Method of communicating computer operation during a wait period

• US 6,304,852 B1
• Filed: 07/21/1999
• Issued: 10/16/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 07/21/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Vignette Graphics LLC
• Original Assignee: Vignette Graphics LLC
• Inventors: Loncteaux, Peter C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Stamber, Eric W.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Myhre, James W.
• Application Number:
  US09/358,229
• Time in Patent Office: 818 Days
• Field of Search: 705/1, 705/14, 725/32, 725/36
• US Class Current: 705/14.68
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0272 Period of advertisement exposure

Abstract

In a method of displaying advertising and communicating computer operation during a wait period, a plurality of images is displayed during the wait period in a predetermined sequence as part of an animation that indicates that the wait period is proceeding. Advertising information is integrated with the plurality of images.

Claims

1. A method of displaying advertising and communicating computer operation during a wait period, comprising the step of during a wait period, having a beginning and an end, displaying in a predetermined sequence a plurality of images directed toward advertising information, having a first image and a last image, as part of an animation, so that display of the first image coincides with the beginning of the wait period and so that display of the last image coincides with the end of the wait period.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the animation relates to a product that is being advertised.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the animation relates to a product that is being advertised.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of providing text that indicates the amount of time remaining in the period of time at any given time during the wait period.

5. A method of displaying advertising and communicating computer operation during a wait period, comprising the steps of

a. determining a period of time, having a beginning and an end, that is required to complete a wait period;

and

b. during the wait period, displaying in a predetermined sequence a plurality of images directed toward advertising information, including a first image and a last image, as part of an animation, the first image being displayed contemporaneously with the beginning of the period of time an d the last image being displayed contemporaneously with the end of the period of time.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the animation relates to a product that is being advertised.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein the animation relates to a service that is being advertised.

8. The method of claim 5, further comprising the step of providing text that indicates the amount of time remaining in the period of time at any given time during the wait period.

9. A method of advertising and communicating computer operation during a wait period, comprising the steps of:

a. determining a period of time, having a beginning and an end, that is required to complete a wait period; and

b. during the wait period, outputting in a predetermined sequence a plurality of sounds, including a first sound and a last sound, as part of an audible message that includes advertising information therein, the first sound being output contemporaneously with the beginning of the period of time and the last sound being output contemporaneously with the end of the period of time.