U.S. patent application number 12/958189 was filed with the patent office on 2011-03-24 for methods and apparatuses for identifying opportunities to capture content.
This patent application is currently assigned to SONY CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Eric Edwards, Robert Sato.
Application Number | 20110069183 12/958189 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34808547 |
Filed Date | 2011-03-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110069183 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Edwards; Eric ; et
al. |
March 24, 2011 |
METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR IDENTIFYING OPPORTUNITIES TO CAPTURE
CONTENT
Abstract
In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses identifying
opportunities to capture content sense a user profile; determine a
geographic location of a device; and transmit at least one
suggestion to the device based on the geographic location of the
device and the user profile wherein the suggestion indicates a
photo opportunity.
Inventors: |
Edwards; Eric; (Kealakekua,
HI) ; Sato; Robert; (San Diego, CA) |
Assignee: |
SONY CORPORATION
Tokyo
NJ
SONY ELECTRONICS, INC.
Park Ridge
|
Family ID: |
34808547 |
Appl. No.: |
12/958189 |
Filed: |
December 1, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10771902 |
Feb 4, 2004 |
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12958189 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
348/207.1 ;
348/222.1; 348/E5.024; 348/E5.031 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 1/00127 20130101;
H04W 4/029 20180201; H04N 1/00326 20130101; H04M 1/72439 20210101;
H04N 2201/3233 20130101; H04W 4/185 20130101; H04N 2201/3207
20130101; H04N 2101/00 20130101; H04L 67/306 20130101; H04N 1/00244
20130101; H04M 1/72457 20210101; H04N 2201/3205 20130101; H04W 4/02
20130101; H04L 67/18 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
348/207.1 ;
348/222.1; 348/E05.031; 348/E05.024 |
International
Class: |
H04N 5/225 20060101
H04N005/225; H04N 5/228 20060101 H04N005/228 |
Claims
1-28. (canceled)
29. An apparatus for suggesting local photo opportunities,
comprising: at least one computer processor, and associated memory,
configured for identifying opportunities to capture photographic
content; programming executable on said at least one said computer
processor for, storing a user profile which includes at least one
content type from a number of classification categories describing
photographic interests of a user, and in which said content type
specifies the category, or kind, of photo opportunity in which the
user is interested; receiving a geographical location of an
electronic device of the user which is configured to capture an
image; and generating at least one suggestion based on matching the
content types within the user profile which expresses user
interests and the content type of the photo opportunity for the
geographical location of the electronic device of the user which is
configured to capture an image.
30. The apparatus as recited in claim 29: wherein said at least one
computer processor and associated memory comprises an electronic
device which is configured to capture an image, and a server; and
wherein the electronic device which is configured to capture an
image and the server are configured for communication with one
another over a network.
31. The apparatus as recited in claim 29, wherein said electronic
device of the user which is configured to capture an image is
configured for communicating over a network with a server, and
configured for receiving suggested local photo opportunities
therefrom.
32. The apparatus as recited in claim 29, wherein said content type
categories for representing user interests comprise general
categories of content types as well as subsets of the general
categories of content types within said user profile.
33. The apparatus as recited in claim 29, further comprising
programming executable on said at least one said computer processor
for selecting a suggestion from said at least one suggestion within
a photo opportunity database wherein each suggestion includes a
content type and a geographic location.
34. The apparatus as recited in claim 29, further comprising
programming executable on said at least one said computer processor
for adding additional suggestions to said at least one suggestion
by widening an area around the geographic location of each
suggestion that the electronic device, which is configured to
capture an image, is found within or by relaxing a requirement that
the content type of each suggestion match the user profile.
35. The apparatus as recited in claim 29, further comprising
programming executable on said at least one said computer processor
for reducing suggestions from said at least one suggestion by
tightening a requirement that the content type of each suggestion
match the user profile.
36. The apparatus as recited in claim 29, further comprising
programming executable on said at least one said computer processor
for receiving a selection from an electronic device of the user
which is configured to capture an image as associated with said
apparatus wherein the selection is selected from said at least one
suggestion.
37. The apparatus as recited in claim 29, further comprising: an
electronic device of the user which is configured to capture an
image coupled over a network to a server as comprising said at
least one computer processor and associated memory; and programming
executable on said at least one said computer processor for
transmitting a detailed description, from said server to said
electronic device of the user which is configured to capture an
image, in which the detailed description corresponds to the
selection.
38. The apparatus as recited in claim 37, wherein said server is
configured to store a photo opportunity database that includes a
plurality of photo opportunity listings wherein each listing is
associated with a geographic area and a content type.
39. The apparatus as recited in claim 37, wherein said detailed
description includes a sample image of the selection.
40. The apparatus as recited in claim 37, wherein said detailed
description includes directions to the selection based on the
geographic location of the electronic device of the user which is
configured to capture an image.
41. An apparatus for suggesting local photo opportunities,
comprising: a server computer and associated memory, configured for
identifying and suggesting photo opportunities based on location of
an associated electronic device with an ability to capture an
image; wherein said server computer is configured to store a photo
opportunity database that includes a plurality of photo opportunity
listings wherein each listing is associated with a geographic area
and a content type; and programming executable on said server
computer for, storing a user profile which includes at least one
content type from a number of classification categories describing
photographic interests of a user, and in which said content type
specifies the category, or kind, of photo opportunity in which the
user is interested; receiving a geographical location of an
electronic device of the user which is configured to capture an
image; generating at least one suggestion based on matching the
content types within the user profile which expresses user
interests and the content type of the photo opportunity for the
geographical location of the electronic device of the user which is
configured to capture an image; and transmitting photo opportunity
information, as said at least one suggestion, from said server
computer to the electronic device of the user which is configured
to capture an image.
42. The apparatus as recited in claim 41, wherein said content type
categories for representing user interests comprise general
categories of content types as well as subsets of the general
categories of content types within said user profile.
43. The apparatus as recited in claim 41, further comprising
programming executable on said server computer for selecting a
suggestion from said at least one suggestion within a photo
opportunity database wherein each suggestion includes a content
type and a geographic location.
44. The apparatus as recited in claim 41, further comprising
programming executable on said at least one said server computer
for adding additional suggestions to said at least one suggestion
by widening an area around the geographic location of each
suggestion that the electronic device of the user, which is
configured to capture an image, is found within or by relaxing a
requirement that the content type of each suggestion match the user
profile.
45. The apparatus as recited in claim 41, further comprising
programming executable on said server computer for reducing
suggestions from said at least one suggestion by tightening a
requirement that the content type of each suggestion match the user
profile.
46. The apparatus as recited in claim 41, further comprising
programming executable on said server computer for receiving a
selection from the electronic device of the user which is
configured to capture an image as associated with said apparatus
wherein the selection is selected from said at least one
suggestion.
47. The apparatus as recited in claim 41, further comprising
programming executable on said server computer for transmitting a
detailed description and sample image to the electronic device of
the user, which is configured to capture an image, in which the
detailed description corresponds to the selection.
48. An apparatus for suggesting local photo opportunities,
comprising: a server computer and associated memory, configured for
identifying and suggesting photo opportunities based on location of
an electronic device of a user which can capture an image; means
for storing a photo opportunity database within said server
computer, which includes a plurality of photo opportunity listings
wherein each listing is associated with a geographic area and a
content type; means for storing a user profile within said server
computer which includes at least one content type from a number of
classification categories describing photographic interests of a
user, and in which said content type specifies the category, or
kind, of photo opportunity in which the user is interested; means
for receiving a geographical location within said server computer
of an electronic device of the user which is configured to capture
an image; and means for generating at least one suggestion by said
server computer based on matching the content types within the user
profile which expresses user interests and the content type of the
photo opportunity for the geographical location of the electronic
device of the user which is configured to capture an image.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/771,902, filed on Feb. 4, 2004,
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, now U.S. Pat. No.
______.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to identifying
opportunities to capture content and, more particularly, to
identifying opportunities to capture content based on location.
BACKGROUND
[0003] With the use of electronic image capturing devices, there
has been a proliferation of images that have been recorded by
users. Users typically record content that captures their
interests. In one example, a user utilizes the image capturing
device to record images of historic buildings while on vacation.
The content captured by users includes video tracks, graphic
images, and photographs.
[0004] In some cases while sightseeing on vacation, the user may
not be aware of an opportunity to record sights nearby that
interest the user. For example, the user may be visiting a historic
building with a city. While visiting, the user is able to capture
images of this historic building. Because the visitor is not
familiar with this city, the user may not realize that another
historic building is located several blocks away. Had the user
known that a similar historic building was only several blocks
away, the user would have visited this additional historic building
as well.
SUMMARY
[0005] In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses identifying
opportunities to capture content sense a user profile; determine a
geographic location of a device; and transmit at least one
suggestion to the device based on the geographic location of the
device and the user profile wherein the suggestion indicates a
photo opportunity.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate and explain one
embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for identifying
opportunities to capture content. In the drawings,
[0007] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an environment within which
the methods and apparatuses for synchronizing and tracking content
are implemented;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram illustrating one
embodiment in which the methods and apparatuses for identifying
opportunities to capture content are implemented;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram illustrating a system,
consistent with one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for
identifying opportunities to capture content;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram illustrating one
embodiment in which the methods and apparatuses for identifying
opportunities to capture content;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram consistent with one embodiment of
the methods and apparatuses for identifying opportunities to
capture content;
[0012] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram consistent with one embodiment of
the methods and apparatuses for identifying opportunities to
capture content; and
[0013] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram consistent with one embodiment of
the methods and apparatuses for identifying opportunities to
capture content.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] The following detailed description of the methods and
apparatuses for identifying opportunities to capture content refers
to the accompanying drawings. The detailed description is not
intended to limit the methods and apparatuses for identifying
opportunities to capture content. Instead, the scope of the methods
and apparatuses for identifying opportunities to capture content is
defined by the appended claims and equivalents. Those skilled in
the art will recognize that many other implementations are
possible, consistent with the present invention.
[0015] References to "content" includes data such as photographs,
images, video, text, graphics, and the like, that are embodied in
digital or analog electronic form.
[0016] References to "electronic device" includes a device such as
a digital still camera, a video camera, a personal digital
assistant with an ability to capture an image, a cellular device
with an ability to capture an image, and any electronic device with
an ability to capture an image.
[0017] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an environment within which
the methods and apparatuses for identifying opportunities to
capture content are implemented. The environment includes an
electronic device 110 (e.g., a computing platform configured to act
as a client device, such as a computer, a personal digital
assistant, a cellular telephone, a camera device), a user interface
115, a network 120 (e.g., a local area network, a home network, the
Internet), and a server 130 (e.g., a computing platform configured
to act as a server).
[0018] In one embodiment, one or more user interface 115 components
are made integral with the electronic device 110 (e.g., keypad and
video display screen input and output interfaces in the same
housing as personal digital assistant electronics (e.g., as in a
Clie.RTM. manufactured by Sony Corporation). In other embodiments,
one or more user interface 115 components (e.g., a keyboard, a
pointing device (mouse, trackball, etc.), a microphone, a speaker,
a display, a camera) are physically separate from, and are
conventionally coupled to, electronic device 110. The user utilizes
interface 115 to access and control content and applications stored
in electronic device 110, server 130, or a remote storage device
(not shown) coupled via network 120.
[0019] In accordance with the invention, embodiments of identifying
opportunities to capture content as described below are executed by
an electronic processor in electronic device 110, in server 130, or
by processors in electronic device 110 and in server 130 acting
together. Server 130 is illustrated in FIG. 1 as being a single
computing platform, but in other instances are two or more
interconnected computing platforms that act as a server.
[0020] The methods and apparatuses for identifying opportunities to
capture content are shown in the context of exemplary embodiments
of applications in which content is suggested and identified based
on the location of the electronic device. In one embodiment, the
user utilizes content through the electronic device 110 and the
network 120. In another embodiment, the content is tracked and
synchronized by the application that is located within the server
130 and/or the electronic device 110.
[0021] In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses for
identifying opportunities to capture content is configured to
provide a device with a list of suggestions based on a user profile
and a location of the device. In one instance, the list of
suggestions is selected from a photo opportunity database.
Additionally, the user profile includes the type of content of
interested by the user of the device in one embodiment.
[0022] In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses for
identifying opportunities to capture content is configured to
provide detailed information corresponding to a selection from the
list of suggestions. In one instance, the detailed information
includes directions to the selection. In another instance, the
detailed information includes detailed, dynamic directions to the
selection based on the real-time location of the device. In one
embodiment, the detailed information includes sample images and
text describing the selection.
[0023] In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses for
identifying opportunities to capture content automatically updates
the user profile based on the image(s) captured by the device.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram illustrating an exemplary
architecture in which the methods and apparatuses for identifying
opportunities to capture content are implemented. The exemplary
architecture includes a plurality of electronic devices 110, a
server device 130, and a network 120 connecting electronic devices
110 to server 130 and each electronic device 110 to each other. The
plurality of electronic devices 110 are each configured to include
a computer-readable medium 209, such as random access memory,
coupled to an electronic processor 208. Processor 208 executes
program instructions stored in the computer-readable medium 209. A
unique user operates each electronic device 110 via an interface
115 as described with reference to FIG. 1.
[0025] Server device 130 includes a processor 211 coupled to a
computer-readable medium 212. In one embodiment, the server device
130 is coupled to one or more additional external or internal
devices, such as, without limitation, a secondary data storage
element, such as database 240.
[0026] In one instance, processors 208 and 211 are manufactured by
Intel Corporation, of Santa Clara, Calif. In other instances, other
microprocessors are used.
[0027] The plurality of client devices 110 and the server 130
include instructions for a customized application for identifying
opportunities to capture content. In one embodiment, the plurality
of computer-readable medium 209 and 212 contain, in part, the
customized application. Additionally, the plurality of client
devices 110 and the server 130 are configured to receive and
transmit electronic messages for use with the customized
application. Similarly, the network 120 is configured to transmit
electronic messages for use with the customized application.
[0028] One or more user applications are stored in memories 209, in
memory 211, or a single user application is stored in part in one
memory 209 and in part in memory 211. In one instance, a stored
user application, regardless of storage location, is made
customizable based on identifying opportunities to capture content
as determined using embodiments described below.
[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of an identifying system
300. The identifying system 300 includes a review module 310, a
location module 320, a storage module 330, an interface module 340,
and a control module 350. In one embodiment, the control module 350
communicates with the review module 310, the location module 320,
the storage module 330, and the interface module 340.
[0030] In one embodiment, the control module 350 coordinates tasks,
requests, and communications between the review module 310, the
location module 320, the storage module 330, and the interface
module 340.
[0031] In one embodiment, the review module 310 analyzes a profile
associated with a user of the electronic device 110. In one
embodiment, the profile includes different content types of
pictures captured by the user. For example, the user of the
electronic device 110 captures pictures of monuments, scenic
landscapes, churches, historical buildings, and the like.
[0032] In another embodiment, the review module 310 identifies
possible picture opportunities from selecting from a picture
opportunity database based in part on the profile. In one
embodiment, the picture opportunity database includes a listing of
opportunities to capture a photograph and is organized by geography
area and content type. For example, a church located in San
Francisco, Calif. is listed as a photograph opportunity within the
picture opportunity database. In this example, this listed church
can be classified as a church, a historical building, a monument,
and the like for content type within the picture opportunity
database. In addition, this listed church can also be classified
under "San Francisco" under geography area within the picture
opportunity database.
[0033] In yet another embodiment, the review module 310 creates a
profile for the user based on the photographs captured by the user.
For example, the review module 310 reviews prior photographs
captured by the user through the electronic device 110.
[0034] In yet another embodiment, the review module 310 updates an
existing profile based on additional photographs captured by the
user. For example, the review module 310 monitors the photographic
activity of the user through the electronic device 110.
[0035] In one embodiment, the location module 320 identifies a
location of the electronic device 110. In one embodiment, the
location module 320 receives information identifying the location
of the electronic device 110 and makes the location information
available to the review module 310. In one embodiment, the location
of the electronic device is determined through a system of
satellites such as a global positioning system (GPS). In another
embodiment, the location of the electronic device 110 is determined
locally by multiple sensors which pin point the device's
location.
[0036] In yet another embodiment, the location of the electronic
device 110 is determined by sensing the electronic device 110
within a general area. For example, the electronic device 110 is
sensed entering an entrance gate at an amusement park. In this
embodiment, the location module 320 senses that the electronic
device 110 is within the amusement park. Although, the exact
location of the electronic device 110 is not available, the
location module 320 ascertains the general area of the electronic
device 110.
[0037] In one embodiment, the storage module 330 stores a profile
associated a user of the electronic device 110. In another
embodiment, the storage module 330 also stores the picture
opportunity database.
[0038] In one embodiment, the interface module 340 detects an
action such as capturing a photograph through the electronic device
110.
[0039] In another embodiment, the interface module 340 transmits
different possible selection choices from the picture opportunity
database.
[0040] In yet another embodiment, the interface module 340
interacts with user regarding the user's selection from the picture
opportunity database.
[0041] In another embodiment, the interface module 340 interacts
with other devices. For example, in one instance, the interface
module 340 interacts with a GPS system for receiving geographical
information regarding the electronic device 110.
[0042] The identifying system 300 in FIG. 3 is shown for exemplary
purposes and is merely one embodiment of the methods and
apparatuses for identifying opportunities to capture content.
Additional modules may be added to the system 300 without departing
from the scope of the methods and apparatuses for sequestering
content. Similarly, modules may be combined or deleted without
departing from the scope of the methods and apparatuses for
identifying opportunities to capture content.
[0043] FIG. 4 illustrates a simplified overview system 400 for
identifying opportunities to capture images. The system 400
includes an electronic device 110, a server 130, locator system
410, and a wireless network 420. The record 400 is associated with
a specific content.
[0044] In one embodiment, the electronic device 110 captures images
under the direction of a user. In one instance, the electronic
device 110 receives suggestions for opportunities to capture images
based on the location of the electronic device 110 and the unique
profile of the user. In another instance, the electronic device 110
provides detailed instructions about a particular opportunity of
interest based on the selection of the user from the multiple
suggestions.
[0045] In one embodiment, the server 130 monitors the electronic
device 110 and provides the electronic device 110 with suggestions
for opportunities to capture images. In one instance, the server
130 maintains the unique profile for each user and the picture
opportunity database. In another instance, the server 130 detects
activity of the electronic device 110 and updates the profile for
the user. In another instance, the server 130 monitors the location
of the electronic device 110.
[0046] In one embodiment, the locator system 410 determines the
geographical location of the electronic device 110. In one
instance, the locator system 410 is a GPS system that utilizes
multiple satellites to track the location of the electronic device
throughout the world. In another instance, the locator system 410
comprises multiple local sensors to track the location of the
electronic device 110 within a localized area.
[0047] In one embodiment, the locator system 410 communicates with
the server 130 through the electronic device. In another
embodiment, the locator system 410 communicates directly with the
electronic device 110.
[0048] In one embodiment, the wireless network 420 facilitates
communication between the electronic device 110 and the server 130.
In one embodiment, the wireless network 420 is a cellular network.
In another embodiment, the wireless network 420 is a wide area
network.
[0049] The flow diagrams as depicted in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 are one
embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for synchronizing and
tracking content. The blocks within the flow diagrams can be
performed in a different sequence without departing from the spirit
of the methods and apparatuses for synchronizing and tracking
content. Further, blocks can be deleted, added, or combined without
departing from the spirit of the methods and apparatuses for
synchronizing and tracking content.
[0050] The flow diagram in FIG. 5 illustrates identifying
opportunities to capture content according to one embodiment of the
invention. In Block 510, a camera device is detected. In one
embodiment, the server 130 detects the camera device.
[0051] In Block 520, a user's identity is determined. In one
embodiment, the user interfaces with the camera device detected
within the Block 510. The user may be identified in numerous ways.
In one instance, the user is identified through a password. In
another instance, the user is identified through a biometric
parameter such as a fingerprint, a DNA sample, an iris scan, and
the like. In yet another instance, the user is identified through
the use of a specific camera device.
[0052] In Block 530, a unique profile corresponding to the user's
identity is loaded within the system 300. In one embodiment, the
unique profile is loaded among a plurality of profiles associated
with other users. In one embodiment, the profile indicates the
content types that the user has expressed interest. For example,
the profile reflects that the user shows interest in content such
as historic buildings, hot rod automobiles, and the like. In one
instance, the content types range from general categories such as
"buildings" to more refined subsets such as "interiors of
cathedrals" being a subset of "buildings". In other examples, any
number of labels are utilized to describe the various content types
that are listed within a profile.
[0053] In Block 540, a location of the camera device is determined.
In one embodiment, the location of the camera device is performed
by the locator system 410. In one instance, the locator system 410
determines the general location of the camera device without
finding the exact location. For example, for determining a
generalized location of the camera device, a single cellular site
is sufficient for detecting the camera device within a generalized
area such as within a particular city.
[0054] In another instance, the locator system 410 determines a
specific location of the camera device through a GPS system such as
at a particular street address. In one instance, the location of
the camera device is determined within 3 feet.
[0055] In Block 550, suggestions are transmitted to the camera
device. In one embodiment, these suggestions give the user choices
for photographic opportunities based on the location of the camera
device and the interests of the user.
[0056] The flow diagram in FIG. 6 illustrates identifying
opportunities to capture content according to one embodiment of the
invention.
[0057] In Block 610, a unique profile is identified and the
location of the camera device is also identified.
[0058] In Block 620, a search is conducted within the picture
opportunity database based on the unique profile and the location
of the camera device. In one embodiment, if the location of the
camera is within a city such as San Francisco, then, the
photographic opportunities listed within the picture opportunity is
limited to listings in San Francisco. In another embodiment, the
photographic opportunities listed within the picture opportunity is
limited to listings in San Francisco Bay Area. In yet another
embodiment, the photographic opportunities listed within the
picture opportunity is limited to listings in Northern
California.
[0059] In one embodiment, the listings within the picture
opportunity database are narrowed and refined based on the unique
profile. For example, if the unique profile reflects that historic
buildings are of interest, then the listings with the content type
related to historical buildings are retained.
[0060] In one embodiment, the number of retained listings ideally
would not overwhelm the camera device while still providing the
camera device with choices to select. For example, in one instance,
having between 5 to 10 listings from the picture opportunity
database allows enough choices without overwhelming the user and
the camera device.
[0061] There are a variety of ways to limit or expand the number of
listing transmitted to the camera device. In one embodiment, the
radius of geographical limits is dynamically varied to keep the
number of listings offered to the camera device reasonable. For
example, the geographic radius is enlarged when there are not
enough listings to present to the camera device. In another
example, the geographic radius is decreased when there are too many
listings to present to the camera device.
[0062] Further, the content type is expanded and broadened when
there are not enough listings to present to the camera device in
one embodiment. In this instance, instead of selecting "historic
buildings" as the content type, "buildings" is utilized as the
content type. Similarly, the content type is narrowed when there
are not enough listings to present to the camera device in one
embodiment. In this instance, instead of selecting "historic
buildings" as the content type, "historic buildings in historic
areas" is utilized as the content type.
[0063] Further, the content type is expanded and broadened when
there are not enough listings to present to the camera device in
one embodiment. In this instance, instead of selecting "historic
buildings" as the content type, "buildings" is utilized as the
content type.
[0064] In Block 630, the listings identified in the Block 620 are
suggestions that are transmitted to the camera device.
[0065] In Block 640, a particular selection from one of the
suggestions is received from the camera device. In one embodiment,
the selection requests additional suggestions for the camera
device. In this instance, additional suggestions are identified in
the Block 620 and these additional suggestions are transmitted to
the camera device in the Block 630.
[0066] In another embodiment, the selection identifies one of the
suggestions transmitted in the Block 630.
[0067] In Block 650, detailed information related to the selected
suggestion is transmitted to the camera device. In one embodiment,
the detailed information is stored within the storage module 330.
In one embodiment, the detailed information includes directions on
how to reach this photographic opportunity, notes describing the
environment of the opportunity, sample images to emulate, sample
images with common mistakes, and the like.
[0068] In Block 660, dynamic directions are transmitted to the
camera device based on the real-time location of the camera device.
For example, the dynamic directions are transmitted to the camera
device calling out real-time directions of "turn right at the next
light", "make a u-turn here", and the like.
[0069] The flow diagram in FIG. 7 illustrates customizing
photographs captured by the camera device according to one
embodiment of the invention. In Block 710, a particular selection
from one of the suggestions is received from the camera device.
[0070] In Block 720, a location of the camera device is determined.
In one embodiment, the location of the camera device is performed
by the locator system 410.
[0071] In Block 730, a captured image recorded by the camera device
is detected. In one embodiment, the captured image is recorded by
the camera device at the location determined in the Block 720.
[0072] In Block 740, the image captured by the camera device and
the location of the camera device when the image was captured is
compared with information related to the particular selection
within the Block 710.
[0073] In one embodiment, the information related to the particular
selection is stored within the storage module 310 within the
picture opportunity database. For example, in one instance, the
picture opportunity database includes information related to the
particular selection such as a location, sample images, descriptive
text associated with the sample images.
[0074] In one embodiment, the location of the camera device when
the image was captured is compared to the location of the
particular selection. If the camera device was located outside the
area of the particular selection when the image was captured, then
this image does not correspond to the sample images associated with
the particular selection.
[0075] In one embodiment, the captured image is compared with the
sample images stored within the picture opportunity database
associated with the particular selection. In one instance,
commercially available image recognition and comparison algorithms
are utilized to determine a sufficient match between the captured
image and one of the sample images.
[0076] In Block 750, text associated with the sample image is
selectively added to the captured image. In one embodiment, the
text associated with the sample image is stored within the picture
opportunity database. In one embodiment, the text associated with
the sample image describes details of the captured image such as
location of the sample image, description of the subject of the
captured image, and the like.
[0077] In one embodiment, the text associated with the sample image
is added to the captured image when the captured image is recorded
by the camera device in a location that corresponds with the
particular selection. In another embodiment, the sample image is
added to the captured image when the captured image matches the
sample image.
[0078] In Block 760, the profile corresponding to the user of the
camera device is updated according to the captured image. For
example, the captured image that is detected in the Block 730 is
utilized to refine the profile associated with the user of the
camera device.
[0079] In one embodiment, the captured image is matched with a
sample image corresponding to the particular selection from the
comparison in the Block 740. In this instance, the content type
associated with the sample image is utilized to update the profile
corresponding to the user of the camera device.
[0080] In another embodiment, the captured image does not
correspond to a sample image and is independently matched to a
content type. For example, since the captured image does not
correspond to any of the sample images, the captured image is
examined to match a content type unique to the captured image.
[0081] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the
invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and
description. For example, the invention is described within the
context of suggesting photo opportunities and capturing images as
merely one embodiment of the invention. The invention may be
applied to a variety of other applications.
[0082] They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
invention to the precise embodiments disclosed, and naturally many
modifications and variations are possible in light of the above
teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to
explain the principles of the invention and its practical
application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best
utilize the invention and various embodiments with various
modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It
is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the
Claims appended hereto and their equivalents.
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