U.S. patent application number 11/349612 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-10 for system and method for provision of information.
Invention is credited to Jussi Impio, Jaakko Lehikoinen.
Application Number | 20060178215 11/349612 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36780629 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060178215 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lehikoinen; Jaakko ; et
al. |
August 10, 2006 |
System and method for provision of information
Abstract
Systems and methods applicable, for instance, in proximity
networking activity. For example, nodes and/or other computers may
record, receive, and/or provide information regarding proximity
networking activity. As another example, nodes and/or other
computers may act to inform their users of proximity networking
activity instances. As further examples, content, presence, globe
view, request, and/or search operations may be performed.
Inventors: |
Lehikoinen; Jaakko;
(Hameenkyro, FI) ; Impio; Jussi; (Palkane,
FI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MORGAN & FINNEGAN, L.L.P.
3 World Financial Center
New York
NY
10281-2101
US
|
Family ID: |
36780629 |
Appl. No.: |
11/349612 |
Filed: |
February 7, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11054008 |
Feb 8, 2005 |
|
|
|
11349612 |
Feb 7, 2006 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/39 ;
463/42 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 48/16 20130101;
H04L 67/18 20130101; H04W 48/08 20130101; H04W 40/00 20130101; H04L
67/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/039 ;
463/042 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method, comprising: presenting, to a user, a view of one or
more areas of Earth; presenting, at one or more geographical
locations on the view, indication of presence of one or more nodes,
wherein capture capabilities are indicated for one or more of the
nodes; and receiving, from the user, request that one or more of
the nodes provide surroundings depiction capture, wherein provided
surroundings depiction captures are available via the view.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the request includes indication
of desired surroundings depiction capture type.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving, from the
user, request for communications with one or more of the nodes.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein one or more credits are given for
providing surroundings depiction capture.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising presenting, at one or
more geographical locations on the view, indication of content,
other than surroundings depiction capture, provided by users.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising presenting, at one or
more geographical locations on the view, indication of proximity
networking activity.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein indication of content provided by
users is updated.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein some or all of content provided
by users is managed.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein indication of some or all of
content provided by users is presented at one or more geographical
locations on the view based on associated metadata.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein information is compiled.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein one or more resources employed
in presenting the view are updated in response to one or more
triggers.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein one or more users providing
content are presented with information regarding reception of
provided content.
13. A method, comprising: presenting, to a user, a view of one or
more areas of Earth; presenting, at one or more geographical
locations on the view, indication of proximity networking activity;
and receiving, from the user, request for search for one or more
areas having high levels of activity.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising presenting, at one
or more geographical locations on the view, indication of content
provided by users.
15. The method of claim 13, further comprising presenting, at one
or more geographical locations on the view, indication of presence
of one or more nodes.
16. The method of claim 13, wherein the high levels of activity are
high levels of one or more of proximity networking activity,
content provision by users, and presence of one or more nodes.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein capture capabilities are
indicated for one or more of the nodes.
18. The method of claim 15, further comprising receiving, from the
user, request that one or more of the nodes provide surroundings
depiction capture.
19. The method of claim 14, wherein the indication of content
provided by users is updated.
20. The method of claim 14, wherein some or all of the content
provided by users is managed.
21. The method of claim 14, wherein associated metadata is
employed.
22. The method of claim 13, wherein information is compiled.
23. The method of claim 13, wherein one or more resources employed
in presenting the view are updated in response to one or more
triggers.
24. The method of claim 13, wherein one or more users providing
content are presented with information regarding reception of
provided content.
25. A system, comprising: a memory having program code stored
therein; and a processor disposed in communication with the memory
for carrying out instructions in accordance with the stored program
code; wherein the program code, when executed by the processor,
causes the processor to perform: presenting, to a user, a view of
one or more areas of Earth; presenting, at one or more geographical
locations on the view, indication of presence of one or more nodes,
wherein capture capabilities are indicated for one or more of the
nodes; and receiving, from the user, request that one or more of
the nodes provide surroundings depiction capture, wherein provided
surroundings depiction captures are available via the view.
26. The system of claim 25, wherein the request includes indication
of desired surroundings depiction capture type.
27. A system, comprising: a memory having program code stored
therein; and a processor disposed in communication with the memory
for carrying out instructions in accordance with the stored program
code; wherein the program code, when executed by the processor,
causes the processor to perform: presenting, to a user, a view of
one or more areas of Earth; presenting, at one or more geographical
locations on the view, indication of proximity networking activity;
and receiving, from the user, request for search for one or more
areas having high levels of activity.
28. The system of claim 27, wherein the processor further performs
presenting, at one or more geographical locations on the view,
indication of content provided by users.
29. A node, comprising: a memory having program code stored
therein; a processor disposed in communication with the memory for
carrying out instructions in accordance with the stored program
code; and a network interface disposed in communication with the
processor; wherein the program code, when executed by the
processor, causes the processor to perform: presenting, to a user,
a view of one or more areas of Earth; presenting, at one or more
geographical locations on the view, indication of presence of one
or more nodes, wherein capture capabilities are indicated for one
or more of the nodes; and receiving, from the user, request that
one or more of the nodes provide surroundings depiction capture,
wherein provided surroundings depiction captures are available via
the view.
30. A node, comprising: a memory having program code stored
therein; a processor disposed in communication with the memory for
carrying out instructions in accordance with the stored program
code; and a network interface disposed in communication with the
processor; wherein the program code, when executed by the
processor, causes the processor to perform: presenting, to a user,
a view of one or more areas of Earth; presenting, at one or more
geographical locations on the view, indication of proximity
networking activity; and receiving, from the user, request for
search for one or more areas having high levels of activity.
31. An article of manufacture comprising a computer readable medium
containing program code that when executed causes a node to
perform: presenting, to a user, a view of one or more areas of
Earth; presenting, at one or more geographical locations on the
view, indication of presence of one or more nodes, wherein capture
capabilities are indicated for one or more of the nodes; and
receiving, from the user, request that one or more of the nodes
provide surroundings depiction capture, wherein provided
surroundings depiction captures are available via the view.
32. An article of manufacture comprising a computer readable medium
containing program code that when executed causes a node to
perform: presenting, to a user, a view of one or more areas of
Earth; presenting, at one or more geographical locations on the
view, indication of proximity networking activity; and receiving,
from the user, request for search for one or more areas having high
levels of activity.
33. A device, comprising: presentation means for presenting, to a
user, a view of one or more areas of Earth; presentation means for
presenting, at one or more geographical locations on the view,
indication of presence of one or more nodes, wherein capture
capabilities are indicated for one or more of the nodes; and
reception means for receiving, from the user, request that one or
more of the nodes provide surroundings depiction capture, wherein
provided surroundings depiction captures are available via the
view.
34. A device, comprising: presentation means for presenting, to a
user, a view of one or more areas of Earth; presentation means for
presenting, at one or more geographical locations on the view,
indication of proximity networking activity; and reception means
for receiving, from the user, request for search for one or more
areas having high levels of activity.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 11/054,008 filed Feb. 8, 2005 and entitled
"System and Method for Provision of Proximity Networking Activity
Information", which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to systems and methods for provision
of information.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
[0003] In recent times, there has been an increase in proximity
networking activity. For example, many users have come to prefer
proximity gaming over other forms of gaming, have come to prefer
proximity messaging over other forms of messaging, and/or have come
to prefer proximity media streaming over other forms of media
distribution.
[0004] Accordingly, there may be interest in technologies that, for
example, facilitate proximity networking activity.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] According to embodiments of the present invention, there are
provided systems and methods applicable, for instance, in proximity
networking activity.
[0006] In various embodiments, nodes and/or other computers may
record, receive, and/or provide information regarding proximity
networking activity. Moreover, in various embodiments nodes and/or
other computers may act to inform their users of proximity
networking activity instances. It is additionally noted that, in
various embodiments, content, presence, globe view, request, and/or
search operations may be performed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 shows exemplary steps involved in exchange of
information regarding proximity networking activity according to
various embodiments of the present invention.
[0008] FIG. 2. shows exemplary steps involved in employment of
information regarding proximity networking activity according to
various embodiments of the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary map according to various
embodiments of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 4 shows exemplary steps involved in fixed node and/or
other computer functionality according to various embodiments of
the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 5 shows exemplary steps involved in content
functionality according to various embodiments of the present
invention.
[0012] FIG. 6 shows exemplary steps involved in content request
functionality according to various embodiments of the present
invention.
[0013] FIG. 7 shows exemplary steps involved in activity search
functionality according to various embodiments of the present
invention.
[0014] FIG. 8 shows an exemplary computer.
[0015] FIG. 9 shows a further exemplary computer.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
General Operation
[0016] According to embodiments of the present invention there are
provided systems and methods applicable, for instance, in proximity
networking activity.
[0017] For example, in various embodiments nodes and/or other
computers may record information regarding proximity networking
activity instances in which they partake, may receive information
regarding proximity networking activity from other nodes and/or
other computers, and/or may provide information regarding proximity
networking activity to other nodes and/or other computers.
[0018] As another example, in various embodiments nodes and/or
other computers may act to inform their users of proximity
networking activity instances, the nodes perhaps providing their
users with corresponding geographical information.
[0019] It is additionally noted that, in various embodiments,
content, presence, globe view, request, and/or search operations
may be performed.
[0020] Various aspects of the present invention will now be
discussed in greater detail.
Recording of Information Regarding Proximity Networking
Activity
[0021] According to various embodiments of the present invention a
mobile node and/or other computer may act to record information
regarding proximity networking activity instances in which it is
partaking. Such proximity networking activity might, for example,
include proximity gaming, proximity messaging, proximity media
streaming (e.g., images, video, and/or audio), proximity grid
computing, and/or proximity file sharing. Such proximity networking
activity might, for instance, make use of Bluetooth, WiFi (e.g.,
802.11g), and/or Ultra Wide Band (UWB).
[0022] Various information regarding a proximity networking
activity instance may, in various embodiments, be recorded by the
mobile node and/or other computer. Such information might, for
example, include names, nicknames, and/or other identifiers
corresponding to users participating in the proximity networking
activity instance, numbers of users participating in the proximity
networking activity instance, description of the proximity
networking activity instance, indication of whether or not the
proximity networking activity instance is open to new participants,
indication of how long the proximity networking activity instance
has been going on (e.g., elapsed time), one or more timestamps
corresponding to the proximity networking activity instance, fees
required for participating in the proximity networking activity
instance, hardware, software, and/or memberships required for
participating in the proximity networking activity instance, and/or
geographical location information corresponding to the proximity
networking activity instance (e.g., geographical coordinates and/or
description provided by a user such as, for instance, location
relative to a well-known landmark). It is noted that, in various
embodiments, a nickname might be employed in the case where
anonymity was desired.
[0023] Various operations might, in various embodiments, be
performed by the mobile node and/or other computer in recording
such information. For example, the mobile node and/or other
computer might determine various of such information by employing
one or more software modules that communicated with one or more
software modules that allowed the mobile node and/or other
computer's user to participate in the proximity networking
activity.
[0024] Accordingly, for instance, in the case where the proximity
networking activity was proximity gaming, the mobile node and/or
other computer might employ one or more software modules that
communicated with one or more software modules providing the gaming
experience in order to learn from those software modules
information such as, for example, one or more identifiers
corresponding to the gaming participants, description of the
proximity networking activity, and/or indication of how long the
proximity networking activity has been going on.
[0025] As another example, the mobile node and/or other computer
might determine various of such information by querying its user
(e.g., via a graphical user interface (GUI) and/or other
interface).
[0026] As yet another example, the mobile node and/or other
computer might determine various of such information via use of
hardware. Accordingly, for instance, the mobile node and/or other
computer might employ Global Positioning System (GPS) hardware
and/or networking hardware (e.g., Universal Mobile
Telecommunications Service (UMTS) hardware) in order to determine
geographical information corresponding to the proximity networking
activity instance. In so making use of networking hardware the
mobile node and/or other computer might, for example, act to query
access points (e.g., base stations) for location information, to
employ Enhanced Observed Time Difference (E-OTD), and/or the
like.
[0027] It is noted that, in various embodiments a user
participating in a proximity networking activity instance might be
able to indicate, perhaps via a GUI and/or other interface provided
by her mobile node and/or other computer, that some or all
identifiers corresponding to her not be provided to other mobile
nodes and/or other computers.
Exchange of Information Regarding Proximity Networking Activity
[0028] A mobile node and/or other computer may, according to
various embodiments of the present invention, act to provide
information regarding proximity networking activity to other mobile
nodes and/or other computers, and/or may act to receive information
regarding proximity networking activity from other mobile nodes
and/or other computers. Initiation of such functionality might, in
various embodiments, be automatic and/or be in response to user
request. Such functionality may be implemented in a number of
ways.
[0029] For example, mobile nodes and/or other computers capable of
providing and/or receiving information regarding proximity
networking activity might run one or more software modules that act
to, for instance, respond to queries from other mobile nodes and/or
other computers inquiring if capabilities of providing and/or
receiving information regarding proximity networking activity were
possessed. With respect to FIG. 1 it is noted that, according to
various embodiments, mobile nodes and/or other computers capable of
providing and/or receiving information regarding proximity
networking activity might run one or more software modules that
acted to, for instance, dispatch queries to other mobile nodes
and/or other computers inquiring if capabilities of providing
and/or receiving information regarding proximity networking
activity were possessed (step 101).
[0030] Such queries and responses thereto could be communicated
among mobile nodes and/or other computers in a number of ways. For
instance, Remote Method Invocation (RMI), Java Messaging Service
(JMS), Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP), Object Exchange (OBEX)
Object Push Profile (OPP), email, Multimedia Messaging Service
(MMS), and/or Short Message Service (SMS) might be employed. It is
noted that, in various embodiments, proximity connection (e.g.,
Bluetooth, WiFi, and/or UWB) might be employed for communication of
such queries and responses thereto. Accordingly, in various
embodiments, such queries might act to find mobile nodes and/or
other computers in proximity connection range possessing
capabilities of providing and/or receiving information regarding
proximity networking activity.
[0031] According to embodiments of the present invention, perhaps
in accordance with determination, via such queries and responses,
of capabilities of mobile nodes and/or other computers for
providing and/or receiving information regarding proximity
networking activity (step 103), one or more operations could be
performed whereby a mobile node and/or other computer possessing
information regarding proximity networking activity could act to
provide some or all of the information for receipt by another
mobile node and/or other computer (step 105). The recipient node
might, perhaps, already possess various information regarding
proximity networking activity. The mobile node and/or other
computer providing information regarding proximity networking
activity might, perhaps, further receive information regarding
proximity networking activity from the recipient mobile node and/or
other computer (step 107).
[0032] It is noted that, in various embodiments, possessed
information regarding proximity networking activity provided by a
mobile node and/or other computer could include information
regarding proximity networking activity recorded by that mobile
node and/or other computer, and/or information regarding proximity
networking activity received by that mobile node and/or other
computer from another mobile node and/or other computer. It is
further noted that, in various embodiments, a mobile node and/or
other computer could act to perform one or more handling operations
with respect to received information regarding proximity networking
activity. For example, the mobile node and/or other computer might
act to update already possessed information regarding proximity
networking activity. Accordingly, various information of the sort
discussed above (e.g., identifiers corresponding to participating
users, numbers of users participating, indication of whether or not
proximity networking activity instances are open to new
participants, timestamps, and/or geographical location information)
might, for instance, be updated.
[0033] The functionality whereby a mobile node and/or other
computer could act to provide information regarding proximity
networking activity for receipt by another mobile node and/or other
computer could be implemented in a number of ways.
[0034] For instance, the mobile node and/or other computer could
employ one or more software modules that acted to provide the
information regarding proximity networking activity, with RMI, JMS,
SOAP, OBEX OPP, email, MMS, and/or SMS perhaps being employed. It
is noted that, in various embodiments, proximity connection (e.g.,
Bluetooth, WiFi, and/or UWB) might be employed. Moreover, in
various embodiments a recipient mobile node and/or other computer
might employ one or more software modules that acted to
appropriately receive information regarding proximity networking
activity.
[0035] It is noted that, according to various embodiments of the
present invention, via the operations discussed herein mobile nodes
and/or other computers could come to share with one another
information regarding proximity networking activity that they had
recorded, and/or had received from other mobile nodes and/or other
computers.
[0036] Accordingly, for instance, a particular mobile node and/or
other computer might come to possess not only the information
regarding proximity networking activity that it had recorded
itself, but also the information regarding proximity networking
activity that had been recorded by each of a plurality of other
mobile nodes and/or other computers. Thus, the mobile node and/or
other computer might, for example, come to be aware of a number of
instances of proximity networking activity (e.g., proximity
gaming), the geographical locations associated with those
instances, and/or additional information regarding those
instances.
[0037] It is noted that, in various embodiments, a mobile node
and/or other computer might perform one or more operations to
determine if one or more software modules it possessed were also
possessed by another mobile node and/or other computer (e.g., one
in proximity communications range).
[0038] Such functionality might be implemented in a number of ways.
For example, one or more software modules running on a mobile node
and/or other computer might act to have one or more communications,
inquiring as to the possession of one or more particular software
modules, dispatched to another node and/or other computer. In the
case where the other node and/or other computer was running the one
or more modules in question, one or more software modules running
on the other node and/or other computer might act to have an
affirmative response sent to the inquiring node and/or other
computer. Such operations might, for example, involve the use of
RMI, JMS, SOAP, OBEX OPP, email, MMS, and/or SMS. Moreover, such
operations might, perhaps, involve proximity connection (e.g.,
Bluetooth, WiFi, and/or UWB).
[0039] It is noted that, in various embodiments, one or more
operations for activating one or more software modules may be
performed. For example, where queries found a mobile node and/or
other computer to possess capabilities of providing and/or
receiving information regarding proximity networking activity, one
or more appropriate software modules (e.g., ones involved in such
providing and/or receiving) might be activated. For instance, a
mobile node and/or other computer receiving such queries and/or
affirmatively responding to such queries might act to activate such
software modules.
[0040] As another example, in the case where proximity networking
activity information identifying a proximity networking activity
instance not previously known by a mobile node and/or other
computer (e.g., an instance in the present vicinity of the mobile
node and/or other computer) was received, the mobile node and/or
other computer might act to activate proximity networking activity
software employable in participation in the activity (e.g.,
proximity gaming software). It is noted that, in various
embodiments, appropriate software modules might subscribe to
appropriate interprocess communication notifications.
[0041] It is additionally noted that, in various embodiments, a
user's mobile node and/or other computer might act to inform her,
perhaps via a GUI and/or other interface, of receipt of proximity
networking activity information identifying a proximity networking
activity instance not previously known by the mobile node and/or
other computer. Text, images, and/or audio describing the instance
might, perhaps, be provided to the user by her mobile node and/or
other computer.
[0042] Further, it is noted that, in various embodiments, a user
could, for example, specify (e.g., via GUI and/or other interface)
that her mobile node and/or other computer should act to acquire
information regarding proximity networking activity from other
mobile nodes and/or other computers but not provide such
information, or that her mobile node and/or other computer should
act to provide information regarding proximity networking activity
to other mobile nodes and/or other computers but not receive such
information.
[0043] As further examples, a user could, in various embodiments,
specify that her mobile node and/or other computer should act to
communicate only with known mobile nodes and/or other computers
(e.g., ones specified by the user, belonging to users listed in an
address book of the user, and/or with which the mobile node and/or
other computer had previously communicated), with mobile nodes
and/or other computers of users that are members of certain groups
(e.g., one or more peer-to-peer groups of which the user is a
member), and/or with mobile nodes and/or other computers that are
set to be discoverable. As yet another example, a user could, in
various embodiments, specify that her mobile node and/or other
computer should provide none of her personal information to other
mobile nodes and/or other computers.
[0044] It is noted that, in various embodiments, Nokia Wild
Middleware and/or other middleware may be employed in various
operations. Additional information regarding Nokia Wild Middleware
may be found, for instance, in pending U.S. application Ser. No.
10/284,135, entitled "Device Detection and Service Discovery System
and Method For a Mobile Ad Hoc Communications Network" and filed
Oct. 31, 2002, and in pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/662,407,
entitled "Device Detection and Service Discovery System and Method
For a Mobile Ad Hoc Communications Network" and filed Sep. 16,
2003, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.
Employment of Information Regarding Proximity Networking
Activity
[0045] According to various embodiments of the present invention, a
mobile node and/or other computer may act to perform one or more
operations using possessed information regarding proximity
networking activity. Such possessed information regarding proximity
networking activity might, in various embodiments, include
information regarding proximity networking activity recorded by
that mobile node and/or other computer, and/or information
regarding proximity networking activity received by that mobile
node and/or other computer from other mobile nodes and/or other
computers.
[0046] For instance, the mobile node and/or other computer might,
perhaps via a GUI and/or other interface, act to make various of
its possessed information regarding proximity networking activity
available to its user. Such functionality might be implemented in a
number of ways. With respect to FIG. 2 it is noted that, according
to various embodiments, the mobile node and/or other computer might
act to present one or more maps to its user (step 203). Such a map
might, for instance, depict an area (e.g., a city, a portion of a
city, a campus, a park, or a building) and provide presentation of
one or more instances of proximity networking activity taking place
at that area.
[0047] For example, an indicator corresponding to a proximity
networking activity instance might be placed on a portion of the
map corresponding to the location where the activity was taking
place. As another example, an indicator corresponding to a
proximity networking activity instance might, perhaps visually,
indicate the type of proximity networking activity. For instance,
an indicator portraying a joystick might be employed to depict
proximity gaming, an indicator portraying an envelope might be
employed to depict proximity messaging, an indicator portraying a
speaker might be employed to depict proximity audio media
streaming, an indicator portraying a television set might be
employed to depict proximity video media streaming, an indicator
portraying a diskette might be employed to depict proximity file
sharing, an indicator portraying a camera might be employed to
depict proximity picture taking, and/or an indicator portraying a
gear might be employed to depict proximity grid computing.
[0048] As yet another example, an indicator corresponding to a
proximity networking activity instance might, perhaps visually,
indicate various other information regarding proximity networking
activity (e.g., information regarding proximity networking activity
of the sort discussed above). Accordingly, for example, an
indicator portraying an open door might be employed to depict a
proximity networking activity instance that is open to new
participants and/or an indicator portraying a closed door might be
employed to depict a proximity networking activity instance that is
not open to new participants. As another example, an indicator
portraying an hourglass might be employed to depict how long a
proximity networking activity instance has been going on (perhaps
with greater accumulation at the bottom of the hourglass indicating
greater time duration).
[0049] As yet another example, an indicator portraying a pile of
coins might be employed to depict a fee requirement for
participating in a proximity networking activity instance (perhaps
with a greater number of coins indicating a greater fee). As still
another example, an indicator portraying an insignia of a
particular group might be employed to depict a membership
requirement for a proximity networking activity instance. As a
further example, an indicator portraying a cluster of people might
be employed to depict a number of users participating in a
proximity networking activity instance (perhaps with a larger
cluster indicating a larger number of users).
[0050] It is noted that, in various embodiments, an indicator may
portray a plurality of information regarding a proximity networking
activity instance. For instance, an indicator might portray a
joystick having superimposed thereon a pile of coins, a cluster of
people, and an open door, and be placed on a certain portion of a
map to depict proximity gaming with a certain fee requirement and a
certain number of participating users that is open to new
participants and which is taking place at a certain location.
[0051] With further respect to FIG. 2 it is noted that, in various
embodiments, a user's mobile node and/or other computer might act
to present information regarding a proximity networking activity
instance to its user in response to its user selecting an
indicator, corresponding to a proximity networking activity
instance, presented by the mobile node and/or other computer (steps
205, 207). Such selection and presentation might, for instance, be
via a GUI and/or other interface provided by the mobile node and/or
other computer. The information so presented might, for example, be
information not depicted by the selected indicator. For instance,
where an indicator depicted proximity audio media streaming with a
certain fee requirement which is taking place at a certain
location, the mobile node and/or other computer might respond to
selection of the indicator by informing its user as to how long the
proximity networking activity instance has been going on.
[0052] It is noted that, according to various embodiments,
indicators might be presented to a user via operation of middleware
running on a mobile node and/or other computer of the user. It is
further noted that, in various embodiments, a user purchasing
and/or receiving proximity networking activity software (e.g.,
proximity gaming software for a particular game) might be provided
with not only the proximity networking activity software, but also
with middleware and/or one or more updates to middleware already
possessed by the mobile node and/or other computer. Such provided
middleware and/or updates might, for instance, provide for
indication presentation functionality and/or various other
functionality discussed herein. Accordingly, such middleware and/or
updates might, for example, act to allow a user to become more
closely connected to a community associated with the proximity
networking activity software (e.g., a gaming community) by virtue,
for instance, of the user learning of locations where appropriate
proximity networking activity is taking place (e.g., locations
where a particular proximity networking game is being played).
[0053] Shown in FIG. 3 is an exemplary map according to various
embodiments of the present invention including indicators 301 and
303. In this exemplary map, the placement of indicator 301
indicates a proximity networking activity instance occurring within
an area bordered by 9.sup.th Ave., 10.sup.th Ave, Wilson St., and
Harrison St, while the placement of indicator 303 indicates a
proximity networking activity instance occurring within an area
bordered by 10.sup.th Ave., 11.sup.th Ave., Wilson St., and
Harrison St.
[0054] It is noted that a mobile node and/or other computer might,
in various embodiments of the present invention, make various of
its possessed information regarding proximity networking activity
available to its user via browsable menus and/or queries. Moreover,
in various embodiments, a mobile node and/or other computer might
act to inform its user of proximity networking activities that are
near the user's present location. For example, a provided map might
be centered at the user's present location.
[0055] With further respect to FIG. 2 it is noted that, according
to various embodiments, a user may be able to, perhaps via GUI
and/or other interface, provide specification as to proximity
networking activity instances she wishes to learn about (step 201).
For example, the user might be able to specify that she only wishes
to learn about proximity networking activity instances of one or
more certain types (e.g., proximity gaming and/or proximity
messaging), instances having certain fee properties (e.g., no fee
requirement and/or a fee requirement of no more than a specified
value), instances having certain time properties (e.g., having been
going on for at least a specified amount of time), and/or instances
having certain user properties (e.g., having at least a specified
number of users). Responsive to such action by its user a mobile
node and/or other computer might, for example, make available to
its user only information regarding proximity networking activity
instances matching the user's specifications. Accordingly, for
example, where its user specified proximity gaming without fee
requirement, the mobile node and/or other computer might show on a
provided map only indicators corresponding to proximity networking
activity instances that met those criteria.
[0056] It is additionally noted that, in various embodiments, zoom
functionality might be provided. For example, in the case where a
mobile node and/or other computer presented a map to its user, the
user might, perhaps via a GUI and/or other interface, be able to
zoom in and out on the map. Functionality might, for instance, be
such that by zooming out the user could view a larger region and
corresponding proximity networking activity indicators, and by
zooming in the user could view a smaller region and corresponding
proximity networking activity indicators.
[0057] It is noted that, in various embodiments, less detail might
be provided to user as she zoomed out on a map, and/or more detail
might be provided to her as she zoomed in on a map. For example,
proximity networking activity indicators might provide less
information as a user zoomed out on a map, and more information as
she zoomed in on the map. Accordingly, for instance, an indicator
that indicated only location and type (e.g., proximity messaging)
of a proximity networking activity instance when a user was more
zoomed out on a map might additionally indicate time duration and
number of users when she zoomed in. As another example, as a user
zoomed out on map, indicators corresponding to single proximity
networking activity instances might be combined in to indicators
corresponding to pluralities of proximity networking activity
instances. Accordingly, for example, as a user zoomed out on a map
three indicators corresponding to three proximity gaming instances
taking place in a park might be replaced with a single
indicator.
[0058] It is further noted that, in various embodiments, timestamps
associated with information regarding proximity networking activity
could be accessible by users. Accordingly, a user might act to take
into account such timestamps, for instance, when considering the
timeliness of information regarding proximity networking
activities, and/or when determining if a proximity networking
activity instance was still going on.
[0059] It is additionally noted that, in various embodiments,
information regarding proximity networking activity might, perhaps
in view of associated timestamps, be considered to be valid only
for certain periods of time. Such a time period might, for example,
be specified by a system administrator, network provider, and/or
corporation.
Fixed Node and/or other Computer Functionality
[0060] Fixed nodes and/or other computers (e.g., servers) may,
according to various embodiments of the present invention, be
employed. Such a fixed node and/or other computer might, for
example, be placed by a system administrator, network provider,
and/or corporation at a particular location. Various functionality
of a fixed node and/or other computer might, in various
embodiments, be analogous to that discussed above with respect to
mobile nodes and/or other computers. Accordingly, for instance,
various roles discussed above as being filled by mobile nodes
and/other computers may, in various embodiments, be filled by
mobile nodes and/or other computers, and/or by fixed nodes and/or
other computers.
[0061] It is noted that, in various embodiments, a fixed node
and/or other computer might not act to partake in proximity
networking activity instances, but instead might perform operations
including providing for receipt by other nodes and/or other
computers (e.g., mobile nodes and/or other computers) information
regarding proximity networking activity that it had received, the
information having been recorded by mobile nodes and/or other
computers and provided (e.g., by one or more mobile nodes and/or
other computers) to the fixed node and/or other computer. The
information regarding proximity networking activity might be made
available by the fixed node and/or other computer to the other
nodes and/or other computers (e.g., mobile nodes and/or other
computers), for example, via proximity connection.
[0062] A fixed node and/or other computer might, in various
embodiments, act to provide possessed information regarding
proximity networking activity (e.g., received information regarding
proximity networking activity) to other fixed nodes and/or other
computers, and/or might receive from other fixed nodes and/or other
computers information regarding proximity networking activity
possessed by those fixed nodes and/or other computers (e.g.,
information regarding proximity networking activity that they had
received). Such provision and/or receipt might, for example,
involve non-proximity connection (e.g., UMTS, General Packet Radio
Service (GPRS), and/or Wide Area Network (WAN) connectivity (e.g.,
internet connectivity) might be employed) and/or proximity
connection.
[0063] Accordingly, for instance, a fixed node and/or other
computer on one side of city might act to exchange information
regarding proximity networking activity with a fixed node and/or
other computer on another side of city. Via such operation, each
fixed node and/or other computer might, for example, come to know
of information regarding proximity networking activity for regions
not in its vicinity. Each fixed node and/or other computer might,
for example, then act to provide such information regarding
proximity networking activity to mobile nodes and/or other
computers in its vicinity. Thus, users of those mobile nodes and/or
other computers could, for instance, be able to learn about (e.g.,
have available to them via maps provided by their mobile nodes
and/or other computers) proximity networking activity instances in
parts of the city other than the one where they were presently
situated.
[0064] It is noted that, in various embodiments, a fixed node
and/or computer might be able to receive from mobile nodes and/or
other computers, via non-proximity connection, information
regarding proximity networking activity. Such functionality might,
for instance, be employed by a user of a mobile node and/or other
computer that desired to voluntarily submit information regarding
one or more proximity networking activity instances to one or more
fixed nodes and/or other computers. A user might do so, for
instance, where she hoped to make others aware of a proximity
networking activity instance (e.g., where she hoped to attract new
players to a proximity game).
[0065] It is further noted that, in various embodiments, a fixed
node and/or computer might be able to provide possessed information
regarding networking activity to mobile nodes and/or other
computers via non-proximity connection.
[0066] With respect to FIG. 4 it is noted that, according to
various embodiments of the present invention, a fixed node and/or
other computer may be able to receive information regarding
proximity networking activity from one or more mobile nodes and/or
other computers, and/or from one or more other fixed nodes and/or
other computers (steps 401, 403). Moreover, according to various
embodiments of the present invention the fixed node and/or other
computer may be able to provide held (e.g., received) information
regarding proximity networking activity to one or more mobile nodes
and/or other computers and/or to one or more other fixed nodes
and/or other computers (steps 405, 407). Proximity and/or
non-proximity connection might be involved in such operations.
[0067] According to various embodiments, a mobile node and/or other
computer may act to employ non-proximity connection in receiving
information regarding proximity networking activity from another
mobile node and/or other computer. Moreover, according to various
embodiments a mobile node and/or other computer may act to employ
non-proximity connection in receiving information regarding
proximity networking activity from a fixed node and/or other
computer. Such functionality might be employed, for instance, in
the case where a mobile node and/or other computer is not in
proximity connection range with mobile nodes and/or other
computers, and/or fixed nodes and/or other computers, possessing
capabilities of providing information regarding proximity
networking activity. In various embodiments, such functionality
might be implemented using middleware.
[0068] It is noted that, in various embodiments, a mobile node
and/or other computer may have access to (e.g., hold in an
accessible store) information (e.g., network addresses) employable
in contacting other mobile nodes and/or other computers, and/or
fixed nodes and/or other computers and might, for example, employ
such information in so receiving information regarding proximity
networking activity.
[0069] Information regarding proximity networking activity so
received might, for instance, be with respect to one or more
particular areas, Accordingly, in various embodiments, such
functionality might be employed in the case where a mobile node
and/or other computer is not in proximity connection range with
mobile nodes and/or other computers, and/or fixed nodes and/or
other computers, in a particular area for which information
regarding proximity networking activity is desired, and/or in
proximity connection range with mobile nodes and/or other
computers, and/or fixed nodes and/or other computers, possessing
capabilities of providing information regarding proximity
networking activity for a particular area for which information
regarding proximity networking activity is desired.
[0070] As an example of fixed node and/or other computer operation,
a fixed node and/or other computer might act to prepare historical
statistics regarding possessed proximity networking activity
information, the fixed node and/or other computer perhaps making
the statistics available to other nodes and/or other computers
(e.g., mobile nodes and/or other computers).
[0071] A variety of statistics might be prepared. For example, such
statistics might include frequencies, perhaps with respect to
certain time periods and/or areas, for various proximity networking
activity information (e.g., types of proximity networking
activities, numbers of users, and/or required fees). Via such
statistics, for example user might be able to determine how
frequently proximity gaming took place at a particular location,
how much it tended to cost, and/or how many users tended to
participate. The user might, for instance, determine that one or
more areas were likely to host proximity gaming of a desired cost
and with a desired number of participants. The functionality by
which the statistics could be made available might, for example, in
implemented in a manner analogous to that discussed above. Having
received such statistics, a node and/or other computer could make
them available for access by its user, perhaps in a manner
analogous to that discussed above.
[0072] As another example of fixed node and/or other computer
operation, a fixed node and/or other computer might act to provide
proximity networking activity software (e.g., proximity gaming
software) to nodes and/or other computers (e.g., mobile nodes
and/or other computers). Such provision might, for instance,
involve the use of RMI, JMS, SOAP, OBEX OPP, email, MMS, and/or
SMS. Proximity connection might, perhaps, be employed. The software
might, for example, be sold for a fee. In various embodiments, a
fixed node and/or other computer might act to provide proximity
networking activity software relevant to participating in proximity
networking activity instances in its vicinity. It is further noted
that, in various embodiments, a fixed node and/or other computer
might act to advertise (e.g., via messages dispatched via RMI, JMS,
SOAP, OBEX OPP, email, MMS, and/or SMS) that it has proximity
networking activity software available for dispatch. Proximity
connection might, perhaps, be employed in such advertising.
[0073] According to various embodiments of the present invention, a
user purchasing and/or receiving proximity networking activity
software from a fixed node and/or other computer might, in various
embodiments, receive at her mobile node and/or other computer from
the fixed node and/or other computer information regarding
proximity networking activity. The received information regarding
proximity networking activity might, for example, indicate
locations where proximity networking activity instances accessible
using the software were taking place and/or likely to be taking
place.
[0074] It is noted that, in various embodiments, storage of
information regarding proximity networking activity at a fixed node
and/or other computer might cause that information to exist longer
than if it were only stored at users' mobile nodes and/or other
computers. It is further noted that, in various embodiments, a
fixed node and/or other computer might act to advertise (e.g., via
messages dispatched via RMI, JMS, SOAP, OBEX OPP, email, MMS,
and/or SMS) that it has information regarding proximity networking
activity available for dispatch. Such advertising might, perhaps,
employ proximity connection.
Content Functionality
[0075] According to various embodiments of the present invention, a
node and/or other computer (e.g., a mobile node and/or other
computer, and/or a fixed node and/or other computer) might, in
addition to and/or as an alternative to providing and/or receiving
information regarding proximity networking activity, provide and/or
receive content and/or information relating thereto.
[0076] Such content might, for example, include text, images,
video, audio, streaming content, and/or software. It is noted that,
in various embodiments, such video might, for instance, include 360
degree video. Such information relating to content might, in
various embodiments, include geographical location information
and/or information regarding one or more locations from which
content can be obtained.
[0077] The node and/or other computer might, for instance, provide
such content and/or information relating thereto to other nodes
and/or other computers (e.g., mobile nodes and/or other computers,
and/or fixed nodes and/or other computers), and/or might receive
such content and/or information relating thereto from other nodes
and/or other computers (e.g., mobile nodes and/or other computers,
and/or fixed nodes and/or other computers).
[0078] Such provision and/or receipt of content and/or information
relating thereto might be performed in a number of ways. For
example, such provision and/or receipt of content and/or
information relating thereto might be performed in a manner
analogous to that discussed above with respect to information
regarding proximity networking activity. Bluetooth, WiFi (e.g.,
IEEE 802.11b and/or IEEE 802.11g), Infrared Data Association
(IrDA), GPRS, UMTS, UWB, wired network (e.g., Ethernet), RMI, JMS,
SOAP, sockets, pipes, OBEX OPP, email, MMS, SMS, and/or the
Internet might, for example, be employed.
[0079] Functionality whereby a user of a node and/or other computer
can indicate content to be provided may be implemented in a number
of ways. With respect to FIG. 5 it is noted that, for instance, the
user might make use of a GUI and/or other interface provided by her
node and/or other computer to select and/or create content to be
provided (step 501). For example, the user might employ a GUI
and/or other interface to select (e.g., from an accessible store)
content to be provided. As another example, the user might employ a
GUI and/or other interface to create content to be provided. For
instance, the user might employ the GUI and/or other interface to
enter text to be provided, and/or to capture images, video, and/or
audio to be provided. Such capture might, for example, make use of
hardware of her node and/or other computer.
[0080] The user might, for example, be able to specify geographical
location information (e.g., geographical coordinates and/or
location relative to a well-known landmark) for content that she
has indicated to be provided (step 503). For instance, the user
might be able to employ a GUI and/or other interface provided by
her node and/or other computer to specify such corresponding
geographical location information. To illustrate by way of example,
the user might employ a GUI and/or other interface provided by her
node and/or other computer to first select and/or capture content
to be provided, and then might employ a GUI and/or other interface
provided by her node and/or other computer to specify corresponding
geographical location information.
[0081] As another example, the user's node and/or other computer
might automatically determine geographical location information to
associate with content to be provided. For example, the node and/or
other computer might associate with content to be provided the
location of the node and/or other computer at the time the user
indicated that the content should be provided (e.g., at the time
the user selected and/or captured the content).
[0082] As yet another example, metadata and/or other information
already associated with content to be provided might be considered
to be geographical location information for that content. To
illustrate by way of example, in the case where video selected by
the user to be provided was associated with metadata and/or other
information indicating a geographical location (e.g., a location
where the video was captured and/or an indication of the location
portrayed by the video), such metadata and/or other information
might be considered to be geographical location information for
that content. It is noted that, in various embodiments, specified
and/or automatically determined geographical location information
might be considered to be metadata.
[0083] A node and/or other computer that has come to possess
provided content and/or information relating thereto might, in
various embodiments, make use if it in a number of ways.
[0084] For example, the node and/or other computer might provide
one or more maps to its user (step 505). Such maps might, for
instance, offer functionality analogous to that discussed above
with respect to information regarding proximity networking
activity, but providing presentation of content and/or information
relating thereto as an alternative to and/or in addition to
presentation of instances of proximity networking activity.
[0085] Placed on such a map might, for example, be indicators
corresponding to provided content and/or information relating
thereto, such an indicator being placed at a portion (e.g., a
geographical location) of the map corresponding to the content's
associated geographical location information. For instance, in the
case where a piece of provided content was associated with
particular geographical coordinates, a corresponding indicator
might be placed on the map at those coordinates.
[0086] It is noted that, in various embodiments, presentation of
content and/or information relating thereto might take into account
timestamps associated with content, and/or one or more operations
might be performed such that update of such presentation is
performed. For instance, presentation relating to content
associated with particular geographical coordinates might only be
for a certain amount of time beyond the time indicated by its
timestamp, and/or one or more operations might be performed such
that presentation relating to content associated with particular
geographical coordinates was up to date. A First In-First Out
(FIFO) operation might, in various embodiments, be employed in such
up to date functionality.
[0087] It is noted that, in various embodiments, timestamps
associated with content might be considered to be metadata. It is
further noted that, in various embodiments, timestamps might be
manually (e.g., by a system administrator, and/or by a user of a
node and/or other computer) and/or automatically set.
[0088] Placed indicators might take a number of forms. For example,
a placed indicator might, perhaps visually, depict the type of
content to which the indicator corresponds. For example, an
indicator depicting a book might be employed to indicate text
content, an indicator depicting a photograph might be employed to
indicate image content, an indicator depicting a movie camera might
be employed to indicate video content, an indicator depicting a
microphone might be employed to indicate audio content, and/or an
indicator depicting a node and/or other computer (e.g., a desktop
computer) might be employed to indicate software content.
[0089] In various embodiments, indicators corresponding to content
might share a certain, perhaps visual, property. For instance, such
an indicator might include a superimposed letter "C" to indicate
"content". To illustrate by way of example, such a letter "C" might
be superimposed over the above-described depiction of a movie
camera indicating video content.
[0090] As another example, an indicator corresponding to content
and/or information relating thereto might be the content itself
and/or a portion thereof. For example, in the case where provided
content was video, a placed indicator might be one or more stills
of that video and/or running video of one or more portions of it.
As another example, in the case where the provided content was an
image, a placed indicator might be a thumbnail corresponding to
that image.
[0091] A node and/or other computer so presenting indicators might,
for instance, allow its user to select content for consumption
(step 507). For example, the user might be able to employ a GUI
and/or other interface to select one or more presented indicators.
Responsive to such selection the node and/or other computer might,
for instance, make available corresponding content to its user
(e.g., via a GUI and/or other interface). To illustrate by way of
example, in the case where the content was video, the user might be
able to watch the video using her node and/or other computer.
[0092] It is noted that, in various embodiments, a node and/or
other computer might, in addition to and/or as an alterative to
coming to possess provided content itself, might come to possess
information regarding one or more locations from which such content
can be obtained.
[0093] For example, a node and/or other computer might come to
posses a network address, telephone number, and/or Uniform Resource
Locator (URL) from which provided content (e.g., video) can be
retrieved, and the geographical location information associated
with that content, but perhaps not the content itself.
[0094] A node and/or other computer possessing for provided content
geographical location information and information regarding one or
more locations from which the content can be retrieved might,
perhaps as discussed above, provide a placed indicator
corresponding to the content. With a user of the node and/or other
computer indicating (e.g., via a provided GUI and/or other
interface) desire to make use of the content (e.g., via selection
of the indicator), the node and/or other computer might, for
instance, retrieve the content from the appropriate location and
make it available to its user (e.g., via a GUI and/or other
interface).
[0095] It is noted that, in various embodiments, a system
administrator might be able to make determinations regarding the
appropriateness of content. For example, the system administrator
might (e.g., via a provided GUI and/or other interface) be able to
determine if content that had been made available was appropriate.
In the case where the system administrator found certain content to
not be appropriate, the system administrator might, for instance,
be able to request (e.g., via a provided GUI and/or other
interface) elimination of the content.
[0096] Elimination of content might be implemented in a number of
ways. For instance, a node and/or other computer operated by the
system administrator might send one or more instructions to other
nodes and/or other computers requesting that they delete from
accessible stores content specified by the system administrator. In
various embodiments, functionality might be such that the one or
more instructions could not be ignored by nodes and/or other
computers receiving them (e.g., the one or more instructions might
possess one or more system administrator privilege attributes).
[0097] It is further noted that, in various embodiments, such
functionality might, as an alterative to and/or in addition to
involving the work of a system administrator, be automated. For
example, one or more nodes and/or other computers might act to
recognize inappropriate content and/or dispatch one or more
deletion instructions of the sort just described. Recognition of
inappropriate content might, for instance, involve image
recognition, sound recognition, pattern recognition, and/or
artificial intelligence techniques.
[0098] Instruction dispatch might be implemented in a number of
ways. For example, Bluetooth, WiFi, IrDA, GPRS, UMTS, UWB, wired
network (e.g., Ethernet), RMI, JMS, SOAP, sockets, pipes, OBEX OPP,
email, MMS, SMS, and/or the Internet might be employed. Such WiFi
might, for instance, be IEEE 802.11b and/or IEEE 802.11g.
[0099] It is noted that, in various embodiments, a user that has
provided content and/or information relating thereto may (e.g., via
a GUI and/or other interface of her node and/or other computer) be
presented with information regarding reception of the content,
and/or may be able to follow dissemination of the content.
[0100] For example, the user might learn of the number of users to
whom the content has been made available, the number of users that
have consumed the content, and/or of one or more locations (e.g.,
geographical locations) corresponding to availability and/or
consumption of the content.
[0101] Such locations might, for instance, be locations of nodes
and/or other computers having users to whom the content has been
made available, and/or of nodes and/or other computers whose users
have consumed the content. Such locations might, in various
embodiments, be presented (e.g., in a manner analogous to that
discussed above) to the user that has provided content and/or
information relating thereto. For instance, map and/or globe
display might be employed.
[0102] Such information regarding reception and/or dissemination
might, in various embodiments, be provided to the user's node
and/or other computer by one or more other nodes and/or other
computers (e.g., by one or more servers, and/or by one or more
nodes and/or other computers of other users). Provision of the
information to the user's node and/or other computer might, for
instance, be performed in a manner analogous to that discussed
above (e.g., UMTS, SOAP, and/or the Internet might be
employed).
[0103] It is noted that, in various embodiments, various
identifiers might be associated with provided content. Such
identifiers might, in various embodiments, include one or more
times (e.g., corresponding to when the content was provided), one
or more locations (e.g., corresponding to from where the content
was provided, and/or to one or more locations depicted by the
content), and/or one or more user identifiers (e.g., of users that
have provided the content).
[0104] It is further noted that, in various embodiments, only the
provider of particular content (e.g., a user that has provided that
content) might be able access and/or alter metadata associated with
that content, and/or only the provider might be able to access that
content as metadata.
Presence Functionality
[0105] According to various embodiments a node and/or other
computer might, in addition to and/or as an alternative to
providing and/or receiving content and/or information relating
thereto, and/or providing and/or receiving information regarding
proximity networking activity, provide and/or receive information
regarding the presence of nodes and/or other computers.
[0106] The node and/or other computer might, for instance, provide
such information regarding the presence of nodes and/or other
computers to other nodes and/or other computers (e.g., mobile nodes
and/or other computers, and/or fixed nodes and/or other computers),
and/or might receive such information regarding the presence of
nodes and/or other computers from other nodes and/or other
computers (e.g., mobile nodes and/or other computers, and/or fixed
nodes and/or other computers).
[0107] Such provision and/or receipt of information regarding the
presence of nodes and/or other computers might, for example, be
implemented in a manner analogous to that discussed above with
respect to information regarding proximity networking activity.
Bluetooth, WiFi (e.g., IEEE 802.11b and/or IEEE 802.11g), IrDA,
GPRS, UMTS, UWB, wired network (e.g., Ethernet), RMI, JMS, SOAP,
sockets, pipes, OBEX OPP, email, MMS, SMS, and/or the Internet
might, for example, be employed.
[0108] Information regarding the presence of nodes and/or other
computers might, for example, include geographical location
information corresponding to one or more nodes and/or other
computers. Such geographical location information might, for
instance, indicate present locations of the nodes and/or other
computers.
[0109] As another example, information regarding the presence of
nodes and/or other computers might include information regarding
capabilities of those nodes and/or other computers. Such
capabilities might, for instance, indicate content creation
capabilities of those nodes and/or other computers (e.g., ability
to capture images, video, and/or audio).
[0110] Information regarding the presence of nodes and/or other
computers might be formulated in a number of ways. For example,
such information might be obtained from information regarding
proximity networking activity (e.g., from data regarding location
of a proximity networking activity and/or number of nodes and/or
other computers, and/or users, participating in the activity),
information obtained from querying other nodes and/or other
computers (e.g., via device discovery and/or service discovery),
information obtained from querying an authoritative source, and/or
information (e.g., geographical location information and/or
capabilities information) regarding a node and/or other computer
acting to formulate information regarding the presence of nodes
and/or other computers.
[0111] Such querying other nodes and/or other computers (e.g., via
device discovery and/or service discovery) might, for instance,
involve requesting location and/or capabilities information from
those other nodes and/or other computers. Such querying of an
authoritative source might, for example, involve querying a node
and/or other computer (e.g., a server) of a network provider,
and/or a node and/or other computer providing information (e.g.,
geographical location and/or capabilities information) regarding
nodes and/or other computers.
[0112] Such information regarding the location and/or capabilities
of a node and/or other computer acting to formulate information
regarding the presence of nodes and/or other computers might, for
example, be obtained by that node and/or other computer in a manner
discussed above (e.g., via GPS) and/or by querying device
information. For instance, the node and/or other computer might,
perhaps via functionality provided by possessed software (e.g.,
functionality provided by its operating system) query device
information regarding its capabilities (e.g., regarding ability to
capture images, video, and/or audio).
[0113] It is noted that, in various embodiments, nodes and/or other
computers might register their capabilities and/or various
properties (e.g., their telephone numbers) with one or more nodes
and/or other computers (e.g., one or more servers), and such one or
more nodes and/or other computers might be queried in performing
various operations discussed herein (e.g., coming to possess
information regarding the presence of nodes and/or other computers
such as, for instance, capabilities information).
[0114] In various embodiments, nodes and/or other computers might
come to be aware of node and/or other computer presence information
(e.g., geographical location information and/or capabilities
information) via nodes and/or other computers providing presence
information regarding themselves (e.g., information regarding their
own locations and/or capabilities) to other nodes and/or other
computers.
[0115] A node and/or other computer that has formulated information
regarding the presence of nodes and/or other computers might, for
instance, employ the information for its own use (e.g., to provide
various functionality to its user) and/or might provide the
information to other nodes and/or other computers.
[0116] A node and other computer has come to possess information
regarding the presence of nodes and/or other computers (e.g.,
having received and/or formulated such information) might, in
various embodiments, make use of it in a number of ways. For
example, the node and/or other computer might present one or more
maps to its user. Such maps might, for example, offer functionality
analogous to that discussed above, but provide presentation of node
and/or other computer presence information (e.g., location
information and/or capabilities information) in addition to and/or
as an alterative to presentation of instances of proximity
networking activity and/or presentation of content and/or
information relating thereto.
[0117] Such a map might, for instance, present one or more
indicators corresponding to node and/or other computer presence
information. For example, an indicator presenting information
regarding the presence of a particular node and/or other computer
might, for example, be placed at a portion of the map (e.g., a
geographical location) corresponding to geographical location
information of that node and/or other computer presence
information. Placed indicators might take a number of forms. For
instance, a placed indicator might depict (e.g., visually) a node
and/or other computer (e.g., a mobile node).
[0118] It is noted that, in various embodiments, a placed indicator
might depict (e.g., visually) capabilities information. For
example, a place indicator might depict ability to capture images
by depicting a still camera, might depict ability to capture video
by depicting a movie camera, and/or might depict ability to capture
audio by depicting a microphone. Such depictions might, for
example, be superimposed over other depictions.
[0119] To illustrate by way of example, an indicator might be
placed at a certain portion of a map and include a still camera and
a movie camera superimposed over a depiction of a node and/or other
computer to convey a node and/or other computer, located at the
geographical location depicted by the portion of the map, having
image and video capture capabilities.
[0120] It is further noted that, in various embodiments, a node
and/or other computer might provide to and/or receive from one or
more particular nodes and/or other computers (e.g., one or more
fixed nodes and/or other computers such as, for instance, servers)
content and/or information relating thereto, information regarding
proximity networking activity, and/or information regarding the
presence of nodes and/or other computers.
[0121] Accordingly, for example, in various embodiments such
receipt might involve a node and/or other computer requesting from
one or more particular nodes and/or other computers (e.g., one or
more fixed nodes and/or other computers such as, for instance,
servers) information regarding proximity networking activity,
content and/or information relating thereto, and/or information
regarding the presence of nodes and/or other computers
corresponding to a particular area that it is to display to its
user (e.g., via one or more maps of the sort discussed above).
[0122] The node and/or other computer might then, for instance,
employ that which it received from the one or more particular nodes
and/or other computers in displaying the particular area to its
user.
[0123] The node and/or other computer might, in various
embodiments, not possess any information regarding proximity
networking activity, content and/or information relating thereto,
and/or information regarding the presence of nodes and/or other
computers corresponding to the particular area prior to receipt
from the one or more particular nodes and/or other computers in
response to the request.
[0124] It is further noted that, in various embodiments, the node
and/or other computer might possess information regarding proximity
networking activity, content and/or information relating thereto,
and/or information regarding the presence of nodes and/or other
computers prior to receiving such in response to the request, but
only employ that which it received in displaying the particular
area to its user.
[0125] As another example, a node and or other computer might
employ only information regarding proximity networking activity,
content and/or information relating thereto, and/or information
regarding the presence of nodes and/or other computers that it
already possessed (e.g., via one or more of the operations
discussed above), the node and/or other computer perhaps not
requesting from one or more particular nodes and/or other computers
as just described.
[0126] As yet another example, a node and/or other computer might
employ in display to its user both already possessed information
regarding proximity networking activity, content and/or information
relating thereto, and/or information regarding the presence of
nodes and/or other computers and information regarding proximity
networking activity, content and/or information relating thereto,
and/or information regarding the presence of nodes and/or other
computers that it received from one or more particular nodes and/or
other computers in response to a request of the sort discussed
above.
[0127] It is noted that, in various embodiments, a node and/or
other computer might perform request for information regarding
proximity networking activity, content and/or information relating
thereto, and/or information regarding the presence of nodes and/or
other computers from one or more nodes and/or other computers, for
instance, in the case where it already possessed such (e.g., for a
particular area that it is to display to its user), but desired to
check that what was already possessed was complete and/or
up-to-date.
[0128] Moreover, in various embodiments a node and/or other
computer might perform such request, for instance, in the case
where the node and/or other computer determined that it lacked some
or all of information regarding proximity networking activity,
content and/or information relating thereto, and/or information
regarding the presence of nodes and/or other computers for a
particular area that it was to display to its user. To illustrate
by way of example, the node and/or other computer might so act in
the case where it determined that it possessed information
regarding proximity networking activity for the area, but not
content and/or information relating thereto or information
regarding the presence of nodes and/or other computers for that
area.
[0129] It is noted that, in various embodiments, one or more nodes
and/or other computers (e.g., one or more servers, and/or one or
more nodes and/or other computers of users) might perform one or
more operations arranging information regarding proximity
networking activity, content and/or information relating thereto,
and/or information regarding the presence of nodes and/or other
computers according to location.
[0130] Moreover, in various embodiments one or more nodes and/or
other computers (e.g., one or more servers, and/or one or more
nodes and/or other computers of users) might compile information
regarding proximity networking activity, content and/or information
relating thereto, and/or information regarding the presence of
nodes and/or other computers from one or more sources (e.g., from
one or more other nodes and/or other computers).
Globe View Functionality
[0131] A node and/or other computer (e.g., a mobile node) may,
according to various embodiments of the present invention, provide
to its user a globe view of the Earth (e.g., a spherical
representation of the Earth). The view of the Earth might, for
instance, be presented via a GUI and/or other interface.
Implementation of globe view functionality might, for example,
involve the use of Open Graphics Library (OpenGL) and/or Scalable
Vector Graphics (SVG). It is further noted that globe view
functionality might, for example, employ aerial photography,
satellite imagery, and/or map data (e.g., graphical maps).
[0132] According to various embodiments, the user might be able to
zoom in and out on the globe view of the Earth, and/or might be
able to rotate the globe view of the Earth in space. To illustrate
by way of example, in the case where the globe view of the Earth is
a spherical representation, the user might be able to rotate (e.g.,
via a GUI and/or other interface) the sphere representing the Earth
and/or might be able to zoom in and/or out on the sphere
representing the Earth.
[0133] Presented on the view of the Earth might, for example be
landmasses, bodies of water, geographic features (e.g., mountains
and/or valleys), political labels (e.g., names of nations, states,
provinces, and/or cities), and/or political boundaries ( e.g.,
boundaries between nations, states, provinces, and/or cities).
[0134] Alternately or additionally, the view of the Earth might
provide presentation of instances of proximity networking activity,
presentation of content and/or information relating thereto, and/or
presentation of node and/or other computer presence information.
Such presentation might, for example, be performed in a manner
analogous to that discussed above. Such presentation might, in
various embodiments, be via indicators of the sort discussed
above.
[0135] It is further noted that such presentation might, for
example, relate to an area of the Earth visible to the user (e.g.,
in accordance with the user's zoom on and/or rotation of the
provided globe view of the Earth). To illustrate by way of example,
presented indicators might correspond to proximity networking
activity, content and/or information relating thereto, and/or node
and/or other computer presence information relating to the area of
the Earth visible to the user (e.g., due to zooming and/or rotation
by the user).
[0136] According to various embodiments, varying levels of detail
regarding proximity networking activity, content and/or information
relating thereto, and/or node and/or other computer presence
information for a particular area of the Earth might be presented
to the user as she zooms in and/or out on that particular area.
[0137] For example, more proximity networking activity, content
and/or information relating thereto, and/or node and/or other
computer presence information might be presented to the user as she
zooms in on a particular area (e.g., a greater number of
corresponding indicators might be displayed to the user). As
another example, less proximity networking activity, content and/or
information relating thereto, and/or node and/or other computer
presence information might be presented to the user as she zooms
out on a particular area (e.g., fewer corresponding indicators
might be displayed to the user).
[0138] In providing globe view functionality the node and/or other
computer might, in various embodiments, employ information
regarding proximity networking activity, content and/or information
relating thereto, and/or information regarding the presence of
nodes and/or other computers that it received from one or more
particular nodes and/or other computers (e.g., one or more servers)
in response to a request of the sort discussed above. Alternately
or additionally, the node and/or other computer might, in various
embodiments, employ already possessed information regarding
proximity networking activity, content and/or information relating
thereto, and/or information regarding the presence of nodes and/or
other computers in providing globe view functionality.
[0139] Accordingly, for example, the node and/or other computer
might request from one or more particular nodes and/or other
computers (e.g., one or more fixed nodes and/or other computers
such as, for instance, servers) information regarding proximity
networking activity, content and/or information relating thereto,
and/or information regarding the presence of nodes and/or other
computers relating to an area of the Earth visible to the user
(e.g., in accordance with the user's zoom on and/or rotation of the
provided globe view of the Earth). The node and/or other computer
might, for example, not possess such information regarding
proximity networking activity, content and/or information relating
thereto, and/or information regarding the presence of nodes and/or
other computers corresponding to the area prior to receiving it
from the one or more particular nodes and/or other computers.
[0140] It is noted that, in various embodiments, the node and/or
other computer might, as an alterative to and/or in addition to
employing information regarding proximity networking activity,
content and/or information relating thereto, and/or information
regarding the presence of nodes and/or other computers received in
response to such a request, employ already possessed information
regarding proximity networking activity, content and/or information
relating thereto, and/or information regarding the presence of
nodes and/or other computers.
[0141] It is further noted that, in various embodiments, one or
more views of one or more areas of the Earth (e.g., employing
aerial photography, satellite imagery, and/or map data) may be
presented to a user apart from a globe view.
Content Request Functionality
[0142] Functionality might, in various embodiments, be provided
whereby a user can employ her node and/or other computer to request
that content be made available.
[0143] With respect to FIG. 6 it is noted that, as discussed above,
in various embodiments a node and/or other computer might provide
to its user presentation corresponding to node and/or other
computer presence information (step 601). For example, as discussed
above one or more maps displaying one or more indicators
corresponding to node and/or other computer presence information
might, in various embodiments, be presented to a user. As another
example, as discussed above a globe view might, in various
embodiments, present such indicators. It is noted that, in various
embodiments, such presentation corresponding to node and/or other
computer presence information might convey (e.g., visually) whether
or not particular nodes and/or other computers are presently making
content available. For example, a graphic image might be
superimposed over an indicator corresponding to a particular node
and/or other computer to indicate that that node and/or other
computer is making content available, and/or a graphic image might
be superimposed over an indicator corresponding to a particular
node and/or other computer to indicate that that node and/or other
computer was not making content available
[0144] According to various embodiments, a user receiving such
presentation might be able to employ her node and/or other computer
to request (e.g., via a GUI and/or other interface) that one or
more nodes and/or other computers for which node and/or other
computer presence information is presented act to make content
available.
[0145] Such functionality might be implemented in a number of ways.
For example, the user might be able to employ a GUI and/or other
interface provided by her node and/or other computer to select one
or more indicators corresponding to node and/or other computer
presence information (step 603). Such indicators might, for
instance be placed at one or more locations on map and/or globe
display and depict nodes and/or other computers, the indicators
perhaps depicting capabilities information (e.g., as discussed
above).
[0146] Such indicator selection might, for instance, result in one
or more nodes and/or other computers, corresponding to the presence
information, receiving notification that it was requested that
content be made available. It is noted that, in various
embodiments, such received notification might identify the user
that desired the content. Such identification might, for instance,
be the user's actual first and/or last name, an alias, and/or a
messaging address and/or identifier (e.g., an instant messaging
screen name)
[0147] As another example, the user might be able to employ a GUI
and/or other interface provided by her node and/or other computer
to select a geographical area depicted by map and/or globe view.
The user might, for example, be able to employ the GUI and/or other
interface to drag and/or draw a box and/or other closed shape
around the desired area. Such area selection might, for instance
result in one or more nodes and/or other computers located in the
selected area receiving notification that it was requested that
content be made available. Such functionality might be implemented
in a number of ways. For instance, the user's node and/or other
computer might consider the nodes and/or other computers indicated
by the map and/or globe view to be within the area selected by the
user to be the nodes and/or other computers that should receive
notification.
[0148] The user might, in various embodiments, be able to specify
(e.g., via a GUI and/or other interface provided by her node and/or
other computer) various details to be included with the
notification (step 605). Such details might, for instance, include
indication that surroundings depiction capture content was desired,
that specific content was desired (e.g., that one or more certain
text, image, video, audio, streaming content, and/or software
content items were desired), and/or that content of one or more
specific types was desired (e.g., text, images, video, audio,
streaming content, and/or software). Such specific content might,
in various embodiments, be identified by title and/or unique
identifier (e.g., Universally Unique Identifier (UUID) and/or
International Standard Book Number (ISBN).
[0149] The notification might, for example, be sent directly from
the node and/or other computer whose user desired content (e.g.,
who selected one or more indicators) to the one or more nodes
and/or other computers that are to receive notification. As another
example, the node and/or other computer whose user desired content
(e.g., selected one or more indicators) might communicate with one
or more intermediate nodes and/or other computers (e.g., one or
more servers), and the one or more intermediate nodes and/or other
computers might send notification to one or more nodes and/or other
computers that are to receive notification.
[0150] Notification dispatch might be implemented in a number of
ways. For example, Bluetooth, WiFi (e.g., IEEE 802.11b and/or IEEE
802.11g), IrDA, GPRS, UMTS, UWB, wired network (e.g., Ethernet),
RMI, JMS, SOAP, sockets, pipes, OBEX OPP, email, MMS, SMS and/or
the Internet might be employed.
[0151] A node and/or other computer receiving notification that it
was requested that content be made available (step 607) might, in
various embodiments, perform one or more operations. For example,
the node and/or other computer might, perhaps via a GUI and/or
other interface, inform its user of the receipt of the
notification. In so informing its user the node and/or other
computer might, for example, inform its user of details (e.g., of
the sort discussed above) included with the notification. To
illustrate by way of example, the user might be informed that
surroundings depiction capture was desired and/or that a particular
type of content was desired (e.g., video). Having been informed of
receipt of notification that it was requested that content be made
available, one or more operations might, in various embodiments, be
available to the user.
[0152] For example, the user might be able to indicate (e.g., via a
GUI and/or other interface) whether or not she desired to fulfill
the request. The node and/or other computer might, for instance,
perform one or more operations to allow the node and/or other
computer of the user that requested that content be made available
to learn of the decision regarding fulfilling the request.
[0153] The node and/or other computer of the user that requested
that content be made available might, for example, be informed of
the decision regarding request fulfillment whether the answer was
in the affirmative or in the negative. As another example, the node
and/or other computer of the user that requested that content be
made available might only be informed in the case where the answer
was in the negative. As yet another example. The node and/or other
computer of the use that requested that content be made available
might only be informed in the case where the answer was in the
affirmative.
[0154] The functionality whereby the node and/or other computer of
the user that requested that content be made available could be
informed of the decision might be implemented in a number of ways.
For example, a notification regarding the decision might be sent in
a manner analogous to that discussed above (e.g., SOAP and/or the
Internet might be employed).
[0155] As another example, the user informed of notification that
it was requested that content be made available might be able to
indicate content to be provided (step 609), and the user's node
and/or other computer could comply. Such functionality might, for
instance, be implemented in a manner analogous to that discussed
above. Accordingly, for instance, the user might be able to employ
a GUI and/or other interface to select and/or create content to be
provided.
[0156] To illustrate by way of example, in the case where the
notification that it was requested that content be made available
indicated that surroundings depiction capture be provided (e.g.,
that video surroundings depiction capture be provided), the user
might act create such (e.g., via audio and/or video capture
functionality of her node and/or other computer) and/or select such
from an accessible store. Accordingly, such surroundings depiction
capture might, for instance, involve the user employing her node
and/or other computer to film video and/or take pictures of her
surroundings.
[0157] With the requested content having been made available,
presentation of the provided content and/or information relating
thereto might be performed (step 611). Such functionality might,
for instance, be performed in a manner analogous to that discussed
above. Accordingly, for example, one or more maps and/or a globe
view might be employed to provide (e.g., via one or more indicators
of the sort discussed above) presentation corresponding to the
content. Moreover, in various embodiments a user viewing such maps
and/or globe view might, perhaps in a manner analogous to that
discussed above, be able to indicate desire to make use of the
content, and/or have the content made available to her.
[0158] It is noted that, in various embodiments, a user's node
and/or other computer that has received notification that it was
requested that content be made available might act to automatically
fulfill the request. In so automatically fulfilling, the node
and/or other computer might, for example, not inform its user of
the request for content and/or the fulfillment of the request. As
another example, the node and/or other computer might inform its
user of the desire for content and/or the fulfillment of the
request.
[0159] According to various embodiments of the present invention, a
user might be able to employ her node and/or other computer to
establish communications with another node and/or other computer.
Such functionality might, for instance, be implemented in a manner
analogous to requesting that content be made available.
Accordingly, for example, a user might be able to view map and/or
globe view displaying one or more indicators corresponding to node
and/or other computer presence information and be able to select
one or more of the indicators to indicate a desire to communicate
with the one or more nodes and/or other computers corresponding to
the selected indicators. The user might, for example, be able to
specify the desired type of communication (e.g., cellular telephone
call, Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) telephone call, landline
telephone call, chat, email, SMS, and/or MMS). Such view,
selection, and/or specification might, for example, be via a GUI
and/or other interface provided by the user's node and/or other
computer.
[0160] Responsive to the selection, the user's node and/or other
computer might, for instance, perform one or more operations to
establish communications. For example, the node and/or other
computer might perform one or more operations to establish a call,
a chat session, and/or to send and/or receive email, SMS, and/or
SMS. The node and/or other computer might, in various embodiments,
perform one or more operations to obtain data for such
establishment (e.g., one or more network addresses, telephone
numbers, and/or messaging addressees). Such operations might, for
instance, involve communicating (e.g., in a manner analogous to
that discussed above) with one or more nodes and/or other computers
possessing such information (e.g., one or more servers).
Alternately or additionally, such information might, in various
embodiments, be included in presence information.
[0161] A node and/or other computer that was the intended target of
such communications establishment might, in various embodiments, be
able to refuse communications. Such functionality might be
implemented in a number of ways. For example, such an intended
target node and/or other computer might, with initiation of
communication (e.g., an incoming call and or message) ask its user
(e.g., via a GUI and/or other interface) if communications should
continue or terminate. Responsive to receiving the user's choice
(e.g., via a GUI and/or other interface), the node and/or other
computer might, for instance, comply with the user's choice.
Accordingly the node and/or other computer might, for example, only
continue with the communication if its user agreed to it and not
continue with the communication otherwise.
[0162] It is noted that, in various embodiments, a credit system
might be employed with respect to content request and/or
fulfillment of such requests. For example, a certain number of
credits might be required to make such a request and/or to have
such a request be fulfilled. As another example, a certain number
of credits might be given for fulfilling such a request. Such
numbers of credits might, for example, be set by a system
administrator.
[0163] In various embodiments, credits might be interchangeable
with cash and/or compensation (e.g., prizes). For example, a user
might be able to exchange credits for cash or vice versa. As
another example, a user might be able to exchange credits for
prizes or vice versa. Prizes might, for instance, be physical
(e.g., one or more articles of clothing) and/or virtual (e.g.,
software, video, and/or audio).
Activity Search Functionality
[0164] With respect to FIG. 7 it is noted that users might, in
various embodiments, be able to request (e.g., via a GUI and/or
other interface) search for areas having high levels of activity
(step 701).
[0165] Such areas might, for instance, include continents, nations,
states, provinces, cities, neighborhoods, ranges, districts, urban
areas, rural areas, and/or landmarks. Such landmarks might, for
example, include parks, restaurants, bars, arenas, theaters,
entertainment areas, and/or buildings.
[0166] In various embodiments, a user might be able to (e.g., via a
GUI and/or other interface) restrict search in terms of area. For
example, the user might be able to indicate that search be
restricted to one or more specified areas and/or one or more types
of areas. To illustrate by way of example, the user might be able
to indicate that search be restricted to parks in Asia that are in
urban areas.
[0167] High levels of activity might, for example, be high levels
of proximity networking activity, high levels of content being
provided, and/or presence information indicating high numbers of
nodes and/or other computers. In various embodiments, a user might
(e.g., via a GUI and/or other interface) be able to restrict search
in terms of what constitutes high levels of activity. To illustrate
by way of example, a user might be able to specify that only
proximity networking activity and levels of content being provided
be considered in determination of activity levels.
[0168] It is noted that, in various embodiments, the user might be
able to provide additional details regarding what constitutes high
levels of activity. For example, the user might be able to specify
that she is only interested in certain sorts of proximity
networking activity and/or only certain types of content. To
illustrate by way of example, a user might specify that she is only
interested in video content provision.
[0169] Search results might be presented to a user in a number of
ways (step 703). For example, a user might receive (e.g., via a GUI
and/or other interface) a list of one or more areas determined to
be experiencing high levels of activity. Such a list might, for
instance, provide activity rankings for listed areas (e.g., one
area might be indicated to be most active, another area might be
indicated to be second most active, and yet another area might be
considered to be third most active), and/or might sort listed areas
in order of rank.
[0170] The user might, in various embodiments, be able to select
(e.g., via a GUI and/or other interface) one or more listed areas
(step 705). Moreover, in various embodiments the user might receive
display corresponding to one or more selected areas (step 707). For
example, the user's node and/or other computer might employ a GUI
and/or other interface to provide to the user one or more map
and/or globe displays corresponding to selected areas. Such display
corresponding to selected areas might, in various embodiments,
provide some or all of the functionality discussed above (e.g.,
corresponding to proximity networking activity, content and/or
information relating thereto, and/or presence information).
[0171] To illustrate by way of example, in the case where the user
selected a listed area corresponding to a city, her node and/or
other computer might employ a globe display in zooming to a view of
that city. As another illustrative example, in the case where the
user selected a listed area corresponding to a landmark, her node
and/or other computer might employ a globe display in zooming to a
view of that landmark.
[0172] Time intervals might, in various embodiments, be considered
in determination of activity levels. For example, determination of
activity level for a particular area might consider the activity in
that area (e.g., levels of proximity networking activity, levels of
content being provided, and/or numbers of nodes and/or other
computers as indicated by presence information) in the last certain
number of time units (e.g., in the last ten minutes). The number of
time units might, for instance, be settable by a system
administrator and/or by a user requesting search (e.g., via a GUI
and/or other interface).
[0173] Operations responsive to a user's search request might, for
instance, be performed by the user's node and/or other computer,
and/or by one or more other nodes and/or other computers (e.g., one
or more servers). Performed operations might, for instance, include
accessing information relating to activity levels (e.g., proximity
networking activity information, content and/or information
relating thereto, and/or presence information), consideration of
information relating to activity levels, activity level
determination, comparison of information relating to activity
levels and/or determined activity levels, consideration of time
intervals, consideration of areas, consideration of user-specified
criteria (e.g., specification of types of areas to be considered),
and/or performance of ranking. A node and/or other computer might
come to have access to information relating to activity levels, for
example, in a manner analogous to that discussed above.
[0174] It is noted that, in various embodiments, activity level
determination might include determination of proportional activity
per unit area (e.g., per square meter). For example, proportional
levels of proximity networking activity, proportional levels of
content being provided, and/or proportional amounts of nodes and/or
other computers as indicated by presence information might be
determined per unit area.
[0175] In various embodiments presentation employing, for instance,
aerial photography, satellite imagery, and/or map data may be
provided to users. Update of resources (e.g., aerial photography,
satellite imagery, and/or map data) employed in such presentation
may, in various embodiments, occur. Such update might, for example,
involve making available current and/or newest-available resources
(e.g., current and/or newest-available aerial photography,
satellite imagery, and/or map data). Such update might, for
instance, occur in response to one or more triggers.
[0176] For example, update of resources (e.g., update of aerial
photography, satellite imagery, and/or map data) might occur in
response to provision of content and/or information relating
thereto. For instance, provision of content and/or information
relating thereto corresponding to one or more particular areas
might result in update of resources (e.g., update of aerial
photography, satellite imagery, and/or map data) depicting one or
more of those areas. It is noted that, in various embodiments,
provision of content and/or information relating thereto might
result in alerts being provided to one or more users (e.g., users
that have expressed an interest in receiving such alerts).
Provision of alerts to nodes and/or other computers might, for
instance, be performed in a manner analogous to that discussed
above (e.g., UMTS, SOAP, and/or the Internet might be
employed).
[0177] In various embodiments, it may be possible to provide (e.g.,
via a GUI and/or other interface) specification regarding such
functionality. For instance, specification might be provided
regarding when provision of content and/or information relating
thereto should result in update (e.g., of aerial photography,
satellite imagery, and/or map data), when alerts should occur,
and/or which users should receive alerts. Such specification might,
for instance, be provided by users, system administrators, network
providers, and/or corporations.
[0178] As another example, update of resources (e.g., update of
aerial photography, satellite imagery, and/or map data) might occur
for one or more particular areas in response to one or more
activity levels (e.g., of the sort discussed above) being reached
for those areas. In various embodiments, it may be possible to
provide (e.g., via GUI and/or other interface) specification
regarding such functionality. For instance, specification might be
provided regarding types of activity levels that should result in
update and/or levels that should be reached for update to occur.
Such specification might, for instance, be provided by users,
system administrators, network providers, and/or corporations.
Hardware and Software
[0179] Various operations and/or the like described herein may be
executed by and/or with the help of computers. Further, for
example, devices described herein may be and/or may incorporate
computers. The phrases "computer", "general purpose computer", and
the like, as used herein, refer but are not limited to a smart
card, a media device, a personal computer, an engineering
workstation, a PC, a Macintosh, a PDA, a portable computer, a
computerized watch, a wired or wireless terminal, phone,
communication device, node, and/or the like, a server, a network
access point, a network multicast point, a network device, a
set-top box, a personal video recorder (PVR), a game console, a
portable game device, a portable audio device, a portable media
device, a portable video device, a television, a digital camera, a
digital camcorder, a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, a
wireless personal sever, or the like, or any combination thereof,
perhaps running an operating system such as OS X, Linux, Darwin,
Windows CE, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Palm OS, Symbian OS,
or the like, perhaps employing the Series 40 Platform, Series 60
Platform, Series 80 Platform, and/or Series 90 Platform, and
perhaps having support for Java and/or .Net.
[0180] The phrases "general purpose computer", "computer", and the
like also refer, but are not limited to, one or more processors
operatively connected to one or more memory or storage units,
wherein the memory or storage may contain data, algorithms, and/or
program code, and the processor or processors may execute the
program code and/or manipulate the program code, data, and/or
algorithms. Shown in FIG. 8 is an exemplary computer employable in
various embodiments of the present invention. Exemplary computer
8000 includes system bus 8050 which operatively connects two
processors 8051 and 8052, random access memory 8053, read-only
memory 8055, input output (I/O) interfaces 8057 and 8058, storage
interface 8059, and display interface 8061. Storage interface 8059
in turn connects to mass storage 8063. Each of I/O interfaces 8057
and 8058 may, for example, be an Ethernet, IEEE 1394, IEEE 1394b,
IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11i, IEEE 802.11
e, IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.15a, IEEE 802.16a, IEEE 802.16d, IEEE
802.16e, IEEE 802.16x, IEEE 802.20, IEEE 802.15.3, ZigBee,
Bluetooth, Ultra Wide Band (UWB), Wireless Universal Serial Bus
(WUSB), wireless Firewire, terrestrial digital video broadcast
(DVB-T), satellite digital video broadcast (DVB-S), Advanced
Television Systems Committee (ATSC), Integrated Services Digital
Broadcasting (ISDB), Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB), General Packet
Radio Service (GPRS), Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service
(UMTS), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), DVB-H
(Digital Video Broadcasting: Handhelds), IrDA (Infrared Data
Association), and/or other interface.
[0181] Mass storage 8063 may be a hard drive, optical drive, a
memory chip, or the like. Processors 8051 and 8052 may each be a
commonly known processor such as an IBM or Motorola PowerPC, an AMD
Athlon, an AMD Opteron, an Intel ARM, an Intel XScale, a Transmeta
Crusoe, a Transmeta Efficeon, an Intel Xenon, an Intel Itanium, an
Intel Pentium, or an IBM, Toshiba, or Sony Cell processor. Computer
8000 as shown in this example also includes a touch screen 8001 and
a keyboard 8002. In various embodiments, a mouse, keypad, and/or
interface might alternately or additionally be employed. Computer
8000 may additionally include or be attached to card readers, DVD
drives, floppy disk drives, hard drives, memory cards, ROM, and/or
the like whereby media containing program code (e.g., for
performing various operations and/or the like described herein) may
be inserted for the purpose of loading the code onto the
computer.
[0182] In accordance with various embodiments of the present
invention, a computer may run one or more software modules designed
to perform one or more of the above-described operations. Such
modules might, for example, be programmed using languages such as
Java, Objective C, C, C#, C++, Perl, Python, and/or Comega
according to methods known in the art. Corresponding program code
might be placed on media such as, for example, DVD, CD-ROM, memory
card, and/or floppy disk. It is noted that any described division
of operations among particular software modules is for purposes of
illustration, and that alternate divisions of operation may be
employed. Accordingly, any operations discussed as being performed
by one software module might instead be performed by a plurality of
software modules. Similarly, any operations discussed as being
performed by a plurality of modules might instead be performed by a
single module. It is noted that operations disclosed as being
performed by a particular computer might instead be performed by a
plurality of computers. It is further noted that, in various
embodiments, peer-to-peer and/or grid computing techniques may be
employed.
[0183] Shown in FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a terminal, an
exemplary computer employable in various embodiments of the present
invention. In the following, corresponding reference signs are
applied to corresponding parts. Exemplary terminal 9000 of FIG. 9
comprises a processing unit CPU 903, a signal receiver 905, and a
user interface (901, 902). Signal receiver 905 may, for example, be
a single-carrier or multi-carrier receiver. Signal receiver 905 and
the user interface (901, 902) are coupled with the processing unit
CPU 903. One or more direct memory access (DMA) channels may exist
between multi-carrier signal terminal part 905 and memory 904. The
user interface (901, 902) comprises a display and a keyboard to
enable a user to use the terminal 9000. In addition, the user
interface (901, 902) comprises a microphone and a speaker for
receiving and producing audio signals. The user interface (901,
902) may also comprise voice recognition (not shown).
[0184] The processing unit CPU 903 comprises a microprocessor (not
shown), memory 904 and possibly software. The software can be
stored in the memory 904. The microprocessor controls, on the basis
of the software, the operation of the terminal 9000, such as
receiving of a data stream, tolerance of the impulse burst noise in
data reception, displaying output in the user interface and the
reading of inputs received from the user interface. The hardware
contains circuitry for detecting signal, circuitry for
demodulation, circuitry for detecting impulse, circuitry for
blanking those samples of the symbol where significant amount of
impulse noise is present, circuitry for calculating estimates, and
circuitry for performing the corrections of the corrupted data.
[0185] Still referring to FIG. 9, alternatively, middleware or
software implementation can be applied. The terminal 9000 can, for
instance, be a hand-held device which a user can comfortably carry.
The terminal 9000 can, for example, be a cellular mobile phone
which comprises the multi-carrier signal terminal part 905 for
receiving multicast transmission streams. Therefore, the terminal
9000 may possibly interact with the service providers.
Ramifications and Scope
[0186] Although the description above contains many specifics,
these are merely provided to illustrate the invention and should
not be construed as limitations of the invention's scope. Thus it
will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made in the system and
processes of the present invention without departing from the
spirit or scope of the invention.
[0187] In addition, the embodiments, features, methods, systems,
and details of the invention that are described above in the
application may be combined separately or in any combination to
create or describe new embodiments of the invention.
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