Map display system and method

Provided is a computer system and methods related to a map display. A method includes but is not limited to receiving a request for the map, the map illustrating one or more locations; determining a status associated with at least one of the one or more locations on the map, the status being a function of one or more location interaction rules associated with the at least one of the one or more locations on the map; and generating a signal related to indicating on the map the status associated with the at least one of the one or more locations.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates generally to maps.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a method related to displaying a map includes but is not limited to receiving a request for the map, the map illustrating one or more locations; determining a status associated with at least one of the one or more locations on the map, the status being a function of one or more location interaction rules associated with the at least one of the one or more locations on the map; and generating a signal related to indicating on the map the status associated with the at least one of the one or more locations on the map. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present application.

In another aspect, a method for a display device to receive a map through a predefined area includes but is not limited to transmitting a request for the map including one or more locations, the request including an identifier associated with a user of the display device; receiving the map including one or more locations, at least one location of the one or more locations associated with one or more location interaction rules verifiable via one or more monitoring devices; and interacting with the one or more monitoring devices to alter the map on the display device as a function of the location interaction rules. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present application.

In another aspect, a computer program product can include a signal bearing medium bearing one or more instructions including, but not limited to one or more instructions for receiving a request for the map, the map illustrating one or more locations; one or more instructions for determining a status associated with at least one of the one or more locations on the map, the status being a function of one or more location interaction rules associated with the at least one of the one or more locations on the map; and one or more instructions for generating a signal related to indicating on the map the status associated with the at least one of the one or more locations on the map. In addition to the foregoing, other program product aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present application.

In another aspect a computer program product can include a signal bearing medium bearing one or more instructions including, but not limited to, one or more instructions for transmitting a request for the map including one or more locations, the request including an identifier associated with a user of the display device; one or more instructions for receiving the map including one or more locations, at least one location of the one or more locations associated with one or more location interaction rules verifiable via one or more monitoring devices; and one or more instructions for interacting with the one or more monitoring devices to alter the map on the display device as a function of the one or more location interaction rules. In addition to the foregoing, other program product aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present application.

In one aspect, a system includes but is not limited to a processor; a memory coupled to the processor; a receiver coupled to the processor; and a map display module coupled to the receiver and the memory. The map display module can include a data store configurable to hold data related to one or more interaction rules associated with one or more locations in a predefined area and one or more identifiers; and a status module configurable to determine a status associated with at least one of the one or more locations on the map, the status being a function of one or more location interaction rules associated with the at least one of the locations. In addition to the foregoing, other system aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present application.

In addition to the foregoing, various other method, system, and/or computer program product aspects are set forth and described in the text (e.g., claims and/or detailed description) and/or drawings of the present application.

The foregoing is a summary and thus contains, by necessity, simplifications, generalizations and omissions of detail; consequently, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the summary is illustrative only and is NOT intended to be in any way limiting. Other aspects, features, and advantages of the devices and/or processes and/or other subject described herein will become apparent in the text set forth herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Those with skill in the computing arts will recognize that the disclosed embodiments have relevance to a wide variety of applications and architectures in addition to those described below. In addition, the functionality of the subject matter of the present application can be implemented in software, hardware, and/or a combination of software and hardware. The hardware portion can be implemented using specialized logic; the software portion can be stored in a memory or recording medium and executed by a suitable instruction execution system such as a microprocessor.

With reference toFIG. 1, depicted is an exemplary computing system for implementing the embodiments and includes a general purpose computing device in the form of a computer10. Components of the computer10may include, but are not limited to, a processing unit20, a system memory30, and a system bus21that couples various system components including the system memory30to the processing unit20. The system bus21may be any of several types of bus structures including, but not limited to, a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and/or a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. By way of example, and not limitation, such architectures include Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus also known as Mezzanine bus.

The system memory30includes computer storage media in the form of volatile and/or nonvolatile memory such as read only memory (ROM)31and random access memory (RAM)32. A basic input/output system33(BIOS), containing the basic routines that help to transfer information between elements within computer10, such as during start-up, is typically stored in ROM31. RAM32typically contains data and/or program modules that are immediately accessible to and/or presently being operated on by processing unit20. By way of example, and not limitation,FIG. 1illustrates operating system34, application programs35, other program modules36, and program data37.FIG. 1is shown with program modules36including a map module in accordance with an embodiment as described herein.

The computer10may also include other removable/non-removable, volatile/nonvolatile computer storage media. By way of example only,FIG. 1illustrates a hard disk drive41that reads from or writes to non-removable, nonvolatile magnetic media, a magnetic disk drive51that reads from or writes to a removable, nonvolatile magnetic disk52, and an optical disk drive55that reads from or writes to a removable, nonvolatile optical disk56such as a CD ROM or other optical media. Other removable/non-removable, volatile/nonvolatile computer storage media that can be used in the exemplary operating environment include, but are not limited to, magnetic tape cassettes, flash memory cards, digital versatile disks, digital video tape, solid state RAM, solid state ROM, or the like. The hard disk drive41is typically connected to the system bus21through a non-removable memory interface such as interface40, and magnetic disk drive51and optical disk drive55are typically connected to the system bus21by a removable memory interface, such as interface50.

The drives and their associated computer storage media, discussed above and illustrated inFIG. 1, provide storage of computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules and other data for the computer10. InFIG. 1, for example, hard disk drive41is illustrated as storing operating system44, application programs45, other program modules (such as a map module)46, and program data47. Program modules46are shown including a map module, which can be configured as either located in map modules36or46, or both locations, as one with skill in the art will appreciate. Note that these components can either be the same as or different from operating system34, application programs35, other program modules, including map module36, and program data37. Operating system44, application programs45, map module46, and program data47are given different numbers here to illustrate that they can be different copies. A user may enter commands and information into the computer10through input devices such as a tablet or electronic digitizer,64, a microphone63, a keyboard62and pointing device61, commonly referred to as a mouse, trackball or touch pad. Other input devices (not shown) may include a joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, or the like. These and other input devices are often connected to the processing unit20through a user input interface60that is coupled to the system bus, but may be connected by other interface and bus structures, such as a parallel port, game port or a universal serial bus (USB). A monitor91or other type of display device is also connected to the system bus21via an interface, such as a video interface90. The monitor91may also be integrated with a touch-screen panel or the like. Note that the monitor and/or touch screen panel can be physically coupled to a housing in which the computing device10is incorporated, such as in a tablet-type personal computer. In addition, computers such as the computing device10may also include other peripheral output devices such as speakers97and printer96, which may be connected through an output peripheral interface95or the like. A display device, for purposes of this patent application can include an e-paper display, a liquid crystal display or the like.

The computer10may operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers, such as a remote computer80. The remote computer80may be a personal computer, a server, a router, a network PC, a peer device or other common network node, and typically includes many or all of the elements described above relative to the computer10, although only a memory storage device81has been illustrated inFIG. 1. The logical connections depicted inFIG. 1include a local area network (LAN)71and a wide area network (WAN)73, but may also include other networks. Such networking environments are commonplace in offices, enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets and the Internet. For example, in the subject matter of the present application, the computer system10may comprise the source machine from which data is being migrated, and the remote computer80may comprise the destination machine. Note however that source and destination machines need not be connected by a network or any other means, but instead, data may be migrated via any media capable of being written by the source platform and read by the destination platform or platforms.

When used in a LAN or WLAN networking environment, the computer10is connected to the LAN through a network interface or adapter70. When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer10typically includes a modem72or other means for establishing communications over the WAN73, such as the Internet. The modem72, which may be internal or external, may be connected to the system bus21via the user input interface60or other appropriate mechanism. In a networked environment, program modules depicted relative to the computer10, or portions thereof, may be stored in the remote memory storage device. By way of example, and not limitation,FIG. 1illustrates remote application programs85as residing on memory device81. It will be appreciated that the network connections shown are exemplary and other means of establishing a communications link between the computers may be used.

Referring toFIG. 2, a diagram of a wireless network appropriate for some embodiments herein is shown. The wireless network includes a base station200, which can be coupled to a server210. Base station200interacts with a plurality of wireless components220, which can be receivers only, designed to receive real time images and associated data as correlated and transmitted by server210. Components interact with base station200via wireless connection230. The wireless connection230could include a Global Positioning System (GPS), radio-frequency (RF) methods, or a wireless local area network (WLAN). Another type of wireless connection could be a tracking tag system. Tracking tags typically communicate with a base station, each tag transmitting a unique code to identify a display device to which it is attached. WLANs operate by connecting mobile devices to a base station and using signal strength sensing to determine a location of a mobile device. Other wireless connections appropriate for embodiments include satellite connections, IEEE 802.11 connections or Bluetooth-type connections or the like as one of skill in the art with the benefit of the present disclosure will appreciate.

Components220can include receivers and transmitters to interact with server210. Components220are shown including different types of components, including components220(1) which could be a simple device capable of only receiving and displaying data and images. The data may include one or more of written directions, a map, images, or the like. Component220(2) is shown as a personal electronic assistant, which could be configured to both send and/or receive data, display maps and/or directions as generated by server210. Component220(3) is shown as a tablet personal computer (PC) which can also be configured to both send and/or receive data. Component220(4) is shown as a laptop or notebook computer which can also send and/or receive data and/or directions. Component220(5) could be implemented as a simple mobile device which could be configured to receive and display images that could be in real time. Component220(6) could be implemented as a cellular telephone or pager and include a display configured to show a map and images in accordance with embodiments herein.

In an alternative embodiment, components220could be devices that are not coupled to a wireless network of any kind. Rather, in the embodiment, a component220could be configured to receive data and store data internally for later mobile use.

Referring now toFIG. 3A, a flow diagram illustrates a method in accordance with an embodiment. More particularly, the embodiment is directed to a method for providing a map interface and/or display that provides an indication of user location with reference to one or more interaction rules for locations on the map. Block310provides for receiving a request for the map, the map illustrating one or more locations (e.g., locations of interest). For example, server210can receive a request from one of components220, the request for a map that illustrates locations. The request can be received wirelessly from a display device, over a network, or via a wired connection within a same system. Block320provides for determining a status associated with at least one of the one or more locations on the map, the status being a function of one or more location interaction rules associated with the at least one of the one or more locations on the map. For example, server210can determine a status by consulting location interaction rules for locations on the map. The status can be determined via receiving location information from a data source independent from the user, group or network. For example, a networked camera could provide data to the server or directly to the map device. Such a camera could determine a direction a user is heading or facing or provide data concerning locations that had been visited or are being looked at. The data sources can be configured to provide a status indication to a user relative to one or more locations including a warning that a user is facing a wrong direction relative to a location, or a highlighting on the map if a user is within a predetermined distance from the location and the like.

Block330provides for generating a signal related to indicating on the map the status associated with the at least one of the one or more locations on the map. For example, server210can generate a signal that can cause an indication on the map related to a status. The status can indicate prior presence at one or more of the plurality of locations of interest by a user, a group of individuals, such as a family, or a network of groups. The status indication can include illustrating location detail for locations that have been visited by the user, group or network. Alternatively, locations that have been visited can be obfuscated. For example, in one embodiment, the map can illustrate locations in a theme park. A ticket associated with the map can indicate one or more permissions for locations at the theme park. Once a ride or location has been visited, an embodiment is directed to provide an obfuscating of the location visited. Further, if a ticket allows a user to participate at a location a predetermined number of times, and that number has been reached, in one embodiment, the map location can disappear or standard map cross hatching can indicate that the map location has already been found/seen. Thus, in an embodiment, obfuscating a visual representation of the at least one location on the map can be a function of the status. The obfuscating can include blurring and/or unblurring an icon representing the at least one location on the map if the location has been visited by the user. Conversely, a status indication can include highlighting locations on the map, the highlighting indicative of a next location the user is to visit on the map.

Alternatively and/or in addition to the foregoing, in one embodiment, the map can provide links or metadata associated with each location. If the location has been visited, the map can be configured to inactivate a link or metadata associated with the locations. For example, the link can be associated with metadata associated with the locations that are configurable upon detection that the location has been reached or an activity at a location has been completed. The configuration can be set up to disconnect the link or metadata such that detail associated with a location is inactivated on a map display. The metadata can be associated with pop-up boxes that can be configured to appear if activated or not appear if inactivated. Alternatively, a pointer such as a mouse pointer could be configured to change its shape over an area. Thus, according to an embodiment, portions of a map can be inaccessible and/or have diminished functionality and/or indicate a change in status according to a pointer shape.

Block340provides for periodically updating the status associated with the at least one of the one or more locations (e.g. server210can periodically update the status when data is received from monitoring devices). Block350provides for generating a signal related to indicating on the map an updated status associated with the at least one of the one or more locations (e.g. server210can update the signal related to the status indicated on the map).

With reference now toFIG. 3B, a flow diagram illustrates an alternate implementation of the method ofFIG. 3A. Shown is that in one alternative implementation, block350, i.e., generating a signal related to indicating on the map an updated status associated with the at least one of the one or more locations, may include optional block3502which depicts receiving data from one or more monitoring devices capable of determining a user interaction with the at least one of the one or more locations on the map. For example, server210can receive data from monitoring devices such as cameras and the like that can determine user interactions at locations on the map.

Referring now toFIG. 3C, a flow diagram illustrates a method in accordance with an embodiment. Shown is that in one alternative implementation, block310, i.e., receiving a request for the map, the map illustrating one or more locations, may include optional blocks3102and/or3104. Optional block3102depicts receiving an identifier associated with a user in a predefined area, the identifier associated with one or more user interaction rules for the at least one location of the one or more locations on the map (e.g., server210receiving an identifier over a wireless network, the identifier associated with a user of a map). In an embodiment, interaction rules can mean rules for interacting, either rules attached to a location or rules attached to a user. Interaction rules for a user can mean rules of engagement for a location, several locations, a city, or a predetermined area for example. An identifier associated with a user that links to user interaction rules can provide appropriate user interaction rules for a particular user. For example, a user that is a deaf child can have user interaction rules that address the needs of a deaf child, allowing the user to interact in a different way than other users at different locations. Location interaction rules can include the amount of time or number of visits any user is permitted for a location. In contrast, user interaction rules can include the amount of time a user has for all locations, or provide carte blanche for a user to expand on location interaction rules. Thus, in the example, a deaf child can be associated with an identifier that identifies the user as having user interaction rules appropriate for a deaf child, with special permissions if needed. A user interaction rule can also be a function of the amount a user has paid to visit a park, a predefined area, or the like. Thus, user interaction rules can be any user specific rule that applies to a user and not to a location. Depicted is that in another alternative implementation block310, i.e., receiving a request for the map, the map illustrating one or more locations, may include optional block3104which depicts receiving a transmission from a mobile device wirelessly transmitting the request to a server (e.g., server210receiving a transmission from a component220).

With reference now toFIG. 3D, a flow diagram illustrates a method in accordance with an embodiment. Shown is that in one alternative implementation, block320—determining a status associated with at least one of the one or more locations on the map, the status being a function of one or more location interaction rules associated with the at least one of the one or more locations on the map—may include optional blocks3202and/or3204. Block3202depicts matching an identifier associated with the request for the map with a data store entry in a data store, the data store entry providing one or more user interaction rules (e.g., server210matching an identifier in a data store in the server and locating user interaction rules where the user interaction rules can be those rules that identify a user with specific needs, such as the deaf child example provided above, or other appropriate user specific rules, such as limitations based on the type of payment a user has invested into the map). Block3204illustrates correlating the one or more user interaction rules with the one or more location interaction rules for the at least one of the one or more locations on the map with data received by one or more monitoring devices associated with the at least one of the one or more locations on the map. Correlating the user interaction rules with the location interaction rules can include first determining if a location interaction rule, such as the amount of time allowed at a location, has been violated. If so, a user interaction rule correlated with the location interaction rule may nullify the violation. For example, if a deaf child is associated with a user interaction rule that allows twice as much time at each location, the location interaction rule violation is nullified. The data received by a monitoring device can verify whether the location interaction rule correlated with the user interaction rule for a user has been violated. Thus, a monitoring device can detect if a user has spent more time than that allowed under either a location interaction rule or a user interaction rule.

Referring now toFIG. 3E, a flow diagram illustrates a method in accordance with an embodiment. Shown is that in one alternative implementation, block3204, i.e., correlating the one or more user interaction rules with the one or more location interaction rules for the at least one of the one or more locations on the map with data received by one or more monitoring devices associated with the at least one of the one or more locations on the map, may include optional block32042which depicts determining via the data received by the one or more monitoring devices whether the user of the map has violated one or more of the one or more user interaction rules and/or location interaction rules (e.g., server210determining whether a user of the map has violated user interaction rules and/or location interaction rules by using data from a monitoring device). For example, location interaction rules and user interaction rules can be such that user interaction rules refine location interaction rules. Location interaction rules can include the amount of time or number of visits a user is permitted for a location. User interaction rules can include the amount of time a user has for all locations, or provide carte blanche for a user to expand on location interaction rules. A monitoring device can determine a number of times a user has been present at a location and transmit that data to server210. Thus, for example, if location interaction rules prohibit a user from visiting a location beyond a specified number of visits, and a monitoring device determines that a user has violated that location interaction rule, a signal can be transmitted to server210with data that indicates that the user violated the rule. Server210could identify the user as having a user interaction rule giving that particular user carte blanche to all locations and modify the location interaction rules as to that user. Thus, in some instances, a user interaction rule could operate to nullify location interaction rules. Whether the location interaction rules have been violated can be transmitted to server210where server210can further determine whether action should be taken. If, for example, the user has no user interaction rules applicable to nullify the violation of the location interaction rule, the server210can determine that a violation occurred and transmit appropriate signals.

With reference now toFIG. 3F, a flow diagram illustrates a method in accordance with an embodiment. Shown is that in one alternative implementation, block310—receiving a request for the map, the map illustrating one or more locations—may include optional block3106which depicts receiving the request via one or more of a wireless connection and/or a wired connection, the wireless connection including one or more of a wireless LAN (WLAN), an IEEE 802.11, a Bluetooth, and/or a satellite connection (e.g., server210receiving a request from one of components220over one or more different types of wireless or wired connections).

Referring now toFIG. 3G, a flow diagram illustrates a method in accordance with an embodiment. Shown is that in one alternative implementation block330, i.e., generating a signal related to indicating on the map the status associated with the at least one of the one or more locations on the map, may include optional block3302which depicts generating a signal related to illustrating location detail for the at least one of the one or more locations, the location detail shown being a function of the status (e.g. server210generating a signal that causes a map to illustrate location detail for a location in accordance with the status of a user of the map such, for example, the amount of detail relates to the characteristics of a user of the map). Depicted is that in another alternative implementation block330, i.e., generating a signal related to indicating on the map the status associated with the at least one of the one or more locations on the map—may include optional block3304which depicts generating a signal related to obfuscating a visual representation of the at least one location on the map as a function of the status (e.g., server210generating a signal that causes a map on one of components220to obfuscate a visual representation on the map of a location by blurring, making an icon fuzzy, making a visual representation disappear from the map or otherwise altering the appearance of the visual representation to make the visual representation less visually clear).

Referring now toFIG. 3H, a flow diagram illustrates a method in accordance with an embodiment. Shown is that in one alternative implementation block3304, i.e., generating a signal related to obfuscating a visual representation of the at least one location on the map as a function of the status, may include optional block33042which depicts generating a signal related to blurring and/or unblurring an icon representing the at least one location on the map if the location has been visited by a user (e.g. server210generating a signal that causes blurring and/or unblurring of icons on the map).

Referring now toFIG. 3I, a flow diagram illustrates a method in accordance with an embodiment. Shown is that in one alternative implementation block330, i.e., generating a signal related to indicating on the map the status associated with the at least one of the one or more locations on the map, may include optional block3306which depicts generating a signal related to indicating on the map a progress indication relating to a motivator for a user of the map (e.g. server210generating a signal that causes on indication on the map of user progress). Depicted is that in another alternative implementation block330, i.e., generating a signal related to indicating on the map the status associated with the at least one of the one or more locations on the map, may include optional block3308which depicts generating a signal related to highlighting the at least one location on the map, the highlighting indicative of one or more locations the user is to next visit on the map (e.g., server210generating a signal that causes highlighting a location on the map). Depicted is that in another alternative implementation block330, i.e., generating a signal related to indicating on the map the status associated with the at least one of the one or more locations on the map, may include optional block3310which depicts generating a signal related to displaying one or more overlays on the map to represent a traffic condition for one or more locations in the predetermined area (e.g. server210generating a signal that causes a display of one or more overlays on the map related to traffic conditions).

In one embodiment, the status of the map can be associated with interaction rules related to current conditions of locations on the map, such as traffic conditions. For example, locations can be displayed with one or more overlays on the map to represent a traffic condition for one or more locations in the predetermined area. More particularly, an embodiment provides or communicating with a server and/or directly with monitoring devices or the like to receive directives related to traffic conditions such as an indication that a user is not to go to a predetermined area or directing a user to another portion of the map. The directives can be in addition to or in lieu of the diminished capabilities associated with location on the map. The instructions received from the server can include directions on where to avoid on the map because of the traffic conditions, and include other interaction rules such as locations which are unavailable, off limits, or whether the number of visits allowed has occurred.

In addition and/or in the alternative to the foregoing, in one embodiment, such as an amusement park implementation and/or in some sort of game, part of a goal relative to the park/game includes a mechanism to identify locations to ensure a user, group or network attends to each location. Thus, block360provides for indicating a “motivator” to ensure that each location is visited and/or to finish a course of a park/game by giving a visual incentive. One example of a visual incentive includes providing a map with icons that are blurred, and a goal of clearing the map, or vice versa. Examples of giving such incentives include giving someone in a defined group a movie pass and/or hamburger if he/she covers all the areas on the map first. In one embodiment, instead of a park or a game, the locations can be related to trade shows, or the like, wherein participants can include vendors that sponsor a map. Incentives to traverse a trade could include prizes or the like to encourage a map user to visit all booths and unblur or blur all areas of the map. Similarly, in one embodiment, the map can be provided to employees that must traverse an area for cleaning, visiting, security checks or the like to ensure compensation in accordance with user interaction rules for example.

In one embodiment, the map is configured to provide an indication if the locations in a predetermined area have changed. Block370provides for indicating a time status of each location that represents a length of time since information relative to each location has been received.

In one embodiment, the map is maintained in a separate location independent from a user, group of users or network of users. Block380provides for transmitting a copy of the map at a location independent of a user of the map (e.g., to enable monitoring the users, group of users and the like). In the embodiment, a user could have a display device with more or less capabilities than a map maintained at another location. Alternatively, a user could be without a device and interactions with the map and location of the user entirely dependent on monitoring devices and user interaction rules. Thus, for example, in an amusement park, although the map would display that a user was not permitted in a certain location, a security entity would be responsible for preventing the user from entering that certain location via the indications displayed on the map.

Referring now toFIG. 4, a flow diagram illustrates a method for a display device for areas about which inconsistent data is known concerning locations in a predetermined area. Block410provides for displaying one or more overlays on a map to represent a traffic condition for one or more locations in a predetermined area. Block420provides for displaying an overlay with respect to one or more locations in the predetermined area that indicate a lack of information pertaining to the one or more locations. For example, if a system has knowledge about the layout of a street, but does not have information as to how much traffic is on the street, an overlay or “fogging” of those areas on the street indicates that information is unknown. Block430provides for displaying data independent of an overlay for those locations about which additional information is known. Alternatively, as one of skill in the art will appreciate with the benefit of the present disclosure, the overlay could be reversed such that a location about which information is known is treated with an overlay. For example, a location that has camera coverage could be displayed differently on a map to highlight that camera coverage is provided.

Referring now toFIG. 5A, a flow diagram illustrates a method in accordance with an embodiment (e.g., an embodiment is directed to a display device communication to receive map data for a display device). Block510provides transmitting a request for the map including one or more locations, the request including an identifier associated with a user of the display device (e.g., one of components220transmitting a request to server210for a map and transmitting an identifier to server210). The identifier can enable a mapping of the identifier with a list of locations the user/group/network is permitted to traverse or visit in the predefined area. The identifier can also be associated with an order in which the locations should be visited through the predetermined area. Block520provides for receiving the map including one or more locations, at least one location of the one or more locations associated with one or more location interaction rules verifiable via one or more monitoring devices (e.g., one of components220receiving the map from server210). Block530provides for interacting with the one or more monitoring devices to alter the map on the display device as a function of the one or more location interaction rules (e.g., one of components220interacting with a monitoring device, which could be another of components220). The interacting can include receiving one or more icons representing one or more locations on the map, the one or more location interaction rules determining one or more of an obfuscation of the one or more icons and/or an activation of metadata associated with the one or more locations on the map. In one embodiment, receiving the map can be via connecting with a server, the server determining whether the one or more interaction rules affect the obfuscation and/or activation of metadata for the one or more icons. The connection to the server can be via wirelessly transmitting the request to a server over a wireless network, such as a WLAN, an IEEE802type wireless network, a Bluetooth type wireless network, and/or a satellite network.

The map can be configurable with a user interface on the display device that receives indications that one or more locations on the map have been visited, checks to determine a limit on visits by the user, and, if the number of visits has been reached, dims or highlights the location to provide an indicator to the user.

With reference now toFIG. 5B, a flow diagram illustrates an alternate implementation of the method ofFIG. 5A. Shown is that in one alternative implementation, block520, i.e., receiving the map including one or more locations, at least one location of the one or more locations associated with one or more location interaction rules verifiable via one or more monitoring devices, may include optional block5202which depicts receiving one or more icons representing one or more locations on the map, the one or more location interaction rules determining one or more of an obfuscation of the one or more icons and/or an activation of metadata associated with the one or more locations on the map (e.g. one of components220receiving icons from server210, the icons could be pictures, images or the like representative of locations on the map, and the obfuscation can include blurring, making the icons disappear, or otherwise altering the icons so that the visual appearance of the icons is altered resulting in a less clear icon than originally present).

Referring now toFIG. 5C, a flow diagram illustrates an alternate implementation of the method ofFIG. 5A. Shown is that in one alternative implementation, block530, i.e., interacting with the one or more monitoring devices to alter the map on the display device as a function of the one or more location interaction rules, may include optional block5302which depicts interacting with the one or more monitoring devices to alter the map on the display device as a function of the location interaction rules as modified by one or more user interaction rules associated with the user of the display device (e.g., one of components220interacting with a monitoring device to alter the map). More particularly, in some instances the location interaction rules as modified by the user interaction rules can be incorporated into either a monitoring device or the display device so as to avoid requiring interaction with server210. Thus, in some instances interactions between a monitoring device and the display device can result in a determination as to whether a user is following location interaction rules as modified by user interaction rules. As a result of the determination, the map can be altered. For example, if a user is allowed per location interaction rules to visit a location three times and a monitoring device detects that a user has interacted with the location two times, the display device can be altered to indicate that the user has been to the location two times and has a single return visit allowed.

With reference now again toFIG. 5B, a flow diagram illustrates an alternate implementation of the method ofFIG. 5A. Shown is that in one alternative implementation, block520, e.g., receiving the map including one or more locations, at least one location of the one or more locations associated with one or more location interaction rules verifiable via one or more monitoring devices, may include optional block5204and/or5206. Block5204depicts connecting with a server (e.g., a component220connecting with server210). Block5206illustrates receiving the map altered in accordance with the one or more location interaction rules, the map altered via obfuscation and/or activation of metadata for the one or more icons (e.g., component220receiving the map from server210as altered according to location interaction rules).

Referring now toFIG. 5D, a flow diagram illustrates one or more alternate implementations of the method ofFIG. 5A. Shown is that in one alternative implementation block510, i.e., transmitting a request for the map including one or more locations, the request including an identifier associated with a user of the display device, may include optional block5102which depicts wirelessly transmitting the request to a server over a wireless network (e.g. one of components220wirelessly transmitting the request to server210). Depicted is that in one alternative implementation block5102, i.e., wirelessly transmitting the request to a server over a wireless network, may include optional block51022which depicts transmitting via at least one of a wireless LAN (WLAN), an IEEE802type wireless network, a Bluetooth type wireless network, and/or a satellite network (e.g., one of components220transmitting via one or more different types of wireless networks).

With reference now again toFIG. 5B, a flow diagram illustrates an alternate implementation of the method ofFIG. 5A. Shown is that in one alternative implementation, block520, i.e., receiving the map including one or more locations, at least one location of the one or more locations associated with one or more location interaction rules verifiable via one or more monitoring devices, may include optional block5208which depicts receiving an indication shown on the map related to whether one or more user interaction rules associated with the identifier affect the map (e.g. one of components220receiving an indication from server210). For example, interactions between a monitoring device and the display device can result in a determination that one or more user interaction rules associated with an identifier has been violated or affected. Such a determination could include whether a user is following location interaction rules as modified by user interaction rules. As a result of the determination, the map can be altered (e.g., affect the map). For example, if a user is allowed per location interaction rules to visit a location three times and a monitoring device detects that a user has interacted with the location two times, the display device can be altered to indicate that the user has been to the location two times and has a single return visit allowed.

Referring back toFIG. 1, in one embodiment, a computer system includes a module, shown inFIG. 1as map modules36and46. Map modules36and46can be coupled to a computer system memory and processor. For purposes of the present application, a map module coupled to the memory can include but is not limited to a map module with all module components within the memory, a map module only partially coupled to the memory and partially coupled to other components such as to firmware, and/or a map-based guide module including only some components coupled to the memory and other components in another memory, such as RAM or ROM or a storage that can be manipulated.

In an embodiment, the map module is configurable to create one or more maps for a predefined area. The map module can be included with a mobile device or can be included as part of a server, such as server210that creates transmissions for the mobile device to display. If a server performs the processing, an embodiment includes a transmitter configured to transmit the map to the mobile device. The map can also be transmitted to a fixed device, such as a display device.

In one embodiment, a computer system can include a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, a receiver coupled to the processor, and/or a map module coupled to the receiver and the memory. In the embodiment, the map module can include a data store configurable to hold data related to locations in a predefined area. More particularly, the data store can include identifiers associated with users, groups of users and the like, each identifier configurable to provide information related to how the users should relate to the locations according to user interaction rules, including, for example, a number of times allowed to visit a location and/or an amount of time a user can spend at a location.

The map module can further be configurable to include a status module configurable to determine a status associated with at least one of the one or more locations on the map, the status being a function of one or more location interaction rules associated with the at least one of the locations. Specifically, the status module can match an identifier associated with a received request for a map with a data store entry in the data store, the data store entry providing one or more location interaction rules for the at least one of the one or more locations on the map. The status module can further correlate the one or more location interaction rules for the locations on the map with data received by one or more monitoring devices associated with the at least one of the one or more locations on the map. In one embodiment, the status module can be configured to determine via the data received by the one or more monitoring devices whether a user, group of users or network of groups associated with a map has violated one or more of the one or more location interaction rules. The location interaction rules can include or be correlated to the user interaction rules such that user interaction rules refine location interaction rules. For example, an identifier associated with a user can provide user-specific rules for interacting with one or more locations that either modify location interaction rules by broadening interaction limitations or by limiting interaction limitations. Thus, for example, if location interaction rules normally prohibit a user from visiting a location beyond a specified number of visits, a user interaction rule could give carte blanche to all locations and modify the location interaction rules as to that user. Thus, a user interaction rule could operate to nullify location interaction rules. Conversely, a user interaction rule could operate to further limit location interaction rule limitations. For example, an identifier could be associated with a user that identifies the user as being a persona non grata as to one or more locations and all interactions could be disallowed. Thus, if a visitor to a park is discovered to have stolen an item from a prior location via a monitoring device, an identifier could be transmitted to a server that nullifies all further location interaction permissions. Further, the identifier could be associated with a security system that actively locates the user.

The map module further can include a location order determination module coupled to the data store. The location order determination module can be configurable to determine an order in which locations in the predefined area should be traversed by a user based on an identifier received by the receiver. For example, an identifier can be from a source of a request for a map. The identifier can be determinative of a number of locations and a type of locations to include in a map through the predefined area.

In one embodiment, the computer system includes a transmitter coupled to the processor. The transmitter can be configurable to transmit the map to a display device. The display device can be a mobile device, such as a cell phone, a computer device, a PDA or the like configurable to transmit a request for the map to include the route being through the predefined area.

While the subject matter of the application has been shown and described with reference to particular embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter of the application, including but not limited to additional, less or modified elements and/or additional, less or modified steps performed in the same or a different order.