U.S. patent application number 12/954727 was filed with the patent office on 2011-03-24 for visual representation of contact location.
This patent application is currently assigned to RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED. Invention is credited to Samer FAHMY, Gerhard Dietrich KLASSEN, Shaul S. WISEBOURT.
Application Number | 20110069062 12/954727 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38334690 |
Filed Date | 2011-03-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110069062 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KLASSEN; Gerhard Dietrich ;
et al. |
March 24, 2011 |
VISUAL REPRESENTATION OF CONTACT LOCATION
Abstract
A method for visually representing information on a display of a
portable electronic device includes receiving location coordinates
from at least one other portable electronic device, plotting a
visual identifier on a map and displaying the map on the display of
the portable electronic device. The position of the visual
identifier corresponds to the location coordinates received from
the at least one other portable electronic device, which correspond
to an actual location of the at least one other portable electronic
device. The appearance of the visual identifier is selected to
depict the status of the user of the at least one other portable
electronic device.
Inventors: |
KLASSEN; Gerhard Dietrich;
(Waterloo, CA) ; WISEBOURT; Shaul S.; (Waterloo,
CA) ; FAHMY; Samer; (Waterloo, CA) |
Assignee: |
RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
Waterloo
CA
|
Family ID: |
38334690 |
Appl. No.: |
12/954727 |
Filed: |
November 26, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11346280 |
Feb 3, 2006 |
|
|
|
12954727 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
345/418 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 1/72457 20210101;
H04M 1/27475 20200101; H04W 4/02 20130101; H04M 1/72427 20210101;
H04W 4/029 20180201; H04M 2250/10 20130101; G01S 5/0072
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/418 |
International
Class: |
G06T 1/00 20060101
G06T001/00 |
Claims
1. A method for visually representing information on a display of a
portable electronic device, said method comprising: receiving
location coordinates from at least one other portable electronic
device; receiving a status of a user of said at least one other
portable electronic device, said status being sent from said at
least one other portable device; displaying a map on said display
of said portable electronic device, a position of a visual
identifier displayed on said map corresponding to said location
coordinates received from said at least one other portable
electronic device; and displaying said status of the user of said
at least one other portable electronic device on said display.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein said location coordinates are
determined using Global Positioning System technology.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein said map is generated using
mapping software.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of displaying said
status on said display comprises selecting, modifying or arranging
said visual identifier to depict said status of said user of said
at least one other portable electronic device.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein an appearance of the visual
identifier is selected, modified or arranged to depict said
status.
6. The method of claim 4, wherein said status comprises any of:
busy, not available, typing or available.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein said visual identifier is an
avatar that is unique to the user of the at least one other
portable electronic device.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein focussing on said visual
identifier launches a window displaying contact information
associated with the user of said at least one other portable
electronic device.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein a distance between said portable
electronic device and said at least one other portable electronic
device is unlimited.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein a user associated with said at
least one other portable electronic device is a member of a list of
contacts of a first user of the portable electronic device.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein said location coordinates and
said status are continuously updated.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein said location coordinates
correspond to an actual location of said at least one other
portable electronic device.
13. A portable electronic device comprising: a processor for
receiving location coordinates and status information of a user of
at least one other portable electronic device, said location
coordinates and status information being sent from said at least
one other portable electronic device; a display for displaying a
visual identifier on a map, a location of said visual identifier
corresponding to said location coordinates; and wherein the
processor is arranged to select, modify or arrange said visual
identifier to depict a status of the user of said at least one
other portable electronic device according to the received status
information.
14. The portable electronic device of claim 13, wherein the
processor is arranged to select, modify or arrange an appearance of
the visual identifier to depict said status of said at least one
other portable electronic device according to the received status
information.
15. The portable electronic device of claim 13, wherein said device
is arranged to receive location coordinates that are determined
using Global Positioning System technology.
16. The portable electronic device of claim 13, wherein said device
is arranged to receive continuously updated location coordinates
and said status information.
17. The portable electronic device of claim 13, wherein said device
is arranged to receive status information corresponding to a user
status comprising any of: busy, not available, typing or
available.
18. The portable electronic device of claim 13, wherein said device
is arranged to use as a visual identifier an avatar that is unique
to the user of said at least one other portable electronic
device.
19. A computer program product, for a portable electronic device
having a processor and a display, the computer program product
comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having
a computer-readable program code adapted to be executable on said
processor to implement a method of visually representing
information on said display, the method comprising: receiving
location coordinates from at least one other portable electronic
device; receiving a status of a user of said at least one other
portable electronic device, said status being sent from said at
least one other portable device; displaying a map on said display
of said portable electronic device, a position of a visual
identifier displayed on said map corresponding to said location
coordinates received from said at least one other portable
electronic device; and displaying said status of the user of said
at least one other portable electronic device on said display.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/346,280 filed Feb. 3, 2006, the contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright
owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by any one of
the patent document or patent disclosure, as it appears in the
Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise
reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
FIELD
[0003] The present specification relates to a mapping application,
in particular, a mapping application for visually representing
location information.
BACKGROUND
[0004] Mapping software is widely used to provide a user with a
visual location on a map that corresponds to a street address.
MapQuest and Google each offer free access to their mapping
software over the internet. In addition to using the mapping
software to plot various addresses, it is also known to integrate
the mapping software into other applications. One example of this
is a real estate application in which multiple identifiers are
plotted on a map of a particular city. In this case, each
identifier visually represents a property that is for sale or for
rent. By selecting an identifier, additional information about the
property may be displayed, including contact information for the
real estate agent associated with that property.
[0005] There are many applications that may be suitable for
integration with mapping software. In each case, however, the
plotted item is limited to being a building, a tourist attraction
or a restaurant, for example. It is therefore desirable to plot the
location of a movable item whose location may change over time.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The specification will be better understood with reference
to the following Figures in which:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a communication
system for a portable electronic device according to an
embodiment;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of certain components
the portable electronic device of FIG. 1; and
[0009] FIG. 3 is a front view of a display of the portable
electronic device of FIG. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0010] Referring to FIG. 1, a functional block diagram of a
communication system 10 and a portable electronic device 12 is
generally shown. The portable electronic device 12 and the
communication system 10 are operable to effect communications over
a radio communications channel therebetween.
[0011] For the purpose of illustration, the communication system 10
is functionally represented in FIG. 1 and includes a base station
14. Base station 14 defines a coverage area, or cell 16 within
which communications between the base station 14 and the portable
electronic device 12 can be effected. It will be appreciated that
the portable electronic device 12 is movable within cell 16 and can
be moved to coverage areas defined by other cells, including those
that are not illustrated in the present example.
[0012] The base station 14 is part of a wireless network and
infrastructure 18 that provides a link to the portable electronic
device 12. The wireless network and infrastructure 18 includes
additional base stations (not shown) that provide the other cells
referred to above. Data is delivered to the portable electronic
device 12 via wireless transmission from base station 14.
Similarly, data is sent from the portable electronic device 12 via
wireless transmission to the base stations 14.
[0013] Wireless networks and infrastructures include, for example,
data-centric wireless networks, voice-centric wireless networks, or
dual-mode wireless networks. For the purpose of the present
exemplary embodiment, the wireless network and infrastructure 18
includes a dual-mode wireless network that supports both voice and
data communications over the same physical base stations.
[0014] The communication system 10 further includes a relay device
20 that is connected to the wireless network and infrastructure 18
and to a server 22. It will be understood that the functions
provided by the relay device 20 and the server 22 can be embodied
in the same device. The server 22 is also connected to an
administration server 24, as shown. The administration server 24
provides administrative services to and control over the server
22.
[0015] The server 22 is also functionally coupled through a
connector 26 to a backup/restore database 28. Other connectors and
databases can be provided, for example, for synchronization
purposes. The connector 26 receives commands from the server 22. It
will be understood that the connector 26 is a functional component
and can be provided by way of an application on the server 22. The
backup/restore database 28 is used for storing data records,
including, for example, copies of Short Message Service (SMS) or
Personal Identification Number (PIN) messages sent from the
portable electronic device 12.
[0016] Referring now to FIG. 2, a block diagram of certain
components within the portable electronic device 12 is shown. In
the present embodiment, the portable electronic device 12 is based
on the computing environment and functionality of a wireless
personal digital assistant (PDA). It will be understood, however,
that the portable electronic device 12 is not limited to a wireless
personal digital assistant. Other portable electronic devices are
possible, such as cellular telephones, smart telephones, and laptop
computers. Referring again to the present embodiment, the portable
electronic device 12 is based on a microcomputer including a
processor 30 connected to a read-only-memory (ROM) 32 that contains
a plurality of applications executable by the processor 30 that
enables the portable electronic device 12 to perform certain
functions including, for example, PIN message functions, SMS
message functions and cellular telephone functions. The processor
30 is also connected to a random access memory unit (RAM) 34 and a
persistent storage device 36 which are responsible for various
non-volatile storage functions of the portable electronic device
12. The processor 30 receives input from various input devices
including a keypad 38. The processor 30 outputs to various output
devices including an LCD display 40. A microphone 44 and phone
speaker 42 are connected to the processor 30 for cellular telephone
functions. The processor 30 is also connected to a modem and radio
device 46. The modem and radio device 46 is used to connect to
wireless networks using an antenna 48. The modem and radio device
46 transmits and receives voice and data communications to and from
the portable electronic device 12 through the antenna 48.
[0017] The portable electronic device 12 is operable to effect two
way communication of voice and data. Thus, the portable electronic
device 12 transmits and receives voice and data communications over
the wireless network and infrastructure 18 via wireless
communications with the base station 14 over a radio communications
channel.
[0018] Referring to FIG. 3, display screen 40 of portable
electronic device 12 of a first user, is generally shown. A map 52
appears on the display 40. Avatars 54, 56, 58 and 60, which are
located at various positions on the map 52, are also shown on the
display 40. Each avatar 54, 56, 58, 60 is a visual identifier that
represents a different portable electronic device user.
[0019] The map 52 is generated using a mapping software
application, which uses mapping software to provide worldwide map
data. The worldwide map data may be provided by NAVTEQ, Tele Atlas
or another provider.
[0020] The position at which each avatar 54, 56, 58, 60 is plotted
on the map 52 corresponds to the global location coordinates of
each user's portable electronic device at a particular time. The
location coordinates are determined locally in each portable
electronic device using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology
that is integrated into each portable electronic device. The
location coordinates may alternatively be determined locally based
on signal strength from cell towers, for example, or any other
suitable type of positioning technology. Further, it will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art that if a user's portable
electronic device does not support GPS technology, the user may
manually input location information into the portable electronic
device.
[0021] Once the location coordinates have been determined locally,
the coordinates are sent to the portable electronic device 12 of
the first user, whose display 40 is shown in FIG. 3. The
coordinates may be sent following a request from the first user or
at regular intervals without a request from the first user.
Alternatively, the coordinates may be sent every time there is a
change in the coordinates.
[0022] The status of each user is also visually represented on the
display 40. As shown, avatar 54 is grayed out and includes a
picture of a bee 62 to indicate that the user associated with this
avatar 54 is busy; avatar 56 is grayed out and includes a picture
of a do not disturb sign 64 to indicate that the user is not
available; avatar 58 includes a picture of a callout 66 to indicate
that the user is typing a message and avatar 60 is available. The
status of each user is determined locally using algorithms on the
portable electronic device. Determining the status of a portable
electronic device user is well known in the art. For example, a
user's status may be determined to be unavailable if the user does
not respond to active notifications, which include emails, calendar
events and instant messages, for a predetermined period of
time.
[0023] Similar to the location coordinates, the status may be sent
to the first user following a request from the first user, at
regular intervals, or every time there is a change in the user
status. The status information is generally sent to the portable
electronic device of the first user at the same time as the
location information, however, may alternatively be sent at a
different time.
[0024] The portable electronic device users that are displayed on
the map 52 are members of a contact list of the first user. The
first user is authorized to receive and view information about each
member and therefore is a member of the contact list of each of the
other users. Similarly, the other users are authorized to receive
and view information about the first user. The authorization
process between a pair of portable electronic device users is well
known in the art and therefore will not be described here.
[0025] The contact list is divided into a number of groups. The
first user may not want to display the location of every contact in
his/her contact list all of the time so it is possible to select
one or more groups to display. For example, one group may be called
"Project Leaders" and contain only those colleagues who are in
charge of projects. It may be useful to plot only this group on a
map in order to determine their respective locations at the time a
meeting is scheduled to start. Similarly, other groups may be
created and plotted on a map.
[0026] The information that is stored in the contact list with
respect to a particular user typically includes: email address,
phone number(s), facsimile number(s) and physical address(es). A
profile including a preferred avatar of the contact may also be
stored with the contact information.
[0027] The contact list is not limited to including only contacts
who have completed an authorization process. Contacts for whom
location and status information cannot be obtained may also be
included on the contact list. In addition, if a user who is an
authorized contact of the first user does not wish to have his/her
location or status made available at a particular time, the user
may block transmission of such information, if desired.
[0028] The first user is able to view additional information
associated with an avatar 54, 56, 58, 60 by focusing on the avatar
54, 56, 58, 60 using a mouse or other selection device. As shown in
FIG. 3, avatar 60 is "in focus". This launches a window 68 that
provides additional information from the contact list about the
contact. In this case, a photograph and email address is provided,
however, other information may alternatively be provided.
[0029] In use, the first user powers up portable-electronic device
12 if it is not already powered up. The user then selects a group
of contacts from a list of predefined groups that is provided.
Following selection of the desired group, a location and status
request is sent from the first user's portable electronic device to
the portable electronic devices of each member of the selected
group. When the requested information has been received, a map 52
is presented on the display 40 including the avatars 54, 56, 58, 60
of the respective contacts as shown in FIG. 3. As previously
described, the location and status may alternatively be broadcast
from the portable electronic devices of the other users and
received by the portable electronic device of the first user
without a request.
[0030] Once the avatars 54, 56, 58, 60 have been plotted on the map
52, the first user may focus on any one of the avatars 54, 56, 58,
60 to bring up window 68, which includes further information
associated with the avatar 54, 56, 58, 60.
[0031] The map 52 may be maintained on the display 40 at all times
or alternatively, the map 52 may be launched each time the first
user selects a "Map my Contacts" application from a menu. In the
embodiment in which the map 52 is maintained on the display 40, the
location coordinates and status are updated at regular intervals.
The timing of the intervals may be set by the portable electronic
device 12 of the first user. Alternatively, the location
coordinates and status may only be updated when the first user
clicks a "refresh" button.
[0032] In another embodiment, the avatars 54, 56, 58, 60 are
replaced with customized avatars that are easily differentiable
from one another. One type of customized avatar is a photograph of
the respective user. The customized avatars may be associated with
each user's profile. Alternatively, avatars may be assigned by the
first user to override the avatars associated with the user
profiles.
[0033] The status of a user may be represented in various ways. For
example, if the avatar is a photograph of the user, a busy status
may be indicated by graying out the photograph; a not available
status may be indicated by drawing an X over the photograph, a
typing status may be indicated by coloring the photograph yellow or
another suitable color; and an available status may be indicated by
simply displaying the original photograph. It will be appreciated
by persons skilled in the art that other types of status may also
be visually represented. For example, if a user has manually set
their portable electronic device to "do not disturb" this may be
represented in a different manner than a user who has simply not
responded to calls or electronic messages for a period of time.
[0034] It will be appreciated that the location and status
information of the other users is displayed on the map 52
regardless of the actual distance between the other users and the
first user. As long as the portable electronic device 12 of the
first user is able to receive signals from the other users, the
information will be displayed.
[0035] A specific embodiment has been shown and described herein.
However, modifications and variations may occur to those skilled in
the art. For example, although only a small number of avatars have
been described, there are many types of avatars for differentiating
users from one another and for indicating the status of each user
that could be used. In addition, the map 52 that appears on the
display 40 may be drawn from location source data using vector
graphics. Other modifications and variations may occur to those
skilled in the art. All such modifications and variations are
believed to be within the sphere and scope of the present
embodiment.
* * * * *