software  116 . In addition to these tools and the periodic table navigation tool of the invention, other applications may be utilized by enterprise  102  as well, such as an enterprise resource planning suite. Web and applications server  108  receives and transmits web site pages and provides web services and access to application programs in response to requests for them. Commerce tool  110  performs various customer- and business-related functions such as product ordering, gathering and maintaining customer account information, providing customer registration services, product catalogue services, and general administration. Commerce tool  110  may be a proprietary tool of enterprise  102  or may be a commercially-acquired product. Database management tool  112  searches and retrieves information from databases  114 , such as product or technical information, customer account statuses, or customer assistance (e.g., ‘help’ feature). Databases  114  house information relating to products, technical information, customer accounts, and any other information desired by enterprise  102 . Server  104  also executes messaging software to allow communications (e.g., email) between enterprise system  102  and its customers and trading partners.  
         [0016]    Server  104  also executes the periodic table navigation tool  106  of the invention. Periodic table navigation tool  106  (also referred to as ‘periodic table tool’) and periodic table navigation tool user interface  107  (referred to as ‘user interface’) provide easy access to information and services of enterprise  102  as described further herein. User interface  107  provides a user with a graphical display of available options and is conceptually patterned after Mendeleev&#39;s Periodic Table of the Elements in order to facilitate navigation for users who have some degree of knowledge of chemistry. The associative properties of user interface  107  to Mendeleev&#39;s Periodic Table of the Elements are illustrated further in FIG. 3 and will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. The navigation system of interface  107  allows a user to navigate within periodic table navigation tool  106  using metaphorical representations of existing and fictitious elements. User interface  107  allows a user to access the objects of periodic table navigation tool  106  (i.e., to navigate within periodic table navigation tool  106 ). Periodic table tool  106  includes levels of navigation structured in a hierarchical form as described further in FIG. 2 and which range, in part, from the general to the specific. A hierarchical structure requires that a user return to a higher level before he/she can move laterally for selection of an object at that level. A user moves between and among these levels to navigate within periodic table navigation tool  106 .  
         [0017]    User interface  107  is based on a conceptual model that includes metaphoric representations via a periodic table of elements relating to information and services concerning chemical products providing a user or customer with an intuitive means to navigate within periodic table navigation tool  106 . In this model, real and fictitious elements of a periodic table are displayed on the display device of client system  118  to provide a metaphor to a user of the services and products available. As a user navigates within periodic table navigation tool  106 , a sub-listing of elements are presented on the display device of client system  118  including metaphorical associations to related products and services.  
         [0018]    A workstation  115  is also included in system  100  for enabling system administration services to be performed and may comprise any suitable general purpose computer device known in the art. Server  104  is coupled to workstation  115  and databases  114  via a communications cable  105  or other suitable communications technology as is known in the art including wireless technology.  
         [0019]    Server  104  communicates over the Internet to customers and other outside entities via a network connection provided by a dial in connection to an Internet service provider, an online service, or other suitable means. Server  104  also interfaces with order fulfillment center server  122  via the Internet or other network connection (e.g., Intranet, Extranet, etc.) for coordinating the supply and shipment of products purchased from enterprise  102  or its affiliates. The order fulfillment center may be a shipping warehouse or storage facility of enterprise  102  which receives purchase orders from enterprise  102  and is responsible for delivering goods. Server  104  may also interface with a payment processing center server  120  for facilitating the transfer of electronic funds between customers and enterprise  102  relating to products purchased also via the Internet or other network means. Payment processing server  120  may be a commercial tool that accesses banks and performs debit or credit services relating to purchases.  
         [0020]    Shown generally in system  100  is a computer or client system  118  including a central processing unit coupled to memory, a display device, a communication device, and an input device. The memory includes random access, non-volatile memory such as read only memory or magnetic discs. The display device may be a liquid crystal display having adequate pixels for optimum viewing resolution. The input device may be a mouse, keyboard, or other suitable input means. The memory of client system  118  stores system software which controls the operation of system. Software includes a web browser program for accessing web pages on a web site and an email program for communicating with enterprise system  102 . Client system  118  also includes a device for connecting with the Internet such as a modem and an Internet service provider subscription or other suitable means for accessing the Internet. Client system  118  may be an existing or potential customer of enterprise system  102 .  
         [0021]    Referring to FIG. 2, a hierarchical navigation structure describing the features and functions of periodic table tool  106  is presented. Once a user of client system  118  accesses the web site for enterprise  102  via a browser program, the periodic table user interface  107  main menu screen  300  of FIG. 3 is presented for the user. From user interface screen  300 , a user can select from various options. A ‘help’ page  202 , ‘category’ page  204 , ‘contact us’ page  206 , ‘shopping cart’ page  208 , ‘privacy policy’ page  210 , ‘register/log in’ page  212 , and ‘keyword search’ page  214  are options that may be available for selection by a user of client system  118  from interface screen  300 . Other features provided as generally shown in FIG. 2 are available for selection by a user via the above listed options  202 - 214 . Address book option  216  allows shipping addresses to be stored in one or more of databases  114  and retrieved for future transactions. Products offered by enterprise system  102  can be searched by product category or via a direct product search as described further in FIG. 4. Once a product is selected for purchase, the functions provided by commerce tool  110  include gathering customer information and facilitating the processing of the customer order. Also via the commerce tool  110 , a user can register with enterprise system  102  thereby establishing an account for existing and future transactions as well as receiving special services or account member privileges. The customer selects a password during registration to be used to identify and safely process customer queries. The periodic table navigation tool  106  may be configured to offer different services customized for the particular user accessing the tool. For example, a customer who has registered with the tool has indicated during the registration process that it is a large business. Enterprise system  102  may wish to provide discounted product offerings for bulk purchases as an incentive to increase its sales and promote retention of this customer. The tool may also be configured to provide customized product offerings for this purpose. Based upon this customer&#39;s history of purchases, the tool may be configured to market select product offerings based on this information as well.  
         [0022]    Referring to FIG. 3, a periodic table navigation tool user interface screen  300  (also referred to as ‘main menu’ and ‘home page’) of user interface  107  is shown. Particular metaphoric representations of Mendeleev&#39;s Period Table of Elements used by user interface  107  include two-letter abbreviations for functions available via navigation tool  106 . These abbreviated items each contain an upper case and lower case alphabetic character. Further, each item is encapsulated within a rectangle and displayed in a tabular form similar to the table of elements. The items are further grouped and positioned asymmetrically within the table whereby blank spaces are provided between some of the items. This is similar to Mendeleev&#39;s Periodic Table of the Elements in that elements in the table include blank spaces resulting in an asymmetrical form due to undiscovered or unknown elements reflected by the blank spaces. Elements in Mendeleev&#39;s table are grouped according to their properties and relationships amongst each other. The use of a simulated periodic table of elements as a user interface may be useful to enterprise system  102  because it provides an intuitive navigation guide for its customers who are likely to be well versed in chemicals and the periodic table of elements, thereby not only distinguishing enterprise  102  from its competitors, but also promoting familiarization and association, thereby increasing the likelihood of continued business relationships.  
         [0023]    User interface screen  300  is the default navigation location of periodic table tool  106  upon a user&#39;s initial access to periodic table tool  106 . User interface screen  300  includes two product categories: ‘electronic finishing’  302  and ‘industrial finishing’  304  which are shown for illustrative purposes. Periodic table navigation tool  106  is extensible in that additional product categories can be configured into the tool and associated with an object or metaphoric periodic table element on screen  300 . As described in FIG. 2, menu screen  300  includes available options for a user to select as desired. Each function provided by the tool may be associated with an object represented metaphorically as one of the various elements of the periodic table of elements which are generally known in the science community and those skilled in the art and/or may be associated with an object represented metaphorically as a fictitious element. Metaphors used by the tool include the following items.  
         [0024]    Rg  306  Refers to account registration services which allows a user to provide personal information and set up a customer account  
         [0025]    Ct  308  Refers to a contact feature which allows a user to email the enterprise implementing the tool  
         [0026]    As  310  About ‘Store, Inc.’ refers to a company profile page for the enterprise implementing the tool  
         [0027]    Ta  312  Refers to a technical articles resource database feature whereby a user can access an archives database for information  
         [0028]    Ti  314  Refers to technical information in a resource database relating to products and services offered by the enterprise implementing the tool  
         [0029]    Lk  316  Refers to hypertexted links to resource materials and assistance  
         [0030]    Ci  318  Refers to copyright information and protected property of the tool  
         [0031]    Pp  320  privacy policy refers to required federal law disclosures relating to the protection of individuals rights to privacy  
         [0032]    Sc  322  Refers to a shopping cart feature for ordering products  
         [0033]    Li  324  Refers to a log-in routine for registered customers/users  
         [0034]    Ai  326  Refers to a function for obtaining information relating to a specific customer account  
         [0035]    Hp  328  Refers to a help feature for assisting a user in finding specific information and assistance how navigating through the tool  
         [0036]    Sm  330  Refers to a directory of services (e.g., site map) and information available via the periodic table navigation tool  
         [0037]    Sr  332  Refers to a search engine feature  
         [0038]    Nw  334  Refers to a database of current product and industry related news events and articles  
         [0039]    As indicated above, the periodic table navigation tool  106  allows a registered user to search for product and technical information stored in databases  114 . The search flowchart shown in FIG. 4 illustrates this further. A user logs on to the tool at step  402  and is presented with two search options. The first is a ‘Request Technical Information’ option whereby a user can utilize a key word search engine at step  404 . The user may also search by trade name at step  406  by entering the desired name and/or product code at step  408 . Various categories of technical information are presented to the user. The user selects from this list of choices at step  410 . Search categories include articles, bulletins, material safety data sheets (MSDSs), and presentations which may be further defined by sub-categories as shown in FIG. 4. Once a category and subcategory are selected, the tool displays a list of links to documents relating to the selection at step  412 .  
         [0040]    Alternatively, a user may choose to search by product category by selecting this option whereby a product category page is presented listing all available product categories at step  414 . The user then selects a desired product category whereby a listing of all products relating to that product category are then presented at step  416 . Sample product categories are shown in FIG. 3 for illustrative purposes, namely, electronic finishing  302  and industrial finishing  304 . The user may then view a description of the product as well as an abstract at step  418 . A sample product page is shown in FIG. 5. Also presented with the product description and abstract are links to additional available information such as MSDSs and bulletins at step  420 . The user may select “Ti”  502  at step  422  to receive this information. If the user chooses to select this option, the tool loads the products trade name and sets a search to trade name within a search page at step  424 . This step then brings the user to the search category page of step  410  whereby the user may select from available categories of information and link to the resources as described in steps  410  and  412 .  
         [0041]    Graphical user interfaces assist in facilitating human interaction with computer systems. The present invention utilizes metaphors as a way of maximizing human familiarity and conveying information between the user and the computer. Through the use of chemical related metaphors, the tool takes advantage of existing human mental structures by drawing upon the metaphor analogy to lead to an understanding of the requirements of the underlying computer system.  
         [0042]    As described above, the present invention can be embodied in the form of computer-implemented processes and apparatuses for practicing those processes. The present invention can also be embodied in the form of computer program code containing instructions embodied in tangible media, such as floppy diskettes, CD-ROMs, hard drives, or any other computer-readable storage medium, wherein, when the computer program code is loaded into and executed by a computer, the computer becomes an apparatus for practicing the invention. The present invention can also be embodied in the form of computer program code, for example, whether stored in a storage medium, loaded into and/or executed by a computer, or transmitted over some transmission medium, such as over electrical wiring or cabling, through fiber optics, or via electromagnetic radiation, wherein, when the computer program code is loaded into and executed by a computer, the computer becomes an apparatus for practicing the invention. When implemented on a general-purpose microprocessor, the computer program code segments configure the microprocessor to create specific logic circuits.  
         [0043]    While preferred embodiments have been shown and described, various modifications and substitutions may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the present invention has been described by way of illustration and not limitation.