Map-based interfaces for storing and locating information about geographical areas
First Claim
1. A computer program product comprising program code for receiving at least one map layer to annotate a map base, the program code comprising:
- receiving the at least one map layer;
causing the display of the at least one map layer as a semi-transparent image on the map base;
causing the display of the semi-transparent image in a position relative to the map base in response to receipt of at least one geometry parameter, the semi-transparent image adjusting in response to the at least one geometry parameter; and
communicating the at least one map layer to a server for storage.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
User interfaces and computer enabled methods for defining, discovering, and viewing map layers are provided. The map layers annotate an existing map by providing additional information that is not present in the existing map. A contribution user interface receives and configures the map layer on a web browser. The contribution user interface allows the map layer to be positioned over a desired location and displayed as a semi-transparent image overlay superimposed over the existing map. The map layer may be enlarged, reduced, and rotated to match the features of the existing map. The map layer is stored for use by other users. The layer may be retrieved by users who search for the desired location or for related or nearby locations. The layer may be displayed as a search result, and may be displayed for viewing by users as a partially-transparent image overlay over the existing map.
360 Citations
50 Claims
-
1. A computer program product comprising program code for receiving at least one map layer to annotate a map base, the program code comprising:
-
receiving the at least one map layer; causing the display of the at least one map layer as a semi-transparent image on the map base; causing the display of the semi-transparent image in a position relative to the map base in response to receipt of at least one geometry parameter, the semi-transparent image adjusting in response to the at least one geometry parameter; and communicating the at least one map layer to a server for storage. - View Dependent Claims (2)
-
-
3. A computer program product comprising program code for enabling annotation of a map base, the program code comprising:
-
receiving at least one image and at least one geometry parameter from a layer contribution user interface via a computer network, wherein the at least one geometry parameter specifies a location on the map base for the at least one image; and storing the at least one map image in association with the at least one geometry parameter in a layers database. - View Dependent Claims (4, 5, 6)
-
-
7. A computer program product comprising program code for enabling browsing of at least one map layer associated with a map base, the program code comprising:
-
receiving a search string from a user; communicating the search string to a server; receiving at least one search result from the server; causing the display of the at least one search result; receiving selection of a selected result; and causing the display of a map layer that corresponds to the selected result, wherein the map layer is displayed as a semi-transparent image superimposed upon the map base at a location specified by a position coordinates parameter associated with the map layer. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10)
-
-
11. A computer enabled method of enabling contribution of a map layer to annotate a map base, the method comprising:
-
receiving the at least one map layer from a user; causing the display of the at least one map layer as a semi-transparent image on the map base in a position relative to the map base, in response to receipt of at least one geometry parameter, wherein the position is based upon the at least one geometry parameter; and communicating the at least one map layer to a server for storage. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
-
-
23. A computer-enabled method of maintaining a layers database on a server, the method comprising:
-
receiving an image from a web browser via a computer network; receiving at least one geometry parameter from the web browser via the computer network, wherein the at least one geometry parameter is associated with the image; and storing the image and the at least one geometry parameter in the layers database. - View Dependent Claims (24)
-
-
25. A computer enabled method of enabling discovery of a map layer, the method comprising:
-
causing the display of a layer discovery user interface for discovering at least one map layer via a web browser, wherein the at least one map layer is associated with at least one map location on a map base, wherein the layer discovery user interface is operable to; receive a desired location via the web browser, communicate the desired location to a server, receive a map layer from the server, wherein the map layer is associated with the desired location, cause the display of the map layer as a semi-transparent image superimposed on at least a portion of the map base, and wherein the portion of the map base overlaid by the map layer is defined by at least one geometry parameter associated with the map layer. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27, 28)
-
-
29. A computer-enabled method of providing map layers, the method to be invoked by a web server, the method comprising:
-
receiving a desired location from a client via a computer network; retrieving a map layer from a layers database, wherein the map layer corresponds to the desired location; communicating the map layer to the client. - View Dependent Claims (30)
-
-
31. An interface for receiving at least one map layer to annotate a map base, the interface comprising:
-
an input portion for receiving the at least one map layer; and an overlay for displaying the at least one map layer as a semi-transparent image, the semi-transparent image adjusting in response to input received from a user, wherein the interface is located on a web browser. - View Dependent Claims (32, 33, 34)
-
-
35. An interface for displaying at least one map layer as an overlay on a map base, the interface comprising:
-
an input portion for receiving a search string from a user; a display for displaying at least one search result, wherein the at least one search result matches the search string; an input portion for receiving selection of a selected result, wherein the at least one map layer corresponds to the selected result, wherein the at least one map layer is displayed as a semi-transparent image at a location specified by a position coordinates parameter associated with the at least one map layer, and wherein the interface is located on a web browser. - View Dependent Claims (36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41)
-
-
42. An apparatus for receiving at least one map layer to annotate a map base, the apparatus comprising:
-
input logic for receiving the at least one map layer; and display logic for displaying the at least one map layer as a semi-transparent image, the semi-transparent image adjusting in response to input received from a user, wherein the interface is located on a web browser. - View Dependent Claims (43)
-
-
44. An apparatus for displaying at least one map layer as an overlay on a map base, the apparatus comprising:
-
input logic for receiving a search string from a user; display logic for displaying at least one search result, wherein the at least one search result matches the search string; input logic for receiving selection of a selected result, wherein the at least one map layer corresponds to the selected result, wherein the at least one map layer is displayed as a semi-transparent image at a location specified by a position coordinates parameter associated with the at least one map layer, and wherein the apparatus is located on a web browser. - View Dependent Claims (45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50)
-
Specification