WO2014045155A1

WO2014045155A1 - Method and apparatus for providing color as an identification of a point of interest

Info

Publication number: WO2014045155A1
Application number: PCT/IB2013/058332
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dhaval Jitendra Joshi; Pankaj Jaiprakash NATHANI
Original assignee: Nokia Corporation
Priority date: 2012-09-18
Filing date: 2013-09-06
Publication date: 2014-03-27
Also published as: EP2898294A1; EP2898294A4

Abstract

An approach is provided for providing a color representation for a point of interest as visual guidance information to the users. The abstraction platform processes content information associated with a point of interest. Next, the abstraction platform determines one or more color associated with a point of interest. The abstraction platform further determines a shape by abstracting the branding information associated with the point of interest. Then, the abstraction platform causes a presentation of the one or more colors in combination with the shape as an identification of the point of interest.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR

PROVIDING COLOR AS AN IDENTIFICATION OF A POINT OF INTEREST

BACKGROUND

Service providers and device manufacturers (e.g., wireless, cellular, etc.) are continually challenged to deliver value and convenience to consumers by, for example, providing compelling network services. One area of development has been in mapping and navigation services that aid users in finding points of interest. However, traditional maps or navigation instructions can be highly text dependent, making it potentially difficult for users to correlate the points of interest depicted on a map or navigation instructions to their real world counterparts. Accordingly, service providers and device manufacturers face significant technical challenges to present point of interest and other mapping information in a way that users can quickly relate to the real world environment.

SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Therefore, there is a need for an effective and efficient approach for identification of a point of interest, for instance, by providing a color representation for a point of interest as visual guidance information to users.

According to one embodiment, a method comprises processing and/or facilitating a processing of content information associated with at least one point of interest to determine one or more colors associated with the at least one point of interest. The method also comprises causing, at least in part, a presentation of the one or more colors as an identification of the at least one point of interest.

According to another embodiment, an apparatus comprises at least one processor, and at least one memory including computer program code for one or more computer programs, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause, at least in part, the apparatus to process and/or facilitate a processing of content information associated with at least one point of interest to determine one or more colors associated with the at least one point of interest. The apparatus is also caused to present one or more colors as an identification of the at least one point of interest.

According to another embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium carries one or more sequences of one or more instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause, at least in part, an apparatus to process and/or facilitate a processing of content information associated with at least one point of interest to determine one or more colors associated with the at least one point of interest. The apparatus is also caused to present one or more colors as an identification of the at least one point of interest.

According to another embodiment, an apparatus comprises means for processing and/or facilitating a processing of content information associated with at least one point of interest to determine one or more colors associated with the at least one point of interest. The apparatus also comprises means for causing, at least in part, a presentation of the one or more colors as an identification of the at least one point of interest. In addition, for various example embodiments of the invention, the following is applicable: a method comprising facilitating a processing of and/or processing (1) data and/or (2) information and/or (3) at least one signal, the (1) data and/or (2) information and/or (3) at least one signal based, at least in part, on (or derived at least in part from) any one or any combination of methods (or processes) disclosed in this application as relevant to any embodiment of the invention.

For various example embodiments of the invention, the following is also applicable: a method comprising facilitating access to at least one interface configured to allow access to at least one service, the at least one service configured to perform any one or any combination of network or service provider methods (or processes) disclosed in this application.

For various example embodiments of the invention, the following is also applicable: a method comprising facilitating creating and/or facilitating modifying (1) at least one device user interface element and/or (2) at least one device user interface functionality, the (1) at least one device user interface element and/or (2) at least one device user interface functionality based, at least in part, on data and/or information resulting from one or any combination of methods or processes disclosed in this application as relevant to any embodiment of the invention, and/or at least one signal resulting from one or any combination of methods (or processes) disclosed in this application as relevant to any embodiment of the invention.

For various example embodiments of the invention, the following is also applicable: a method comprising creating and/or modifying (1) at least one device user interface element and/or (2) at least one device user interface functionality, the (1) at least one device user interface element and/or (2) at least one device user interface functionality based at least in part on data and/or information resulting from one or any combination of methods (or processes) disclosed in this application as relevant to any embodiment of the invention, and/or at least one signal resulting from one or any combination of methods (or processes) disclosed in this application as relevant to any embodiment of the invention. In various example embodiments, the methods (or processes) can be accomplished on the service provider side or on the mobile device side or in any shared way between service provider and mobile device with actions being performed on both sides. For various example embodiments, the following is applicable: An apparatus comprising means for performing the method of any of originally filed claims 1 -10, 21 -30, and 46-48.

Still other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description, simply by illustrating a number of particular embodiments and implementations, including the best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention. The invention is also capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details can be modified in various obvious respects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1A is a diagram of a system capable of providing a color representation for a point of interest as visual guidance information to the users, according to one embodiment;

FIG. IB is a diagram of a geographic database, such as can be included in the system of FIG. 1 A, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of the components of the abstraction platform, according to one embodiment; FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a process for determining colors associated with a point of interest and causing a presentation of the colors as an identification of the point of interest, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a process wherein sources associated with the point of interest are processed, to cause a presentation of colors as visual guidance information for locating the point of interest;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a process for determining a primary color from other colors and further determining the order for presenting the colors;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a process for determining shapes and causing a presentation of the colors in combination with the shapes;

FIGs. 7 is a diagram of one or more user interfaces utilized in the process of Figs. 3-6, according to various embodiments;

FIGs. 8 is a diagram of one or more user interfaces utilized in the process of Figs. 3-6, according to various embodiments;

FIGs. 9 is a diagram of one or more user interfaces utilized in the process of Figs. 3-6, according to various embodiments; FIG. 10 is a diagram of hardware that can be used to implement an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 11 is a diagram of a chip set that can be used to implement an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 12 is a diagram of a mobile terminal (e.g., handset) that can be used to implement an embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

Examples of a method, apparatus, and computer program for providing a color representation for a point of interest as visual guidance information to the users are disclosed. In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the invention. It is apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details or with an equivalent arrangement. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a system capable of providing a color representation for a point of interest as visual guidance information to the users, according to one embodiment. The service providers and device manufacturers (e.g., wireless, cellular, etc.) are continually challenged to provide compelling network services, that may include, abstraction services that enable identification of the point of interest through color palette of the brand of the point of interest. As mentioned, one big challenge with the use of maps during navigation or exploration is that the map can be highly text dependent. For example, points of interest are typically identified by name (e.g., XYZ restaurant) or street number (e.g., 1234 Main Street), so that users will have to read or scan signs or other text-based identifiers to determine the exact location of the points of interest in a real environment. Though, in some cases, there are audio annotations available during the map navigation mode, the audio annotations are simply the verbalization of the texts in the map, so that user will still need to do text-based recognition of the points of interest.. The user of the map may read the text and/or listen to the audio, then try to relate it to real life spaces. Further, the user needs to keep a sharp eye to his surroundings to find the point of interest. In addition, the problem of correlating a mapped point of interest to its real life counterpart multiplies especially in areas where there are numerous buildings in a small geographic area, all of which could potentially be the point of interest the user is seeking. In addition, the cognitive load for reading or scanning signs can quickly increase as the speed of travel increases. Other factors, such as the number of different fonts, different sizes, different placements, etc. of the text can also present significant strains on the user's cognitive load, thereby making text-based identification potentially taxing and difficult. To address these issues, a system 100 of FIG. 1 introduces the capability to provide a color representation for a point of interest as visual guidance information to the users. In one embodiment, the system 100 makes the identification of a point of interest (e.g., a place, building, location, etc. associated with the point of interest) easier by representing the points of interest using a color palette that is distinctive to the point of interest. For example, the color palette can be determined based on branding information (e.g., logos, website colors, building colors, etc.) associated with the point of interest. In this way, the system 100 can present the colors in association with the point of interests to enable a user to look for or identify the point of interests in the real life environment just by looking for the same colors in the real world.

In one embodiment, the system 100 may process the content information (e.g., website content, photographs or videos, etc.) associated with a point of interest to cause a generation of a color palette as a representation of a point of interest. The system 100 may then determine a service for presenting the colors as identification for a point of interest, and transmit the color to the service. By way of example, the system 100 may abstract colors from the content information associated with the point of interest (e.g., website information, geotagged media items, etc.). The system 100 may then determine one or more methods that will provide the best means of identification for the determined color patterns as a representation of the point of interest, for instance, based on occurrence information of the one or more colors in the content information, etc. This method of color abstraction can be reliable and practical, and enhances the text and audio annotations traditionally provided with mapping and/or guidance information. In one embodiment, the system 100 may select a limited number of colors (e.g., two colors representing a primary color and a minor color) to represent a point of interest. The limited number of colors can reduce the complexity of identification.

For example, the presentation of the colors helps users to identify the point of interest simply by looking for similar color patterns, rather than reading the text and/or associating the audio annotations to real life spaces, hence, making it easier to spot the destination. In this way, the system 100 resolves problems associated with typical navigation services, for example, by allowing users to associate color patterns as visual guidance for a point of interest and, thus, providing an approach for easy and speedy way-finding techniques.

In one scenario, for instance, a user wants to meet his clients at XYZ restaurant (e.g., a point of interest). As such, the user may use his mobile phone to access navigation services while driving to XYZ restaurant. In this example, XYZ restaurant has some kind of visual identity (e.g., branding or logos) to it that includes a distinctive set of colors. In various embodiments, the system 100 (e.g., via an abstraction platform 109) can process such visual identity information and abstract the distinctive colors that represent the XYZ restaurant. The abstracted colors are then encoded as part of the point of interest information for presentation of the user. In this way, a navigation service may present the user with such color representation of the point of interest as visual guidance when displaying mapping and/or navigation information.

As noted previously, the colors act as visual guidance to the user when he is looking around his real life environment to spot the point of interest. In this example, if XYZ restaurant is represented with two colors (e.g., red and yellow), the system 100 renders the two colors in association with the point of interest in the user interface of the navigation service. Accordingly, as the user nears the destination, the user can look for a building or location marked or associated with the same colors (e.g., red and yellow) to help identify point of interest. In many situations, it is easier for the user to quickly identify color in the environment as opposed to text (e.g., street number of the point of interest, a name of the point of interest on a sign, etc.). This ease of identification is particularly helpful when the user is driving, where the speed of the vehicle of the vehicle makes identifying text-based identifiers more difficult when compared to color-based identification.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the system 100 comprises user equipment (UE) lOla-lOln (collectively referred to as UE 101) that may include or be associated with applications 103a-103n (collectively referred to as applications 103) and sensors 105a-105n (collectively referred to as sensors 105). In one embodiment, the UEs 101 have connectivity to an abstraction platform 109 via the communication network 107. In one embodiment, the abstraction platform 109 performs one or more functions associated with abstracting representative colors for points of interest and presenting the colors in association with the points of interest as displayed, for instance, in conjunction with the applications 103 and/or related services 115a-l 15n of the services platform 1 13. By way of example, the applications 103 may be any type of application that is executable at the UE 101, such as mapping applications, navigation applications, and/or any other applications that may use point of interest information including general applications such as media player applications, social networking applications, calendar applications, content provisioning services, and the like. In one embodiment, one of the applications 103 at the UE 101 may act as a client for abstraction platform 109 and perform one or more functions associated with the functions of the abstraction platform 109. In addition, the sensors 105 may be any type of sensor. In one embodiment, the sensors 105 may include one or more sensors that may assist the abstraction platform 109 to determine color representation for a point of interest. In one scenario, the sensors 105 may include location sensors (e.g., GPS), light sensors, moisture sensors, pressure sensors, audio sensors (e.g., microphone), or receivers for different short-range communications (e.g., Bluetooth, WiFi, etc.).

By way of example, the UE 101 is any type of mobile terminal, fixed terminal, or portable terminal including a mobile handset, station, unit, device, multimedia computer, multimedia tablet, Internet node, communicator, desktop computer, laptop computer, notebook computer, netbook computer, tablet computer, personal communication system (PCS) device, personal navigation device, personal digital assistants (PDAs), audio/video player, digital camera/camcorder, positioning device, television receiver, radio broadcast receiver, electronic book device, game device, or any combination thereof, including the accessories and peripherals of these devices, or any combination thereof. It is also contemplated that the UE 101 can support any type of interface to the user (such as "wearable" circuitry, etc.).

The communication network 107 of system 100 includes one or more networks such as a data network, a wireless network, a telephony network, or any combination thereof. It is contemplated that the data network may be any local area network (LAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), wide area network (WAN), a public data network (e.g., the Internet), short range wireless network, or any other suitable packet-switched network, such as a commercially owned, proprietary packet-switched network, e.g., a proprietary cable or fiber-optic network, and the like, or any combination thereof. In addition, the wireless network may be, for example, a cellular network and may employ various technologies including enhanced data rates for global evolution (EDGE), general packet radio service (GPRS), global system for mobile communications (GSM), Internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS), universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), etc., as well as any other suitable wireless medium, e.g., worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks, code division multiple access (CDMA), wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), wireless fidelity (WiFi), wireless LAN (WLAN), Bluetooth®, Internet Protocol (IP) data casting, satellite, mobile ad-hoc network (MANET), and the like, or any combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the abstraction platform 109 may include or have access to a geographic database 11 1 to access or store any kind of data associated with a point of interest, such as occurrence information of the one or more colors, website information, geotagged media items, branding information, a predetermined threshold value information, etc. Data stored in the geographic database 1 11 may, for instance, be provided by the UEs 101, a services platform 1 13, one or more services 1 15a-115n (or services 115), or one or more content providers 1 17a-117n (or content providers 117). In one embodiment, the geographic database 1 1 1 stores information on the color palette associated with each point of interest as hex codes corresponding to the colors. Accordingly, the data for describing the color palette can be very compact (e.g., on the order of bits rather than bytes), thereby making the storage and transmission of the color information very efficient. For example, in network environments with limited or expensive data connectivity, reducing the data load for transfer can be provide technical benefits such as reduce network traffic load, computational load, etc. as well as reduced costs to the end user.

In one embodiment, the abstraction platform 109 may be a platform with multiple interconnected components. The abstraction platform 109 may include multiple servers, intelligent networking devices, computing devices, components and corresponding software for performing the function of providing identification of a point of interest, for instance, by providing a color representation for a point of interest as visual guidance information to the users. In addition, it is noted that the abstraction platform 109 may be a separate entity of the system 100, a part of the one or more services 115 of the services platform 113, or included within the UE 101 (e.g., as part of the application 103).

In one embodiment, the abstraction platform 109 may cause, at least in part, an enabling of the presentation of colors as an identification of the point of interest, on determining one or more colors associated with the point of interest upon processing of the content information associated with the point of interest. As indicated in the above scenario, a user may want to visit point of interest (e.g., XYZ restaurant). The user enters the name of the point of interest in his mobile communication device (e.g., UE 101), the mobile communication device then sends a request to the abstraction platform 109 for color representation of the point of interest. The abstraction platform 109 then communicates with the geographic database 1 11 , the services platform 1 13 and the content provider 117 for relevant color information.

In various embodiments, the abstraction platform 109 may predetermine the color information or may determine the color information on demand. For example, the abstraction platform 109 retrieves content information (e.g., website content, crowd-sourced media items depicting the point of interest, etc.) associated with the point of interest and processes them. For example, the abstraction platform 109 processes the content information to find branding information (e.g., brand logo) of the point of interest and abstracts colors from the branding information. The abstraction platform then converts them into color codes and then associates the color code with the point of interest in, for instance, the geographic database 1 1 1. The abstraction platform 109 then sends the determined color codes to UE 101 for presentation with the point of interest information. Upon presentation of the one or more colors as visual guidance information for locating the point of interest, the user can learn what colors are associated with the point of interest and can easily spot the point of interest in the real life environment based on the colors. In one embodiment, as described above, the abstraction platform 109 may determine a color for representing a point of interest, by abstracting such color from branding information associated with a point of interest, website information, geotagged media items etc. In one scenario, for instance, a user may want to go to XYZ restaurant. In this example, the restaurant is located in a congested area with multiple restaurants in a small geographic area. If the navigation service suggests that the restaurant is nearby, the user may have to keep a sharp eye on his surrounding while driving and must generally browse through every board or building to match the name of the restaurant. In various embodiments, when the abstraction platform 109 provides the color representation for a point of interest, the platform 109 abstracts the colors from branding information, such as color from the logo of XYZ restaurant. For example, if the abstraction platform 109 abstracts "red and blue" as the color for XYZ restaurant, the user can just look for a restaurant in his surroundings that is displaying red and blue.

In one embodiment, the abstraction platform 109 processes and/or facilitates a processing of the content information to determine a primary color and a minor color. In other words, the abstraction platform 109 can limit the number of colors to associate with a particular point of interest. For example, it can be easier for a user to spot a limited number of colors (e.g., two colors) rather than a larger number of colors assigned to each point of interest. In one embodiment, the determined color for representation of a point of interest includes at least one primary color, the one or more minor colors, or a combination thereof. For example, with respect to the above scenario, the user may enter the name of a restaurant through his mobile communication device, such input may send a request to the abstraction platform 109 for color representation of the point of interest. In one embodiment, there are at least two layers of color abstraction: (1) first layer is to take into consideration the brands information that are directly associated with the point of interest, and (2) the second layer is to look at images and/or information (e.g., crowd sourced photographs and/or videos) that are associated to the surroundings where the point of interest is located because. In one embodiment, these two layers can be used in various combinations, depending on what information is available. For instance, if a point of interest does not have any branding information and is a relatively less known point of interest, the abstraction platform 109 can then take into consideration the secondary information (e.g., crowd sourced images) associated with the point of interest, such as, images of the building where the point of interest is located and give the color of the building.

In another scenario, for instance, branding information (e.g., logos) for restaurant point of interest is available. By way of example, branding information is an example of primary source information for determining the color abstraction associated with a point of interest. For example, the abstraction platform 109 identifies the logo (e.g., by retrieving the logo or other branding information from a website associated with the point of interest). By processing branding information, the abstraction platform 109 determines the colors associated with the point of interest. In one embodiment, the abstraction platform 109 can determine which of the colors are the prominent colors and the minor colors. Such a determination of color may be based on predetermined criteria (e.g., threshold color ratio of, for instance, 80/20). For example, if a color occurs at more than 80%, then the color may be classified as the primary or most significant color. If a color occurs at less than 20%, then the color may be classified as a minor color or a less significant color in terms of color abstraction. In one embodiment, various embodiments of the color abstraction process can also depend on the number of colors available. Typically, popular brands maintain limited number of colors because of design considerations. However, there may be a possibility where a brand logo may have long list of colors. In those scenarios, the distribution of the determined colors is considered during abstraction to select the most representative colors. In one embodiment, the abstraction platform 109 may cause, a presentation of the one or more colors based, at least in part, on occurrence information of the colors in the content information. The abstraction platform may communicate with the geographic database 11 1, the services platform 113 and the content provider 117 to obtain the occurrence information. Based on the occurrence information the abstraction platform 109 may further determine an order for presenting the colors. In one embodiment, the primary color can be presented first, followed by the minor colors. However, it is contemplated that the order of the colors for identifying a point of interest may be determined using any process, algorithm, or consideration. For instance, upon processing of the content information associated with the point of interest it is determined by the abstraction platform 109 that "red and blue" has been used to represent the XYZ restaurant, and such color can be used to associate anything that is related with the XYZ restaurant, may be XYZ store, a franchise of XYZ restaurant. In most cases, two colors may be used during abstractions. As mentioned before, if there are more logos of the same brand then the abstraction platform 109 processes the content information to identify and find the most common and frequently occurring color because otherwise it will become very generic. Further, the abstraction platform 109 may not use a combination of "red and blue" frequently for other point of interest to avoid the likelihood of confusion.

In one embodiment, the abstraction platform 109 may process content information to determine one or more shapes. For instance, the abstraction platform 109 may process the branding information to determine a shape for the point of interest. Upon determination of the shape the abstraction platform 109 causes combination of the determined colors with the shapes as an identification of the point of interest. The combination of the shape and color is then transmitted to the UE 101 for presentation.

The services platform 113 may include any type of service. By way of example, the services platform 113 may include mapping services, navigation services, social networking services, content (e.g., audio, video, images, etc.) provisioning services, application services, storage services, contextual information determination services, location based services, information (e.g., weather, news, etc.) based services, etc. In one embodiment, the services platform 113 may interact with the UE 101, the abstraction platform 109 and the content providers 1 17 to supplement or aid in the processing of the content information. In other embodiments, the services platform 113, the services 115, the applications 103, etc. may be used to present the color information as visual guidance for location points of interest.

By way of example, services 1 15 may be an online service that reflects interests and/or activities of users. In one scenario, the services 1 15 provide representations of each user (e.g., a profile), his/her social links, and a variety of additional information. The services 1 15 allow users to share navigation related information, activities information, events information, and interests within their individual networks, and provides for data portability. The services 1 15 may additionally assist in providing the abstraction platform 109 with occurrence information of the one or more colors, website information, geotagged media items, branding information etc. The content providers 1 17 may provide content to the UE 101 , the abstraction platform 109, and the services 1 15 of the services platform 1 13. The content provided may be any type of content, such as textual content, audio content, video content, image content, etc. In one embodiment, the content providers 1 17 may provide content that may supplement content of the applications 103, the sensors 105, or a combination thereof. By way of example, the content providers 1 17 may provide content that may aid in the processing of the content information associated with a point of interest to determine colors associated with a point of interest. In one embodiment, the content providers 117 may also store content associated with the UE 101 , the abstraction platform 109, and the services 1 15 of the services platform 1 13. In one embodiment, the content providers 117 may manage access to a central repository of data, and offer a consistent, standard interface to data, such as a repository of users' navigational data content.

By way of example, the UE 101 , the abstraction platform 109, the services platform 113, and the content providers 1 17 communicate with each other and other components of the communication network 107 using well known, new or still developing protocols. In this context, a protocol includes a set of rules defining how the network nodes within the communication network 107 interact with each other based on information sent over the communication links. The protocols are effective at different layers of operation within each node, from generating and receiving physical signals of various types, to selecting a link for transferring those signals, to the format of information indicated by those signals, to identifying which software application executing on a computer system sends or receives the information. The conceptually different layers of protocols for exchanging information over a network are described in the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Reference Model.

Communications between the network nodes are typically effected by exchanging discrete packets of data. Each packet typically comprises (1) header information associated with a particular protocol, and (2) payload information that follows the header information and contains information that may be processed independently of that particular protocol. In some protocols, the packet includes (3) trailer information following the payload and indicating the end of the payload information. The header includes information such as the source of the packet, its destination, the length of the payload, and other properties used by the protocol. Often, the data in the payload for the particular protocol includes a header and payload for a different protocol associated with a different, higher layer of the OSI Reference Model. The header for a particular protocol typically indicates a type for the next protocol contained in its payload. The higher layer protocol is said to be encapsulated in the lower layer protocol. The headers included in a packet traversing multiple heterogeneous networks, such as the Internet, typically include a physical (layer 1) header, a data-link (layer 2) header, an internetwork (layer 3) header and a transport (layer 4) header, and various application (layer 5, layer 6 and layer 7) headers as defined by the OSI Reference Model. FIG. IB is a diagram of geographic database 11 1 of system 100, according to exemplary embodiments. In the exemplary embodiments, POIs and generated color data can be stored, associated with, and/or linked to the geographic database 1 11 or data thereof. In one embodiment, the geographic or map database 1 11 includes geographic data 1 19 used for (or configured to be compiled to be used for) mapping and/or navigation-related services, such as for personalized route determination, according to exemplary embodiments. For example, the geographic database 111 includes node data records 120, road segment or link data records 122, POI data records 124, color data records 126, and other data records 128, for example. More, fewer or different data records can be provided. In one embodiment, the other data records 128 include cartographic ("carto") data records, routing data, and maneuver data. One or more portions, components, areas, layers, features, text, and/or symbols of the POI or event data can be stored in, linked to, and/or associated with one or more of these data records. For example, one or more portions of the POI, event data, or recorded route information can be matched with respective map or geographic records via position or GPS data associations (such as using known or future map matching or geo-coding techniques), for example.

In exemplary embodiments, the road segment data records 122 are links or segments representing roads, streets, or paths, as can be used in the calculated route or recorded route information for determination of one or more personalized routes, according to exemplary embodiments. The node data records 120 are end points corresponding to the respective links or segments of the road segment data records 122. The road link data records 122 and the node data records 120 represent a road network, such as used by vehicles, cars, and/or other entities. Alternatively, the geographic database 111 can contain path segment and node data records or other data that represent pedestrian paths or areas in addition to or instead of the vehicle road record data, for example.

The road/link segments and nodes can be associated with attributes, such as geographic coordinates, street names, address ranges, speed limits, turn restrictions at intersections, and other navigation related attributes, as well as POIs, such as gasoline stations, hotels, restaurants, museums, stadiums, offices, automobile dealerships, auto repair shops, buildings, stores, parks, etc. The geographic database 111 can include data about the POIs and their respective locations in the POI data records 124. The geographic database 111 can also include data about places, such as cities, towns, or other communities, and other geographic features, such as bodies of water, mountain ranges, etc. Such place or feature data can be part of the POI data 124 or can be associated with POIs or POI data records 124 (such as a data point used for displaying or representing a position of a city). In addition, the geographic database 111 can include data about color palettes associated with the POI data records 124 and their respective locations in the color data records 126. By way of example, the color palette is abstracted from content information (e.g., website content, branding information, crowd-sourced media items, etc.) according to the various embodiments described herein.

The geographic database 11 1 can be maintained by the content provider in association with the services platform 113 (e.g., a map developer). The map developer can collects geographic data to generate and enhance the geographic database 1 11. There can be different ways used by the map developer to collect data. These ways can include obtaining data from other sources, such as municipalities or respective geographic authorities. In addition, the map developer can employ field personnel to travel by vehicle along roads throughout the geographic region to observe features and/or record information about them, for example. Also, remote sensing, such as aerial or satellite photography, can be used. The geographic database 11 1 can be a master geographic database stored in a format that facilitates updating, maintenance, and development. For example, the master geographic database 11 1 or data in the master geographic database 1 11 can be in an Oracle spatial format or other spatial format, such as for development or production purposes. The Oracle spatial format or development/production database can be compiled into a delivery format, such as a geographic data files (GDF) format. The data in the production and/or delivery formats can be compiled or further compiled to form geographic database products or databases, which can be used in end user navigation devices or systems.

For example, geographic data is compiled (such as into a platform specification format (PSF) format) to organize and/or configure the data for performing navigation-related functions and/or services, such as route calculation, route guidance, map display, speed calculation, distance and travel time functions, and other functions, by a navigation device, such as by a UE 101 , for example. The navigation-related functions can correspond to vehicle navigation, pedestrian navigation, or other types of navigation. The compilation to produce the end user databases can be performed by a party or entity separate from the map developer. For example, a customer of the map developer, such as a navigation device developer or other end user device developer, can perform compilation on a received geographic database in a delivery format to produce one or more compiled navigation databases. As mentioned above, the geographic database 111 can be a master geographic database, but in alternate embodiments, the geographic database 1 11 can represent a compiled navigation database that can be used in or with end user devices (e.g., UEs 101) to provided navigation- related functions. For example, the geographic database 111 can be used with the end user device 101 to provide an end user with navigation features. In such a case, the geographic database 11 1 can be downloaded or stored on the end user device UE 101 , such as in applications 103, or the end user device UE 101 can access the geographic database 111 through a wireless or wired connection (such as via a server and/or the communication network 107), for example.

In one embodiment, the end user device or UE 101 can be an in-vehicle navigation system, a personal navigation device (PND), a portable navigation device, a cellular telephone, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a watch, a camera, a computer, and/or other device that can perform navigation-related functions, such as digital routing and map display. In one embodiment, the navigation device UE 101 can be a cellular telephone. An end user can use the device UE 101 for navigation functions such as guidance and map display, for example, and for determination of one or more personalized routes or route segments based on one or more calculated and recorded routes, according to exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of the components of abstraction platform 109, according to one embodiment. By way of example, the abstraction platform 109 includes one or more components for providing a color representation for a point of interest as visual guidance information to the users. It is contemplated that the functions of these components may be combined in one or more components or performed by other components of equivalent functionality. In this embodiment, the abstraction platform 109 includes a content module 201, a processing module 203, a recommendation module 205, a color and shape creation module 207, a mapping module 209, and a presentation module 211.

The content module 201 may assist the abstraction platform 109 to process the content information associated with the point of interest by collecting or determining content information associated with the point of interest. In one embodiment, the content module 201 may determine content information from the applications 103 executed at the UE 101 , the sensors 105 associated with the UE 101, and/or one or more services 1 15 on the services platform 1 13. In one embodiment, when the UE 101 sends a request for navigation services (e.g., point of interest information) to the abstraction platform 109, the content module 201 provides the abstraction platform 109 with the content information for color abstraction (e.g., this process can also be complete prior to the request and then updated as needed to reflect new content information). The content information provided to the abstraction platform 109 can be, for example, occurrence information of the color patterns, website information, geotagged media items, one or more content files, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the content module 201 may track the exchange of colors for particular users registered with the abstraction platform 109 and/or associated with the content information of UE 101. In this manner, the statistical data that is obtained may be used for any suitable purpose, including the selection of color patterns for navigation purposes. The data may include, for example but not limited to, popularity of a particular color for various point of interest, popularity of a color as an identification of a point of interest in different regions, etc. The processing module 203 enables the abstraction platform 109 to process the content information to determine: (a) one or more colors associated with a point of interest, (b) one or more primary colors based on predetermined threshold value, and (c) an order for presenting the one or more colors. The processing module 203 may include one or more algorithms that are executed in performing the processing.

The recommendation module 205 recommends the color representation based on the occurrence information of the one or more colors for the users associated with the abstraction platform 109, which are determined once the content information is processed by the processing module 203. As the content module 201 determines content information, the processing module 203 processes the content information. Next, the recommendation module 205 recommends, according to the occurrence of the color pattern of the point of interest based on branding information and easy identification with the point of interest. In some embodiments, the user may have identified certain color patterns to be associated with certain points of interest, hence the recommendation module may recommend color representation on the basis of such occurrence information, for simplicity and easy identification. Further, the recommendation module 205 may recommend the abstraction platform 109 to refrain from using similar color combination already used for a point of interest, to avoid confusion. For instance, if there are two points of interest with similar color palettes or branding information, then the recommendation module 205 can recommend the abstraction platform 109 to use the color combination in a different manner.

For instance, a user can be presented with "red and blue" color as an identification of the XYZ restaurant, where red may be the primary color and blue may be the minor color. If the user wants to visit another point of interest (e.g., ABC restaurant) and the branding information of ABC restaurant is similar to that of XYZ restaurant, the recommendation module 205 may recommend the abstraction platform 109 to use the color combination in a different manner considering limited numbers of colors available for identification. For example, the recommendation module 205 can compare the branding information for the two points of interest and recommend a color combination where different colors can be a primary color and minor color to differentiate the two points of interest.

In one embodiment, the color and shape creation module 207 creates colors and shapes as a representation of a point of interest. As the content module 201 determines content information, the processing module 203 processes the content information and the recommendation module 205 then recommends the abstraction platform 109, the color and shape creation module 207 can create a shape filled with colors by modifying the desired presentation as per the content information of a point of interest, and convey the presentation as identification of the point of interest. For example, the module may create a shape and fill the shape with color that a user can easily associate with the point of interest, therefore such shape and color may be generated after processing of the content information associated with a point of interest. In one embodiment, the shape can be determined or abstracted from the branding information associated with the point of the interest. For example, if a logo associated with one point of interest is circular, whereas a logo for another point of interest is square, the color and shape creation module 207 present the identifying colors in combination with the associated shape as another dimension of differentiation between points of interest.

In one embodiment, the mapping module 209 stores a set of inherent set rules for mapping various colors and shapes to the point of interest. A typical mapping is the linking of certain point of interest with the colors and shapes. For example, a very prominent point of interest, XYZ restaurant, can be mapped with a rectangular shape filled with red as a prime color and blue as a minor color, as such representation reflects the brand of the point of interest and the user can easily associate with such visual representation. Further, the mapping module 209 may provide information to the geographic database 11 1 and the content provider 1 17 for servicing requests for point of interest information.

The presentation module 21 1 makes a presentation of the color representation for a point of interest upon receiving instruction from the color and shape creation module 207. The presentation module 21 1 may utilize the mapping module 209 to determine whether the shapes and/or colors used to identify a point of interest is the correct representation. The module obtains a set of summary statistics from other modules. Such summary statistic may include, for example, the list of users who requested for color or shape abstraction for a particular point of interest, the color identity for a particular point of interest, etc. In one embodiment, the method comprises of receiving color and shape data from color and shape creation module 207. Then, the module continues with generating a presentation corresponding to the color and shape data. Then, continues with providing of presentation data set where the presentation could be depicted in one or more visual display units.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a process for providing a color representation for a point of interest as visual guidance information to the users, according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the abstraction platform performs the process 300 and is implemented in, for instance, a chip set including a processor and a memory as shown in FIG. 10.

In step 301, the abstraction platform 109 may process or facilitate a processing of content information associated with at least one point of interest to determine one or more colors associated with a point of interest. By way of example, content information may include any information based on an input for a point of interest, such as website information, branding information, logos, geotagged media items etc. Upon processing of the content information the abstraction platform 109 may then, in step 303, cause a presentation of one or more colors as an identification of a point of interest. In one scenario, for instance, several users may be scheduled to meet at a particular time at XYZ restaurant. A first user may request for abstraction services from his mobile communication device, following which, the abstraction platform 109 creates one or more color representing a point of interest. After the first user is provided with one or more color as identification for a point of interest, the abstraction platform may link the one or more color with that particular point of interest and may save it in the geographic database 1 11. Then, whenever, other requesting users' sends a request to the abstraction platform 109, it may provide the users with the same color representation provided earlier. In another scenario, if the branding information for a point of interest is not available then the abstraction platform 109 may process website information and generate color identification for a point of interest accordingly.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a process for providing a color representation for a point of interest as visual guidance information to the users, according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the abstraction platform performs the process 400 and is implemented in, for instance, a chip set including a processor and a memory as shown in FIG. 10.

In step 401, for instance, the abstraction platform 109 causes a presentation of the one or more color as visual guidance information for locating the point of interest. The abstraction platform 109 makes the identification of a place/building/location in real world by making each point of interest or landmark available to map service represent a color palette of the brand of that point of interest. For instance, XYZ restaurant has two major colors, Red and Blue, hence these colors are abstracted and represented along with other point of interest details. By way of example, this acts as a visual guidance to the user when he is looking around to spot XYZ restaurant. In step 403, the abstraction platform 109 processes and/or facilitates a processing of website information, geotagged media items, or a combination thereof associated with the at least one point of interest. For example, points of interest are typically associated with branding information (e.g., logos) that uses distinctive colors so that their customers can remember them visually. Such visual memory is easier to retain compared to the textual memory methods. In some embodiments, the visual advertising information or other content information (e.g., website information) available to the system 100 can be used to determine one or more colors to represent a point of interest.

In another scenario, for color association, there are possibilities of having different colors for the same point of interest in different regions. For example, the generic brand colors may be the same between different points of interest. In such cases, the abstraction platform 109 can select additional location-specific colors to better different the points of interest. For example, the color representation may not change completely for the same point of interest at different locations, but the abstraction platform 109 can determine location specific colors (e.g., caused by recent remodeling, temporary displays, etc.). In some cases, updated or abstractions can be obtained from recent crowd-sourced images or other images that might depict a more recent appearance of a point of interest. For example, the abstraction platform 109 may utilize the geographic database 11 1 and may process pictures and panoramas associated with the point of interest to generate a color abstracted point of interest on maps for navigation purposes based on recent or even real-time pictures of a particular point of interest.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a process for providing a color representation for a point of interest as visual guidance information to the users, according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the abstraction platform performs the process 500 and is implemented in, for instance, a chip set including a processor and a memory as shown in FIG. 10.

In step 501, the abstraction platform 109 processes and/or facilitates a processing of the content information to determine at least one primary color and one minor colors, wherein the one or more colors include the at least one primary color, the one or more minor colors, or a combination. A point of interest typically has one or more colors in its branding information, the abstraction platform 109 then processes the branding information to determine a primary color and a minor color, if any. A primary color is used as a predominant color where as a minor color adds distinctiveness to the color representation, making it easier for the user to separate one point of interest from the other.

In step 503, the abstraction platform 109 determines a minor color based on whether a ratio of the minor colors with respect to the primary color meets a predetermined threshold value. In order to determine a primary color and a minor color, the ratio should not go beyond 80/20 threshold, if the minor color is less than 20, it would be less significant in terms of color abstraction. In one embodiment, a limited number of colors (e.g., two colors) may be used during color abstraction wherein one color may be a primary color and the other color may be a minor color. In another embodiment, based on the determination of the abstraction platform 109, both colors may be defined as primary colors and may be represented equally. In step 505, the abstraction platform 109 causes a presentation of the colors based on occurrence information of the one or more colors in the content information. In one scenario, for instance, there may be more than one logo for a point of interest. The abstraction platform 109 may compare such logo information and identify the most common and frequently occurring color from the logo information, in order to make the color abstraction less generic. The more a color is associated with a point of interest, the higher is the likelihood of such color being used as an indicator for the point of interest.

In some embodiments, the occurrence information can be used to determine the percentage of each color that is used to represent a point of interest. For example, if the primary color occurs at 80% and the minor color occurs at 20%, the representation of the color with respect to the point of interest will also reflect the percentages with more of the primary color being displayed with respect to the minor color for identification purposes.

In step 507, the abstraction platform 109 determines an order for presenting the colors, wherein the identification of the at least one point of interest is farther based, at least in part, on the order. For instance, if a point of interest has more than one branding information, then the abstraction platform 109 processes and compares such branding information, and identifies a color pattern. The order of such color pattern is determined on several factors, such as, occurrence information, ratio information, popularity information etc.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a process for providing a color representation for a point of interest as visual guidance information to the users, according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the abstraction platform performs the process 600 and is implemented in, for instance, a chip set including a processor and a memory as shown in FIG. 10.

In step 601, the abstraction platform 109 processes and/or facilitates a processing of the content information to determine a shape for a point of interest. Upon determination of the shapes, the abstraction platform 109, in step 603, causes a presentation of the one or more colors in combination with the shape as the identification of the point of interest. The abstraction platform 109 causes a presentation of the determined shape which is filled by the previously determined color wherein the shape represent an abstraction of the branding information associated with the point of interest. In one scenario, if the logo for a point of interest is rectangular in shape then the abstraction platform may determine a rectangular shape as an indicator for the point of interest.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of user interfaces utilized in the processes of FIGs. 3-6, according to various embodiments. For example, FIG. 7 illustrates a method for presentation of one or more colors as an identification of the point of interest. In one scenario, whenever a user needs to go to several destinations, the user may use his mobile phone (e.g., UE 101a with user interface 701) to use the navigation services while driving to those destinations. The idea is that those destinations have some kind of visual identities (e.g., Brand names or logos) to it. In one embodiment, the abstraction platform 109 crawls through various systems of the communication network 107 and may gain access to the content information (e.g., website information or other branding information) related to the point of interests. The abstracted colors are then when presenting information related to the point of interests. As noted previously, in one embodiment, a navigation service may provide the user with color representation for each point of interest as visual guidance.

As illustrated, a user sends an abstraction request from UE 101a to the abstraction platform 109. The abstraction platform 109 then communicates with several services, such as the services 115 and/or content providers 117, for relevant content information. The abstraction platform 109 finds the content information associated with the point of interests and processes them, for instance, the abstraction platform 109 finds the brand logos of the point of interests and abstracts colors from their respective brands. The abstraction platform then converts them into color codes and then associates the color code with the point of interest. The abstraction platform 109 then sends the determined color codes to UE 101. The interface 701 of UE 101a displays the presentation of the one or more colors as visual guidance information for locating the point of interests. Such presentation provides Steve with an idea of how the point of interests looks like and he can easily spot the point of interests by associating the color with the color of the respective point of interests.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of user interfaces utilized in the processes of FIGs. 3-6, according to various embodiments. There are number of challenges while using navigating services on mobile communication devices, especially, the context of using personal navigation devices on mobile communication devices. For example, while giving directions to someone, users generally describe the destination or related points of interest based on their physical attributes (e.g., the color of the building where the destination is located, additional features of the destination, such as, the building where the destination is located is only 2 stories high therefore do not look at any other multi-story buildings, etc.). FIG. 8 presents the method of identification of the destination in maps very similar to how users describe a point of interest in the real world, making it extremely user friendly.

As illustrated, the abstraction platform 109 has a crawler for locating content information 801 (e.g., website information, branding information, advertising information, etc.) associated points of interests. By of example, the crawler enables the abstraction platform 109 to automatically search for and locate content information 801 with little to no user interaction. The abstraction platform 109 then abstracts a number of colors from the content information by analyzing, for instance, the frequency and/or occurrence in representative content such as branding information (e.g., logos) and/or images of the point of interest. The abstraction platform 109 then associates those colors to the point of interest in, for instance, a maps database 803 (e.g., an implementation of the geographic database 11 1) for presentation to the user as visual guidance for locating the point of interest in a real life environment.

For instance, if a user is looking for a market 805, the abstraction platform 109 could show the user that the building where the market 805 is located is orange and white in color. These colors may be determined from the branding information of the point of interest. The user interface 807 of UE 101a displays a presentation of the colors of the market 805 to aid in locating the appropriate building based on the determined colors. FIG. 9 is a diagram of user interfaces utilized in the processes of FIGs. 3-6, according to various embodiments. As illustrated, UE 101a, UE 101b and UE 101c have user interfaces 901, 903, and 905, respectively. The user interface 901 shows a traditional map system that displays text-based point of interest information without any color abstraction. The user interface 903 shows one embodiment which depicts the color representation of the point of interest in combination with embedded textual data. For example, such textual data can be the name of the destination for easy identification or any other attributes of the point of interest (e.g., category, coordinates, etc.). As part of the visualization of user interface 903, there are two colors side by side, such colors are managed on the basis of ratio, so that user may identify what color to look at. The visual presentation can be of any kind of theme, as long as it is represented with the point of interest colors. In another example, user interface 905 displays exclusively color representations of the points of interest without textual data. Again, the colors represent the branding information or other visual characteristics of a building or location associated with the point of interest. Hence, the user can easily identify and associate the color representation with the point of interest.

The processes described herein for providing a color representation for a point of interest as visual guidance information to the users may be advantageously implemented via software, hardware, firmware or a combination of software and/or firmware and/or hardware. For example, the processes described herein, may be advantageously implemented via processor(s), Digital Signal Processing (DSP) chip, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), etc. Such exemplary hardware for performing the described functions is detailed below. FIG. 10 illustrates a computer system 1000 upon which an embodiment of the invention may be implemented. Although computer system 1000 is depicted with respect to a particular device or equipment, it is contemplated that other devices or equipment (e.g., network elements, servers, etc.) within FIG. 10 can deploy the illustrated hardware and components of system 1000. Computer system 1000 is programmed (e.g., via computer program code or instructions) to provide a color representation for a point of interest as visual guidance information to the users as described herein and includes a communication mechanism such as a bus 1010 for passing information between other internal and external components of the computer system 1000. Information (also called data) is represented as a physical expression of a measurable phenomenon, typically electric voltages, but including, in other embodiments, such phenomena as magnetic, electromagnetic, pressure, chemical, biological, molecular, atomic, sub-atomic and quantum interactions. For example, north and south magnetic fields, or a zero and non-zero electric voltage, represent two states (0, 1) of a binary digit (bit). Other phenomena can represent digits of a higher base. A superposition of multiple simultaneous quantum states before measurement represents a quantum bit (qubit). A sequence of one or more digits constitutes digital data that is used to represent a number or code for a character. In some embodiments, information called analog data is represented by a near continuum of measurable values within a particular range. Computer system 1000, or a portion thereof, constitutes a means for performing one or more steps of providing a color representation for a point of interest as visual guidance information to the users.

A bus 1010 includes one or more parallel conductors of information so that information is transferred quickly among devices coupled to the bus 1010. One or more processors 1002 for processing information are coupled with the bus 1010. A processor (or multiple processors) 1002 performs a set of operations on information as specified by computer program code related to provide a color representation for a point of interest as visual guidance information to the users. The computer program code is a set of instructions or statements providing instructions for the operation of the processor and/or the computer system to perform specified functions. The code, for example, may be written in a computer programming language that is compiled into a native instruction set of the processor. The code may also be written directly using the native instruction set (e.g., machine language). The set of operations include bringing information in from the bus 1010 and placing information on the bus 1010. The set of operations also typically include comparing two or more units of information, shifting positions of units of information, and combining two or more units of information, such as by addition or multiplication or logical operations like OR, exclusive OR (XOR), and AND. Each operation of the set of operations that can be performed by the processor is represented to the processor by information called instructions, such as an operation code of one or more digits. A sequence of operations to be executed by the processor 1002, such as a sequence of operation codes, constitute processor instructions, also called computer system instructions or, simply, computer instructions. Processors may be implemented as mechanical, electrical, magnetic, optical, chemical, or quantum components, among others, alone or in combination.

Computer system 1000 also includes a memory 1004 coupled to bus 1010. The memory 1004, such as a random access memory (RAM) or any other dynamic storage device, stores information including processor instructions for providing a color representation for a point of interest as visual guidance information to the users. Dynamic memory allows information stored therein to be changed by the computer system 1000. RAM allows a unit of information stored at a location called a memory address to be stored and retrieved independently of information at neighboring addresses. The memory 1004 is also used by the processor 1002 to store temporary values during execution of processor instructions. The computer system 1000 also includes a read only memory (ROM) 1006 or any other static storage device coupled to the bus 1010 for storing static information, including instructions, that is not changed by the computer system 1000. Some memory is composed of volatile storage that loses the information stored thereon when power is lost. Also coupled to bus 1010 is a non-volatile (persistent) storage device 1008, such as a magnetic disk, optical disk or flash card, for storing information, including instructions, that persists even when the computer system 1000 is turned off or otherwise loses power.

Information, including instructions for providing a color representation for a point of interest as visual guidance information to the users, is provided to the bus 1010 for use by the processor from an external input device 1012, such as a keyboard containing alphanumeric keys operated by a human user, a microphone, an Infrared (IR) remote control, a joystick, a game pad, a stylus pen, a touch screen, or a sensor. A sensor detects conditions in its vicinity and transforms those detections into physical expression compatible with the measurable phenomenon used to represent information in computer system 1000. Other external devices coupled to bus 1010, used primarily for interacting with humans, include a display device 1014, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, an organic LED (OLED) display, a plasma screen, or a printer for presenting text or images, and a pointing device 1016, such as a mouse, a trackball, cursor direction keys, or a motion sensor, for controlling a position of a small cursor image presented on the display 1014 and issuing commands associated with graphical elements presented on the display 1014, and one or more camera sensors 1094 for capturing, recording and causing to store one or more still and/or moving images (e.g., videos, movies, etc.) which also may comprise audio recordings. In some embodiments, for example, in embodiments in which the computer system 1000 performs all functions automatically without human input, one or more of external input device 1012, display device 1014 and pointing device 1016 may be omitted.

In the illustrated embodiment, special purpose hardware, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) 1020, is coupled to bus 1010. The special purpose hardware is configured to perform operations not performed by processor 1002 quickly enough for special purposes. Examples of ASICs include graphics accelerator cards for generating images for display 1014, cryptographic boards for encrypting and decrypting messages sent over a network, speech recognition, and interfaces to special external devices, such as robotic arms and medical scanning equipment that repeatedly perform some complex sequence of operations that are more efficiently implemented in hardware.

Computer system 1000 also includes one or more instances of a communications interface 1070 coupled to bus 1010. Communication interface 1070 provides a one-way or two-way communication coupling to a variety of external devices that operate with their own processors, such as printers, scanners and external disks. In general the coupling is with a network link 1078 that is connected to a local network 1080 to which a variety of external devices with their own processors are connected. For example, communication interface 1070 may be a parallel port or a serial port or a universal serial bus (USB) port on a personal computer. In some embodiments, communications interface 1070 is an integrated services digital network (ISDN) card or a digital subscriber line (DSL) card or a telephone modem that provides an information communication connection to a corresponding type of telephone line. In some embodiments, a communication interface 1070 is a cable modem that converts signals on bus 1010 into signals for a communication connection over a coaxial cable or into optical signals for a communication connection over a fiber optic cable. As another example, communications interface 1070 may be a local area network (LAN) card to provide a data communication connection to a compatible LAN, such as Ethernet. Wireless links may also be implemented. For wireless links, the communications interface 1070 sends or receives or both sends and receives electrical, acoustic or electromagnetic signals, including infrared and optical signals, that carry information streams, such as digital data. For example, in wireless handheld devices, such as mobile telephones like cell phones, the communications interface 1070 includes a radio band electromagnetic transmitter and receiver called a radio transceiver. In certain embodiments, the communications interface 1070 enables connection to the communication network 105 for providing a color representation for a point of interest as visual guidance information to the users of the UE 101. The term "computer-readable medium" as used herein refers to any medium that participates in providing information to processor 1002, including instructions for execution. Such a medium may take many forms, including, but not limited to computer-readable storage medium (e.g., non-volatile media, volatile media), and transmission media. Non-transitory media, such as nonvolatile media, include, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as storage device 1008. Volatile media include, for example, dynamic memory 1004. Transmission media include, for example, twisted pair cables, coaxial cables, copper wire, fiber optic cables, and carrier waves that travel through space without wires or cables, such as acoustic waves and electromagnetic waves, including radio, optical and infrared waves. Signals include man-made transient variations in amplitude, frequency, phase, polarization or other physical properties transmitted through the transmission media. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, CDRW, DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, optical mark sheets, any other physical medium with patterns of holes or other optically recognizable indicia, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, an EEPROM, a flash memory, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave, or any other medium from which a computer can read. The term computer-readable storage medium is used herein to refer to any computer-readable medium except transmission media.

Logic encoded in one or more tangible media includes one or both of processor instructions on a computer-readable storage media and special purpose hardware, such as ASIC 1020.

Network link 1078 typically provides information communication using transmission media through one or more networks to other devices that use or process the information. For example, network link 1078 may provide a connection through local network 1080 to a host computer 1082 or to equipment 1084 operated by an Internet Service Provider (ISP). ISP equipment 1084 in turn provides data communication services through the public, world-wide packet-switching communication network of networks now commonly referred to as the Internet 1090.

A computer called a server host 1092 connected to the Internet hosts a process that provides a service in response to information received over the Internet. For example, server host 1092 hosts a process that provides information representing video data for presentation at display 1014. It is contemplated that the components of system 1000 can be deployed in various configurations within other computer systems, e.g., host 1082 and server 1092. At least some embodiments of the invention are related to the use of computer system 1000 for implementing some or all of the techniques described herein. According to one embodiment of the invention, those techniques are performed by computer system 1000 in response to processor 1002 executing one or more sequences of one or more processor instructions contained in memory 1004. Such instructions, also called computer instructions, software and program code, may be read into memory 1004 from another computer-readable medium such as storage device 1008 or network link 1078. Execution of the sequences of instructions contained in memory 1004 causes processor 1002 to perform one or more of the method steps described herein. In alternative embodiments, hardware, such as ASIC 1020, may be used in place of or in combination with software to implement the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are not limited to any specific combination of hardware and software, unless otherwise explicitly stated herein.

The signals transmitted over network link 1078 and other networks through communications interface 1070, carry information to and from computer system 1000. Computer system 1000 can send and receive information, including program code, through the networks 1080, 1090 among others, through network link 1078 and communications interface 1070. In an example using the Internet 1090, a server host 1092 transmits program code for a particular application, requested by a message sent from computer 1000, through Internet 1090, ISP equipment 1084, local network 1080 and communications interface 1070. The received code may be executed by processor 1002 as it is received, or may be stored in memory 1004 or in storage device 1008 or any other non-volatile storage for later execution, or both. In this manner, computer system 1000 may obtain application program code in the form of signals on a carrier wave.

Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying one or more sequence of instructions or data or both to processor 1002 for execution. For example, instructions and data may initially be carried on a magnetic disk of a remote computer such as host 1082. The remote computer loads the instructions and data into its dynamic memory and sends the instructions and data over a telephone line using a modem. A modem local to the computer system 1000 receives the instructions and data on a telephone line and uses an infra-red transmitter to convert the instructions and data to a signal on an infra-red carrier wave serving as the network link 1078. An infrared detector serving as communications interface 1070 receives the instructions and data carried in the infrared signal and places information representing the instructions and data onto bus 1010. Bus 1010 carries the information to memory 1004 from which processor 1002 retrieves and executes the instructions using some of the data sent with the instructions. The instructions and data received in memory 1004 may optionally be stored on storage device 1008, either before or after execution by the processor 1002.

FIG. 1 1 illustrates a chip set or chip 1100 upon which an embodiment of the invention may be implemented. Chip set 1100 is programmed to provide a color representation for a point of interest as visual guidance information to the users as described herein and includes, for instance, the processor and memory components described with respect to FIG. 10 incorporated in one or more physical packages (e.g., chips). By way of example, a physical package includes an arrangement of one or more materials, components, and/or wires on a structural assembly (e.g., a baseboard) to provide one or more characteristics such as physical strength, conservation of size, and/or limitation of electrical interaction. It is contemplated that in certain embodiments the chip set 1100 can be implemented in a single chip. It is further contemplated that in certain embodiments the chip set or chip 1 100 can be implemented as a single "system on a chip." It is further contemplated that in certain embodiments a separate ASIC would not be used, for example, and that all relevant functions as disclosed herein would be performed by a processor or processors. Chip set or chip 1 100, or a portion thereof, constitutes a means for performing one or more steps of providing user interface navigation information associated with the availability of functions. Chip set or chip 1100, or a portion thereof, constitutes a means for performing one or more steps of providing a color representation for a point of interest as visual guidance information to the users.

In one embodiment, the chip set or chip 1 100 includes a communication mechanism such as a bus 1101 for passing information among the components of the chip set 1 100. A processor 1103 has connectivity to the bus 1101 to execute instructions and process information stored in, for example, a memory 1105. The processor 1 103 may include one or more processing cores with each core configured to perform independently. A multi-core processor enables multiprocessing within a single physical package. Examples of a multi-core processor include two, four, eight, or greater numbers of processing cores. Alternatively or in addition, the processor 1103 may include one or more microprocessors configured in tandem via the bus 1 101 to enable independent execution of instructions, pipelining, and multithreading. The processor 1103 may also be accompanied with one or more specialized components to perform certain processing functions and tasks such as one or more digital signal processors (DSP) 1 107, or one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC) 1 109. A DSP 1 107 typically is configured to process real-world signals (e.g., sound) in real time independently of the processor 1103. Similarly, an ASIC 1109 can be configured to performed specialized functions not easily performed by a more general purpose processor. Other specialized components to aid in performing the inventive functions described herein may include one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), one or more controllers, or one or more other special- purpose computer chips. In one embodiment, the chip set or chip 1100 includes merely one or more processors and some software and/or firmware supporting and/or relating to and/or for the one or more processors.

The processor 1103 and accompanying components have connectivity to the memory 1 105 via the bus 1101. The memory 1105 includes both dynamic memory (e.g., RAM, magnetic disk, writable optical disk, etc.) and static memory (e.g., ROM, CD-ROM, etc.) for storing executable instructions that when executed perform the inventive steps described herein to provide a color representation for a point of interest as visual guidance information to the users. The memory 1105 also stores the data associated with or generated by the execution of the inventive steps. FIG. 12 is a diagram of exemplary components of a mobile terminal (e.g., handset) for communications, which is capable of operating in the system of FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment. In some embodiments, mobile terminal 1201, or a portion thereof, constitutes a means for performing one or more steps of providing a color representation for a point of interest as visual guidance information to the users. Generally, a radio receiver is often defined in terms of front-end and back-end characteristics. The front-end of the receiver encompasses all of the Radio Frequency (RF) circuitry whereas the back-end encompasses all of the base-band processing circuitry. As used in this application, the term "circuitry" refers to both: (1) hardware-only implementations (such as implementations in only analog and/or digital circuitry), and (2) to combinations of circuitry and software (and/or firmware) (such as, if applicable to the particular context, to a combination of processor(s), including digital signal processor(s), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions). This definition of "circuitry" applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application and if applicable to the particular context, the term "circuitry" would also cover an implementation of merely a processor (or multiple processors) and its (or their) accompanying software/or firmware. The term "circuitry" would also cover if applicable to the particular context, for example, a baseband integrated circuit or applications processor integrated circuit in a mobile phone or a similar integrated circuit in a cellular network device or other network devices.

Pertinent internal components of the telephone include a Main Control Unit (MCU) 1203, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) 1205, and a receiver/transmitter unit including a microphone gain control unit and a speaker gain control unit. A main display unit 1207 provides a display to the user in support of various applications and mobile terminal functions that perform or support the steps of providing a color representation for a point of interest as visual guidance information to the users. The display 1207 includes display circuitry configured to display at least a portion of a user interface of the mobile terminal (e.g., mobile telephone). Additionally, the display 1207 and display circuitry are configured to facilitate user control of at least some functions of the mobile terminal. An audio function circuitry 1209 includes a microphone 1211 and microphone amplifier that amplifies the speech signal output from the microphone 1211. The amplified speech signal output from the microphone 121 1 is fed to a coder/decoder (CODEC) 1213.

A radio section 1215 amplifies power and converts frequency in order to communicate with a base station, which is included in a mobile communication system, via antenna 1217. The power amplifier (PA) 1219 and the transmitter/modulation circuitry are operationally responsive to the MCU 1203, with an output from the PA 1219 coupled to the duplexer 1221 or circulator or antenna switch, as known in the art. The PA 1219 also couples to a battery interface and power control unit 1220. In use, a user of mobile terminal 1201 speaks into the microphone 1211 and his or her voice along with any detected background noise is converted into an analog voltage. The analog voltage is then converted into a digital signal through the Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) 1223. The control unit 1203 routes the digital signal into the DSP 1205 for processing therein, such as speech encoding, channel encoding, encrypting, and interleaving. In one embodiment, the processed voice signals are encoded, by units not separately shown, using a cellular transmission protocol such as enhanced data rates for global evolution (EDGE), general packet radio service (GPRS), global system for mobile communications (GSM), Internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS), universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), etc., as well as any other suitable wireless medium, e.g., microwave access (WiMAX), Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks, code division multiple access (CDMA), wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), wireless fidelity (WiFi), satellite, and the like, or any combination thereof.

The encoded signals are then routed to an equalizer 1225 for compensation of any frequency- dependent impairments that occur during transmission though the air such as phase and amplitude distortion. After equalizing the bit stream, the modulator 1227 combines the signal with a RF signal generated in the RF interface 1229. The modulator 1227 generates a sine wave by way of frequency or phase modulation. In order to prepare the signal for transmission, an up- converter 1231 combines the sine wave output from the modulator 1227 with another sine wave generated by a synthesizer 1233 to achieve the desired frequency of transmission. The signal is then sent through a PA 1219 to increase the signal to an appropriate power level. In practical systems, the PA 1219 acts as a variable gain amplifier whose gain is controlled by the DSP 1205 from information received from a network base station. The signal is then filtered within the duplexer 1221 and optionally sent to an antenna coupler 1235 to match impedances to provide maximum power transfer. Finally, the signal is transmitted via antenna 1217 to a local base station. An automatic gain control (AGC) can be supplied to control the gain of the final stages of the receiver. The signals may be forwarded from there to a remote telephone which may be another cellular telephone, any other mobile phone or a land-line connected to a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), or other telephony networks.

Voice signals transmitted to the mobile terminal 1201 are received via antenna 1217 and immediately amplified by a low noise amplifier (LNA) 1237. A down-converter 1239 lowers the carrier frequency while the demodulator 1241 strips away the RF leaving only a digital bit stream. The signal then goes through the equalizer 1225 and is processed by the DSP 1205. A Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) 1243 converts the signal and the resulting output is transmitted to the user through the speaker 1245, all under control of a Main Control Unit (MCU) 1203 which can be implemented as a Central Processing Unit (CPU).

The MCU 1203 receives various signals including input signals from the keyboard 1247. The keyboard 1247 and/or the MCU 1203 in combination with other user input components (e.g., the microphone 121 1) comprise a user interface circuitry for managing user input. The MCU 1203 runs a user interface software to facilitate user control of at least some functions of the mobile terminal 1201 to provide a color representation for a point of interest as visual guidance information to the users. The MCU 1203 also delivers a display command and a switch command to the display 1207 and to the speech output switching controller, respectively. Further, the MCU 1203 exchanges information with the DSP 1205 and can access an optionally incorporated SIM card 1249 and a memory 1251. In addition, the MCU 1203 executes various control functions required of the terminal. The DSP 1205 may, depending upon the implementation, perform any of a variety of conventional digital processing functions on the voice signals. Additionally, DSP 1205 determines the background noise level of the local environment from the signals detected by microphone 121 1 and sets the gain of microphone 1211 to a level selected to compensate for the natural tendency of the user of the mobile terminal 1201. The CODEC 1213 includes the ADC 1223 and DAC 1243. The memory 1251 stores various data including call incoming tone data and is capable of storing other data including music data received via, e.g., the global Internet. The software module could reside in RAM memory, flash memory, registers, or any other form of writable storage medium known in the art. The memory device 1251 may be, but not limited to, a single memory, CD, DVD, ROM, RAM, EEPROM, optical storage, magnetic disk storage, flash memory storage, or any other non-volatile storage medium capable of storing digital data.

An optionally incorporated SIM card 1249 carries, for instance, important information, such as the cellular phone number, the carrier supplying service, subscription details, and security information. The SIM card 1249 serves primarily to identify the mobile terminal 1201 on a radio network. The card 1249 also contains a memory for storing a personal telephone number registry, text messages, and user specific mobile terminal settings.

Further, one or more camera sensors 1253 may be incorporated onto the mobile station 1201 wherein the one or more camera sensors may be placed at one or more locations on the mobile station. Generally, the camera sensors may be utilized to capture, record, and cause to store one or more still and/or moving images (e.g., videos, movies, etc.) which also may comprise audio recordings. While the invention has been described in connection with a number of embodiments and implementations, the invention is not so limited but covers various obvious modifications and equivalent arrangements, which fall within the purview of the appended claims. Although features of the invention are expressed in certain combinations among the claims, it is contemplated that these features can be arranged in any combination and order.

Claims

1. A method comprising facilitating a processing of and/or processing (1) data and/or (2) information and/or (3) at least one signal, the (1) data and/or (2) information and/or (3) at least one signal based, at least in part, on the following:

a processing of content information associated with at least one point of interest to determine one or more colors associated with the at least one point of interest; and

a presentation of the one or more colors as an identification of the at least one point of

interest.

2. A method of claim 1, wherein the (1) data and/or (2) information and/or (3) at least one signal are further based, at least in part, on the following:

a presentation of the one or more colors as visual guidance information for locating the at least one point of interest.

3. A method of claim 1 , wherein the (1) data and/or (2) information and/or (3) at least one signal are further based, at least in part, on the following:

wherein the content information includes, at least in part, branding information associated with the at least one point of interest.

4. A method of claim 3, wherein the (1) data and/or (2) information and/or (3) at least one signal are further based, at least in part, on the following:

a processing of website information, geotagged media items, or a combination thereof

associated with the at least one point of interest.

5. A method of claim 1 , wherein the (1) data and/or (2) information and/or (3) at least one signal are further based, at least in part, on the following:

a processing of the content information to determine at least one primary color and one or more minor colors,

wherein the one or more colors include the at least one primary color, the one or more minor colors, or a combination thereof.

6. A method of claim 1 , wherein the (1) data and/or (2) information and/or (3) at least one signal are further based, at least in part, on the following:

the one or more minor colors based on whether a ratio of the one or more minor colors with respect to the at least one primary color meets a predetermined threshold value.

7. A method of claim 1 , wherein the (1) data and/or (2) information and/or (3) at least one signal are further based, at least in part, on the following: a presentation of the one or more colors based, at least in part, on occurrence information of the one or more colors in the content information.

8. A method of claim 1 , wherein the (1) data and/or (2) information and/or (3) at least one signal are further based, at least in part, on the following:

an order for presenting the one or more colors,

wherein the identification of the at least one point of interest is further based, at least in part, on the order.

9. A method of claim 1 , wherein the (1) data and/or (2) information and/or (3) at least one signal are further based, at least in part, on the following:

a processing of the content information to determine one or more shapes; and

a presentation of the one or more colors in combination with the one or more shapes as the identification of the at least one point of interest.

10. A method according to any of claim 9, wherein the one or more shapes represent, at least in part, an abstraction of the branding information associated with the at least one point of interest.

11. An apparatus comprising:

at least one processor; and

at least one memory including computer program code for one or more programs, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following,

process and/or facilitating a processing of content information associated with at least one point of interest to determine one or more colors associated with the at least one point of interest; and

cause, at least in part, a presentation of the one or more colors as an identification of the at least one point of interest.

12. An apparatus of claim 1 1, wherein the apparatus is further caused to:

cause, at least in part, a presentation of the one or more colors as visual guidance information for locating the at least one point of interest.

13. An apparatus of claim 1 1, wherein the content information includes, at least in part, branding information associated with the at least one point of interest.

14. An apparatus of claim 13, wherein the apparatus is further caused to: process and/or facilitate a processing of website information, geotagged media items, or a combination thereof associated with the at least one point of interest.

15. An apparatus of claim 1 1, wherein the apparatus is further caused to:

process and/or facilitate a processing of the content information to determine at least one primary color and one or more minor colors,

16. An apparatus of claim 1 1 , wherein the apparatus is further caused to:

determine the one or more minor colors based on whether a ratio of the one or more minor colors with respect to the at least one primary color meets a predetermined threshold value.

17. An apparatus of claim 1 1 , wherein the apparatus is further caused to:

cause, at least in part, a presentation of the one or more colors based, at least in part, on

occurrence information of the one or more colors in the content information.

18. An apparatus of claim 1 1, wherein the apparatus is further caused to:

determining an order for presenting the one or more colors,

19. An apparatus of claim 1 1, wherein the apparatus is further caused to:

process and/or facilitate a processing of the content information to determine one or more shapes; and

cause, at least in part, a presentation of the one or more colors in combination with the one or more shapes as the identification of the at least one point of interest.

20. An apparatus of claim 19, wherein the one or more shapes represent, at least in part, an abstraction of the branding information associated with the at least one point of interest.