Methods and apparatus for providing map locations in user applications using URL strings
First Claim
1. A method for use in mapping a location in a computer device, the method comprising the acts of:
- receiving an electronic file or message which includes a hypertext link mapping indicator associated with a uniform resource locator (URL) string comprising a server address and latitude and longitude coordinates;
receiving, through a user interface of the computer device, an end user selection of the hypertext link mapping indicator in the electronic file or message;
in response to the end user selection of the hypertext link mapping indicator;
if a predetermined type of mapping application is provided in the computer device;
invoking a mapping function of the mapping application to produce a map of a location corresponding to the latitude and longitude coordinates for visual display in a display of the computer device; and
if the predetermined type of mapping application type is not provided in the computer device;
requesting and receiving map data via a map coordinating server identified by the server address of the URL string to produce a map of the location for visual display in the display.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
In one illustrative example, a method for use in mapping a location in a computer device includes the steps of receiving an electronic file or message which includes a hypertext link mapping indicator associated with a uniform resource locator (URL) string having a server address and latitude and longitude coordinates; receiving, through a user interface of the computer device, an end user selection of the hypertext link mapping indicator in the electronic file or message; and in response to the end user selection of the hypertext link mapping indicator: if a predetermined type of mapping application is provided in the computer device, invoking a mapping function of the mapping application to produce a map of a location corresponding to the latitude and longitude coordinates for visual display in a display of the computer device (e.g. based on received maplet data); and if the predetermined type of mapping application type is not provided in the computer device, requesting and receiving map data from a map coordinating server identified by the server address of the URL string to produce a map of the location for visual display in the display (e.g. based on a bitmap image). Advantageously, processing of the received hypertext link mapping indicator is handled differently depending on the type of device or whether a predetermined mapping application is installed in the device, so that optimal mapping functionality is provided for different device environments.
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Citations
31 Claims
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1. A method for use in mapping a location in a computer device, the method comprising the acts of:
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receiving an electronic file or message which includes a hypertext link mapping indicator associated with a uniform resource locator (URL) string comprising a server address and latitude and longitude coordinates;
receiving, through a user interface of the computer device, an end user selection of the hypertext link mapping indicator in the electronic file or message;
in response to the end user selection of the hypertext link mapping indicator;
if a predetermined type of mapping application is provided in the computer device;
invoking a mapping function of the mapping application to produce a map of a location corresponding to the latitude and longitude coordinates for visual display in a display of the computer device; and
if the predetermined type of mapping application type is not provided in the computer device;
requesting and receiving map data via a map coordinating server identified by the server address of the URL string to produce a map of the location for visual display in the display. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A computer device, comprising:
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one or more processors;
memory coupled to the one or more processors;
a user interface which includes a visual display;
the one or more processors being operative to;
store, in the memory, an electronic file or message which includes a hypertext link mapping indicator associated with a uniform resource locator (URL) string comprising a server address and latitude and longitude coordinates;
cause the electronic file or message with the hypertext link mapping indicator to be displayed in the visual display;
receive, through the user interface, an end user selection of the hypertext link mapping indicator in the electronic file or message;
in response to the end user selection of the hypertext link mapping indicator;
if a predetermined type of mapping application for mapping is stored in the memory;
invoking a mapping function of the mapping application to produce a map of a location corresponding to the latitude and longitude coordinates for visual display in a display of the computer device; and
if the predetermined type of mapping application for mapping is not stored in the memory;
requesting and receiving map data via a map coordinating server identified by the server address of the URL string to produce a map of the location for visual display in the display. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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14. The computer device of ciaim 11, wherein the one or more processors are further operative to:
in response to the end user selection of the hypertext link mapping indicator, if the predetermined type of mapping application is not stored in the memory;
receiving data from the map coordinating server to display a link to download the predetermined mapping application.
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20. A communication system, comprising:
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a communication network;
a map coordinating server adapted to connect in the communication network;
one or more computer devices adapted to communicate in the communication network;
each computer device being operative to;
receive and store an electronic file or message which includes a hypertext link mapping indicator associated with a uniform resource locator (URL) string comprising a server address of the map server and latitude and longitude coordinates;
cause the electronic file or message with the hypertext link mapping indicator to be displayed in a visual display;
receive, through a user interface, an end user selection of the hypertext link mapping indicator in the electronic file or message;
in response to the end user selection of the hypertext link mapping indicator;
if a predetermined type of mapping application for mapping is provided in the computer device;
invoking a mapping function of the mapping application to produce a map of a location corresponding to the latitude and longitude coordinates for visual display in the display; and
if the predetermined type of mapping application for mapping is not provided in the computer device;
requesting and receiving map data via the map coordinating server identified by the server address of the URL string to produce a map of the location for visual display in the display,the map coordinating server being operative to receive the request from the computer device and cause map data of the location to be sent to the computer device in response to the request. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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27. A map coordinating server for use in mapping a location in a computer device, the map coordinating server being operative to receive a request from the computer device for mapping the location based on a uniform resource locator (URL) string comprising a server address corresponding to the map coordinating server and latitude and longitude coordinates;
- identifying whether the computer device or associated browser is identified as being that of a mobile communication device;
if the computer device or associated browser is identified as being that of a mobile communication device, then retrieving a bitmap image associated with the location and sending the bitmap image to the computer device to process the request; and
if the computer device or associated browser is identified as not being that of a mobile communication device, then redirecting the computer device to an alternate map server using a predetermined application programming interface (API) associated with the alternate map server. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29, 30, 31)
- identifying whether the computer device or associated browser is identified as being that of a mobile communication device;
Specification