WO2013033040A2

WO2013033040A2 - User interaction technology for managing software and application associated activites on electronic devices

Info

Publication number: WO2013033040A2
Application number: PCT/US2012/052564
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas Sachson; Anita TAFF-RICE; Hieu Tran
Original assignee: Freeband Technologies, Inc.
Priority date: 2011-08-30
Filing date: 2012-08-27
Publication date: 2013-03-07
Also published as: WO2013033040A3

Abstract

The invention pertains to specialized software code that is incorporated within one or more subject software applications resident on an electronic device where the subject software application's icon represented visually on the device's display changes its visual properties to communicate changes to the user of such device as and when one or more of the functionalities, capabilities, and/or other characteristics of the subject software application therein have changed, whether by design, change circumstance, or per the instruction of a third party (e.g., the subject application software provider, device provider, or bandwidth provider).

Description

USER INTERACTION TECHNOLOGY FOR MANAGING SOFTWARE AND APPLICATION ASSOCIATED ACTIVITIES ON ELECTRONIC DEVICES CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/529,190 entitled User Interaction Technology For Managing Various Functions On Electronic Devices filed on August 30, 2011, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/529,194 entitled User Interaction Technology For Managing Bandwidth Usage On Electronic Devices filed on August 30, 2011, the disclosures of which applications are incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention is in the technical field of electronic device usage and the manner in which functional software and/or applications resident upon such device may communicate via visual display rendered icons to the user of such electronic device relevant, granular, and timely performance characteristic information pertaining to the use of such device, the relevant, granular, and timely performance characteristic information pertaining to the software and/or applications resident upon such device, and/or the relevant, granular, and timely performance characteristic information pertaining to associated services that are enabled through the use of such device running said software and/or applications. More particularly, the present invention is in the technical field of communication network connected devices, whether connected to a network via wireless means, connected to a network via wireline means, or connected to a network via a combination of wireless and wired means, and is typically represented by mobile phones, smartphones, tablets, PDAs, laptop computers, desktop computers, TV sets, set top boxes, game consoles, digital video recorders, watches, embedded systems, household appliances, vehicles, industrial devices, medical devices, or analogous electronic devices communicating with and through such network. While existing prior art does set forth some limited techniques for communicating current performance characteristic information about the software and/or applications resident upon a particular electronic device via display rendered icons, the current art is lacking in that it only communicates very limited amounts of data pertaining to very limited characteristics, often only through the overlay of textual messages (letters and/or numbers) or basic iconic visual feature changes, and more often than not requires the user of such device to launch the software and/or application in order for the performance characteristics information to be communicated to the end-user in greater detail. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a software implementation on any one or more electronic devices (such as mobile phones, smartphones, tablets, PDAs, laptop computers, desktop computers, TV sets, set top boxes, game consoles, digital video recorders, watches, embedded systems, household appliances, vehicles, industrial devices, medical devices, or analogous electronic devices) where such device is connected to the Internet or an analogous network through either wireless and/or wired means (cellular, DSL, Wi-Fi, etc.) and hosts subject software programs and/or applications (e.g., applications for Android, Apple, Windows, and analogous systems, each being a "subject app") for affecting various tasks on such device, and where the invention herein enables a subject app icon or an analogous representative iconic feature associated with a subject app (herein the "subject app icon") on the electronic device display to change its display characteristics (changes to any one or more of the subject app icon's color, shape, size, luminosity, motion, or other analogous visual rendering) that can denote a change in the status of the subject app's functionality based upon the real time or near real time change in functionality inherent in the subject app itself. For purposes of this invention, the concept of a subject app's functionality is to be construed broadly and can relate to a variety of performance capabilities associated with such subject app, including but limited to denoting changes in subject app bandwidth properties (speed of data consumed by the subject app, price of data consumed by the subject app, availability of data to be consumed of the subject app, etc.), as well as changes to properties relating to non-bandwidth specific features such as the price, availability, and conditions for accessing online and offline content, goods, and services associated with such subject app, as well as other functionalities associated with such subject app that can be reasonable envisioned by those versed in the art. For instance, in its most simple form the invention allows a subject app (via the subject app icon) to communicate to an end-user that the subject app has free bandwidth associated with it at that particular moment by having the subject app icon turning green where such subject app is capable of being used by the end-user without the end-user incurring a charge for bandwidth consumed by such subject app. Furthermore, that same subject app utilizing the current invention could have its subject app icon turn red when the free bandwidth associated with such subject app is no longer available to the end-user and that the end-user will now incur a bandwidth charge for utilizing the subject app so long as the subject app icon remains red. Moreover, the subject app icon could be yellow to convey a reduced bandwidth price condition (not entirely free, but instead partially free or subsidized), and the subject app icon could further combine other changes to its appearance (addition of letters, numbers, change in size, shape, glowing elements, flashing, etc.) to convey more complex changes in functionality status pertaining to the subject app. Given the current state of art with regard to the communicative functions inherent in existing subject app icon practice and implementation, the current invention with its dynamic and various methods and techniques for conveying subject app functionality information to an end-user via a dynamically changing subject app icon is novel, non-obvious, and highly useful. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The features, aspects and advantages of the disclosed and claimed subject matter of the present patent application are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the aspects, features and advantages of the disclosed and claimed subject matter will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth what are meant to be only illustrative embodiments and not limiting disclosures, in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which: Fig. 1 illustrates one basic embodiment of the invention where a subject app icon (the small box with rounded edges) associated with a particular subject app resident on an end- user host device (where such subject app icon is displayed on the end-user's host device display) changes color gradually over time (conveyed as three stages of the small box going from left to right, with arrows separating the time sequenced stages) so as to signify and communicate to the end-user of the subject app on the host device that one or more of the functionalities, capabilities, and/or other characteristics of the subject app are gradually changing. Fig. 2 illustrates one basic embodiment of the invention where a subject app icon (the small box with rounded edges) associated with a particular subject app resident on an end- user host device (where such subject app icon is displayed on the end-user's host device display) changes size over time (conveyed as three stages of the small box going from left to right getting smaller, with arrows separating the time sequenced stages) so as to signify and communicate to the end-user of the subject app on the host device that one or more of the functionalities, capabilities, and/or other characteristics of the subject app are gradually changing. Fig. 3 illustrates one basic embodiment of the invention where a subject app icon (the small box with rounded edges) associated with a particular subject app resident on an end- user host device (where such subject app icon is displayed on the end-user's host device display) changes its motion properties (moving left, right, up, down, angled, back and forth, spinning, circling, etc.) and speed of motion properties gradually over time (conveyed as three stages of the small box with differing motion indication lines at each stage, with arrows separating the time sequenced stages) so as to signify and communicate to the end-user of the subject app on the host device that one or more of the functionalities, capabilities, and/or other characteristics of the subject app are gradually changing. Fig. 4 illustrates one basic embodiment of the invention where a subject app icon (the small box with rounded edges) associated with a particular subject app resident on an end- user host device (where such subject app icon is displayed on the end-user's host device display) changes shape gradually over time (conveyed as three stages of the small box going from left to right as it changes initially into a triangle and then a circle, with arrows separating the time sequenced stages) so as to signify and communicate to the end-user of the subject app on the host device that one or more of the functionalities, capabilities, and/or other characteristics of the subject app are gradually changing. Fig. 5 illustrates one basic embodiment of the invention where a subject app icon (the small box with rounded edges) associated with a particular subject app resident on an end- user host device (where such subject app icon is displayed on the end-user's host device display) changes color and shape gradually over time (conveyed as three stages of the small box going from left to right as it changes initially into a particularly colored triangle and then a particularly colored circle, with arrows separating the time sequenced stages) so as to signify and communicate to the end-user of the subject app on the host device that one or more of the functionalities, capabilities, and/or other characteristics of the subject app are gradually changing. While additional figures representing other combinations of gradual change can be rendered easily (incorporating various combinations relating to changes in icon motion, size, shape, color, etc.), the five figures set forth should serve to those well-versed in the art as suitable examples for envisioning other potential implementations that are wider in breadth and scope of the invention's examples set forth herein and how these and other embodiments can be reduced to practice. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is software implementation on any one or more electronic devices (such as mobile phones, smartphones, tablets, PDAs, laptop computers, desktop computers, TV sets, set top boxes, game consoles, digital video recorders, watches, embedded systems, household appliances, vehicles, industrial devices, medical devices, or analogous electronic devices) where such device is connected to the Internet or an analogous network through either wireless and/or wired means (cellular, DSL, Wi-Fi, etc.) and hosts subject software programs and/or applications (e.g., applications for Android, Apple, Windows, and analogous systems, each being a "subject app") for affecting various tasks on such device, and where the invention herein enables a subject app icon or an analogous representative iconic feature associated with a subject app (herein the "subject app icon") on the electronic device display to gradually (not in a binary or near binary fashion) change its display characteristics (gradual, phased changes to any one or more of the subject app icon's color, shape, size, luminosity, motion, or other analogous visual, audio, or physical sensation rendering) that can denote a change in the status of the subject app's functionality based upon the real time or near real time change in functionality inherent in the subject app itself. For purposes of this invention, the concept of a subject app's functionality is to be construed broadly and can relate to a variety of performance capabilities associated with such subject app, including but limited to denoting changes in bandwidth properties (speed of data consumed by the subject app, price of data consumed by the subject app, availability of data to be consumed of the subject app, etc.), as well as changes to properties relating to non- bandwidth specific features such as the price, availability, and conditions for accessing online and offline content, goods, and services associated with such subject app, as well as other functionalities associated with such subject app that can be reasonable envisioned by those versed in the art. For instance, in its most simple form the invention allows a subject app to communicate to an end-user that the subject app has free bandwidth associated with it at that particular moment by having the subject app icon turning green while such subject app is capable of being used by the end-user without the end-user incurring a charge for bandwidth consumed by such subject app. Furthermore, that same subject app utilizing the current invention could have its subject app icon turn red when the free bandwidth associated with such subject app is no longer available to the end-user and that the end-user will now incur a bandwidth charge for utilizing the subject app so long as the subject app icon remains red. Moreover, the subject app icon could be yellow to convey a reduced bandwidth price condition (not entirely free bandwidth, but instead partially free or subsidized bandwidth), and the subject app icon could further combine other changes to its appearance (addition of letters, numbers, change in size, glowing elements, flashing, etc.) to convey unlimited changes in functionality status pertaining to the subject app. In this regard, the invention contemplates enabling subject apps resident on various electronic devices (such as mobile phones, smartphones, tablets, PDAs, laptop computers, desktop computers, TV sets, set top boxes, game consoles, digital video recorders, watches, embedded systems, household appliances, vehicles, industrial devices, medical devices, or analogous electronic devices) whereby each such device is to be connected to the Internet or analogous network through either wireless or wired means (cellular, DSL, Wi-Fi, etc.) and hosts software applications (e.g., Android, Apple, Windows, etc., each being "apps") for affecting various tasks on such device where the subject app icon on the electronic device display gradually changes its display appearance (gradual changes to any one or more of the color, shape, size, luminosity, motion, or other analogous visual rendering) denoting a change in the status of the subject app's functionality based upon the real time or near real time change in functionality inherent in the subject app itself, such change in functionality being the result of changed circumstances flowing from: (i) pre-loaded performance parameters already encoded or associated with the subject app, (ii) an update to the performance parameters encoded or associated within the subject app, and/or (iii) the replacement of the subject app with a new application performing substantially similar tasks as the first, save that it does so according to different performance parameters. Specifically, the circumstances under which such gradually changed display communication cues can be utilized by such a subject app can be seen where the functionality inherent in the subject app changes from time to time, and of special note regarding changes: (i) in the amount of bandwidth that the subject app consumes in performing a particular function, (ii) in the speed of bandwidth that the subject app consumes in performing a particular function, (iii) in the status of a pathway or transmission medium (congested, idyll, available) for electronic data transmissions, (iv) in the availability of discounts, coupons, or other promotions offered by providers of a pathway, network, or transmission medium for electronic data transmissions to optimize use of their network, pathway, or other method of conveyance, (v) in the amount to be charged and/or nature of such charge (timing of payment, interest rate of credit extended, etc.) to the user of the subject app (or another on behalf of the subject app user) for bandwidth consumed by the subject app in performing a particular function, (vi) in the amount remaining of bandwidth capacity available to the user or sponsor of the subject app, (vii) in the status of a pathway or transmission medium (congested, idyll, available) for transportation of persons (e.g. airlines, mass transit, trains, ferries) or goods, (viii) in the availability of discounts, coupons, or other promotions offered by providers of a pathway for transportation of persons or goods to optimize use of their pathway or other method of conveyance, (ix) in the availability of content, software, goods, funds, tickets, services, and analogous on offer by the subject app to the user of such (such change in availability being a change in price, quantity, quality, delivery circumstances, or other similar characteristic of particular content, software, goods, funds, tickets, services, and analogous available to the user of such subject app) in the course of such subject app performing a particular function, (x) in the amount to be charged and/or nature of such charge (timing of payment, interest rate of credit extended, etc.) to the user or sponsor of the subject app (or another on behalf of the subject app user) for content, software, goods, funds, tickets, services, and analogous on offer by the subject app to the user of such in the course of such subject app performing a particular function, (xi) in the amount remaining of content, software, goods, funds, tickets, services, and analogous to the user or sponsor of the subject app, (xii) in the notification of arrival or delivery of communications, messages, or information to the user or sponsor of the subject app. Turning to the figures herein, Figure 1 illustrates one basic embodiment of the invention where a subject app icon 3 (the small box to the left with rounded edges) associated with a particular subject app resident on an end-user host device 1 (where such subject app icon is displayed on the end-user's host device display 2) changes color gradually over time (conveyed as three gradual morphing stages of the small box going from left 3 to middle 4 to right 5, with arrows separating the time sequenced stages) so as to signify and communicate to the end-user of the subject app on the host device 1 that one or more of the functionalities, capabilities, and/or other characteristics of the subject app are gradually changing. Also, for purposes of clarity, it should be noted that the drawing in Figure 1 uses three small boxes (represented by numbers 3, 4, and 5 respectively) to represent three possible gradual morphing appearance stages of a single subject app icon and does not represent three distinct subject app icons. Figure 2 illustrates one basic embodiment of the invention where a subject app icon 6 (the small box to the left with rounded edges) associated with a particular subject app resident on an end-user host device 1 (where such subject app icon is displayed on the end-user's host device display 2) changes size over time (conveyed as three gradual morphing stages of the small box getting smaller in size going from left 3 to middle 4 to right 5, with arrows separating the time sequenced stages) so as to signify and communicate to the end-user of the subject app on the host device 1 that one or more of the functionalities, capabilities, and/or other characteristics of the subject app are gradually changing. Also, for purposes of clarity, it should be noted that the drawing in Figure 2 uses three small gradually decreasing sized boxes (represented by numbers 6, 7, and 8 respectively) to represent three possible gradual morphing appearance stages of a single subject app icon and does not represent three distinct subject app icons. Figure 3 illustrates one basic embodiment of the invention where a subject app icon 9 (the small box to the left with rounded edges) associated with a particular subject app resident on an end-user host device 1 (where such subject app icon is displayed on the end-user's host device display 2) changes its motion properties (moving left, right, up, down, angled, back and forth, spinning, circling, etc.) and speed of motion properties gradually over time (conveyed as three stages of the small box with unique motion indication lines 12 at a middle stage 10 and with other unique motion indication lines 13 at a later stage 11, with arrows separating the time sequenced stages) so as to signify and communicate to the end-user of the subject app on the host device 1 that one or more of the functionalities, capabilities, and/or other characteristics of the subject app are gradually changing. Also, for purposes of clarity, it should be noted that the drawing in Figure 3 uses three small gradually visually differentiated boxes (represented by numbers 9, 10, and 11 respectively) to represent three possible gradual motion appearance stages of a single subject app icon and does not represent three distinct subject app icons. Figure 4 illustrates one basic embodiment of the invention where a subject app icon (the small box with rounded edges) associated with a particular subject app resident on an end-user host device 1 (where such subject app icon is displayed on the end-user's host device display 2) changes shape gradually over time (conveyed as three stages starting out as a small box 14 going from left to a middle stage as a triangle shape 15 to the right as a circular shape 16 as it changes initially into a triangle and then a circle, with arrows separating the time sequenced stages) so as to signify and communicate to the end-user of the subject app on the host device 1 that one or more of the functionalities, capabilities, and/or other characteristics of the subject app are gradually changing. Also, for purposes of clarity, it should be noted that the drawing in Figure 4 uses three gradually morphing shapes (represented by numbers 14, 15, and 16 respectively) to represent three possible gradual morphing appearance stages of a single subject app icon and does not represent three distinct subject app icons. Figure 5 illustrates one basic embodiment of the invention where a subject app icon (the small box with rounded edges) associated with a particular subject app resident on an end-user host device 1 (where such subject app icon is displayed on the end-user's host device display 2) changes both color and shape gradually over time (conveyed as three stages of the small box going from left 17 to right as it changes initially into a particularly colored triangle 18 and then a particularly colored circle 19, with arrows separating the time sequenced stages) so as to signify and communicate to the end-user of the subject app on the host device 1 that one or more of the functionalities, capabilities, and/or other characteristics of the subject app are gradually changing. Also, for purposes of clarity, it should be noted that the drawing in Figure 5 uses three gradually morphing shapes and colors (represented by numbers 7, 18, and 19 respectively) to represent three possible gradual morphing appearance stages of a single subject app icon and does not represent three distinct subject app icons. This technology will allow parties wishing to engage more effectively with the users of such subject apps to communicate in real-time (or near real-time) changes in the functional utility of their subject apps (including any affiliated functions and value) which in turn may be appreciated by the user of such subject app at the time of such change and motivate such user to engage more frequently or more meaningfully with the subject app and the parties associated with the creation, distribution, and management of such subject app on the user's electronic device. In various broad embodiments, the present invention is more advantageous than existing technologies that are limited in how they convey information to end-users about the status and functionality of the subject app. Of note, within the current art the changes that take place to icons involve only a few types of alteration pertaining to basic changes to subject app functionality: 1) The visual overlaying of numbers and/or text to a subject app icon indicating that a particular change has taken place with regard to the subject app. For instance, an e- mail application that has its display icon change by including the number "5" overlaid upon it to represent that there are five new e-mail messages within the e-mail application that have been deposited since it was last opened by the end-user. 2) The overlaying of a new shape to a subject app icon indicating that a particular change has taken place with regard to the subject app. For instance, an e-mail application that has its display icon change by including a number "5" overlaid upon it and encapsulated within a circle background to represent that there are five new e- mail messages within the e-mail application that have been deposited since it was last opened by the end-user. 3) The overlaying of a new color to a subject app icon indicating that a particular change has taken place with regard to the subject app. For instance, an e-mail app that has its display icon change by including a number "5" overlaid upon it and encapsulated within a circular, red background) to represent that there are five new e-mail messages within the e-mail application that have been deposited since it was last opened by the end-user. 4) The movement of the subject app icon indicating that a particular change has taken place with regard to the subject app. For instance, a subject app that requires an update may "jump up and down" to notify the end-user that action is needed to access new software. The current invention goes far beyond this by allowing subject apps to visually convey numerous (in theory infinite) gradations of change that go beyond a mere binary or near binary changes (basic changes to color, shape, number, text, or motion elements), and therefore the invention conveys an entirely new level and feel of information relating to the subject app's changed properties. Of note, the current application contemplates the subject app icon changing color (or other element as described below) gradually from one initial color (e.g., green) to another color (e.g., yellow) and then to a final color (e.g., red) as the functionality of the subject app moves from a status of maximum theoretical functionality (green) to zero functionality (red), with color midtones reflecting the interim status phases. Further, the phases may be red, yellow, and green (or analogous) or red, orange, yellow, and green (or analogous), or any other combination (sequence and frequency) representing the gradual change to the functionality of the subject app. In a practical implementation, such a notice mechanism would be very useful for conveying the amount of free and/or subsidized bandwidth that a particular subject app has associated with it at any given time as compared to other subject apps similarly situated on the device display (e.g., green subject app icon meaning that there is free bandwidth associated with the use of that subject app, yellow meaning that the bandwidth is not free for the subject app, but partially subsidized by a third party or the bandwidth provider, and red where the bandwidth associated with that particular subject app is not free or subsidized at all). In addition to this invention's ability to represent the depletion of a subject app's functionality (e.g., the loss of free bandwidth associated with the subject app), the subject app icon can change color in reverse order, representing the gradual replenishment of functionality to the subject app. In another embodiment, the current invention enables the subject app icon to gradually change size (e.g., going from large to small; or small to large) to represent the gradual depletion or replenishment of a particular functionality to the subject app. In another embodiment, the current invention enables the subject app icon to gradually change shape (e.g., going from square to circle; or circle to square) to represent the gradual depletion or replenishment of a particular functionality to the subject app. In another embodiment, the subject app icon can change luminosity intensity (e.g., going from bright to dull; or dull to bright) to represent the gradual depletion or replenishment of a particular functionality to the subject app. In another embodiment, the subject app icon can change motion intensity (e.g., going from fast movements or pulses to slow movements or pulses; or slow movements or pulses to fast movements or pulses) to represent the gradual depletion or replenishment of a particular functionality to the subject app. In another embodiment, the subject app icon can change its appearance through any combination of one or more of the foregoing examples of gradual change to represent the gradual depletion or gradual replenishment of any one or more particular functionalities to the subject app. Similarly, this concept of gradations can be interspersed with other subject app icon change features, whether related to binary (or near binary) changes to shapes, colors, addition of text, and addition of numbers. Given the functional potential of the subject invention, this new technology can be used to great effect in a variety of use cases and device form factors so long as the mode of relaying information about a particular subject app on that host device (whether that device is a mobile phone, smartphone, tablet, PDA, laptop computer, desktop computer, TV set, set top box, game console, digital video recorder, watch, embedded system, household appliance, vehicle, industrial device, medical device, or analogous electronic device) is done via a subject app icon rendered on the display of the host device. Given the current state of art with regard to the communicative functions inherent in existing subject app icon practice and implementation, the current invention with its dynamic and various methods and techniques for conveying subject app functionality information to an end-user via a dynamically changing subject app icon is novel, non-obvious, and highly useful. While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein and it will be evident that various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope as set forth in the enclosed claims. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention and the specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative sense rather than a restrictive sense. In the foregoing specification, the disclosure has been described with reference to specific claims set forth herein. While certain representative embodiments and details have been shown for purposes of illustrating the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in the methods and apparatus disclosed herein may be made without departing from the scope of the invention which is defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A software method that enables a subject app icon on an electronic device display to gradually change its display appearance (gradual changes to any one or more of the color, shape, size, luminosity, motion, or other analogous visual rendering) denoting a change in the status of the subject app's functionality based upon the real time or near real time change in functionality inherent in the subject app itself, such change in functionality being the result of changed circumstances flowing from: (i) pre-loaded performance parameters already encoded or associated with the subject app, (n) an update to the performance parameters encoded or associated within the subject app, and/or (iii) the replacement of the subject app with a new subject app performing substantially similar tasks as the first, save that it does so according to different performance parameters.

2. The software method of claim 1, wherein the subject app icon changes gradually to convey to the end-user the change in amount of bandwidth that the subject app consumes in performing a particular function.

3. The software method of claim 1 , wherein the subject app icon changes gradually to convey to the end-user the change in the speed of bandwidth that the subject app consumes in performing a particular function.

4. The software method of claim 1, wherein the subject app icon changes gradually to convey to the end-user the change in the status of a pathway or transmission medium (congested, idyll, available) for electronic data transmissions.

5. The software method of claim 1, wherein the subject app icon changes gradually to convey to the end-user the change in the availability of discounts, coupons, or other promotions offered by providers of a pathway, network, or transmission medium for electronic data transmissions to optimize use of their network, pathway, or other method of conveyance.

6. The software method of claim 1, wherein the subject app icon changes gradually to convey to the end-user the change in the amount to be charged and/or nature of such charge (timing of payment, interest rate of credit extended, etc.) to the user of the subject app (or another on behalf of the subject app user) for bandwidth consumed by the subject app in performing a particular function.

7. The software method of claim 1, wherein the subject app icon changes gradually to convey to the end-user the change in the amount of associated bandwidth capacity remaining available to the user of the subject app or sponsor of the subject application.

8. The software method of claim 1, wherein the subject app icon changes gradually to convey to the end-user the change in the status of a pathway or transmission medium (congested, idyll, available) for transportation of persons (e.g. airlines, mass transit, trains, ferries) or goods.

9. The software method of claim 1, wherein the subject app icon changes gradually to convey to the end-user the change in the availability of discounts, coupons, or other promotions offered by providers of a pathway for transportation of persons or goods to optimize use of their pathway or other method of conveyance.

10. The software method of claim 1, wherein the subject app icon changes gradually to convey to the end-user the change in the availability of content, software, goods, funds, tickets, services, and analogous on offer by the subject app to the user of such (such change in availability being a change in price, quantity, quality, delivery circumstances, or other similar characteristic of particular content, software, goods, funds, tickets, services, and analogous available to the user of such subject app) in the course of such subject app performing a particular function.

1 1. The software method of claim 1, wherein the subject app icon changes gradually to convey to the end-user the change in the amount to be charged and/or nature of such charge (timing of payment, interest rate of credit extended, etc.) to the user or sponsor of the subject app (or another on behalf of the subject app user) for content, software, goods, funds, tickets, services, and analogous on offer by the subject app to the user of such in the course of such subject app performing a particular function.

12. The software method of claim 1, wherein the subject app icon changes gradually to convey to the end-user the change in the amount remaining of content, software, goods, funds, tickets, services, and analogous to the user or sponsor of the subject application.

13. The software method of claim 1, wherein the subject app icon changes gradually to convey to the end-user the change in notifications of arrival or delivery of communications, messages, or information to the user or sponsor of the subject application.

14. Tangible machine readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a computing device, cause the computing device to perform a method, comprising a subject app icon on an electronic device display to gradually change its display appearance (gradual changes to any one or more of the color, shape, size, luminosity, motion, or other analogous visual rendering) denoting a change in the status of the subject app's functionality based upon the real time or near real time change in functionality inherent in the subject app itself, such change in functionality being the result of changed circumstances flowing from: (i) pre- loaded performance parameters already encoded or associated with the subject app, (ii) an update to the performance parameters encoded or associated within the subject app, and/or (iii) the replacement of the subject app with a new application performing substantially similar tasks as the first, save that it does so according to different performance parameters.

15. A networked apparatus comprising: a. a memory; b. a processor; c. a communicator; d. a display; and e. comprising a subject app icon on an electronic device display that gradually changes its display appearance (gradual changes to any one or more of the color, shape, size, luminosity, motion, or other analogous visual rendering) denoting a change in the status of the subject app's functionality based upon the real time or near real time change in functionality inherent in the subject app itself, such change in functionality being the result of changed circumstances flowing from: (i) pre-loaded performance parameters already encoded or associated with the subject app, (ii) an update to the performance parameters encoded or associated within the subject app, and/or (iii) the replacement of the subject app with a new application performing substantially similar tasks as the first, save that it does so according to different performance parameters.

16. A software tool stored in a memory that enables the creation of a subject app icon on an electronic device display that gradually changes its display appearance (gradual changes to any one or more of the color, shape, size, luminosity, motion, or other analogous visual rendering) denoting a change in the status of the subject app's functionality based upon the real time or near real time change in functionality inherent in the subject app itself, such change in functionality being the result of changed circumstances flowing from: (i) pre- loaded performance parameters already encoded or associated with the subject app, (ii) an update to the performance parameters encoded or associated within the subject app, and/or (iii) the replacement of the subject app with a new application performing substantially similar tasks as the first, save that it does so according to different performance parameters.