DE10105210A1 - Outputting geographically-referenced electronic information via display e.g. for orientation in town by determining position coordinates from keyword - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves detecting a user input including a keyword, transmitting electronic information relating to the detected user input from a communication device (1) to a server device (3). Geographic position coordinates are determined based on the keyword using a database (106). An independent claim is included for a server device.

Description

The invention is in the field of automatically providing georeferenced, electrical tronic information at the request of a user.

With the help of modern data processing systems it is now possible to geographical country maps, especially city maps in electronic form via a display device give. For example, it is known to cut out sections of To display maps that are generated with the help of electronic data that are on a CD-ROM are stored. Similarly, it is possible to use the computer device  electronically stored maps or map sections of server equipment which are part of the internet.

Basically, it is the known as electronic data available existing maps or city maps only for an electronic representation of the also in Paper maps and city maps are available.

The object of the invention is to provide a method for outputting geo-referenced, electroni to information about a display device to a communication device create, which enables the technical options of modern data processing systems to provide usability improvements.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a method for outputting georeferenced electronic information via a display device of a communication device, the communication device for receiving the georeferenced electronic information being connected to a server device, the method comprising the following steps:

• a) electronic recording of user input with the aid of data collection means Communication device, wherein the user input comprises a keyword;
• b) transmitting electronic information about the recorded user input from the Communication device to the server device;
• c) processing of the transmitted electronic information by means of the server device, such that with the help of an electronic query of a database depending on the keyword geographical position coordinates are determined electronically;
• d) determining a map section belonging to the geographic position coordinates by querying another database;
• e) Generating several electronic information layers, each of which has at least one electronic image object for the area belonging to the position coordinates Map section include;  
• f) generating a control element and electronically assigning the control element to an egg one of the several electronic pieces of information layers;
• g) Submitting multiple electronic information layers, including tax erelements from the server device to the communication device; and
• h) outputting the plurality of electronic information layers using the display direction, so that the detection of a selection of one of the electronic image objects by a user using the detection means of the communication device in Depending on the control, multimedia information about the display direction and / or other output means of the communication device automatically is issued.

With the help of this method, it is possible for the user of the communication device to Dependency on a specific geographic location, georeferenced, electronic To make information available. This allows the user, esp especially in a city environment, easier and faster to orient.

On the one hand, the variety of information automatically available to the user elevated. On the other hand, the user can have specific information about buildings, places or other local conditions in the area of a certain location independent of time and retrieve targeted content. This is an option for public and private institutions created, electronically information about the respective facility in a user friendly way to provide the user.

An expedient development of the invention provides that the control element so out forms is that by detecting the selection of one of the electronic image objects the user specific information from a network server device, in particular an Internet server device can be accessed automatically. This is the user a site-specific selection in the variety of information on the Internet enables.  

To improve user friendliness, an advantageous embodiment of the invention can provide that

• - When determining the geographic position coordinates according to step c) Keyword is transmitted to an interface device;
• - The interface device, the query of the database by the server device elek mediated tronically;
• - With the help of the interface device, a similarity search is carried out automatically If the query of the database shows that there are no geo-references to the keyword ornamental position coordinates are stored in the database; and
• - Another query of the database depending on the result of the similarity re cherche is executed.

In order to be able to adapt the georeferenced electronic information more easily to the requirements of the user with the aid of the output device of the communication device, a preferred further development of the invention provides that

• - one or all electronic information layers when created according to the method step e) an electronic control identification is assigned in each case;
• - The respective electronic control identification to the communication device is transmitted; and
• - The respective electronic control identification one on the display device button shown is assigned, with one or all electronic information mation layers when outputting via the display device by the user of the Communication device by pressing the respective button or can be shown.

A representation of the geo-referenced, electronic information depending on a user-specific input, for example to search for banks or medical practices in the Area of a special location is in an expedient development of the invention thereby allowing the communication device according to method step b) electronic information transmitted to the server device includes search information,  and that creating the multiple electronic information layers according to Ver Driving step e) is carried out automatically depending on the search information.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention it can be provided that the transmission the electronic information about the recorded user input from the communica tion device to the server device and / or the transmission of the plurality of electronics information layers from the server device to the communication device includes transmission over a cellular network. As a result, modern mobile communications are method for communication between the communication device, at for example a mobile radio device, and the server device can be used.

One way to retrieve electronic information sequentially is created for the user in a preferred embodiment in that a grafi cal multimedia information that according to step h) on the display device is output, so it is shown on the display device that upon detection of a further selection of the graphic multimedia information by the user using the Er means of the communication device further multimedia information about the Display device and / or other output means of the communication device auto is matically output. This results in an interactivity of the graphical output Multimedia information created.

A server device has that in connection with associated method claims listed advantages accordingly, in particular a distribution of the tasks of Server device over several servers of a network, preferably the Internet, to one more targeted use of the available computing power and thus to a quick answering user requests.

The invention is described below using an exemplary embodiment with reference to a drawing explained in more detail. Here show:

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a client-server architecture;

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method for outputting geo-referenced, electronic data via a communication device. and

Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of the layered, film-like output of the electronic data.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a method for operating a georeferenced, electronic display system is described below, which serves a user for location orientation and local information, particularly in the urban area.

The provision and preparation of the georeferenced, electronic data for the display is based on a client-server technology (cf. FIG. 1). Here, the display and display control takes place only in a terminal 1 , which acts as a client and is equipped with a display device 2 . The terminal 1 can be a computer device or another communication device which is technically equipped in such a way that electronic data can be exchanged with a server device 3 . This is possible, for example, with future mobile radio devices of the UMTS generation (UMTS-Universal Mobile Telecommunications System). Information layers, which are also referred to as “layers”, are created in the server device 3 . Different information layers are "superimposed in foil-like fashion" when they are output via the display device 2 of the terminal device 1 , in order to be able to show or hide different, specified information contents relating to a geographical region, which is shown schematically in FIG. 3.

While all known information is shown in a common, non-separable representation in known electronic map materials, the available electronic information is divided in the method described below and shown in several freely combinable foils (information layers, layers), the information layers for Representation on the display device 2 can be shown or hidden as desired. The user can thus specifically search for and display informal relationships.

Different tasks of the server device 3 in the creation of the information layers, such as a map determination, a position and information compilation, can be distributed to different servers in a network. The server device 3 is preferably connected to the Internet in such a way that the user of the terminal 1 can download the geo-referenced electronic data from the Internet via a public interface 4 using a data connection. For this purpose, a browser device is used on the terminal 1 . When compiling the information layers for the display on the terminal 1 , the different implementations of browser devices from different manufacturers must be observed.

In order to get georeferenced electronic information via the display device 2 of the terminal 1 , the user must first enter a keyword, in particular address information 10 (cf. FIG. 2). For this purpose, a user interface is available on the terminal 1 . The provision of the geo-referenced, electronic information can be called up as a service directly or via other websites 11 . The user then inputs parameters via the user interface, for example one or more keywords and / or address information, such as a street, a house number, a postal code or the like. Different HMI modules (HMI-Human-Machine-Interface) are provided to intercept incorrect input by the user, to specify operating steps and to correspond overall to the intuition of the user, so that the user friendliness is improved. In this context, reference is made to the determination of similarities in the spelling of names and descriptions and the addition of a context-sensitive help function. Basically, an attempt is made to process any keyword entered by the user. This applies in particular to cases in which the user does not enter a specific location, but for example only the name of a restaurant.

The parameters (the one or more keywords) of the user are transmitted as a request to the server device 3 via the public interface 4 and processed by a page generator 13 (cf. FIG. 2). The page generator 13 controls the basic structure of an electronic rule's information package - this usually comprises several layers of information to be displayed - that the server device 3 generates at the request of the user, transmits it to the terminal 1 and outputs it from the display device 2 of the terminal 1 . Here, the page generator 13 inserts information about termination, errors and others.

When processing the received request from the user, the page generator 13 first initiates a call 14 to an address position device 15 . The address-Positioneinrich device 15 is an interface to a database 16 , which includes position data for geographic areas in different scales. For example, the Soldner coordinates can be electronically stored as position data for the Berlin city area. The server device 3 can comprise means (a module) that make it possible to automatically convert electronically stored data from one coordinate format, for example Soldner coordinates, into another coordinate format, for example into Gauss-Krüger coordinates.

A search 17 in the database 16 is called up on the basis of the address information of the user. If an entry relating to the user's address information is found in the database 16 , associated position data are transferred 18. If a database entry relating to the address information cannot be found, an attempt is made to find one or more similar terms 19, for example similar street names. A comparison generator checks the transferred terms for similarities in the database 16 . Various methods are used, including the phonetic search (similarity of the sound image). The similar terms found are offered to the user for selection. After the user has made a decision on the similar terms, the associated position data for these are determined and transferred to the address position device 15 . The position data returned are database recordsets. The position data are then transmitted 20 to the page generator 13 .

In addition to calling the address position device 15 , the page generator 13 initiates a call 21 of an information layer or layer generator 22 . The various information presentation layers that are output via the output device 2 of the terminal 1 are referred to as information layers. Two different types of information layers are provided. The general information layer comprises electronic information for the entire map area. Individual information layers relate to the display of map sections or other image objects that are to be displayed in the respective information layer. The information layer generator 22 generates the information layers, adds the structure of the image objects to be displayed and names the image objects.

The page generator 13 also calls up a map section from a further database 23 as a function of the position data received. The page generator 13 then builds up an electronic information package to be sent to the terminal 1, depending on the retrieval results Output device 2 of terminal 1 comprises information layers to be output.

In the example according to FIG. 2, the side generator 13 incorporates an information layer "local traffic" and an information layer "night lines". For this purpose, suitable information layers 26 as well as image objects or graphic representations 27 encompassed by the information layer are requested from an image memory encompassed by the further database 23 . The image memory contains electronically stored image objects in directories archived here and recorded in database tables. An essential element are digitized maps that are electronically saved in sections (tiles). The electronically stored map material has been developed for display on the PC and on the Internet. This refers to the color scheme and the graphic formats. The city of Berlin has several scales to cover the area from a rough overview to a detailed representation.

Furthermore, the image memory in the selected example comprises a line network of local public transport (ÖPNV), further pictograms (icons), images of objects to be displayed and all design elements. In addition, a further development can provide that any multimedia data types are stored in the further database 23 , so that video and / or audio data can also be called up.

The page generator 13 binds in FIG. 1, an information layer a are included decomp in which electronic information in response to a specified keyword of Benut 28th For this purpose, suitable image objects are retrieved from the further database 23. The positioning and the display of the image objects in relation to the map section (map tile) issued is based on the assignment of the image objects, for example the addresses of buildings, stops, restaurants, public Ge relate buildings, medical practices or similar facilities to the position coordinates 30 , for example the Soldner coordinates.

Furthermore, the page generator 13 assigns the information layers with a control identification, by means of which the information layers can be individually faded in and out. The control element for showing / hiding can be created in the same step, whereby the individual information layers can be combined in groups.

Are by the page generator 13 together all the necessary elements and determines all of the graphics / image objects so, the electronic information packet, which comprises layers of the ver different, to be output via the output device 2 of the terminal 1 information are transmitted to the terminal 1 31. The page generator 13 then waits for a new user request and executes it depending on previous queries. This is also known as "profiling" and improves the effectiveness of answering user inquiries in terms of time and quality.

The control elements generated by the page generator 13 are electronically assigned to the respective integrated image objects or graphic elements. Some of the image objects are displayed as buttons when they are extracted via the output device of the terminal, such that the user can select the buttons, for example using a mouse device or a keyboard. The button is selected depending on the type of display device using a suitable means. This can also be a selection medium, e.g. B. act a pen that can be used for touch-sensitive screens. With the help of the selection of the buttons, the different information layers can be shown and hidden individually, e.g. B. layers of information in which ec machines, schools or stops are displayed with the help of suitable image characters. A so-called hyperlink to a website can be assigned to individual control elements in the information layers, the website being called up by selecting the corresponding button.

In general, additional information is available using a button posed. The further information can include image and / or sound information include. Certain objects, such as buildings, can be detailed in this way being represented. These can be public objects such as subway stations, however commercial institutions, such as department stores. For example, after selecting the associated button a car dealership in floor plans with entrances and exits, Parking spaces, transport links and outside areas are shown. Depending on the Corresponding photographs of the exterior view can be viewed at the location of the building the. By pressing or selecting a button in the area of a displayed Stairs lead from one floor to the next. The vehicles exhibited there are shown as tumbnails. By clicking, text, image and and sound information is retrieved. These can be created statically, or else databases that can be continuously updated also originate. Getting off a vehicle showroom  to the associated multimedia terminal or a guest toilet can be displayed. This can also be used for display cases or information pillars (multimedia) as well as the way to one Vending machines can be provided. The Be users are displayed after pressing a button.

In connection with the issuance of information on local public transport a route and / or a detailed representation of the train station or bus stop Environment should be provided. In the detailed display of the stations on several levels Further information such as driving can be accessed by clicking on the corresponding symbols plans are displayed. Furthermore, companies housed here (e.g. a restaurant) and found links to websites with further information being represented.

Overall, this is a simple way for the user to handle Orientation created in any local environment. The illustrated, go on the image information can in turn be output interactively in such a way that it can be selected to call up further information.

Those disclosed in the foregoing description, drawing, and claims Features of the invention can be used both individually and in any combination Realization of the invention in its various embodiments of importance his.

Claims (10)

1. A method for outputting georeferenced, electronic information via a display device ( 2 ) of a communication device ( 1 ), the communication device ( 1 ) for receiving the georeferenced, electronic information being connected to a server device ( 3 ), the method the following Comprehensive steps:

• a) electronic detection of a user input ( 10 ) with the aid of detection means of the communication device ( 1 ), the user input comprising a keyword;
• b) transmitting electronic information about the detected user input ( 12 ) from the communication device ( 1 ) to the server device ( 3 );
• c) processing of the transmitted electronic information by means of the server device ( 3 ) in such a way that geographical position coordinates which are related to the keyword are determined electronically with the aid of an electronic query of a database ( 16 ) as a function of the keyword;
• d) determining a map section belonging to the geographical position coordinates by means of the query ( 24 ) of a further database ( 23 );
• e) generating a plurality of electronic information layers, each of which comprises at least one electronic image object for the area of the map section belonging to the position coordinates;
• f) generating a control element and electronically assigning the control element to one of the electronic image objects of one of the plurality of electronic information layers;
• g) transmitting the plurality of electronic information layers, including the control element, from the server device ( 3 ) to the communication device ( 1 ); and
• h) outputting the plurality of electronic information layers with the aid of the display device ( 2 ), so that upon detection of a selection of one of the electronic image objects by a user by means of the detection means of the communication device ( 1 ), depending on the control element, a multimedia information the display device ( 2 ) and / or further output means of the communication device ( 1 ) is automatically output.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the control element is designed to detect the selection of one of the electronic image objects  by the user specific information from a network server facility device, in particular an Internet server device can be called up automatically. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that
when determining the geographical position coordinates according to method step c) the keyword is transmitted to an interface device ( 15 );
the interface device (15) the query (17) of the database (16) electronically mediated by the server means (3);
with the help of the interface device ( 15 ) a similarity search ( 19 ) is carried out automatically when the query ( 17 ) of the database ( 16 ) shows that no geo-referenced position coordinates are stored in the database ( 16 ) for the geographical location; and
a further query of the database ( 16 ) depending on the result of the similarity search ( 19 ) is carried out. 4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
one or all electronic information layers are associated with an electronic activation identification when generating in accordance with process step e);
the respective electronic control identification is transmitted to the communication device ( 1 ); and
a button shown on the display device ( 2 ) is assigned to the respective electronic control identification, the one or all electronic information layers being output by the user of the communication device ( 1 ) when outputting via the display device ( 2 ) by actuating the respective button can be displayed. 5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that according to step b) from the communication device ( 1 ) to the server device ( 3 ) transmitted electronic information comprises search information, and that the generation of the plurality of electronic information layers according to the method step e) is executed automatically depending on the search information. 6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transmission ( 12 ) of the electronic information about the detected user input from the communication device ( 1 ) to the server device ( 3 ) and / or the transmission of the plurality of electronic information layers from the server device device ( 3 ) to the communication device ( 1 ) comprises the transmission via a mobile radio network. 7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a graphical multimedia information (2) is output in accordance with step h) via the at pointing device, is so displayed on the display device (2), that to detecting another selection of the graphic multimedia information is automatically output by the user by means of the detection means of the communication device ( 1 ) further multimedia information via the display device ( 2 ) and / or further output means of the communication device ( 1 ). 8. Server device ( 3 ), in particular for use in a method according to one of claims 1 to 6, with:
a receiving device for receiving electronic information about a user input from a communication device (I), the user input comprising a keyword;
a processing device for processing the transmitted electronic information in such a way that geographical position coordinates can be determined electronically with the help of an electronic query of a database ( 16 ) depending on the keyword;
a query device for querying a further database ( 23 ) in order to electronically determine a map section belonging to the geographical position coordinates;
a generating device for generating several electronic information layers, each of which comprises at least one electronic image object for the area of the map section belonging to the position coordinates;
an assignment device for assigning a control element to one of the electronic image objects of one of the plurality of electronic information layers, so that using the control element in the communication device ( 1 ), multimedia information relating to one of the electronic image objects can be called up automatically; and
a transmission device for transmitting the plurality of electronic information layers to the communication device ( 1 ). 9. Server device ( 3 ) according to claim 8, further comprising: a search device ( 15 ) for the electronic determination of similarity information as a function of the geographical position, which can be used for a further query of the database. 10. Server device ( 3 ) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the server device ( 3 ) is formed from a plurality of servers comprised by a network.