Methods and Systems for Node-Based Website Design

• US 20120221939A1
• Filed: 05/04/2012
• Published: 08/30/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 07/09/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: BeGuided Inc., The InterProse Corporation
• Original Assignee: BeGuided Inc.
• Inventors: Hill, Matthew D., McGrew, Scott L., Uhrig, Casey F., Johnson, Greg W., Nelson, Kyle J., Gillespie, Thomas F.
• Granted Patent: US 10,217,094 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 715/234
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/017 Gesture based interaction, e.g. based on a set of recognized hand gestures interaction based on gestures traced on a digitiser G06F3/04883
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04817 using icons graphical or visual programming using iconic symbols G06F8/34
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/10 specially adapted for electronic funds transfer [EFT] systems; specially adapted for home banking systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/102 Bill distribution or payments
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/12 specially adapted for electronic shopping systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/30 characterised by the use of specific devices or networks
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0213 Consumer transaction fees
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/06 Buying, selling or leasing transactions
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0603 Catalogue ordering
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/00 Finance; Insurance; Tax strategies; Processing of corporate or income taxes
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 13/40 of characters, e.g. humans, animals or virtual beings
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 40/176 Dynamic expression

Abstract

Aspects of the present invention relate to systems and methods for design and use of web-based applications for account management. Some aspects relate to design tools that enable the use of a virtual agent or avatar as part of an account collection or management web application. Some aspects relate to applications, utilities and tools for node-based web resource design.

Claims

1. A method for designing a web-based account management web site, said method comprising:

a) receiving first node data for a first node, wherein said first node data comprises first node variable values associated with first node variables that define a first account management web page and a corresponding first node icon; and

b) displaying said first node icon in a graphical editor window such that said first node icon represents a first flow chart element in a flow chart that represents said account management web site.

2. A method as described in claim 1 wherein said first account management web page comprises a virtual agent, which is at least partially defined by said first node variable values.

3. A method as described in claim 2 wherein said virtual agent presents an account-related, multi-media message to a user using animated features that move in coordination with an audible message to emulate speech and human-like gestures.

4. A method as described in claim 1 further comprising:

a) receiving second node data for a second node, wherein said second node data comprises node variable values associated with second node variables that define a second account management web page;

a corresponding second node icon and a link; and

b) displaying said second node icon and said link in a graphical editor window such that said second node icon represents a flow chart element in a flow chart representing said account management web site and said link represent a relationship between nodes in said flow chart.

5. A method as described in claim 4 wherein said second account management web page comprises a virtual agent, which is at least partially defined by said second node variable values.

6. A method as described in claim 1 wherein said first account management web page is adaptive to a user characteristic.

7. A method as described in claim 1 wherein said receiving said first node data is accomplished with a node data window.

8. A method for designing a web-based account management web site, said method comprising:

a) displaying a graphical user interface comprising a graphical representation of a web site, said graphical representation comprising node icons representing pre-defined web pages (nodes) and node links representing logical links between said nodes;

b) wherein said graphical representation has a flow-chart-like appearance comprising said node icons connected by visible links representing said logical links;

c) wherein node variables, related to said nodes, define node characteristics comprising input and output mechanisms for said nodes; and

d) wherein said graphical representation further comprises a node data window for at least one of said nodes, wherein said node data window provides for user manipulation of said node variables for said at least one of said nodes.

9. A method as described in claim 8 wherein at least one of said nodes comprises a virtual agent, which is at least partially defined by said node variables.

10. A method as described in claim 8 wherein said nodes and node links may be graphically manipulated by user input with a pointing device.

11. A method as described in claim 9 wherein said virtual agent responds to user input received in response to display of said node.

12. A method as described in claim 8 wherein said graphical user interface further comprises a tool box menu with options for adding nodes to said graphical representation.

13. A method as described in claim 8 wherein said node variables define facial characteristics of a virtual agent.

14. A method as described in claim 8 wherein said node variables define speech characteristics of a virtual agent.

15. A non-transitory, computer-readable medium comprising computer-executable instructions for implementing a method for designing a web-based account management web site, said computer-readable medium comprising instructions for:

a) displaying a graphical user interface comprising a graphical representation of a web site, said graphical representation comprising node icons representing pre-defined web pages (nodes) and node links representing logical links between said nodes;

b) wherein said graphical representation has a flow-chart-like appearance comprising said node icons connected by visible links representing said logical links;

c) wherein node variables, related to said nodes, define node characteristics comprising input and output mechanisms for said nodes; and

d) wherein said graphical representation further comprises a node data window for at least one of said nodes, wherein said node data window provides for user manipulation of said node variables for said at least one of said nodes.

16. A non-transitory, computer-readable medium as described in claim 15 wherein at least one of said nodes comprises a virtual agent, which is at least partially defined by said node variables.

17. A non-transitory, computer-readable medium as described in claim 15 wherein said nodes and node links may be graphically manipulated by user input with a pointing device.

18. A non-transitory, computer-readable medium as described in claim 15 wherein said virtual agent responds to user input received in response to display of said node.

19. A non-transitory, computer-readable medium as described in claim 15 wherein said graphical user interface further comprises a tool box menu with options for adding nodes to said graphical representation.

20. A non-transitory, computer-readable medium as described in claim 15 wherein said node variables define facial characteristics of a virtual agent.