Patent Publication Number: US-2011069183-A1

Title: Methods and apparatuses for identifying opportunities to capture content

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/771,902, filed on Feb. 4, 2004, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, now U.S. Pat. No. ______. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to identifying opportunities to capture content and, more particularly, to identifying opportunities to capture content based on location. 
     BACKGROUND 
     With the use of electronic image capturing devices, there has been a proliferation of images that have been recorded by users. Users typically record content that captures their interests. In one example, a user utilizes the image capturing device to record images of historic buildings while on vacation. The content captured by users includes video tracks, graphic images, and photographs. 
     In some cases while sightseeing on vacation, the user may not be aware of an opportunity to record sights nearby that interest the user. For example, the user may be visiting a historic building with a city. While visiting, the user is able to capture images of this historic building. Because the visitor is not familiar with this city, the user may not realize that another historic building is located several blocks away. Had the user known that a similar historic building was only several blocks away, the user would have visited this additional historic building as well. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses identifying opportunities to capture content sense a user profile; determine a geographic location of a device; and transmit at least one suggestion to the device based on the geographic location of the device and the user profile wherein the suggestion indicates a photo opportunity. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate and explain one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for identifying opportunities to capture content. In the drawings, 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating an environment within which the methods and apparatuses for synchronizing and tracking content are implemented; 
         FIG. 2  is a simplified block diagram illustrating one embodiment in which the methods and apparatuses for identifying opportunities to capture content are implemented; 
         FIG. 3  is a simplified block diagram illustrating a system, consistent with one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for identifying opportunities to capture content; 
         FIG. 4  is a simplified block diagram illustrating one embodiment in which the methods and apparatuses for identifying opportunities to capture content; 
         FIG. 5  is a flow diagram consistent with one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for identifying opportunities to capture content; 
         FIG. 6  is a flow diagram consistent with one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for identifying opportunities to capture content; and 
         FIG. 7  is a flow diagram consistent with one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for identifying opportunities to capture content. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description of the methods and apparatuses for identifying opportunities to capture content refers to the accompanying drawings. The detailed description is not intended to limit the methods and apparatuses for identifying opportunities to capture content. Instead, the scope of the methods and apparatuses for identifying opportunities to capture content is defined by the appended claims and equivalents. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many other implementations are possible, consistent with the present invention. 
     References to “content” includes data such as photographs, images, video, text, graphics, and the like, that are embodied in digital or analog electronic form. 
     References to “electronic device” includes a device such as a digital still camera, a video camera, a personal digital assistant with an ability to capture an image, a cellular device with an ability to capture an image, and any electronic device with an ability to capture an image. 
       FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating an environment within which the methods and apparatuses for identifying opportunities to capture content are implemented. The environment includes an electronic device  110  (e.g., a computing platform configured to act as a client device, such as a computer, a personal digital assistant, a cellular telephone, a camera device), a user interface  115 , a network  120  (e.g., a local area network, a home network, the Internet), and a server  130  (e.g., a computing platform configured to act as a server). 
     In one embodiment, one or more user interface  115  components are made integral with the electronic device  110  (e.g., keypad and video display screen input and output interfaces in the same housing as personal digital assistant electronics (e.g., as in a Clie® manufactured by Sony Corporation). In other embodiments, one or more user interface  115  components (e.g., a keyboard, a pointing device (mouse, trackball, etc.), a microphone, a speaker, a display, a camera) are physically separate from, and are conventionally coupled to, electronic device  110 . The user utilizes interface  115  to access and control content and applications stored in electronic device  110 , server  130 , or a remote storage device (not shown) coupled via network  120 . 
     In accordance with the invention, embodiments of identifying opportunities to capture content as described below are executed by an electronic processor in electronic device  110 , in server  130 , or by processors in electronic device  110  and in server  130  acting together. Server  130  is illustrated in  FIG. 1  as being a single computing platform, but in other instances are two or more interconnected computing platforms that act as a server. 
     The methods and apparatuses for identifying opportunities to capture content are shown in the context of exemplary embodiments of applications in which content is suggested and identified based on the location of the electronic device. In one embodiment, the user utilizes content through the electronic device  110  and the network  120 . In another embodiment, the content is tracked and synchronized by the application that is located within the server  130  and/or the electronic device  110 . 
     In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses for identifying opportunities to capture content is configured to provide a device with a list of suggestions based on a user profile and a location of the device. In one instance, the list of suggestions is selected from a photo opportunity database. Additionally, the user profile includes the type of content of interested by the user of the device in one embodiment. 
     In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses for identifying opportunities to capture content is configured to provide detailed information corresponding to a selection from the list of suggestions. In one instance, the detailed information includes directions to the selection. In another instance, the detailed information includes detailed, dynamic directions to the selection based on the real-time location of the device. In one embodiment, the detailed information includes sample images and text describing the selection. 
     In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses for identifying opportunities to capture content automatically updates the user profile based on the image(s) captured by the device. 
       FIG. 2  is a simplified diagram illustrating an exemplary architecture in which the methods and apparatuses for identifying opportunities to capture content are implemented. The exemplary architecture includes a plurality of electronic devices  110 , a server device  130 , and a network  120  connecting electronic devices  110  to server  130  and each electronic device  110  to each other. The plurality of electronic devices  110  are each configured to include a computer-readable medium  209 , such as random access memory, coupled to an electronic processor  208 . Processor  208  executes program instructions stored in the computer-readable medium  209 . A unique user operates each electronic device  110  via an interface  115  as described with reference to  FIG. 1 . 
     Server device  130  includes a processor  211  coupled to a computer-readable medium  212 . In one embodiment, the server device  130  is coupled to one or more additional external or internal devices, such as, without limitation, a secondary data storage element, such as database  240 . 
     In one instance, processors  208  and  211  are manufactured by Intel Corporation, of Santa Clara, Calif. In other instances, other microprocessors are used. 
     The plurality of client devices  110  and the server  130  include instructions for a customized application for identifying opportunities to capture content. In one embodiment, the plurality of computer-readable medium  209  and  212  contain, in part, the customized application. Additionally, the plurality of client devices  110  and the server  130  are configured to receive and transmit electronic messages for use with the customized application. Similarly, the network  120  is configured to transmit electronic messages for use with the customized application. 
     One or more user applications are stored in memories  209 , in memory  211 , or a single user application is stored in part in one memory  209  and in part in memory  211 . In one instance, a stored user application, regardless of storage location, is made customizable based on identifying opportunities to capture content as determined using embodiments described below. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates one embodiment of an identifying system  300 . The identifying system  300  includes a review module  310 , a location module  320 , a storage module  330 , an interface module  340 , and a control module  350 . In one embodiment, the control module  350  communicates with the review module  310 , the location module  320 , the storage module  330 , and the interface module  340 . 
     In one embodiment, the control module  350  coordinates tasks, requests, and communications between the review module  310 , the location module  320 , the storage module  330 , and the interface module  340 . 
     In one embodiment, the review module  310  analyzes a profile associated with a user of the electronic device  110 . In one embodiment, the profile includes different content types of pictures captured by the user. For example, the user of the electronic device  110  captures pictures of monuments, scenic landscapes, churches, historical buildings, and the like. 
     In another embodiment, the review module  310  identifies possible picture opportunities from selecting from a picture opportunity database based in part on the profile. In one embodiment, the picture opportunity database includes a listing of opportunities to capture a photograph and is organized by geography area and content type. For example, a church located in San Francisco, Calif. is listed as a photograph opportunity within the picture opportunity database. In this example, this listed church can be classified as a church, a historical building, a monument, and the like for content type within the picture opportunity database. In addition, this listed church can also be classified under “San Francisco” under geography area within the picture opportunity database. 
     In yet another embodiment, the review module  310  creates a profile for the user based on the photographs captured by the user. For example, the review module  310  reviews prior photographs captured by the user through the electronic device  110 . 
     In yet another embodiment, the review module  310  updates an existing profile based on additional photographs captured by the user. For example, the review module  310  monitors the photographic activity of the user through the electronic device  110 . 
     In one embodiment, the location module  320  identifies a location of the electronic device  110 . In one embodiment, the location module  320  receives information identifying the location of the electronic device  110  and makes the location information available to the review module  310 . In one embodiment, the location of the electronic device is determined through a system of satellites such as a global positioning system (GPS). In another embodiment, the location of the electronic device  110  is determined locally by multiple sensors which pin point the device&#39;s location. 
     In yet another embodiment, the location of the electronic device  110  is determined by sensing the electronic device  110  within a general area. For example, the electronic device  110  is sensed entering an entrance gate at an amusement park. In this embodiment, the location module  320  senses that the electronic device  110  is within the amusement park. Although, the exact location of the electronic device  110  is not available, the location module  320  ascertains the general area of the electronic device  110 . 
     In one embodiment, the storage module  330  stores a profile associated a user of the electronic device  110 . In another embodiment, the storage module  330  also stores the picture opportunity database. 
     In one embodiment, the interface module  340  detects an action such as capturing a photograph through the electronic device  110 . 
     In another embodiment, the interface module  340  transmits different possible selection choices from the picture opportunity database. 
     In yet another embodiment, the interface module  340  interacts with user regarding the user&#39;s selection from the picture opportunity database. 
     In another embodiment, the interface module  340  interacts with other devices. For example, in one instance, the interface module  340  interacts with a GPS system for receiving geographical information regarding the electronic device  110 . 
     The identifying system  300  in  FIG. 3  is shown for exemplary purposes and is merely one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for identifying opportunities to capture content. Additional modules may be added to the system  300  without departing from the scope of the methods and apparatuses for sequestering content. Similarly, modules may be combined or deleted without departing from the scope of the methods and apparatuses for identifying opportunities to capture content. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a simplified overview system  400  for identifying opportunities to capture images. The system  400  includes an electronic device  110 , a server  130 , locator system  410 , and a wireless network  420 . The record  400  is associated with a specific content. 
     In one embodiment, the electronic device  110  captures images under the direction of a user. In one instance, the electronic device  110  receives suggestions for opportunities to capture images based on the location of the electronic device  110  and the unique profile of the user. In another instance, the electronic device  110  provides detailed instructions about a particular opportunity of interest based on the selection of the user from the multiple suggestions. 
     In one embodiment, the server  130  monitors the electronic device  110  and provides the electronic device  110  with suggestions for opportunities to capture images. In one instance, the server  130  maintains the unique profile for each user and the picture opportunity database. In another instance, the server  130  detects activity of the electronic device  110  and updates the profile for the user. In another instance, the server  130  monitors the location of the electronic device  110 . 
     In one embodiment, the locator system  410  determines the geographical location of the electronic device  110 . In one instance, the locator system  410  is a GPS system that utilizes multiple satellites to track the location of the electronic device throughout the world. In another instance, the locator system  410  comprises multiple local sensors to track the location of the electronic device  110  within a localized area. 
     In one embodiment, the locator system  410  communicates with the server  130  through the electronic device. In another embodiment, the locator system  410  communicates directly with the electronic device  110 . 
     In one embodiment, the wireless network  420  facilitates communication between the electronic device  110  and the server  130 . In one embodiment, the wireless network  420  is a cellular network. In another embodiment, the wireless network  420  is a wide area network. 
     The flow diagrams as depicted in  FIGS. 5 ,  6 , and  7  are one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for synchronizing and tracking content. The blocks within the flow diagrams can be performed in a different sequence without departing from the spirit of the methods and apparatuses for synchronizing and tracking content. Further, blocks can be deleted, added, or combined without departing from the spirit of the methods and apparatuses for synchronizing and tracking content. 
     The flow diagram in  FIG. 5  illustrates identifying opportunities to capture content according to one embodiment of the invention. In Block  510 , a camera device is detected. In one embodiment, the server  130  detects the camera device. 
     In Block  520 , a user&#39;s identity is determined. In one embodiment, the user interfaces with the camera device detected within the Block  510 . The user may be identified in numerous ways. In one instance, the user is identified through a password. In another instance, the user is identified through a biometric parameter such as a fingerprint, a DNA sample, an iris scan, and the like. In yet another instance, the user is identified through the use of a specific camera device. 
     In Block  530 , a unique profile corresponding to the user&#39;s identity is loaded within the system  300 . In one embodiment, the unique profile is loaded among a plurality of profiles associated with other users. In one embodiment, the profile indicates the content types that the user has expressed interest. For example, the profile reflects that the user shows interest in content such as historic buildings, hot rod automobiles, and the like. In one instance, the content types range from general categories such as “buildings” to more refined subsets such as “interiors of cathedrals” being a subset of “buildings”. In other examples, any number of labels are utilized to describe the various content types that are listed within a profile. 
     In Block  540 , a location of the camera device is determined. In one embodiment, the location of the camera device is performed by the locator system  410 . In one instance, the locator system  410  determines the general location of the camera device without finding the exact location. For example, for determining a generalized location of the camera device, a single cellular site is sufficient for detecting the camera device within a generalized area such as within a particular city. 
     In another instance, the locator system  410  determines a specific location of the camera device through a GPS system such as at a particular street address. In one instance, the location of the camera device is determined within 3 feet. 
     In Block  550 , suggestions are transmitted to the camera device. In one embodiment, these suggestions give the user choices for photographic opportunities based on the location of the camera device and the interests of the user. 
     The flow diagram in  FIG. 6  illustrates identifying opportunities to capture content according to one embodiment of the invention. 
     In Block  610 , a unique profile is identified and the location of the camera device is also identified. 
     In Block  620 , a search is conducted within the picture opportunity database based on the unique profile and the location of the camera device. In one embodiment, if the location of the camera is within a city such as San Francisco, then, the photographic opportunities listed within the picture opportunity is limited to listings in San Francisco. In another embodiment, the photographic opportunities listed within the picture opportunity is limited to listings in San Francisco Bay Area. In yet another embodiment, the photographic opportunities listed within the picture opportunity is limited to listings in Northern California. 
     In one embodiment, the listings within the picture opportunity database are narrowed and refined based on the unique profile. For example, if the unique profile reflects that historic buildings are of interest, then the listings with the content type related to historical buildings are retained. 
     In one embodiment, the number of retained listings ideally would not overwhelm the camera device while still providing the camera device with choices to select. For example, in one instance, having between 5 to 10 listings from the picture opportunity database allows enough choices without overwhelming the user and the camera device. 
     There are a variety of ways to limit or expand the number of listing transmitted to the camera device. In one embodiment, the radius of geographical limits is dynamically varied to keep the number of listings offered to the camera device reasonable. For example, the geographic radius is enlarged when there are not enough listings to present to the camera device. In another example, the geographic radius is decreased when there are too many listings to present to the camera device. 
     Further, the content type is expanded and broadened when there are not enough listings to present to the camera device in one embodiment. In this instance, instead of selecting “historic buildings” as the content type, “buildings” is utilized as the content type. Similarly, the content type is narrowed when there are not enough listings to present to the camera device in one embodiment. In this instance, instead of selecting “historic buildings” as the content type, “historic buildings in historic areas” is utilized as the content type. 
     Further, the content type is expanded and broadened when there are not enough listings to present to the camera device in one embodiment. In this instance, instead of selecting “historic buildings” as the content type, “buildings” is utilized as the content type. 
     In Block  630 , the listings identified in the Block  620  are suggestions that are transmitted to the camera device. 
     In Block  640 , a particular selection from one of the suggestions is received from the camera device. In one embodiment, the selection requests additional suggestions for the camera device. In this instance, additional suggestions are identified in the Block  620  and these additional suggestions are transmitted to the camera device in the Block  630 . 
     In another embodiment, the selection identifies one of the suggestions transmitted in the Block  630 . 
     In Block  650 , detailed information related to the selected suggestion is transmitted to the camera device. In one embodiment, the detailed information is stored within the storage module  330 . In one embodiment, the detailed information includes directions on how to reach this photographic opportunity, notes describing the environment of the opportunity, sample images to emulate, sample images with common mistakes, and the like. 
     In Block  660 , dynamic directions are transmitted to the camera device based on the real-time location of the camera device. For example, the dynamic directions are transmitted to the camera device calling out real-time directions of “turn right at the next light”, “make a u-turn here”, and the like. 
     The flow diagram in  FIG. 7  illustrates customizing photographs captured by the camera device according to one embodiment of the invention. In Block  710 , a particular selection from one of the suggestions is received from the camera device. 
     In Block  720 , a location of the camera device is determined. In one embodiment, the location of the camera device is performed by the locator system  410 . 
     In Block  730 , a captured image recorded by the camera device is detected. In one embodiment, the captured image is recorded by the camera device at the location determined in the Block  720 . 
     In Block  740 , the image captured by the camera device and the location of the camera device when the image was captured is compared with information related to the particular selection within the Block  710 . 
     In one embodiment, the information related to the particular selection is stored within the storage module  310  within the picture opportunity database. For example, in one instance, the picture opportunity database includes information related to the particular selection such as a location, sample images, descriptive text associated with the sample images. 
     In one embodiment, the location of the camera device when the image was captured is compared to the location of the particular selection. If the camera device was located outside the area of the particular selection when the image was captured, then this image does not correspond to the sample images associated with the particular selection. 
     In one embodiment, the captured image is compared with the sample images stored within the picture opportunity database associated with the particular selection. In one instance, commercially available image recognition and comparison algorithms are utilized to determine a sufficient match between the captured image and one of the sample images. 
     In Block  750 , text associated with the sample image is selectively added to the captured image. In one embodiment, the text associated with the sample image is stored within the picture opportunity database. In one embodiment, the text associated with the sample image describes details of the captured image such as location of the sample image, description of the subject of the captured image, and the like. 
     In one embodiment, the text associated with the sample image is added to the captured image when the captured image is recorded by the camera device in a location that corresponds with the particular selection. In another embodiment, the sample image is added to the captured image when the captured image matches the sample image. 
     In Block  760 , the profile corresponding to the user of the camera device is updated according to the captured image. For example, the captured image that is detected in the Block  730  is utilized to refine the profile associated with the user of the camera device. 
     In one embodiment, the captured image is matched with a sample image corresponding to the particular selection from the comparison in the Block  740 . In this instance, the content type associated with the sample image is utilized to update the profile corresponding to the user of the camera device. 
     In another embodiment, the captured image does not correspond to a sample image and is independently matched to a content type. For example, since the captured image does not correspond to any of the sample images, the captured image is examined to match a content type unique to the captured image. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. For example, the invention is described within the context of suggesting photo opportunities and capturing images as merely one embodiment of the invention. The invention may be applied to a variety of other applications. 
     They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise embodiments disclosed, and naturally many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and their equivalents.