CLIAMS:We Claim:

1. A method for tracking position of one or more digital contents in a folder, said method comprising:
arranging a sub-set of the digital contents stored in the folder in form of a multi-dimensional matrix;
arranging at least a part of the remaining digital contents of the folder in a stacked manner with respect to the digital contents located at the edges of the multi- dimensional matrix; and
displaying the multi-dimensional matrix along with the stacked digital contents on a display device.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising arranging the digital contents stored in the folder in a multi-dimensional space with respect to a reference digital content based on a nearest edge method.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein a depth of the stack is based on a number of stacked digital contents.

4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein a size of a digital content located at an edge of the multi-dimensional matrix is based on a number of stacked digital contents.

5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein preview of the digital contents are arranged in the stacked manner.

6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein details of the digital contents are arranged in the stacked manner.

7. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising allowing for the shifting of the multi-dimensional matrix and the stacked digital contents with respect to the display device.

8. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein arranging at least a part of the remaining digital contents of the folder in a stacked manner with respect to the digital contents located at the edges of the multi-dimensional matrix is based on a nearest edge method.

9. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the digital content includes one or more of a sub-folder or a file.

10. A method for tracking position of a selected digital content in a folder, said method comprising:
arranging the selected digital content as part of a multi-dimensional matrix;
arranging digital contents located adjacent to the selected digital content so as to occupy remaining parts of the multi-dimensional matrix;
arranging at least a part of the remaining digital contents of the folder in a stacked manner with respect to the digital contents located at the edges of the multi- dimensional matrix; and
displaying the multi-dimensional matrix along with the stacked digital contents on a display device.

11. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein arranging digital contents located adjacent to the selected digital content so as to occupy edges of the multi- dimensional matrix is based on a nearest edge method.

12. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein a depth of the stack is based on a number of stacked digital contents.

13. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein a size of a digital content located at an edge of the multi-dimensional matrix is based on a number of stacked digital contents.

14. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein preview of the digital contents are arranged in the stacked manner.

15. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein details of the digital contents are arranged in the stacked manner.

16. The method as claimed in claim 10, further comprising highlighting the selected digital content so as to be visually distinguished from the remaining digital contents.

17. The method as claimed in claim 10, further comprising making the selected digital content to appear in backdrop.

18. The method as claimed in claim 10, further comprising allowing for the shifting of the multi-dimensional matrix and the stacked digital contents with respect to the display device.

19. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein arranging at least a part of the remaining digital contents of the folder in a stacked manner with respect to the digital contents located at the edges of the multi-dimensional matrix is based on a nearest edge method.

20. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the digital content includes one or more of a sub-folder or a file.

21. A method for tracking position of one or more digital contents in a folder, said method comprising:
grouping a plurality of digital contents stored in the folder into at least two groups;
arranging a sub-set of digital contents forming part of said at least two groups in form of a multi-dimensional matrix;
arranging at least a part of the remaining digital contents of the folder in a stacked manner with respect to the digital contents located at the edges of the multi- dimensional matrix with the digital contents grouped together being arranged in a particular direction of the multi-dimensional matrix; and
displaying the multi-dimensional matrix along with the stacked digital contents on a display device.

22. The method as claimed in claim 21, wherein the grouping of the digital contents is performed on basis of similarity of the digital contents.

23. The method as claimed in claim 21, wherein the similarity of the digital contents includes one or more of: similarity in the type of the digital content, similarity of date of creation, similarity of date of modification, similarity of data of the digital contents, similarity of a meta data pertaining to the digital contents.

24. The method as claimed in claim 21, wherein a depth of the stack is based on a number of stacked digital contents.

25. The method as claimed in claim 21, wherein a size of a digital content located at an edge of the 2 dimensional matrix is based on a number of stacked digital contents.

26. The method as claimed in claim 21, wherein preview of the digital contents are arranged in the stacked manner.

27. The method as claimed in claim 21, wherein details of the digital contents are arranged in the stacked manner.

28. The method as claimed in claim 21, further comprising allowing for the shifting of the 2 dimensional matrix and the stacked digital contents with respect to the display device.

29. The method as claimed in claim 21, wherein the digital content includes one or more of a sub-folder or a file.

30. A method for tracking position of a selected digital content in a folder, said method comprising:
grouping a plurality of digital contents stored in the folder into at least two groups;
arranging the selected digital content as part of a multi-dimensional matrix;
arranging digital contents located adjacent to the selected digital content so as to occupy remaining parts of the multi-dimensional matrix;
arranging at least a part of the remaining digital contents of the folder in a stacked manner with respect to the digital contents located at the edges of the multi- dimensional matrix with the digital contents grouped together being arranged in a particular direction of the multi-dimensional matrix; and
displaying the multi-dimensional matrix along with the stacked digital contents on a display device.

31. The method as claimed in claim 30, wherein the grouping of the digital contents is performed on basis of similarity of the digital contents.

32. The method as claimed in claim 30, wherein the similarity of the digital contents includes one or more of: similarity in the type of the digital content, similarity of date of creation, similarity of date of modification, similarity of data of the digital contents, similarity of a meta data pertaining to the digital contents.

33. The method as claimed in claim 30, wherein a depth of the stack is based on a number of stacked digital contents.

34. The method as claimed in claim 30, wherein a size of a digital content located at an edge of the multi-dimensional matrix is based on a number of stacked digital contents.

35. The method as claimed in claim 30, wherein preview of the digital contents are arranged in the stacked manner.

36. The method as claimed in claim 30, wherein details of the digital contents are arranged in the stacked manner.

37. The method as claimed in claim 30, further comprising highlighting the selected digital content so as to be visually distinguished from the remaining digital contents.

38. The method as claimed in claim 30, further comprising making the selected digital contents to appear in backdrop.

39. The method as claimed in 30, further comprising highlighting one or more digital contents falling in the same group as that of the selected digital content so as to be visually distinguished from the remaining digital contents.

40. The method as claimed in claim 30, further comprising allowing for the shifting of the multi-dimensional matrix and the stacked digital contents with respect to the display device.

41. A device for tracking position of one or more digital contents in a folder, said device comprising:
a memory for storing a plurality of digital contents in a folder;
a display device for displaying a sub-set of digital contents in the folder; and
a tracking module adapted to:
arrange a sub-set of the digital contents stored in the folder in form of a multi-dimensional matrix;
arrange at least a part of the remaining digital contents of the folder in a stacked manner with respect to the digital contents located at the edges of the multi- dimensional matrix; and
display the multi-dimensional matrix along with the stacked digital contents on a display device.

42. A device for tracking position of a selected digital content in a folder, said device comprising:
a memory for storing a plurality of digital contents in a folder;
a display device for displaying a sub-set of digital contents in the folder; and
a tracking module adapted to:
arrange the selected digital content at about a centre location of a multi-dimensional matrix;
arrange digital contents located adjacent to the selected digital content so as to occupy edges of the multi-dimensional matrix;
arrange at least a part of the remaining digital contents of the folder in a stacked manner with respect to the digital contents located at the edges of the multi- dimensional matrix; and
display the multi-dimensional matrix along with the stacked digital contents on a display device.

43. A device for tracking position of one or more digital contents in a folder, said device comprising:
a memory for storing a plurality of digital contents in a folder;
a display device for displaying a sub-set of digital contents in the folder; and
a tracking module adapted to:
group a plurality of digital contents stored in the folder into at least two groups;
arrange a sub-set of digital contents forming part of said at least two groups in form of a multi-dimensional matrix;
arrange at least a part of the remaining digital contents of the folder in a stacked manner with respect to the digital contents located at the edges of the multi- dimensional matrix with the digital contents grouped together being arranged in a particular direction of the multi- dimensional matrix; and
display the multi-dimensional matrix along with the stacked digital contents on a display device.

44. A device for tracking position of a selected digital content in a folder, said device comprising:
a memory for storing a plurality of digital contents in a folder;
a display device for displaying a sub-set of digital contents in the folder; and
a tracking module adapted to:
group a plurality of digital contents stored in the folder into at least two groups;
arrange the selected digital contents at about a centre location of a multi-dimensional matrix;
arrange digital contents located adjacent to the selected digital content so as to occupy edges of the multi-dimensional matrix;
arrange at least a part of the remaining digital contents of the folder in a stacked manner with respect to the digital contents located at the edges of the multi- dimensional matrix with the digital contents grouped together being arranged in a particular direction of the multi-dimensional matrix; and
display the multi-dimensional matrix along with the stacked digital contents on a display device.
,TagSPECI:Field of the Invention:
The disclosure generally relates to document management. More particularly, the disclosure relates to tracking position of one or more digital contents in a content library.

Background of the Invention:
A document management system typically includes display mechanism for managing various kinds of digital contents such as text documents, images, music and video which are stored in a content library. The display mechanism typically displays the digital content in form of icon that allows the user to browse through and select a particular digital content based on icons. Examples of such document management system are Explorer of Microsoft™ Windows™ operating systems and Finder of Apple's Mac OS X.

In the prior art, a user is allowed to browse serially through a content library. In some instances the document management system creates a fixed number of rows or columns and the icons representing the digital content are populated in the same. This allows for the user to preview a fixed number of icons as contained in the content library and the user is allowed to scroll from top to bottom (or vice-versa) or from left to tight (or vice-versa) to view additional icons.

While this approach is satisfactory for viewing a content library containing small number of digital contents stored therein, especially when the content library contains large number of digital contents, the aforesaid approach fails because of the extent of scrolling a user is required to undertake. Furthermore, in the aforesaid approach, no spatial indication is provided for user to know how many images are left while watching images in a full screen mode. Also, no spatial indication is provide to the user when the user is scrolling which makes him aware of the position of a particular digital content within the content library. Thus, it becomes difficult for him to perform actions such as cut or copy or delete, etc. In such cases, the user is once again required to manually locate the particular digital content, which is very cumbersome, demotivating and user-non-friendly.

Object of the Invention:
Keeping in view the above, there is a need to provide a method for enabling easy tracking position of one or more digital contents in a content library or folder.

Summary of the Invention:
Accordingly, the present invention provides a method for tracking position of one or more digital contents in a folder, said method comprising arranging a sub-set of the digital contents stored in the folder in form of a multi-dimensional matrix, arranging at least a part of the remaining digital contents of the folder in a stacked manner with respect to the digital contents located at the edges of the multi- dimensional matrix, and displaying the multi-dimensional matrix along with the stacked digital contents on a display device. In accordance with the teaching of the present invention, image previews are displayed so as to give a spatial indication to the user of the relative position of one or more digital contents within the folder. In view of the spatial indication, the user is able to easily locate said one or more digital contents, when he goes back to the folder.

Apart from enabling the user to track position of one or more digital contents, the method also enables the user to track a selected digital content within a folder. In such a case, the selected digital content is arranged so as to be located within a multi-dimensional matrix. The digital contents located adjacent to the selected digital content are arranged at remaining places of the multi-dimensional matrix. Then at least a part of the remaining digital contents of the folder are arranged in a stacked manner with respect to the digital contents located at the edges of the multi- dimensional matrix and the multi-dimensional matrix along with the stacked digital contents are displayed on a display device.

In addition to the invention enabling tracking position of one or more digital contents in a folder which is based on spatial location, the invention may also take into consideration similarity based grouping. In such an embodiment, a plurality of digital contents stored in the folder is grouped into at least two groups based on similarity. The method further comprises arranging a sub-set of digital contents forming part of said at least two groups in form of a multi-dimensional matrix. In this particular embodiment, at least a part of the remaining digital contents of the folder are arranged in a stacked manner with respect to the digital contents located at the edges of the multi- dimensional matrix with the digital contents grouped together being arranged in a particular direction of the multi-dimensional matrix. Thereafter, the multi-dimensional matrix along with the stacked digital contents is displayed on a display device. The aforesaid embodiment can be further modified so as to track a selected digital content within a folder in a manner as mentioned above.

To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of Figures:
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 shows a flow chart corresponding to arranging digital contents in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 shows a plurality of icons (named A to J10) located within a content library, the figure also highlights a viewed portion of the content library;
Figure 3 illustrates the user selecting spatial position based tracking mode;
Figure 4 illustrates the manner in which the icons (A to J10) gets located immediately after selection of the spatial position based tracking mode with respect to figure 2;
Figure 5 illustrates a plurality of icons (named A to J10) located within the content library, the figure also highlights a different viewed portion of the content library;
Figure 6 illustrates the manner in which the icons (A to J10) gets located immediately after selection of the spatial position based tracking mode with respect to figure 5;
Figure 7 shows a flow chart corresponding to arranging digital content in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention;
Figure 8 shows a plurality of icons (named A to J10) located within a content library, the figure also highlights a viewed portion of the content library and the selected content;
Figure 9 illustrates the manner in which the icons (A to J10) gets located immediately after selection of the spatial position based tracking mode with respect to the selected content of figure 8;
Figure 10 illustrates an alternative mechanism for locating the selected content in the multi-dimensional matrix;
Figure 11 shows a flow chart corresponding to arranging digital content in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention;
Figure 12 shows the digital contents and their corresponding type in accordance with one example;
Figure 13 shows the grouping of similar typed contents;
Figure 14 shows the arrangement of a subset of the grouped digital contents in a multi-dimensional matrix;
Figure 15 shows the manner in which the icons (A to J10) gets located immediately after selection of the similarity based spatial position tracking mode with respect to the content of figure 12;
Figure 16 shows a flow chart corresponding to a digital content in accordance with fourth embodiment of the invention;
Figure 17 shows the process of providing a one-level up preview capturing the spatial indication;
Figure 18 shows the process of providing a two-level up preview capturing the spatial indication;
Figure 19 illustrates the process of nearest edge method in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and
Figure 20 illustrates a device constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

Detailed Description:
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

Reference throughout this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Now referring to figure 1, there is provided a method (100) for tracking position of one or more digital contents in a folder, said method comprising:
arranging (102) a sub-set of the digital contents stored in the folder in form of a multi-dimensional matrix;
arranging (104) at least a part of the remaining digital contents of the folder in a stacked manner with respect to the digital contents located at the edges of the multi- dimensional matrix; and
displaying (106) the multi-dimensional matrix along with the stacked digital contents on a display device.

In an embodiment, the method of the present invention may further comprise arranging (108) the digital contents stored in the folder in a multi-dimensional space with respect to a reference digital content based on a nearest edge method.

In another embodiment, a depth of the stack is based on a number of stacked digital contents.

In yet another embodiment, a size of a digital content located at an edge of the multi-dimensional matrix is based on a number of stacked digital contents.

In still another embodiment, the previews of the digital contents are arranged in the stacked manner.

In a further embodiment, details of the digital contents are arranged in the stacked manner.

In another embodiment, the method of the present invention may further comprise allowing (110) for the shifting of the multi-dimensional matrix and the stacked digital contents with respect to the display device.

In yet another embodiment, arranging at least a part of the remaining digital contents of the folder in a stacked manner with respect to the digital contents located at the edges of the multi-dimensional matrix is based on a nearest edge method.

In still another embodiment, the digital content includes one or more of a sub-folder or a file.

The aforesaid is illustrated in figures 2 to 6, wherein from figure 2, it can be seen that a folder (content library) comprises plurality of digital contents, which are named as A, B, …. J10. When the user enters the library, he is initially presented a current view which is highlighted in figure 2 and the same comprises preview or details of A, B, C, J, K, L, S, T and U. The user can scroll to view details of other digital contents or to have a preview of other digital contents.

Assuming that the user had not pre-selected spatial tracking mode and the user is provided the opportunity to select the spatial tracking mode, after being presented the current view. This is illustrated in figure 3.

Once the user selects the spatial tracking mode, the icons pertaining to the digital contents are arranged such that a sub-set of the digital contents stored in the folder form of a multi-dimensional matrix and the same is presented as the current view. At least a part of the remaining digital contents of the folder are arranged in a stacked manner with respect to the digital contents located at the edges of the multi- dimensional matrix. Thus, icons (or details) pertaining to digital contents namely “D”, “E”, “F”, “G”, “H” and “I” are stacked and arranged along a horizontal direction with respect to “C”, which is the digital content located at one edges of the multi- dimensional matrix. Similarly, icons (or details) pertaining to digital contents namely “M”, “N”, “O”, “P”, “Q” and “R” are stacked and arranged along a horizontal direction with respect to “L”, which is the digital content located at one edges of the multi-dimensional matrix. Similarly, icons (or details) pertaining to digital contents namely “V”, “W”, “X”, “Y”, “Z” and “A1” are stacked and arranged along a horizontal direction with respect to “U”, which is the digital content located at one edges of the multi-dimensional matrix. Since the “U” forms a corner element, digital contents namely “A5”, “B5”, “C5”, “D5”, “D5” and “F5” are stacked and arranged along a diagonal direction with respect to “U” and digital contents namely “A4”, “B3”, “C2”, “D1”, “D10”, “E9”, “F8”, “G7”, “H6”, “I5” and “J4” are stacked and arranged along a vertical direction with respect to “U”. Likewise, digital contents namely “A3”, “B2”, “C1”, “C10”, “D9”, “E8”, “F7”, “G6”, “H5”, “I4” and “J3” are stacked and arranged along a vertical direction with respect to “T”. Digital contents namely “A2”, “B1”, “B10”, “C9”, “D8”, “E7”, “F6”, “G5”, “H4”, “I3” and “J2” are stacked and arranged along a vertical direction with respect to “S”. This is illustrated in figure 4. Now depending upon the screen size, resolution, icon size, and other parameters, one either the full stack or part of the stack is displayed on the display device.

Since in figure 4, there are no icons stacked either on the left side of the matrix or on the top of the matrix, the user is easily able to determine that the current view pertains to the top-left-hand most portion of the content library. Also, by looking at the stack size on the right size, he is able to realize that 6 more columns are arranged on the right size of each. Similarly, by looking at the bottom of the matrix, the user is able to realize that there are close to 10 rows at the bottom of the matrix.

Now assuming that the user scrolls from the initially presented view (as illustrated in figure 2) and his current view displays preview or details of B4, B5, B6, C3, C4, C5, D2, D3 and D4 as illustrated in figure 5, the user still has the opportunity of selecting the spatial tracking mode.

Once the user selects the spatial tracking mode, the icons pertaining to the digital contents are arranged such that a sub-set of the digital contents stored in the folder form of a multi-dimensional matrix and the same is presented as the current view. At least a part of the remaining digital contents of the folder are arranged in a stacked manner with respect to the digital contents located at the edges of the multi- dimensional matrix. Such stacking results in a view as illustrated in figure 6. Now depending upon the screen size, resolution, icon size, and other parameters, one either the full stack or part of the stack is displayed on the display device.

Now referring to figure 6, it is possible that the currently viewed portion occupies about a central portion of the display device. In case of figure 6, it can be noticed that compared to the number of icons on the top, the number of icons on the bottom are higher and hence, if the user wishes, he is allowed to shift the entire matrix and the remaining icons upward, which will result in the user getting a better view of the icons on the bottom.

Likewise, in figure 4, it is possible that the currently viewed portion occupies about a central portion of the display device. In case of figure 4, it can be noticed that there are no stacked icons on the left and on the top and large number of stacked icons appear on the right side and on the bottom. Thus, if the user wishes, he is allowed to shift the entire matrix and the remaining icons towards the top-left hand corner, which will result in the user getting a better view of the remaining icons (i.e. the icons on the bottom and the icons on the right).

By way of a non-limiting example, in case the display device is a touch sensitive, the user can touch a portion of the display device for a prolonged period of time, to active such shifting feature. Alternatively, if the user is interacting with the system through a mouse, the user can position the mouse on the display device and activate a designated button of the mouse for a prolonged period of time, to active such shifting feature.

In the aforesaid embodiments, it can be noticed that the tracking of one or more digital contents are enabled and the user is NOT required to select any particular digital content. The above described method enables easy tracking of a currently viewed portion of the content library.

While in the above paragraphs, spatial position of one or more files was provided and such spatial position was provided for non-selected files, the process can be modified so as to track position of a selected digital content in a folder. Now referring to figure 7, the method (700) of tracking position of a selected digital content in a folder comprises:
arranging (702) the selected digital content to occupy a first part of a multi-dimensional matrix;
arranging (704) digital contents located adjacent to the selected digital content so as to occupy a remaining parts of the multi-dimensional matrix;
arranging (706) at least a part of the remaining digital contents of the folder in a stacked manner with respect to the digital contents located at the edges of the multi- dimensional matrix; and
displaying (708) the multi-dimensional matrix along with the stacked digital contents on a display device.

In an embodiment of the above described method, arranging digital contents located adjacent to the selected digital content so as to occupy edges of the multi- dimensional matrix is based on a nearest edge method.

In another embodiment of the above described method, a depth of the stack is based on a number of stacked digital contents.

In yet another embodiment of the above described method, a size of a digital content located at an edge of the multi-dimensional matrix is based on a number of stacked digital contents.

In still another embodiment of the above described method, preview of the digital contents are arranged in the stacked manner.

In a further embodiment of the above described method, details of the digital contents are arranged in the stacked manner.

In another embodiment, the above described method may further comprise highlighting (710) the selected digital content so as to be visually distinguished from the remaining digital contents.

In yet another embodiment, the above described method may further comprise making (712) the selected digital content to appear in backdrop.

In still another embodiment, the above described method may further comprise allowing (714) for the shifting of the multi-dimensional matrix and the stacked digital contents with respect to the display device.

In a further embodiment of the above described method, arranging at least a part of the remaining digital contents of the folder in a stacked manner with respect to the digital contents located at the edges of the multi-dimensional matrix is based on a nearest edge method.

In a furthermore embodiment of the above described method, the digital content includes one or more of a sub-folder or a file.

The aforesaid aspect of the invention is illustrated in figures 8 to 10, wherein from figure 8, it can be seen that a folder (content library) comprises plurality of digital contents, which are named as A, B, …. J10. When the user enters the library, he is initially presented a current view which is highlighted in figure 8 and the same comprises preview or details of A, B, C, J, K, L, S, T and U. Like in the previous case, the user can scroll to view details of other digital contents or to have a preview of other digital contents. Also, as explained previously, if spatial tracking mode has NOT been pre-selected, the user is provided the opportunity to select the spatial tracking mode after being present the current view. Additionally, the user can select the spatial tracking mode after selecting a particular digital content from the content library.

Once the user selects the spatial tracking mode, the icons pertaining to the digital contents are arranged such that the selected digital content is made part of a multi-dimensional matrix. For the purposes of simplicity, the embodiment is explained taking into consideration a 3*3 matrix. However, it may be noted that size of the multi-dimensional matrix can be based on any of (a) the size of the display device, or (b) the size of the icons which have to be displayed on the display device, or (c) resolution, or (d) as per the user’s choice.

Assuming that the digital content named “K” is selected, the digital content can be made of a 3*3 matrix. Although not essential, since a central position is defined in a 3*3 matrix, the selected content may be located at the centre of the 3*3 matrix and the digital contents adjacent to the selected content may be located so as to occupy the edges of the 3*3 matrix. Thus, in accordance with this embodiment, a 3*3 matrix comprising icons (or details) of digital contents A, B, C, J, K, L, S, T and U, with K being arranged in the middle is obtained, as illustrated in figure 8.

Now at least a part of the remaining digital contents of the folder are arranged in a stacked manner with respect to the digital contents located at the edges of the multi- dimensional matrix. As illustrated in figure 9, icons (or details) pertaining to digital contents namely “D”, “E”, “F”, “G”, “H” and “I” are stacked and arranged along a horizontal direction with respect to “C”, which is the digital content located at one edges of the multi- dimensional matrix. Similarly, icons (or details) pertaining to digital contents namely “M”, “N”, “O”, “P”, “Q” and “R” are stacked and arranged along a horizontal direction with respect to “L”, which is the digital content located at one edges of the multi-dimensional matrix. Similarly, icons (or details) pertaining to digital contents namely “V”, “W”, “X”, “Y”, “Z” and “A1” are stacked and arranged along a horizontal direction with respect to “U”, which is the digital content located at one edges of the multi-dimensional matrix. Since the “U” forms a corner element, digital contents namely “A5”, “B5”, “C5”, “D5”, “D5” and “F5” are stacked and arranged along a diagonal direction with respect to “U” and digital contents namely “A4”, “B3”, “C2”, “D1”, “D10”, “E9”, “F8”, “G7”, “H6”, “I5” and “J4” are stacked and arranged along a vertical direction with respect to “U”. Likewise, digital contents namely “A3”, “B2”, “C1”, “C10”, “D9”, “E8”, “F7”, “G6”, “H5”, “I4” and “J3” are stacked and arranged along a vertical direction with respect to “T”. Digital contents namely “A2”, “B1”, “B10”, “C9”, “D8”, “E7”, “F6”, “G5”, “H4”, “I3” and “J2” are stacked and arranged along a vertical direction with respect to “S”. This aspect is also illustrated in figure 9. Now depending upon the screen size, resolution, icon size, and other parameters, one either the full stack or part of the stack is displayed on the display device. In a preferred aspect, when the multi-dimensional matrix and the stack are being displayed, the selected digital content is highlighted so as to be visually distinguishable from the non-selected digital contents, as illustrated in figure 9.

Assuming that the matrix size is 3*3 and the selected content is K, the alternative mechanism for locating the selected is illustrated in figure 10. In a first alternative, the selected content “K” can be located so as to form part of a matrix which is illustrated by box 1002 and the and the digital contents adjacent to K may be located so as to occupy the remaining positions of the multi-dimensional matrix. In this case, the matrix 1002 will comprise of B, C, D, K, L, M, T, U and V.

In a second alternative, the selected content “K” can be located so as to form part of a matrix which is illustrated by box 1004 and the and the digital contents adjacent to K may be located so as to occupy the remaining positions of the multi-dimensional matrix. In this case, the matrix 1004 will comprise of J, K, L, S, T, U, A2, A3 and A4.

In a third alternative, the selected content “K” can be located so as to form part of a matrix which is illustrated by box 1006 and the and the digital contents adjacent to K may be located so as to occupy the remaining positions of the multi-dimensional matrix. In this case, the matrix 1006 will comprise of K, L, M, T, U, V, A3, A4 and A5.

In all of the aforesaid alternatives, at least a part of the remaining digital contents of the folder are arranged in a stacked manner with respect to the digital contents located at the edges of the multi- dimensional matrix and the multi-dimensional matrix along with either the full stack or part of the stack is displayed on the display device.

In addition to the invention enabling tracking position of one or more digital contents in a folder which is based on spatial location, the invention may also take into consideration similarity based grouping.

Now referring to figure 11, there is provided a method (1100) for tracking position of one or more digital contents in a folder comprising:
grouping (1102) a plurality of digital contents stored in the folder into at least two groups;
arranging (1104) a sub-set of digital contents forming part of said at least two groups in form of a multi-dimensional matrix;
arranging (1106) at least a part of the remaining digital contents of the folder in a stacked manner with respect to the digital contents located at the edges of the multi- dimensional matrix with the digital contents grouped together being arranged in a particular direction of the multi-dimensional matrix; and
displaying (1108) the multi-dimensional matrix along with the stacked digital contents on a display device.

In an embodiment of the above described method, the grouping of the digital contents is performed on basis of similarity of the digital contents.

In another embodiment of the above described method, the similarity of the digital contents includes one or more of: similarity in the type of the digital content, similarity of date of creation, similarity of date of modification, similarity of data of the digital contents, similarity of a meta data pertaining to the digital contents.

In yet another embodiment of the above described method, a depth of the stack is based on a number of stacked digital contents.

In still another embodiment of the above described method, a size of a digital content located at an edge of the 2 dimensional matrix is based on a number of stacked digital contents.

In a further embodiment of the above described method, preview of the digital contents are arranged in the stacked manner.

In a furthermore embodiment of the above described method, details of the digital contents are arranged in the stacked manner.

In an embodiment, the above described method may further comprise allowing (1110) for the shifting of the 2 dimensional matrix and the stacked digital contents with respect to the display device.

In another embodiment of the above described method, the digital content includes one or more of a sub-folder or a file.

The aforesaid aspect of the present invention is explained in detail in the following paragraphs using some examples and associated figures. Let’s assume that a folder (content library) comprises plurality of digital contents, which are named as A, B, …. J10 (similar to what was illustrated in figure 2). Referring to figure 12, let’s say that these digital contents can be the following nature:
• Word document: the digital contents which are shaded by horizontal lines;
• Image document: the digital contents which are shaded by vertical lines;
• PDF document: the digital contents which are shaded by diagonal lines; and
• Multimedia file: the digital contents which are highlighted by grids.

As it can be noticed from figure 12, the digital contents need not be grouped together based on their similarity to start with and could be arranged on any other basis. Thus, to start with the digital contents are grouped together so as to form at least two distinct groups. In the present instance, let’s consider grouping the document into 4 groups as illustrated in figure 13.

As illustrated in figure 14, a subset of digital contents forming part of each group is arranged in form of a multi-dimensional matrix, for example, a 3*3 matrix. In the illustrated example, icons pertaining to digital contents A and D (i.e. a sub-set pertaining to the word document group) is arranged in the 3*3 matrix. Similarly, icons pertaining to digital contents C and J (i.e. a sub-set pertaining to the image document group) is arranged in the 3*3 matrix, icons pertaining to digital contents E and G (i.e. a sub-set pertaining to the PDF document group) is arranged in the 3*3 matrix and icons pertaining to digital contents B and O (i.e. a sub-set pertaining to the multimedia file group) is arranged in the 3*3 matrix.

Effort is made in the above process to adjust as many groups as possible in the multi-dimensional matrix. In the example provided above, it can thus be seen that icons from each of the four groups are represented in the 3*3 matrix. It may also be noted that if a group comprises of small number of digital contents, all of which can be located in a single direction of the multi-dimensional matrix, the same can be done.

Once the multi-dimensional matrix has been appropriately populated, at least a part of the remaining digital contents of the folder are arranged in a stacked manner with respect to the digital contents located at the edges of the multi- dimensional matrix. While arranging the at least a part of the remaining digital contents of the folder, the digital contents which have been grouped together are arranged in a particular direction of the multi-dimensional matrix. One example of the outcome is illustrated in figure 15. In this case, the stack depth in each direction will indicate the amount spatial location of the digital content within the particular group. Finally, the outcome as illustrated in figure 15 can be provided as output.

Once again it can be noticed that figure 11 and the associated description enables tracking of plurality of digital contents and a user may not have selected any particular content. In case the user selects a particular content, the present invention provides a method (1600) as illustrated in figure 16 for tracking position of a selected digital content in a folder, comprising:
grouping (1602) a plurality of digital contents stored in the folder into at least two groups;
arranging (1604) the selected digital content as part of a multi-dimensional matrix;
arranging (1606) digital contents located adjacent to the selected digital content so as to occupy remaining parts of the multi-dimensional matrix;
arranging (1608) at least a part of the remaining digital contents of the folder in a stacked manner with respect to the digital contents located at the edges of the multi- dimensional matrix with the digital contents grouped together being arranged in a particular direction of the multi-dimensional matrix; and
displaying (1610) the multi-dimensional matrix along with the stacked digital contents on a display device.

In an embodiment of the above described method, the grouping of the digital contents is performed on basis of similarity of the digital contents.

In another embodiment of the above described method, the similarity of the digital contents includes one or more of: similarity in the type of the digital content, similarity of date of creation, similarity of date of modification, similarity of data of the digital contents, similarity of a meta data pertaining to the digital contents.

In yet another embodiment of the above described method, a depth of the stack is based on a number of stacked digital contents.

In still another embodiment of the above described method, a size of a digital content located at an edge of the multi-dimensional matrix is based on a number of stacked digital contents.

In a further embodiment of the above described method, preview of the digital contents are arranged in the stacked manner.

In a furthermore embodiment of the above described method, details of the digital contents are arranged in the stacked manner.

In an embodiment, the above describe method may further comprise highlighting (1612) the selected digital content so as to be visually distinguished from the remaining digital contents.

In another embodiment, the above describe method may further comprise making (1614) the selected digital contents to appear in backdrop.

In yet another embodiment, the above describe method may further comprise highlighting (1616) one or more digital contents falling in the same group as that of the selected digital content so as to be visually distinguished from the remaining digital contents.

In still another embodiment, the above describe method may further comprise allowing (1618) for the shifting of the multi-dimensional matrix and the stacked digital contents with respect to the display device.

Referring to figure 17, in all of the aforesaid embodiments, the method can further detect a command for providing an image preview pertaining to a parent folder, within which a present folder may be located. Upon detecting such command, the method can display an image preview that gives a spatial indication to the user of the relative position of present folder within the parent folder and at the same time, depict the selected digital content in the background. In view of the spatial indication, the user is able to easily locate the present folder (which contains the selected digital content) starting from a parent folder. Particularly, it can be seen from figure 17 that in step 1702, the user opens a particular parent folder and selects a particular folder. In step 1704, the user selects a particular digital content. Thus, in step 1706, the selected digital content may be displayed on the display device. Now the system can be activated to detect a command for providing an image preview pertaining to a parent folder. The command is shown by way of example in 1708 as a multi-finger touch. In response to receiving the command, the device may now start rendering the parent folder contents in a spatial tracking mode. At the same time, the currently selected digital content may be represented in the background.

Additionally, referring to figure 18, in all of the aforesaid embodiments, the method can further detect a command for providing an image preview pertaining to two level up folder, within which a present folder may be located. Upon detecting such command, the method can display an image preview that gives a spatial indication to the user of the relative position at levels up of the present folder and at the same time, depict the selected digital in the background. In view of the spatial indication, the user is able to easily locate the present folder (which contains the selected digital content) and the parent folder (which contains the presently viewed folder) starting from two levels up. Particularly, it can be seen from figure 18 that in step 1802, the user opens a particular folder which is two levels up and selects a particular parent folder. In step 1804, the user selects a particular folder from the parent folder. In step 1806, the user selects the particular digital content from the present folder. Thus, in step 1708, the selected digital content is displayed on the display device. Now the system can be activated to detect a command for providing an image preview pertaining to two level up folder. The command is shown by way of example in 1710 as a multi-finger slide. In response to receiving the command, the device may now start rendering the folder contents of a two level up folder in a spatial tracking mode. At the same time, the currently selected digital content may be represented in the background. In addition to merely rendering the two level up folders, if the method further enables the user to select a different selection based on the two-level up preview, which is demonstrated by step 1814. In case the user makes such a selection, the selected digital content is rendered, as is seen from 1816.

Now referring to figure 19, there is illustrated a brief illustration of the nearest edge method. As illustrated in figure 19, a particular digital content may be taken as reference point and with respect to the particular reference point, horizontal axis, vertical axis, and two diagonal axes are drawn (imaginary). The centre point of each icon of the digital file is then checked as whether the same lies on any of the aforesaid axis. Location of a file which already lies on any of the aforesaid may not be changed. On the other hand, a file which does not lie on any of the aforesaid axis can be shifted on the distance to the nearest axis. In one of the mechanisms, if a particular file lies at an equidistance location between two axis, preference may be given to the diagonal axis. It may be noted that it is not essential that all of the aforesaid axes have to be considered or even if considered, movement has to be made in respect of all axis.

Apart from providing the method, the present invention also provides a device (2000) as illustrated in figure 20 for tracking position of one or more digital contents in a folder. The device (2000) comprises a memory (2002) for storing a plurality of digital contents in a folder; a display device (2004) for displaying a sub-set of digital contents in the folder; and a tracking module (2006).

In accordance with the first embodiment, the tracking module is configured to:
arrange a sub-set of the digital contents stored in the folder in form of a multi-dimensional matrix;
arrange at least a part of the remaining digital contents of the folder in a stacked manner with respect to the digital contents located at the edges of the multi- dimensional matrix; and
display the multi-dimensional matrix along with the stacked digital contents on a display device.

In accordance with a second embodiment, the tracking module is configured to:
arrange the selected digital content at about a centre location of a multi-dimensional matrix;
arrange digital contents located adjacent to the selected digital content so as to occupy edges of the multi-dimensional matrix;
arrange at least a part of the remaining digital contents of the folder in a stacked manner with respect to the digital contents located at the edges of the multi- dimensional matrix; and
display the multi-dimensional matrix along with the stacked digital contents on a display device.

In accordance with a third embodiment, the tracking module is configured to:
group a plurality of digital contents stored in the folder into at least two groups;
arrange a sub-set of digital contents forming part of said at least two groups in form of a multi-dimensional matrix;
arrange at least a part of the remaining digital contents of the folder in a stacked manner with respect to the digital contents located at the edges of the multi- dimensional matrix with the digital contents grouped together being arranged in a particular direction of the multi- dimensional matrix; and
display the multi-dimensional matrix along with the stacked digital contents on a display device.

In accordance with a forth embodiment, the tracking module is configured to:
group a plurality of digital contents stored in the folder into at least two groups;
arrange the selected digital contents at about a centre location of a multi-dimensional matrix;
arrange digital contents located adjacent to the selected digital content so as to occupy edges of the multi-dimensional matrix;
arrange at least a part of the remaining digital contents of the folder in a stacked manner with respect to the digital contents located at the edges of the multi- dimensional matrix with the digital contents grouped together being arranged in a particular direction of the multi-dimensional matrix; and
display the multi-dimensional matrix along with the stacked digital contents on a display device.

The drawings and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. The scope of embodiments is at least as broad as given by the following claims.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any component(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or component of any or all the claims.