U.S. patent application number 17/393257 was filed with the patent office on 2021-11-25 for systems and methods of using geolocation verification.
This patent application is currently assigned to Relola Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Relola Inc.. Invention is credited to Graham Alan Golder, Kristen Emily Anne Policy, Heather Lynn Sittig.
Application Number | 20210366063 17/393257 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005754709 |
Filed Date | 2021-11-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210366063 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sittig; Heather Lynn ; et
al. |
November 25, 2021 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF USING GEOLOCATION VERIFICATION
Abstract
Systems and methods for displaying one or more submissions are
described. One such exemplar method includes: (i) accepting, from a
client device associated with a reviewer, a representation of the
reviewer's presence at a represented location; (ii) receiving
location coordinates of a location-enabled device when the reviewer
represents being present at the represented location and the
location-enabled device is proximate and/or in possession of the
reviewer; (iii) deeming the reviewer as an authorized reviewer of
the represented location if the location coordinates of the
location-enabled device are within a predefined threshold area
around the represented location when the reviewer represents being
present at the represented location; and (v) causing to be
displayed, on one or more of the client devices, one or more
submissions relating to the represented location received from the
authorized reviewer of the represented location.
Inventors: |
Sittig; Heather Lynn;
(Oakland, US) ; Policy; Kristen Emily Anne;
(Berkeley, US) ; Golder; Graham Alan; (Fremont,
US) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Relola Inc. |
Mountain View |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Relola Inc.
Mountain View
CA
|
Family ID: |
1000005754709 |
Appl. No.: |
17/393257 |
Filed: |
August 3, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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16676432 |
Nov 6, 2019 |
11080803 |
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17393257 |
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15178538 |
Jun 9, 2016 |
10529040 |
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16676432 |
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62173347 |
Jun 9, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 63/107 20130101;
H04L 51/36 20130101; H04W 4/021 20130101; G06F 16/24578 20190101;
H04W 12/63 20210101; H04W 12/08 20130101; G06Q 50/167 20130101;
H04W 4/21 20180201; H04L 67/18 20130101; H04L 51/12 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 50/16 20060101
G06Q050/16; H04W 4/21 20060101 H04W004/21; G06F 16/2457 20060101
G06F016/2457; H04W 12/08 20060101 H04W012/08; H04W 4/021 20060101
H04W004/021; H04L 29/06 20060101 H04L029/06; H04L 29/08 20060101
H04L029/08; H04L 12/58 20060101 H04L012/58 |
Claims
1. A method for displaying one or more submissions, said method
comprising: accepting, from a client device, a representation of a
reviewer's presence at a represented location, and wherein said
client device is associated with said reviewer and said reviewer is
one who intends to submit one or more inputs relating to said
represented location; receiving location coordinates of a
location-enabled device when said reviewer represents being present
at said represented location and said location-enabled device is
proximate and/or in possession of said reviewer; deeming said
reviewer as an authorized reviewer of said represented location if
said location coordinates of said location-enabled device are
within a predefined threshold area around said represented location
when said reviewer represents being present at said represented
location; and causing to be displayed, on one or more of said
client devices, one or more submissions relating to said
represented location received from said authorized reviewer of said
represented location.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. Nonprovisional
application Ser. No. 16/676,432, filed Nov. 6, 2019, entitled,
"SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF USING GEOLOCATION VERIFICATION," which is a
continuation of U.S. Nonprovisional application Ser. No.
15/178,538, filed Jun. 9, 2016, entitled, "SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF
USING GEOLOCATION VERIFICATION," now issued as U.S. Pat. No.
10,529,040, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application
No. 62/173,347, filed Jun. 9, 2015, entitled, "COMPUTER PLATFORM
AND METHOD TO FACILITATE THE SELLING OF REAL-ESTATE," all of which
are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
FIELD
[0002] The present teachings relate generally to systems and
methods of providing a geolocation verification system. More
specifically, the present teachings relate to systems and methods
of using geolocation coordinates to verify an individual's presence
at a represented location or a reviewer's presence at a represented
location so that the individual or reviewer is authorized to submit
inputs, such as reviews, commentary, pictures, insights, or the
like, about the represented location, for viewing by other
individuals who are interested in that represented location.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Typically, people may electronically check-in to a location
with a computerized device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop
computer, to claim presence at a represented location. Having done
so, these people submit one or more inputs, i.e., content of
submissions such as reviews, commentary, pictures, insights, and
the like, about the represented location. Such publications,
however, lack reliability, because they are based on these peoples'
representations that they were present at these represented
locations at certain times, when they in fact may not have been
present. What is therefore needed are systems and methods that
facilitate publishing reliable information for and from the public
atlarge.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In one aspect, the present teachings disclose a method for
displaying one or more submissions. One such exemplar method
includes: (i) accepting, from a client device, a representation of
a reviewer's presence at a represented location, and wherein the
client device is associated with the reviewer and the reviewer is
one who intends to submit one or more inputs relating to the
represented location; (ii) receiving location coordinates of a
location-enabled device when the reviewer represents being present
at the represented location and the location-enabled device is
proximate to and/or in possession of the reviewer; (iii) deeming
the reviewer as an authorized reviewer of the represented location
if the location coordinates of the location-enabled device are
within a predefined threshold area around the represented location
when the reviewer represents being present at the represented
location; and (v) causing to be displayed, on one or more of the
client devices, one or more submissions relating to the represented
location received from the authorized reviewer of the represented
location. In certain embodiments of the present teachings, the
above-mentioned steps of accepting and receiving occur
contemporaneously.
[0005] In one implementation of the present teachings, the step of
causing to be displayed is carried out by a server that only causes
to display one or more submissions relating to the represented
location received from the authorized reviewer of the represented
location. In another implementation of the present teachings, in
the step of causing to be displayed, the client device only allows
an authorized reviewer of the represented location to provide one
or more submissions relating to the represented location.
Regardless of the implementation effected, the authorized reviewer
of the represented location is free to provide one or more of the
submissions regarding the represented location when the authorized
reviewer is no longer present at, or is remote to, the represented
location. In other words, once the reviewer is deemed authorized to
submit reviews about a represented location, then she/he is able to
provide one or more submission regarding the represented location
even though she/he is no longer present at the represented
location.
[0006] In another aspect, the present teachings disclose another
method for displaying one or more submissions. One such exemplar
method includes: (i) accepting, from a client device, a
representation of a reviewer's presence at a represented location,
and wherein the client device is associated with the reviewer and
the reviewer is one who intends to submit one or more inputs
relating to the represented location; (ii) receiving location
coordinates of a location-enabled device when the reviewer
represents being present at the represented location and the
location-enabled device is proximate to and/or in possession of the
reviewer; (iii) tracking a duration of the authorized reviewer's
presence at the represented location by monitoring a period of time
the location-enabled device is present, using the location
coordinates, within a predefined threshold area around the
represented location; (iv) deeming the reviewer as an authorized
reviewer of the represented location if the period of time of the
authorized reviewer's presence at the represented location equals
or exceeds a predefined threshold period; and (v) causing to be
displayed, on one or more of the client devices, one or more
submissions relating to the represented location received from the
authorized reviewer of the represented location. According to one
embodiment of the present teachings, the threshold period of time
is determined relative to a size and/or a complexity of the
represented location. By way of example, the larger the area and/or
the more complex the represented location, the more time the
reviewer is expected to spend at the represented location, and,
accordingly, the threshold period of time is a relatively higher
value than for smaller and/or less complex locations. A complex
location may include more different types of living spaces and/or
facilities than a less complex location.
[0007] The method for displaying one or more submissions may
include compiling a list of authorized reviewers of a represented
location. One such exemplar list includes providing updates
regarding the represented location to authorizer reviewers of the
represented location in the list. The method may yet also include
providing the list to one or more parties interested in transacting
for or the represented location.
[0008] In one preferred embodiment of the present teachings, the
represented location is a real estate property that is for sale or
for lease and the authorized reviewer is a real estate agent.
[0009] According to one embodiment of the present teachings, the
above-mentioned step of tracking provides a plurality of durations
when one or more of the authorized reviewers are present at the
represented location and assigning different weights to one or more
submissions from each of the authorized reviewers based on the
duration or the total duration of the authorized reviewer's
presence at the represented location. According to another
embodiment of the present teachings, tracking provides a plurality
of durations when one or more of the authorized reviewers of a
represented location are present at the represented location and
accounting for the duration of each of the authorized reviewer's
presence at the represented location to arrive at a rank and/or a
reliability score for each of the authorized reviewers of the
represented location. Each of the steps of tracking and causing to
display may be carried out using a server and/or client device. The
method may also include visually representing the rank and/or the
reliability score associated with each of the authorized reviewers
of a represented location.
[0010] In yet another aspect, the present teachings disclose a
method for providing a location-based service. One such exemplar
method includes: (i) accepting, from a client device, a
representation of an individual's presence at a represented
location, and wherein the client device is associated with the
individual and the individual is one who intends to submit one or
more inputs relating to the represented location; (ii) receiving
location coordinates of a location-enabled device when the
individual represents being present at the represented location and
the location-enabled device is proximate to and/or in possession of
the individual; (iii) verifying the individual's presence at the
represented location if the location coordinates of the
location-enabled device are within a predefined threshold area
around the represented location when the individual represents
being present at the represented location; and (iv) causing to be
displayed, on one or more of the client devices, an indication
confirming presence of the individual at the represented location
when the individual represents being present at the represented
location.
[0011] In yet another aspect, the present teachings disclose a
network-based system for displaying one or more submissions. One
such exemplar system includes: (i) a processor for executing code;
(ii) memory, coupled to the processor, for storing code to be
executed by the processor; (iii) at least one interface or display,
coupled to the processor, operable to provide a communication link
from the processor to one or more client devices and that is used
for transmitting and/or receiving information; and wherein the
processor performs operations of: (a) accepting, from the client
device, a representation of a reviewer's presence at a represented
location, and wherein the client device is associated with the
reviewer and the reviewer is one who intends to submit one or more
inputs relating to the represented location; (b) receiving location
coordinates of a location-enabled device when the reviewer
represents being present at the represented location and the
location-enabled device is proximate and/or in possession of the
reviewer; (c) deeming the reviewer as an authorized reviewer of the
represented location if the location coordinates of the
location-enabled device are within a predefined threshold area
around the represented location when the reviewer represents being
present at the represented location; and (d) causing to be
displayed, on one or more of the client devices, one or more
submissions relating to the represented location received from the
authorized reviewer of the represented location. Preferably, the
location-enabled device is a global positioning system that is
integrated in the client device. Further, the location-enabled
device may not be the same as and operates independent of the
client device.
[0012] In yet another aspect, the present teachings disclose
another network-based system for displaying one or more
submissions. One such exemplar system includes: (i) a processor for
executing code; (ii) memory, coupled to the processor, for storing
code to be executed by the processor; (iii) at least one interface
or display, coupled to the processor, operable to provide a
communication link from the processor to one or more client devices
and that is used for transmitting and/or receiving information; and
wherein the processor performs operations of: (a) accepting, from
the client device, a representation of a reviewer's presence at a
represented location, and wherein the client device is associated
with the reviewer and the reviewer is one who intends to submit one
or more inputs relating to the represented location; (b) receiving
location coordinates of a location-enabled device when the reviewer
represents being present at the represented location and the
location-enabled device is proximate and/or in possession of the
reviewer; (c) tracking a time duration when the authorized reviewer
is present at the represented location by monitoring a period of
time the location-enabled device is present, using the location
coordinates, within a predefined threshold area around the
represented location; (d) deeming the reviewer as an authorized
reviewer of the represented location if the period of time of the
authorized reviewer's presence at the represented location equals
or exceeds a predefined threshold period; and (e) causing to be
displayed, on one or more of the client devices, one or more
submissions relating to the represented location received from the
authorized reviewer of the represented location.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a diagram of certain salient components of a
geolocation verification system, according to one embodiment of the
present arrangements.
[0014] FIG. 2A is a diagram of a computer platform system,
according to one embodiment of the present arrangements, used to
implement the geolocation verification system of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 2B shows certain details of components shown in FIG.
1A.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a diagram of certain salient components of a
computer platform system, according to another embodiment of the
present arrangements, used to implement the geolocation
verification system of FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing certain salient steps of a
process 400 for using geolocation verification, according to one
embodiment of the present teachings, for displaying one or more
submissions.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing certain salient steps of a
process 500 for using geolocation verification, according to
another embodiment of the present teachings, for displaying one or
more submissions.
[0019] FIGS. 6A-6E are various exemplar screenshots provided by the
systems of the present teachings to a real estate agent seeking
authorization to submit authorized reviews of a real estate
listing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] Embodiments of the present arrangements and teachings now
may be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the
accompanying figures, in which some, but not all, embodiments of
the arrangements and teachings are shown. These arrangements and
teachings may be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather,
these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure may satisfy
applicable legal requirements.
[0021] The teachings and arrangements disclosed herein are directed
to, among other things, systems and methods for providing
geolocation verification, displaying one or more submissions, and
providing a location-based service. The present arrangements enable
a website or application user to check-in electronically to a
represented location that is associated with a merchant such that
the merchant then verifies the user's presence at the represented
location prior to authorizing that user to provide one or more
inputs, reviews, or submissions (e.g., comments, descriptions,
pictures, videos, insights, or critiques) regarding that
represented location. As used herein, geocode or geolocation
verification means using location-enabled technology, components,
software, and/or techniques, including but not limited to
OPS-enabled hardware and software, to verify a user's presence at a
represented location. To this end, FIG. 1 shows certain salient
components of a geolocation verification system 100, according to
one embodiment of the present teachings. System 100 includes a user
or reviewer 102, a location-enabled device 104, a represented
location 106, a boundary 108, a server 110, a merchant or a service
provider 112, and a wireless communication network N.
[0022] Reviewer 102 is any individual who seeks authorization to
submit, provide, or make available one or more submissions,
reviews, or inputs about a represented location. According to one
embodiment of the present teachings, reviewer 102 is one who seeks
authorization to submit one or more reviews about a represented
location that is associated with a merchant (explained in further
detail below). Accordingly, reviewer 102 may be an account holder
with a merchant. By way of example, reviewer 102 may be a diner who
is an account holder with and seeks authorization to submit a
restaurant review to a third-party review website (e.g., Yelp). By
way of another example, reviewer 102 may be a real estate agent who
seeks authorization to submit content about a real estate listing
on a website or application that provides real estate services to,
among others, prospective buyers and their representatives who may
use and/or subscribe to the same service, so as to facilitate real
estate transactions. In this example, merchant 112 may be thought
of as a "real estate services provider."
[0023] Location-enabled device 104 is any computer or electronic
device that is capable of wirelessly transmitting location
information about the device to a server for determining the
device's location. Preferably, location-enabled device 104 is a
OPS-enabled device, and more preferably, a hand-held OPS-enabled
device, such as a smartphone. The present teachings, however,
contemplate the use of any location-enabled device, including but
not limited to a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a personal
digital assistant, or the like, so long as the device can be used
to deliver geolocation information that can be processed by a
server to verify the reviewer's presence at a represented location.
In certain preferred embodiments of the present teachings,
location-enabled device 104 is configured to deliver location
information to a server upon logging-in to a merchant (e.g., real
estate services provider's) website or application. The present
teachings, however, contemplate use of any technique well known to
those of skill in the art for delivering geolocation information
from a location-enabled device to a server. In certain embodiments
of the present teachings, a location-enabled device is a client
device.
[0024] As used herein, device 104 may be thought as being
associated with reviewer 102 such that the location of device 104
may be used to determine the location of reviewer 102. In other
words, when reviewer 102 uses device 104 to check-in to a
represented location, the present teachings recognize that the
location of device 104 that is determined is the same as or
substantially similar to the location of reviewer 102. In certain
embodiments of the present teachings, a device being associated
with a reviewer means that the device is proximate to, and/or
within possession of, the reviewer.
[0025] Represented location 106 is any location for which reviewer
or an individual 102 seeks authorization to submit one or more
inputs, submissions, or reviews based, at least in part, on the
reviewer's or the individual's verified presence at that location.
The present teachings contemplate use of any geographic location,
as well as any combination thereof, including but not limited to
undeveloped land, a building, a structure, a landmark, a business,
a real estate listing, a restaurant, a store, or the like.
Likewise, represented location 106 may include an indoor area, an
outdoor area, or a combination of both. According to one preferred
embodiment of the present teachings, represented location 106 is a
real estate property that is for sale or for lease. Represented
location 106 may be thought of as a location that reviewer or an
individual 102 represents where she/he is present.
[0026] In certain embodiments of the present teachings, represented
location 106 is where a service or task is performed. According to
such embodiments, individual 102 seeks authorization to submit one
or more inputs, submissions, or reviews about the service or task
that is performed, including whether the service or task was
performed or completed.
[0027] Boundary 108 is a perimeter that surrounds at least a part
of represented location 106. According to one preferred embodiment
of the present teachings, presence of reviewer or individual 102
within the area surrounded by boundary 108 means that reviewer or
individual 102 is within a "predetermined threshold area" of
represented location 106.
[0028] A predetermined threshold area may be determined relative to
the size of represented location 106. In certain embodiments of the
present teachings, determining a predefined threshold area includes
using a radius from a center point of a represented location that
is sufficient to produce an area that includes represented location
106. For example, a predetermined threshold area around a
relatively small single-family home may be determined by
identifying location coordinates at the center point of the home
and then using a radius of about 10 meters from that point to
calculate the predetermined threshold area, which includes that
home. Similarly, a parcel of land that has an area of about 1
km.sup.2 may require using a radius of about 1.5 km in a similar
manner. In other embodiments of the present teaching, determining a
predefined threshold area may include defining a boundary that is a
certain distance from the periphery or perimeter of a represented
location and calculating the area within that boundary.
[0029] The present teachings recognize that use of a predefined
threshold area may avoid certain limitations associated with using
or implementing geolocation systems (e.g., GPS) to verify a
reviewer's or individual's presence at a represented location. For
example, accuracy limitations associated with some geolocation
systems may prevent distinguishing between a reviewer's or
individual's presence near a represented location, as opposed to a
reviewer's or individual's presence at or in a represented
location. Similarly, if a geolocation system is programmed to
associate one set of location coordinates (or a limited number of
sets of location coordinates) with a represented location, such as
the center point of a piece of land, then an individual or reviewer
who is present on that land, but not present at the precise
programmed location coordinates, may be incorrectly determined not
to be present at that represented location. Accordingly, and to
account for these and other limitations associated with certain
geolocation systems, in preferred embodiments of the present
teachings, verified presence of a reviewer or individual 102 within
a predetermined threshold area around represented location 106
constitutes verified presence of that individual or reviewer at
represented location 106. In other embodiments of the present
teachings, however, a predetermined threshold area is not used to
determine the presence of a reviewer or individual at a represented
location.
[0030] Server 110 is any server and/or components thereof used to
implement the various embodiments of the present teachings systems.
Though servers are explained in further detail below with reference
to servers 210 and 310 of FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively, it is
important to note that server servers of the present teachings and
arrangements are configured to store and process geolocation
information, including geolocation information about represented
location 106 and the area within boundary 108, and to receive and
process geolocation information associated with device 104. Server
110 may also be configured to process user identification
information (e.g., log-in credentials of reviewer 102), authorize
reviewer or individual 102 to submit one or more inputs,
submissions, or reviews, about represented location 106, compile
and deliver visual representations of inputs submitted by reviewer
or individual 102, and perform other functions necessary to
practice the teachings of the present disclosures.
[0031] Preferably, server 110 is associated with merchant 112,
which may operate, utilize, and/or implement the server. As used
herein, merchant 112 is any business, organization, or agency, such
as a service provider (e.g., areal estate services provider),
manufacturer, retailer, event provider, supplier and/or non-profit
entity that implements the systems or methods of the present
teachings. Although certain embodiments of the present teachings
are described as involving a merchant, it will be understood that
the merchant may involve one or more persons, organizations,
businesses, institutions, and/or other entities that implement one
or more portions of one or more of the embodiments described
herein. In one preferred embodiment of the present teachings, a
merchant is a company that may provide real estate services to real
estate agents, real estate buyers, and/or real estate sellers.
Accordingly, the systems and methods of the present teachings
disclosed herein may be used to verify a real estate agent's
presence at a represented location (e.g., a listed real estate
property) as a basis for authorizing that agent to post reviews or
other content, preferably accessible through a website or
application delivered by a server to one or more client devices,
about the represented location. For example, and without
limitation, a real estate agent may post content on a website or
application describing the represented location, visually
representing the represented location through pictures or video,
describing the represented location's surrounding areas, describing
the history or condition of the represented location, and
critiquing the represented location and surrounding areas.
[0032] In certain embodiments of the present teachings, reviewer or
individual 102 establishes an account with merchant 110. Examples
of accounts include a password-enabled user profile that allows a
reviewer or an individual to log into the account wirelessly. The
account may, among other things, provide access to certain services
provided by the merchant, such as providing access for reviewers or
individuals to post reviews about one or more represented
locations, preferably online, and providing access for other
persons (e.g., users who are not reviewers) to access those
reviews.
[0033] According to one preferred embodiment of the present
teachings, reviewer or individual 102 logging into an account using
location-enabled device 104 transmits location information (e.g.,
GPS coordinates) via network N to server 110, which is associated
with merchant 112. Network N may be thought of any network that is
capable of delivering geolocation information, preferably
wirelessly, between device 104 and server 110. Server 110 may then
be used to verify the presence of device 104 within boundary 108 to
authorize reviewer 102 to post one or more inputs or submissions
about represented location 106. To this end, FIG. 2A is a block
diagram showing certain salient components of a computer platform
system 200, according to one embodiment of the present arrangements
and for implementing a geocode verification system (e.g., geocode
verification system 100 of FIG. 1).
[0034] FIG. 2A includes a location-enabled device 204, a server
210, and a client device 220, communicating with each other over a
network N. Server 210 and location-enabled device 204 are
substantially similar to their counterparts described above with
reference to FIG. 1, i.e., location-enabled device 104 and server
110. Except as indicated below with reference to FIG. 2B, client
device 220 is substantially similar to location- enabled device
204, though unlike location-enabled device 104, which requires
positioning/location (e.g., GPS) hardware, client device 220 may
optionally include such positioning/location hardware and
associated programming and software. According to one preferred
embodiment of the present arrangements, device 204 is a wireless
device, and network N includes wireless communication between
device 204 and server 210.
[0035] FIG. 2B shows the structure of certain components of FIG.
2A. As shown in FIG. 2B, devices 204, 210, and 220 each may include
their own network interface 250, memory 252, processor 254, screen
256, input device 258, and positioning/location (e.g., GPS)
hardware 260, as well as software necessary to implement these
hardware components. According to certain embodiments of the
present arrangements, however, certain of these features are
optionally included. By way of example, server 210 may optionally
include screen 256 and input device 258. Similarly, client device
220 may optionally include positioning/location hardware 260. The
present teachings contemplate use of any network interface 250,
memory 252, processor 254, screen 256, input device 258, and/or
positioning/location hardware 260 well known to those of skill in
the art that is sufficient to facilitate implementation of the
geolocation verification systems and methods disclose herein.
[0036] Server 210 is a computer or a network of computers,
preferably including one or more data storage devices. Server 210
may produce programming instructions, files, or data that may be
transmitted over network N to user devices 204 and/or 220, either
of which may be used by a user to enter a protocol, to run a
protocol, including entering data, and/or analyze data stored on
server 210. It is to be understood that network interface 250,
memory 252, and processor 254 of server 210 are configured such
that a program stored in the memory may be executed by the
processor to accept input and/or provide output through the network
interface over network N to device 204 and/or device 220.
[0037] Network interface 250 of devices 204 and/or 220 is used to
communicate with server 210 over a wireless network, such as a
cellular telephone network, a WiFi network, or a WiMax network.
Memory 252 of devices 204, 210, and 220 includes programming
required to operate these devices (such as an operating system or
virtual machine instructions), and may include portions that store
information or programming instructions obtained over network N, or
that are input by the reviewer (such as written notes or images
from a device camera (not shown). In one embodiment of the present
arrangements, screen 256 and input device 258 of device 204 and/or
device 220 is a touch screen, providing the functions of display
and input.
[0038] In preferred embodiments of the present arrangements, as
noted above, system 200 includes several components, including but
not limited to server 210 and a plurality of user devices 204 and
220, which are programmed by an administer to cooperatively achieve
one or more of the following functions: (1) check-in to a
represented location (e.g., by a user inputting log-in information
to an online merchant account), (2) wirelessly deliver
location/positioning (e.g., GPS) coordinates between components,
(3) store and/or process location/positioning coordinates to
confirm presence of a location-enabled within a predetermined
threshold area of a represented location; (4) authorize users to
post inputs (e.g., online using a merchant website or application)
based on verification of device location; and (5) provide visual
representations confirming the status of one or more individual to
post authorized reviews of a represented location.
[0039] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a computer system 300,
according to another embodiment of the present teachings and for
implementing a geocode verification system (e.g., geocode
verification system 100 of FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 3, computer
system 300 includes a location-enabled device 304, a client device
320, and a server 310 communicating over a network N. Server 310
also includes a network interface 350, a processor 354, and a
memory 352. Location-enabled device 304, client device 320, and
server 310 are substantially similar to their counterparts in FIG.
2A, i.e., location-enabled device 204, client device 220, and
server 210. Likewise, network interface 350, memory 352, and
processor 354, are substantially similar to their counterparts in
FIG. 2B, i.e., network interface 250, memory 252, and processor
254.
[0040] Server 310 is capable of storing and accessing multiple
categories of information and/or data in memory 352, including, as
shown in FIG. 3, certain types of information that facilitate
implementation of the systems and methods disclosed herein. These
may include, but are not limited to, programming 360 (e.g., for
processor 354), user data 362, and geolocation data 364.
[0041] Data may be stored in memory by any method and using any
component well known to those of skill in the art. For example and
without limitation, in a relational database, or a
document-oriented storage system, a non-relational No-SQL system,
or an FTS-management system such as Lucene/Solar. The data may be
stored as individual fields, or as one large JSON object, or as
XML, or in any other format well known to those of skill in the
art.
[0042] Programming 360 may include any programming that facilitates
implementation of the systems and methods disclosed herein. By way
of example, programming for system 300 may include programming to
operate as a networking platform that is specific to the real
estate market. Further, programming 360 may perform certain actions
that are known in the art of web-based communications, such as
allowing users, reviewers, or individuals to log-in to the system
and to exchange information in various ways through the system,
including but not limited to, allowing users, reviewers or
individuals to post information on a website that is generally
viewable by all persons or by only some persons. System 200 thus
shares some common features of known social networking systems, but
also includes inventive features related to the systems and methods
of the present arrangements.
[0043] User data 362 may include any data associated with a user
(e.g., reviewer 102 of FIG. 1) useful for facilitating
implementation of the systems and methods disclosed herein.
According to certain embodiments of the present teachings, user
data includes, but is not limited to, log-in and/or identification
data associated with a reviewer or an individual, a list of
locations visited by a reviewer or an individual, a list of
locations for which a reviewer or an individual has been authorized
to post submissions about a represented location via system 300, a
compilation of a reviewer's or individual's inputs, as well as any
other information or data associated with a reviewer or an
individual.
[0044] According to one embodiment of the present teachings, when a
reviewer or an individual accesses system 300 through device 304,
the system presents, on the corresponding screen (e.g., screen 256
of FIG. 2B), a screen that prompts a system-registered user to
log-in by providing, e.g., a username and password. The reviewer's
or the individual's data may be stored in user data 360.
[0045] Further, geolocation data 364 may include any data
associated with a represented location (e.g., represented location
106 of FIG. 1) useful for facilitating implementation of the
systems and methods disclosed herein. According to certain
embodiments of the present teachings, geolocation data includes,
but is not limited to, a reviewer's or individual's inputs
associated with a represented location, as well as features or
characteristics about specific represented locations and their
surrounding areas.
[0046] Further still, geolocation data 364 may include any data
associated with the positioning/location of a represented location
(e.g., location or GPS coordinates). By way of example, geolocation
data 364 may include the geolocation coordinates of a specific
location, as well as the geolocation coordinates for boundaries
(e.g., boundary 108 of FIG. 1) surrounding the represented location
to establish a predefined threshold area around the represented
location.
[0047] Though not shown in FIG. 3, other information or data may be
stored in memory 352. For example, in those embodiments where
system 300 is used to facilitate real estate transactions, memory
352 may include, without limitation, buyer data, seller data,
third-party data, communication data, and any other data or
information useful for facilitating implementation of the systems
and methods of the present teachings to the desired end.
[0048] FIG. 4 is flowchart showing certain salient steps of a
process 400, according to one embodiment of the present teachings,
for any one of providing geolocation verification, displaying one
or more submissions, or providing a location-based service. Process
400 begins with a step 402, which includes accepting, from a client
device, a representation of a reviewer's or an individual's
presence at a represented location. The client device is associated
with the reviewer or the individual, preferably by being in
possession of or proximate to the reviewer or the individual, and
the reviewer or the individual intends to submit (e.g., to a
merchant's website) one or more inputs or submissions relating to
the represented location. Preferably, accepting in step 402 is
carried out in part by a server (e.g., servers 110, 210, or 310 of
FIGS. 1, 2A, and 3, respectively).
[0049] According to the embodiment of step 402, a reviewer uses a
client device (e.g., client device 220 of FIG. 2A) to represent, to
a server (e.g., server 110 of FIG. 1), the reviewer's presence at a
represented location. The location may be thought of as a
"represented location," because the reviewer's presence at this
location is represented, but has not been verified (as will occur
in later steps).
[0050] According to one embodiment of the present teachings, a
reviewer or an individual uses a merchant website or an application
to "check-in" to the represented location. Because checking in may
only requires a reviewer's representation of presence at a specific
represented location, a client device that is not location-enabled
may be used. In other embodiments of the present teachings,
however, a client device is a location-enabled device (e.g.,
location-enabled device 104 of FIG. 1), which may also be used in
subsequent steps that require location-enabling features.
[0051] Next, process 400 includes a step 404, which includes
receiving location coordinates of a location-enabled device when
the reviewer or the individual represents being present at the
represented location and the location-enabled device is proximate
to and/or in possession of the reviewer or the individual. In
certain embodiments of the present teachings, receiving location
coordinates in step 404 is carried out contemporaneously with
accepting a representation of the reviewer's or the individual's
presence in step 402. For example, a reviewer may check-in to a
represented location using a location-enabled device to facilitate
step 404. In this example, a location-enabled device may be
configured to transmit location coordinates to the server upon
logging in to a merchant account. The client device, which may
include the same location-enabled device, is used by the reviewer
or the individual to represent her/his presence at a specific
represented location according to step 402. In other embodiments of
the present teachings, however, step 404 is carried out at a short
period of time after the reviewer represents being present at the
represented location. For example, a reviewer may represent being
at a represented location before arriving at a represented
location, but then later transmit location coordinates when present
at the represented location.
[0052] Transmittal of location coordinates may be carried out over
a network (e.g., network N of FIG. 2A) to the server. Such
transmittal of a device's location/positioning coordinates may be
facilitated by any technique or component well known to those of
skill in the art for transmitting location coordinates to a server.
In certain embodiments of the present teachings, the same server
used in step 402 carries out step 404. Further, the server may use
programming (e.g., programming 360 in FIG. 3) that is stored in its
memory (e.g., memory 352 of FIG. 3) to process the location
coordinates transmitted in step 402 to carry out step 404.
[0053] Next, a step 406 includes deeming the reviewer as an
authorized reviewer of the represented location if the location
coordinates of the location-enabled device are within a predefined
threshold area around the represented location when the reviewer
represents being present at the represented location. In other
words, a reviewer is deemed "an authorized reviewer" of a
represented location only after the reviewer's presence at the
represented location has been verified by the geolocation
verification systems of the present teachings. Deeming a reviewer
as an authorized reviewer of a represented location provides a
degree of reliability to the reviewer and for the benefit of those
individuals who may rely on authorized reviews to evaluate or
consider a represented location and/or a service provided at that
represented location.
[0054] Due to certain limitations associated with
location/positioning technology (as explained above with reference
to boundary 108 of FIG. 1), a reviewer's presence at a represented
location in step 406 is determined by verifying the reviewer's
presence within a predefined threshold area around the represented
location. In other words, the present teachings recognize that
presence within a predefined threshold area constitutes presence at
a specific represented location.
[0055] Geolocation coordinates associated with a predefined
threshold area may be stored in a server's memory and/or be
accessible by the server's programming. Thus, in step 406, if the
server's programming determines that the location coordinates
received in step 404 are within the relevant location coordinates
of a predefined threshold area programmed in the server's memory,
then the server authorizes the reviewer or the individual to
provide one or more inputs or submissions about the represented
location.
[0056] Once step 406 is carried out and a reviewer is deemed to be
an authorized reviewer of a represented location, the authorized
reviewer of that represented location may provide submissions
(which include, without limitation, commentary, insights, reviews,
opinions, pictures, videos, evaluations, and any other information
related to the represented location) that are then displayed, by a
server, on a merchant website or application that is viewable on a
client device. To this end, next, a step 408 includes causing to be
displayed, on one or more of the client devices, one or more
submissions related to the represented location from the authorized
reviewer of the represented location. Step 408 may be practiced,
without limitation, by a server (e.g., server 110 of FIG. 1) that
causes a reviewer's submissions to be displayed on the screens of
client devices used by those interested in the represented
location.
[0057] In certain embodiments of the present teachings, step 408 is
practiced by a server that will only post submissions from
authorized users of a represented location. In other words, while a
reviewer may upload a review to a server, the server will only
publish the review if it is received from an authorized reviewer of
that represented location. In other embodiments of the present
teachings, however, a reviewer who is not an authorized reviewer of
a represented location will be prevented from using a client device
to upload, to the server, a non-authorized review or
submission.
[0058] Further, in preferred embodiments of the present teachings,
an authorized reviewer of a represented location does not need to
be present at that represented location in order to post an
authorized review about that represented location. In other words,
once a reviewer has been deemed an authorized reviewer of the
represented location by the systems of the present teachings, then
that authorized reviewer of the represented location may provide
submissions and have the submissions published, regardless of the
authorized reviewer's presence at the represented location when
such submissions were prepared or uploaded to a server.
[0059] Though process 400 of FIG. 4 requires a reviewer's verified
presence at a represented location to justify deeming that reviewer
an authorized reviewer of that particular represented location, the
present teachings recognize that stricter requirements may also be
implemented. To this end, FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing certain
salient steps of a process 500, according to another embodiment of
the present teachings, for displaying one or more submissions. As
explained in more detail below, unlike the embodiment of FIG. 4,
which requires verified presence of a reviewer at a represented
location of interest, a process 500 of FIG. 5 deems a reviewer as
an authorized reviewer in connection with the represented location
only if the reviewer or the individual is present at the
represented location for a pre-determined period of time.
[0060] Process 500 begins with a step 502, which includes
accepting, from a client device, a representation of a reviewer's
presence at a represented location, where the client device is
associated with the reviewer and the reviewer is one who intends to
submit one or more inputs related to the represented location.
Next, a step 504 includes receiving location coordinates of a
location-enabled device when the reviewer represents being present
at the represented location and the location-enabled device is
proximate to and/or within possession of the reviewer. Steps 502
and 504 are substantially similar to their counterparts described
above with reference to FIG. 4, i.e., steps 402 and 404,
respectively.
[0061] Next, a step 506 includes tracking a time duration when the
reviewer is present at the represented location by monitoring a
period of time the location-enabled device is present, using the
represented location coordinates (i.e., the location coordinates
received in step 504), within a predefined threshold area around
the represented location. In other words, step 506 is used to
determine how long a reviewer is present at the represented
location. In certain embodiments of the present teachings, a period
of time is determined during a single visit of the reviewer to the
represented location. According to other embodiments of the present
teachings, however, a period of time is cumulative based on
multiple visits of the reviewer to the represented location.
[0062] Any technique well known to those of skill in the art may be
used to track the presence of a location-enabled device within a
predefined threshold area for a predetermined period of time. For
example, a location-enabled device may be configured to deliver
location information to a server at the times of logging in logging
out of a merchant account. If the server confirms a reviewer's
presence within a predefined threshold area at these times, then
the server may use the difference between these times to track the
presence of the location-enabled device within the predefined
threshold area for at least the threshold amount of time.
Similarly, a location-enabled device may be configured to deliver
location information to a server periodically and/or continuously
(e.g., when the same location-enabled device is logged in to a
merchant account). The server may then process the location
information to calculate the amount of time the location-enabled
device was determined to be located within the predefined threshold
area. To this end, next, a step 508 includes deeming the reviewer
as an authorized reviewer of the represented location if the period
of time of the authorized reviewer's presence at the represented
location equals or exceeds a predefined threshold period.
[0063] According to one embodiment of the present teachings, a
predefined threshold period is a fixed period of time for any
location. For example, a restaurant-review website and service may
require a user's presence at any restaurant for at least, e.g., 30
minutes, before authorizing a reviewer to post authorized reviews
about that restaurant. According to another embodiment of the
present teachings, however, a predefined threshold period of time
is determined relative to a size and/or complexity of the location.
For example, a real-estate-services provider may authorize a
reviewer to post reviews of a small single-family family home only
when the reviewer's verified presence at that location exceeds,
e.g., 30 minutes. Alternatively, the same real-estate-services
provider may authorize a reviewer to post reviews of a large
commercial office building only when the reviewer's verified
presence at that location exceeds, e.g., 90 minutes.
[0064] Likewise, in those embodiments where a reviewer intends to
review services offered at a location, rather than the location
itself, the predetermined threshold period may be adjusted in a
similar manner to account for the type of services being reviewed.
The present teachings recognize that deeming a reviewer as an
authorized reviewer of a represented location provides an indicia
of reliability about an authorized reviewer's submissions regarding
that represented location, or even about the authorized user
himself or herself. Accordingly, certain parameters, such as a
threshold period of time a reviewer is present at a location, may
be adjusted to account for varying degrees of difficulty or
complexity associated with a location or service to be reviewed
such that the authorized review of a represented location may be
considered sufficiently reliable.
[0065] Further, tracking time duration in step 506 may be practiced
with respect to a plurality of reviewers of a represented location
in order to distinguish authorized reviewers of a represented
location and/or their authorized reviews of a represented location
based on how much time each authorized reviewer spent at a
particular represented location. For example, authorized reviews of
a represented location may be weighed relative to how much time an
authorized user spent at the represented location before reviewing
that location. Similarly, authorized reviewers of a represented
location may be ranked relative to each other or assigned
reliability scores based, at least in part, on how much time each
authorized review spent at a particular represented location or
locations.
[0066] According to one embodiment of the present teachings, a
ranking or assignment of reliability scores to authorized reviewers
of a represented location is visually represented, preferably by a
server and/or client device that is configured to deliver a visual
representation of rankings or reliability score to the screens
(e.g., screen 256 of FIG. 2B) of one or more client devices. In
other words, the systems of the present teachings are configured
to, among other things, transform location data about a reviewer's
presence at a represented location into a visual display showing
that a reviewer has become an authorized user of that represented
location.
[0067] Next, a step 510 includes causing to be displayed, on one or
more of the client devices, one or more submissions relating to the
represented location received from the authorized reviewer of the
represented location. Step 510 of FIG. 5 is substantially similar
to its counterpart above, i.e., step 408 of FIG. 4.
[0068] In certain embodiments of the present teachings, process 400
of FIG. 4 and/or process 500 of FIG. 5 are each used to compile a
list of authorized reviewers of a particular represented location.
Such a list of authorized reviewers of a represented location may
be used to provide certain advantages. For example, a list of
authorized reviewers of a represented location may be used by a
merchant to provide updates to the authorized reviewers about that
represented location. Such a list may be used, for example, to
prompt authorized viewers of the represented location to re-visit
the represented location in order to maintain status as an
authorized user of the represented location. Similarly, a list of
authorized reviewers of the represented location may be provided to
those interested in transacting at that represented location. For
example, a list of real estate agents authorized to review a
specific real estate property that is for sale may be provided to
prospective buyers, who in turn may choose one particular real
estate agent from that list for representation related to the
specific real estate property.
[0069] According to one preferred embodiment of the present
teachings, in process 400, a reviewer or an individual is a real
estate agent, and the represented location (e.g., a real estate
property) is a property listing displayed on a website and/or
application that facilitates the sale of the represented location
and the interaction of real estate agents and buyers and sellers of
the represented location. To this end, FIGS. 6A-6E shows exemplar
screenshots delivered by a server to a location-enabled device
associated with a real estate agent to facilitate the practice of
process 400 and/or 500 of FIGS. 4 and 5, respectively.
[0070] FIG. 6A is an exemplar screenshot of a map displaying
various real estate listings, including for a location 606 for
which a real estate agent seeks authorization to post reviews, on a
reviewer's client device. Providing such a display or real estate
listings may be used by a reviewer to represent that reviewer's
presence at a property listing (e.g., as explained with reference
to steps 402 and 502 of FIGS. 4 and 5, respectively).
[0071] FIG. 6B is an exemplar screen shot that is delivered to a
reviewer's client device after the user has been deemed an
authorized user of a represented location (e.g., as explained above
with reference to steps 406 and 508 of FIGS. 4 and 5,
respectively). As shown in FIG. 6B, a button 670 may be pressed to
allow a reviewer to begin inputting submissions related to the
represented location shown in FIG. 6A. Similarly, a button 672 may
be pressed to prompt storing the location (e.g., to geolocation
data 364 in memory 352 of FIG. 3) so that the reviewer may submit
reviews related to the location at a later time. To this end, FIG.
6C shows an exemplar screenshot delivered to a client device
confirming that the real estate agent is authorized to submit
reviews about the property listing at a later time (i.e., when the
real estate agent is no long longer present at the property).
[0072] Further, FIGS. 6D and 6E are exemplar screenshots delivered
by a server to a reviewer's client device for facilitating entry of
inputs, submissions, or reviews related to the property listing.
For example, FIG. 6D shown a screenshot where a real estate agent
may input answers to specific questions about a property listing
such that the answers will be accessible to, among others,
interested buyers. Similarly, FIG. 6E shows a list of features
and/or evaluations a real estate agent may check-off to provide
additional insights about a property listing.
[0073] It is noteworthy that the systems and teachings of the
present disclosure may also be used to confirm, or facilitate
confirmation of, the performance of location-based services by a
user who may also be thought of as a "service provider." In
particular, the systems and teachings of the present disclosures
may be used to confirm a service provider's presence, as well as
the duration of the service provider's presence, at a location
where a service was to have been performed. Providing such
confirmation facilitates a degree of reliability that the service
was in fact carried out or performed.
[0074] To accomplish this, as with a reviewer in steps 402 and 502
of FIGS. 4 and 5, respectively, a service provider first represents
his or her presence at a represented location, preferably during a
time when the service provider is to have carried out a service.
Then, contemporaneously or separately from this, the service
provider transmits location coordinates of a location-enabled
device (which is in the possession of and/or proximate to the
service provider) to a server. In certain embodiments of the
present teachings, the time duration spent at the represented
location is also tracked (e.g., in a similar manner to that
described above with reference to step 506 of FIG. 5). Then, if the
service provider's presence at the represented location, or within
a predetermined threshold area around the represented location, is
verified (e.g., as explained above with reference to step 406 of
FIG. 4), or if the service provider's presence at the represented
location, or within a predetermined area around the represented
location, equals or exceeds a predefined threshold period (e.g., as
explained above with reference to step 508 of FIG. 5), then the
service provider will be deemed to have carried out or performed
the service. In other embodiments of the present teachings,
however, a service provider's presence at a location and/or
presence at a location for a sufficient period of time is only one
factor in deeming whether a service provider has carried out or
performed a service.
[0075] Then, in certain embodiments of the present teachings, an
indication that a service provider was present at a location or
present at a represented location for a threshold period of time
may be caused to be displayed. For example, an e-mail or a web page
may display an indication that a service provider was present at a
represented location and/or present at that location for a
threshold period of time (e.g., as explained above with reference
to steps 408 and 510 of FIGS. 4 and 5, respectively).
[0076] According to one embodiment of the present teachings, a
service provider is at least one member chosen from a group
comprising and onsite Health Care worker, dog walker, forest
worker, lighthouse operator, house cleaner, gardener, baby sitter,
spy, scavenger hunter, secret shopper, appraiser, pool cleaner, and
a performer. The present teachings, however, contemplate verifying
the presence of any service provider who performs a location-based
service.
[0077] Although illustrative embodiments of the present teachings
have been shown and described, other modifications, changes, and
substitutions are intended. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the
appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent
with the scope of the disclosure, as set forth in the following
claims.
* * * * *