SMARTWATCH OR OTHER WEARABLE DEVICE CONFIGURED TO INTUITIVELY INTERACT WITH A USER

Abstract

Several apparatus for receiving and displaying unassociated information elements in useful ways on a wearable computing device are described. In one example, the apparatus receives, organizes, displays and navigates a logical ordering of unassociated information elements. In another example, the apparatus receives unassociated information elements. In another example, the apparatus receives, associates, and navigates unassociated information elements.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/120,238 entitled “A SMARTWATCH OR OTHER NOTIFICATION DEVICE CONFIGURED TO INTUITIVELY INTERACT WITH A USER BASED ON TIME AND THE WAY THE USER USES THE DEVICE” filed Feb. 24, 2015, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

This application is related to U.S. application Ser. No. ______, entitled “A SMARTWATCH OR OTHER WEARABLE DEVICE CONFIGURED TO INTELLIGENTLY INTERACT WITH A USER,” filed concurrently herewith, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Examples described herein generally relate to wearable computing devices such as smart watches, and more specifically directed at wearable computing devices with interactive notification systems.

BACKGROUND ART

Historically wearable computing devices, including smart watches, have suffered from numerous design flaws including large size or poor functionality.

Due to the constraints of wearable computing device form factors, it is difficult to integrate high performance computing technology with an interface that is easy to use. Past wearable computing devices were often large and bulky. The size was usually a function of the power requirements for the included display as well as computational electronics.

At one time, engineering goals in the industry were to provide a full personal computer-type experience on the user's body. This may not be possible because of the aforementioned size, limited battery longevity, and clunky user interface. In order to extend battery life, certain portions of the device's functionality was placed in a limited mode, or switched off entirely.

Due to limitations in input methods available in the wearable computing device sized form factor, user input devices are limited. Attempts at providing a litany of multipurpose input buttons in conjunction with confusing displays can make user input to applications difficult, frustrating and disruptive.

Conversely, other previous efforts to avoid the size problems, produced products with underwhelming features and little added benefit. These wearable computing devices had limited programmability, and provided the user little benefit over their conventional counterparts.

Many attempts have failed to provide the user with an interface that is both elegant and functional.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Several apparatus for receiving and displaying unassociated information elements in useful ways on a wearable computing device are described. In one example, the apparatus receives, organizes, displays and navigates a logical ordering of unassociated information elements. In another example, the apparatus receives, associates, and navigates unassociated information elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, and 1E are illustrations demonstrating a technique for receiving informational elements and adding interactions to them.

FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C are illustrations demonstrating a technique for navigating a logical ordering of future ordered information elements.

FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C are illustrations demonstrating a technique for navigating a logical ordering of past ordered information elements.

FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C are an illustrations demonstrating a technique for receiving information elements and adding interactions to the elements.

FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C are block diagrams of wearable computing devices illustrating the relationship between the components of a wearable computing device.

FIG. 6 is a diagram demonstrating navigational state changes utilizing chronological ordering and buttons as input devices.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are flowcharts illustrating techniques for receiving, displaying, and navigating unassociated information elements according to one example.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES

In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, structure and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the invention. References to numbers without subscripts or suffixes are understood to reference all instance of subscripts and suffixes corresponding to the referenced number. Moreover, the language used in this disclosure has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter, resort to the claims being necessary to determine such inventive subject matter. Reference in the specification to “one example” or to “an example” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the examples is included in at least one example of the invention, and multiple references to “one example” or “an example” should not be understood as necessarily all referring to the same example.

As used herein, the terms “a computer system” or “system” can refer to a single computer or a plurality of computers working together to perform the function described as being performed on or by a computer system.

In order to accomplish a robust wearable computing platform, there must be systems in place for enabling information elements to be delivered in a useful manner, and processes implemented for useful interaction.

Elements of unassociated information are inputs into the apparatus. Unassociated information elements, in this context, are generally small capsules of information that one would expect to receive as a notification from an application, however any apparatus capable of generating a notification may be an input source. The applications that generate the unassociated information elements seldom have awareness into what other generating applications are presenting, which often make the unassociated information elements appear disjointed, or unassociated, if viewed cumulatively outside of the context of the applications that generated them. The sources of the unassociated information elements are numerous and include but are not limited to personal computing devices including smart phones and smart watches, other wearable devices, servers including web servers and application servers, personal digital assistants, home automation devices, and automobile computing platforms. These systems generate the unassociated information elements, which are meant to present the user with some information, often related to their operating context of the source. As unassociated information elements vary in type and content, they can be displayed in any part of a display and in various forms. As form factors of devices capable of displaying unassociated information events vary, the actual formatting varies as well.

The unassociated information elements may be distinguished into multiple subsets. These would include but are not limited to personal communication information, past and future event information, and fact-based information.

Personal communication information is a subset of the unassociated information elements that deal with a user's personal interactions with others. These unassociated information elements are distinguished from other information elements in that they have a characteristic that makes them unique to the user. Personal communication information is intended and specifically directed to a particular user, unlike other information elements that are broadly available for all users to access. Personal communication information may be incorporated from an external provider, or from the wearable itself. Examples include but are not limited to short message service (SMS), emails, texts, tweets, fitness metrics, missed telephone calls, Instagram and Facebook notifications.

Event information is a subset of the unassociated information elements that deal with a user's scheduling. Event information is usually a time-based occurrence or series of occurrences for which the user is affected. Examples include but are not limited to calendar entries and reminders.

Fact-based information is a subset of the unassociated information elements that deal with published facts for which the user exhibits an interest. Fact-based information are readily available information points, that can be in the public domain, and that allow the user to better understand the world around him or her. Examples include but are not limited to sports scores, stock ticker information, weather updates, horoscope information, fitness information and news updates.

Upon reception by the wearable computing device, the unassociated information elements are categorized and classified. The categorization and classification can be the result of evaluation of associated meta-data for the unassociated information element, usually the content of the unassociated information element and the source. Some unassociated information elements may require some sort of user interaction based on the type of the unassociated information element received, which may be added to the unassociated information element upon reception.

FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, and 1E are illustrations demonstrating a technique for receiving informational elements and adding interactions to them.

In this example, FIG. 1A is a baselined state where the wearable computing device 101 displays two unassociated information elements. An unassociated information element depicting sunrise 106 and an unassociated information element depicting sunset 108 are displayed. Upon drilldown into either a sunrise 106 element or a sunset 108 element, a weather forecast is displayed for that portion of the day. Under normal operation, the weather forecast is for the local area, in which the wearable computing device 101 is physically located. Drill down into any element may be accomplished by pressing the select input button 110, while the element is aligned correspondingly with the select input button 110.

FIG. 1B is an updated state of the wearable computing device 102 illustrating the typical usage behavior of the selection of the sunrise 106 or the sunset 108 element. The pressing of the select input button 110 drills down into a weather forecast for the local area 112. In this example, the wearable 102 is located in San Jose, the temperature is 74 degrees Fahrenheit, and the sky is cloudy.

FIG. 1C is an updated state of the wearable computing device 103 where a new unassociated information element has been inserted into the display occurring between the sunrise 106 and the sunset 108. A reminder information element for a ride on Caltrain NB 126 114 has been inserted into the display.

FIG. 1D is a further updated state of the wearable computing device 104 where the navigation has advanced in time by the use of a forward navigational button 116, to the reminder information element for the ride on Caltrain NB 126 114. The user may drill down into the information element for the ride on Caltrain NB 126 114 by using the select input button 110.

FIG. 1E is the drill down into the element for the ride on Caltrain NB 126 118. In this example, the wearable computing device 105 anticipates the users interaction and presents an option to purchase a ticket 120 with the select input button 110.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C are illustrations demonstrating a technique for navigating a logical ordering of future ordered information elements.

For this example, the ordered information elements are ordered chronologically. The content and source of the ordered information element can help determine the ordering relationship. Calendar events that are specifically time-based are ordered based on when the event is scheduled to occur. SMS text messages and missed telephone calls, which do not correspond to any scheduled event, are ordered based on the time at which they were received. Interval events, such as fitness metrics, are ordered individually at the time at which they were sampled. Alternatively, the ordering can be based on other relationships between the ordered information elements, including source or content.

In this example, the start state 201 for the device for viewing the ordered information elements begins with a watch face 204. The watch face 204 displays the current time for the user's frame of reference. Additionally, the wearable computing device 200 provides an input device to navigate the ordered information elements. In this example, buttons 207, 208, 210 are provided for navigation, however, other implementations including a touch screen, voice commands, or gestures could be used. Specific to this example, one button 210 is provided for advancing navigation. The advancing navigation button 210, when pushed, changes the watch face 204 to display present and future ordered information elements in FIG. 2B.

The present and future state 202 displays the present ordered information element 206 chronologically following and a future ordered information element 209.

In this example, a present ordered information element 206 is shown. As mentioned previously, the content and source can help determine the ordering relationship for the ordered information elements. The present ordered information element 206, a calendar appointment for the weekly staff meeting, is ordered based on when that event occurs, not when the ordered information element for that appointment was received.

Also shown is a future ordered information element 209 at the bottom of the display. The future ordered information element 209 is displayed adding context to the user's view. In this example, the future ordered information element 209 is an entry from the public transit schedule. Likewise to the present ordered information element 206, the future ordered information element 209 is ordered based on when the event is to occur, not when the future ordered information element 209 was received, all determined based on the content and source of the future ordered information element 209.

The present and future state 202 provide the input devices, buttons 207, 208, 210, for navigational purposes. The bottom button 210 is now functionally an advancing button and is used to advance to a future state 203.

The future state 203 displays future ordered information elements 212, 213, 214 which chronologically occur in the future. Each ordered information element is displayed with the time 211 in which they are ordered and occur.

As displayed here, different future ordered information element 212, 213, 214 types can be displayed simultaneously. First future ordered information element 212, displayed indicating 5:30 PM, is a public transit schedule of interest. Second future ordered information element 213, displayed indicating 6:00 PM is a sporting event of interest on ESPN. Third future ordered information element 214, displayed indicating 7:15 PM, is a weather event of notice, the sun setting and the beginning of night. Each one of these future ordered information elements would have come from different sources and are unrelated to one another, yet are arranged and placed in a useful view for the user.

FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C are illustrations demonstrating a technique for navigating a logical ordering of past ordered information elements.

For this example, similar to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, the ordered information elements are ordered chronologically.

In this example, the start state 301 for the device 300 for viewing the elements begins with a watch face 304. The watch face 304 displays the current time for the user's frame of reference. Additionally, the device 300 provides an input device to navigate the past ordered information elements. In this example, buttons 307, 308, 309 are provided for navigation, however, other implementations including a touch screen, voice commands, or gestures could be used. Specific to this example a button 307 is provided for retreating navigation. The retreating navigation button 307, when pushed, changes the watch face 304 to display past ordered information elements.

The past state 302 displays the past ordered information elements 306, 310 that are chronologically occurring in the past.

In this example, a past ordered information element 310 is shown. As mentioned previously, the content and source determine the ordering relationship for the ordered information element. The focused past ordered information element 310 happens to be a news update, based on stock market information and can be ordered and displayed based on when the update was received.

FIG. 3B shows another past ordered information element 306 which occurred prior to the focused past ordered information element 310. In this example, the past ordered information element 306 is a calendar appointment for lunch. Unlike the past ordered information element 310 displayed as a news update, the past ordered information element 306 illustrated by the lunch appointment, is ordered based on the content of the past ordered information element 306, not when the past ordered information element 306 was received.

The past state 302 provides input devices for navigational purposes. A retreating button 311 is provided to retreat further into past ordered information elements 303.

The further past state 303 displays past ordered information elements 313, 314, 315 which chronologically occur in the past. Each past ordered information element 313, 314, 315 is displayed with the time 312 in which they occurred.

As displayed here, different past ordered information element 313, 314, 315 types can be displayed simultaneously. First, displayed at 6:30 AM, is a past ordered information element 313 illustrated as a weather event of notice, sunrise. Second, displayed at 7:00 AM is a past ordered information element 314 representing a personal communication information in the form of a missed telephone call. Third, displayed at 11:15 AM, is a past ordered information element 315 for a calendar event for a lunch meeting. Each one of these past ordered information elements 313, 314, 315 come from different sources and are unrelated to one another, yet are arranged and placed in a useful view for the user.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C are illustrations demonstrating a technique for receiving unassociated information elements and adding interactions to the unassociated information elements.

Depicted here is the receiving state 401 when wearable computing device 400 receives an unassociated information element. The unassociated information element 404 in this example is a SMS text message with a request for dinner from a known contact.

In this example, the wearable computing device 400 evaluates the unassociated information element 404 and determines what kind of unassociated information element 404 it is based on meta-data surrounding the unassociated information element 404. Usually the meta-data includes the message's source and the content. Since the unassociated information element 404 received was a SMS text message, the wearable computing device 400 determines the response is a SMS text message directed back to the sender. Based on the content, the wearable computing device 400, can additionally determine and present the user with a few options for responses.

Upon receiving the unassociated information element 404, the user may select to view some wearable computing device 400 responses by pressing the “select” button 405. The select button 405 moves the display into a selection display state 402 presenting the user with options of response to the reception of the unassociated information element 404. Alternatively, other methods of input may be implemented to move the view into the selection display state 402. Touch screen input devices utilize swiping gesture based input to navigate. Voice commands respond to verbal cues to navigate as well.

The selection display state 402 presents the user with a few options to quickly respond in an applicable way based on the content and source of the received unassociated information element 404. In this instance, the received unassociated information element 404 was a SMS text message, so the response would be a SMS text message. For other unassociated information element 404 types, such as emails, the response correspondingly would match.

Options presented in this example are in the affirmative with a “yes” 406, the negative with a “no” 407, and a proposal for a new time 408. Alternatively, options may include brief descriptions explaining the action or the unassociated information element 404 itself as well. Each response would be input by the corresponding input device, buttons 409, 410, 411, accompanying it, which in this example would be buttons 409, 410, 411 alongside the display. Alternatively, with touchscreen based input, the user could simply touch the option, or with voice command input, the user could simply speak the option.

The user in this instance selects the affirmative option 406. The device then sends the response to the original sender, and updates the unassociated information element 404.

Based on the interaction selected, the unassociated information element may promote notifications itself. Just as the SMS response was sent, other notifications can be integrated into the user actions.

The unassociated information element 404 is updated and moved into the user's time-based view state 403. In this example, the response accepted the sender's request for dinner. The wearable computing device 400 then updated that received, now ordered information element 412, to include a future component and placed it in order of when it should occur 412. Effectively, the wearable computing device 400 changed a received SMS text message into a calendar appointment based on the user's response.

FIG. 5A is a block diagram of an exemplary wearable computing device.

A processor 508 provides the computational component for the wearable computing device 500. The processor 508 executes the software that manipulates the data structure representation of the unassociated information elements. Additionally, the processor 508 adds any user actions to the unassociated information elements.

The processor 508 is coupled to a bi-directional receiver 506. The bi-directional receiver 506 receives and transmits radio frequency messages to any communicatively coupled devices. The bi-directional receiver 506 is the main entry point for any unassociated information element.

Additionally, a memory 518 is coupled to the processor 508. The memory 518 hosts the data structure representation of the unassociated information elements. The memory 518 additionally contains the software that manipulates the data structure representation and also the software that generally provides the wearable computing device 500 functions, the software being stored in a non-volatile portion of the memory 518.

A display 504 is coupled to the processor 508. The display 504 renders the unassociated information elements once they have been manipulated by the processor 508 in accordance with the software.

A plurality of input devices 510, 512, 514, 516 are coupled to the processor 508. The input devices 510, 512, 514, 516 are represented as buttons. The input devices 510, 512, 514, 516 provide the user an interface to interact with the software executing on the processor 508.

A wearable computing device 500 hosts all of the internal devices providing interactive information elements to a user. The chassis 502 physically contains all of the components.

FIG. 5B is similar to FIG. 5A except that the display 504 is changed to a touchscreen and display 520 and input devices 510, 512, 514 have been removed. The touchscreen provides users input capabilities to replace input devices 510, 512, 514 and additional input options.

FIG. 5C is similar to FIG. 5B except input device 516 has been removed and all user input is accepted by the touchscreen and display 520.

FIG. 6 is a diagram demonstrating navigational state changes utilizing chronological ordering and buttons as input devices.

To further explain the nature of the navigational implementation of this example, FIG. 6 is illustrative of the changes in state based on button depresses.

Horizontally along the top of FIG. 6 are the states of the watch face state 602 which corresponds to 204 and 304 (in FIGS. 2A and 3A), a past state 604 which corresponds to 302 and 303 (in FIGS. 3B and 3C), present state 606 represented as 206 in FIG. 2B, and future state 608 represented as 203 in FIG. 2C. Additionally, a drill down state 610 represents the user's selection of an item.

Vertically along the left of FIG. 6 are the buttons identified corresponding to those physically on the wearable computing device 500. Button one 612 corresponds with a return state button, depicted as 516. Button two 614 corresponds with a backward navigational motion through time, depicted by 510. Button three 616 corresponds with a selection action and is depicted by 512. Button four 618 corresponds with a forward navigational motion through time depicted by 514.

Button one 612 acts as a state reset button. No matter the state at which the wearable computing device is currently operating in, button one 612 returns it to the watch face state 602, as depicted by button one events 620.

Button two 614 acts as a past state 604 initiator. The only way to navigate into the past state 604, is by depressing button two 614 from the watch face state 602, which is depicted by the button two events 622. It is also possible to navigate into the present state from a future state by depressing button two 614.

Button three 616 acts as a drill down state 610 initiator. The drill down state 610 may be entered in from the past state 604, the present state 606, and the future state 608, as depicted by the button three events 624.

Button four 618 provides access to both the present state 606 as well as the future state 608. As depicted by the button four events 626, the initial push of button four 618 moves the wearable computing device 500 into the present state 606. Once in the present state 606, a subsequent push of button four 618 moves the wearable computing device 500 into the future state 606.

FIG. 7A is a flowchart illustrating a technique for receiving, displaying, and navigating unassociated information elements according to one example.

The flowchart begins with a start block 710.

At block 720, one or more unassociated information elements are received. These unassociated information elements are received from multiple sources, which in many cases is the reason why they are unassociated. Unassociated information elements once received may already include meta-data. In one embodiment, the unassociated information elements, once received, are assigned specific meta-data. The meta-data is derived from the source and the content of the unassociated information element itself. The unassociated information elements include but are not limited to emails, short message service (SMS) text messages, emails, Instagram notifications, Facebook notifications, calendar events, and current weather status.

Alternatively, one or more unassociated information elements may be received pre-ordered. This most likely occurs when the one or more elements are from a single source, or from a preprocessor, such as a paired mobile device.

Additionally, at any given point during the flow, one or more unassociated information elements may be received 720 and the iterative nature of the processing allows the flow to restart upon the reception at block 720.

At block 730, the unassociated information elements are assigned meta-data. The meta-data comprises source and content information. The meta-data is utilized to find like unassociated information elements and apply an ordering. For example meta-data based ordering for emails could be from “Source A” and further ordered based on their content.

At block 740, the one or more of the unassociated information elements, and the assigned meta-data are logically organized. In one example of logical organization, the unassociated information elements would be ordered by the time in which they were received. Alternatively, logical organization could be taken by the source of the unassociated information elements, as well as the content of the unassociated information elements, or any combination or permutation of these. Examples would include organizing and displaying received SMS text messages in alphanumeric order from the contact or the telephone number from which the messages were received. The result of the logical organization is that logically adjacent to a given organized unassociated information element, either above or below, is a preceding and a following organized unassociated information element.

If the received one or more unassociated elements are pre-ordered, they may be processed as described since the received pre-ordered elements may overlap with elements already present in the logical organization. However, if it is determined that the pre-ordered elements do not overlap with elements already present in the logical organization, they may be inserted as a batch directly into the logical organization with minimal comparison against other elements. This is accomplished by observing the first pre-ordered element and the last pre-ordered element, and determining a range established by the first pre-ordered element and the last pre-ordered element. The range is then compared against the logical organization to determine if any existing elements in the logical ordering are within that range.

At block 760, the relevant elements from the logical organization of the one or more organized unassociated information elements are provided to a display device. The display device is implemented via liquid crystal display, e-paper, OLED display or even a cathode ray tube. The relevant elements are formatted and provided to the display device for display. In many cases the relevant elements are displayed in the order in the logical organization. In other cases related organized unassociated information elements can be displayed simultaneously. For example, calendar event elements are combined with weather forecast elements to provide the user context for their calendar appointment.

At block 770, the logical ordering of one or more organized unassociated information elements displayed upon the display device is navigated by the usage of an input device. The input device implementation includes but is not limited to buttons, motion, scroll bars, touch screen, or voice commands. Utilizing the input device, the user advances a focus through the logical ordering of one or more organized information unassociated elements, across the display device. The input devices also allows the user to retreat the focus through the logical ordering of one or more organized unassociated information elements.

The flowchart ends at block 780.

FIG. 7B is an alternative of FIG. 7A. In the example of FIG. 7B, the flow omits step 730 in which meta-data is assigned to the unassociated information elements.

As mentioned above, past attempts at providing an elegant and functional wearable computing experience have been insufficient. Utilizing unassociated information elements as an input, the apparatus contained within manipulates the unassociated elements in an intelligent fashion and displays them in a manner that allows the user the opportunity to interact, easily and unobtrusively.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples may be used in combination with each other. Many other examples will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention therefore should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims

1. A wearable device, comprising:

a processor configured to cooperate with a well-defined software interface to receive at least two different elements of unassociated information, the at least two different elements of unassociated information selected from the group of personal communication information including but not limited to SMS text messages and telephone calls, event information including but not limited to calendar events and other user scheduled events, and fact-based information including but not limited to published facts for which the user exhibits an interest in including sports scores, stock ticker information, weather updates, horoscope information, fitness information and news updates, organize the at least two elements of unassociated information into a time-based logical ordering based on time-ordering components of the at least two elements of unassociated information, the time-ordering component of the personal communication information being a receipt time, the time-ordering component of the event information being an event start time, and the time-ordering component of the fact-based information being a sampling time; and thus, the time-ordering component of the event information, the personal communication information, and the time-ordering component of the fact-based information are different time components; provide at least a portion of the logical ordering having at least one of the at least two elements of unassociated information for display;

a display device coupled to the processor and cooperating with the well-defined software interface that is configured to display portions of the at least two elements of unassociated information in the time-based logical ordering on the display device; and

an input device coupled to the processor, where the input device is configure to cooperate with the well-defined software interface to accept display-related user input to cause the at least one element provided for display by the processor to either advance or retreat chronologically in the time-based logical ordering from one element of unassociated information previously provided for display in order to browse through the at least two elements of unassociated information, or drill down into the one element of unassociated information for additional information, actions, or options available within that element of unassociated information, and where any portions of the wearable device implemented in software are stored in a non-transitory computer readable medium and executable by the processor.

2. The wearable device of claim 1,

wherein the processor cooperating with the well-defined software interface is further configured to provide the at least two elements of unassociated information in a combined manner to present one view of the information on the display device.

3. The wearable device of claim 1,

wherein the processor cooperating with the well-defined software interface is communicatively coupled to another device selected from the group of a smart phone, a personal computer, and a server.

4. The wearable device of claim 1,

wherein the personal communication information is selected from a group comprising emails, the SMS text messages, tweets, the telephone calls, fitness metrics, and social networking notifications.

5. The wearable device of claim 1,

wherein the event information is selected from a group comprising the calendar events, reminders, and other events logged in their personal calendar.

6. The wearable device of claim 1,

wherein the fact-based information is selected from a group comprising the sports score, the stock ticker data, the weather update, the horoscope information, the fitness information, and the news update.

7. An apparatus comprising:

a processor configured to cooperate with a well-defined software interface to receive at least two elements of unassociated information with different time components, the at least two elements of unassociated information selected from personal communication information with a receipt time component, event information with an event start time component, and fact-based information with a sampling time component, organize the at least two elements of unassociated information into a time-based logical ordering based on the different time components of the at least two elements of unassociated information, provide at least a portion of the logical ordering having at least one of the at least two elements of unassociated information for display;

a display device coupled to the processor cooperating with the well-defined software interface that is configured to display portions of the elements of unassociated information in the time-based of the logical ordering on the display device; and

an input device coupled to the processor, where the input device is configure to cooperate with the well-defined software interface to accept display-related user input to advance or retreat in the time-based logical ordering from at least one of the at least two elements of unassociated information, or drill down into the at least one of the at least two elements of unassociated information for additional information, actions, or options available within that element of unassociated information, and where any portions of the apparatus implemented in software are stored in a non-transitory computer readable medium and are executable by the processor.

8. (canceled)

9. The apparatus of claim 7,

wherein the processor is further configured to provide the at least two elements of unassociated information in a combined manner to present one view in the time-based logical ordering of information on the display device.

10. The apparatus of claim 7,

wherein the processor is communicatively coupled to a smart phone.

11. The apparatus of claim 7,

wherein the personal communication information is selected from a group comprising notifications for e-mail messages, SMS messages, and social networking communications.

12. The apparatus of claim 7,

wherein the event information is selected from a group comprising calendar appointments and reminders.

13. The apparatus of claim 7,

wherein the fact-based information is selected from a group comprising a sports score, stock ticker data, a weather update, and a news update.

14. An apparatus comprising:

a processor;

a memory coupled to the processor on which are stored instructions of an application that when executed cause the processor to receive at least two elements of unassociated information with different time components, the time components selected from a receipt time component, an event start time component, and a sampling time component, organize the at least two elements of unassociated information into a time-based ordering by the time components, a display device coupled to the processor and cooperating with the application to display portions of the at least two elements of unassociated information in time-based ordering on the display device, and a user input device configured to cooperate with the application to accept a user input to advance or retreat in the time-based ordering from at least one of the at least two elements of unassociated information currently being displayed on the display screen, or drill down into the at least one of the at least two elements of unassociated information for additional information, actions, or options.

15.-17. (canceled)

18. The apparatus of claim 14,

wherein the apparatus is an electronic device configured to be worn by a user of the electronic device.

19. The apparatus of claim 18,

wherein the electronic device is a smart watch.

20. The apparatus of claim 1,

wherein the processor cooperating with the application is further configured to anticipate the display-related user input and provide the additional information, actions, or options for display upon receiving the display-related user input.

21. The apparatus of claim 7,

wherein the processor cooperating with the application is further configured to anticipate the display-related user input, provide the additional information, actions, or options for display upon receiving the display-related user input, and update existing elements of unassociated information in the logical ordering that occur in the future to reflect display-related user input for the actions or options.

22. The apparatus of claim 14,

wherein the processor cooperating with the application is further caused to anticipate the display-related user input and provide the additional information, actions, or options for display upon receiving the display-related user input.

23. The apparatus of claim 14,

wherein the at least two elements of unassociated information are selected from personal communication information having the receipt time component, event information having the event start time component, and fact-based information having the sampling time component,

wherein the personal communication information is selected from notifications for e-mail messages, SMS messages, missed telephone calls, and social networking communications,

wherein the event information is selected from calendar appointments and reminders, and

wherein the fact-based information is selected from sports scores, stock ticker data, weather updates, and news updates.