WO2014053020A1

WO2014053020A1 - Interactive locational mapping system

Info

Publication number: WO2014053020A1
Application number: PCT/AU2013/001138
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Whitfield
Original assignee: David Whitfield
Priority date: 2012-10-05
Filing date: 2013-10-04
Publication date: 2014-04-10

Abstract

A method of providing a locational mapping system (10) includes defining a database (1) and configuring same to receive a plurality of unique identifiers and associating with each identifier corresponding geophysical coordinates indicative of a location of said identifier. The database (1) is accessible via a communications network and is configured to receive input from users including new identifiers and geophysical coordinates associated therewith. Application software for a mobile computing device is also provided so that execution thereof configures said computing device to access said database (1) via said communications network to provide user input or to search said database for one or more predetermined identifiers or locations stored in said database. The database provides corresponding location or identifier information respectively and the database sends to said computing device via said application software the geophysical coordinates associated with each said identifier and said identifiers are overlaid onto a map at locations associated therewith for display or manipulation on said computing device. Most preferably, the geophysical coordinates consist of longitude and latitude or consist of longitude and latitude and altitude.

Description

INTERACTIVE LOCATIONAL MAPPING SYSTEM

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to mapping systems and, in particular, to a mobile mapping system allowing any users to place relatively exact location specific information.

Traditionally, addressing systems have been defined by a property located on a particular street with a particular street number in a particular suburb of a particular city or region. This remains the principle means of locating business and residential locations even with the use of mobile computing devices and global positioning systems. However, the traditional addressing information used by conventional mapping systems to navigate one person from one physical location to another place of choice is still fundamental.

Background Art

In practice, a user enters a physical address into a particular mapping system for location information and if preferred the requirement that directions on how to arrive there be provided, including by any specified way-points. For example, using the well know Google maps available over the internet or a smartphone application allows a user to enter an address and find this as it is defined and stored on the Google server.

This information is available to users via the internet or on their smartphone and place to place directions such as with way-points or roads to be avoided can be provided, as well as a host of other information. The entry of street number, street name, suburb and state, however, is not always reliably able to provide addressing information in some regions. This can be especially the case in very old regions of cities where identically named streets or landmarks may exist in relatively closeproximity.

An example of the short comings of existing mapping systems can be seen using Google Maps near the remote Western Australian town of Newman. This is a 'mining' town that has evolved to support the operation of various mining activities, particularly iron ore mining. It is obvious that such mines require specialised service and maintenance support for their various equipment. One such supplier is an authorised Australian Catapillar dealer named Westrac. In reality, Westrac have an establishment in a light industrial area well within the bounds of the town of Newman. Unfortunately, Google maps has listed a location approximately 50km due north of Newman for the Westrac establishment, Closer viewing with Google Maps shows the labelled location is away from any road structure in a desert and there is no practical correlation between the location of Westrac in Newman with the location shown on Google Maps, for example. This is simply an example of a common problem not only affecting Google Maps but was also, amongst other problems, with Apple Maps launched recently.

Genesis of the Invention

The genesis of the invention is a desire to provide a location mapping system and method which overcomes or substantially ameliorates one or more of the

disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a method of providing a locational mapping system, the method comprising the steps of:

defining a database and configuring same to receive a plurality of unique identifiers, said database accessible via a communications network;

associating with each identifier corresponding geophysical coordinates indicative of a location of said identifier;

configuring said database to receive input from users including new identifiers and geophysical coordinates associated therewith;

provide application software for a mobile computing device such that execution thereof configures said computing device to access said database via said communications network to provide user input or to search said database for one or more predetermined identifiers or locations stored in said database such said database provides corresponding location or identifier information respectively;

wherein said database sends to said computing device via said application software the geophysical coordinates associated with each said identifier and said identifiers arc overlaid onto a map at locations associated therewith for display or manipulation on said computing device. It can therefore be seen there that advantageously the method provides for the construction of geophysical coordinates corresponding to a unique identifier that can be defined by users, In this way, conventional addressing details need not be provided and people can be locationally identified according to a preferred identifier set by them that is associated with a specific location. Additionally, the method allows a unique user identifier to be associated with a location removing the need to know conventional addresses. Brief Description of the Drawings

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:

• Fig. 1 is schematic representation of a system for implementing a method of providing a locational mapping system according to the preferred embodiment.

Detailed Description

Referring to the preferred embodiment of Fig. 1 shows a schematic system (10) for operating the method of providing a locational mapping system. In the method, a system database (1) is defined and in the preferred embodiment this is a single database disposed at a single location. However, it will be appreciated that the system database (1) maybe formed from a plurality of interconnected databases at the same or different locations.

The system database (1) is accessible via a communications network (2) preferably in the form of an ADSL telephonic connection. The ADSL telephonic connection may be a simple telephone line or broadband internet provided over the ADSL telephonic line. Of course, it will be appreciated that the database (1) may be configured to be accessible via other communications networks such as microwave communications or cellular telephone networks, for example, or combinations thereof and/or with other communications networks.

The system database (1) is configured to receive, from users (3), via the

communications network (2) unique identifiers and to associate each identifier with a corresponding geophysical coordinate. The geophysical coordinates for each identifier are indicative of a specific location to be associated with that specific unique identifier. So far as each identifier is unique, no two are therefore identical: however, two or more unique identifiers may be associated with the same geophysical coordinates. In the preferred embodiment, the geophysical coordinates of the location associated with each unique identifier comprise latitude and longitude as well as altitude. This allows different identifiers to be associated with the same latitude and longitude but at a different altitude such that they are on a higher or lower floor in a building at that location. However, it will be appreciated that this is preferred and the method can more easily employ just latitude and longitude if desired.

In the preferred embodiment, the unique identifiers are email addresses such that two identical addresses cannot be entered into the database (1). Whilst the embodiment of Fig. 1 is described with reference to unique identifiers being associated email addresses, it will be appreciated that these can instead be associated with one or more cellular or fixed land line telephone numbers; facsimile or telex number; or business names, for example, of the user (3). Likewise, the unique identifiers can be land or marine vehicle registration details.

In other preferred embodiments of the invention, not described, the unique identifiers can correspond to unique social media handles such as a user's Twitter or Flickr account names or Facebook page names, for example. Yet further, it will be appreciated that the unique identifiers may be associated with any preferred alpha numeric character strings that may or may not also include special characters and symbols as desired by each user. These embodiments are not described although it would be understood by a person skilled in the art that the unique identifiers can be any as desired.

The database (1) is also configured to receive input from users (3) in the form of new identifiers and geophysical coordinates associated therewith, and each user (3) may have a plurality of unique identifiers associated therewith such as email address and cell phone number and vehicle registration, if desired. In the preferred embodiment where the unique identifiers are email addresses, the database (1) can be built up by individual users adding their particulars to the database but it would be appreciated that the database (1) can be pre-populated by associating known geophysical coordinates of known predetermined unique identifiers.

The database (1) is also configured to receive input from users (3) in the form of temporary geophysical coordinates associated with the users current location and associated with a variation of the users (3) unique identifier, for example

uniqueidentifier.now Such an identifier may be able to be set to "expire" or be removed from the database (1) after a predetermined time, for example. The database (1 ) is also configured to receive input from users (3) in the form of geophysical coordinates associated with plant and equipment or other places or things of interest to the users (3). Such may also be temporary and ascribed with a nominal pre-fix or suffix or the like to indicate temporary location of the plant/equipment, for example.

It will be appreciated that users (3) can be charged a fee or not as desired for including their geophysical coordinates associated with their unique identifier in the

database (1). It will also be appreciated that a registration process for users (3) may be provided which involves the user (3) providing various information to the owner or the operator of the database (1 ).Such registration information, in additional to the identifier and associated coordinates, may or may not be available to other users (3) or third parties as desired.

The method of the preferred embodiment further includes the step of providing application software (hereinafter app software) for use on a mobile computing device (4) of any user (3). The mobile computing device (4) is a smartphone or tablet computer having cellular telephone connectivity, however, it will be appreciated that any portable computing device such as a laptop or a communications enabled GPS navigation device may be used with the method provided the device can communicate over a communications network (2) (cellular, telephonic, or not).

The app software is downloaded onto the smartphone or tablet computer (4). Once downloaded, the app software is executed on the smartphone or tablet computer (4). The app software configures the smartphone or tablet computer (4) to access the database (2) to either access unique identifier information and corresponding geophysical coordinates or to allow the user (3) to add, delete or modify a new identifier to the database (1). The user (3) via their smartphone or tablet computer (4) accessing the database (1) is able to search the database for preferred unique identifiers or locations that are stored in the database (l)or to access the database using another user's (3) unique identifiers or locations that are stored in the database (1). The database (1) then communicates to the smartphone or tablet computer (4) corresponding geophysical location information or identifier information depending on whether an identifier or location was searched for by the user (3).

The smartphone or tablet computer (4) of the user (3) can access the database (1) via a telecommunications network (2) such as a cellular telephone network as is common with smartphones or tablet PC's or it may communicate with the database (3) via a Wi-Fi or other non-voice telephony internet connection as desired.

The method further includes the step of the database sending to the smartphone or tablet computer of the user the geophysical coordinates associated with each searched identifier and the coordinates of the device (4) sending this information is performed by the app software in communication with the database (1 ). Each unique identifiers of the preferred embodiment are then overlayed onto a map at locations corresponding to the geophysical coordinates associated with that particular identifier in the database

This information is then overlayed onto a map which is displayed on the smartphone or tablet computer (4). The location associated with the unique identifiers can then be seen on any conventional map whether associated with and provided by the database (1). It will be appreciated that the coordinates of each unique identifier can be overlayed onto a third party map that is accessible by the user of the smartphone or tablet computer (4) such as Google maps with identifier information & associated geophysical coordinates overlaid. In this way, conventional mapping data can be used and the unique identifiers and associated coordinates can be just overlayed thereon.

It will be appreciated that the app software can he configured to be executed when the smartphone or tablet computer (4) are operating, or may be associated with the operation of an internet browser or may simply be executed on a smartphone or tablet computer (4) as desired when the user seeks to search for a unique identifier or geophysical address. It will be appreciated that the database (1) can also be configured to provide the user (3) directions for the user to follow to travel from a predetermined location to a searched geophysical location or that associated with a searched unique identifier.

Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the user of the smartphone or tablet computer (4) can select from the display of geophysical locations of selected types or categories of identifiers as desired. In the case of email addresses, locations corresponding to known Hotmail or Gmail addresses may be displayed if desired. This is similarly the case in other preferred embodiments (not illustrated) where other types of unique identifiers are used. For example, the geophysical coordinates associated with cellular telephone number having certain combinations of digits or coordinates associated with specific social media handles or account names, or social media types.

It will be appreciated that advertising or like promotional material may be presented ; to users (3) on their smartphone or tablet computer (4) as desired by operators of the system employing the database (1). In particular, advertising can be presented to users based on their registration information when downloading or installing the app software, or specific advertising may be targeted to users who are searching for specific types of unique identifiers or searching for a specific location or group of locations.

It will be appreciated that the preferred embodiment of the system 10, the method of providing a locational mapping system can also be adapted to provide a single user or registered user with a plurality of different addressing locations corresponding to their circumstances. For example, each user may have a .now associated user account in which the current location of the user if desired, can be continually updated or updated a predetermined time so that other users of the system 10 can find the location in substantially real time of the registered user. The registered user may also have a .home associated account in which their static home address is provided.

Similarly, they may have a .delivery association which selects a delivery address that is not the home address for that registered user. This may be a work, address or a PO box for example.

It will be appreciated that the system can also be adapted so that in the case of a business user, for example, a .warehouse or .office association may be provided with a registered company user to provide different locations for different aspects of the business. This is advantageous in the event that as one detail of a registered user changes such as a delivery address or a physical address and only one detail needs to be changed in the system database 1. Of course, if more than one detail changes then they can simply be changed by the registered user via the system database 1.

In the case of a logistics or delivery company, for example, it will be appreciated that the registered current location of a user associated with a .now location in the preferred embodiment, the transport company can simply find the current location of the user for delivery to that person. This can be most advantageous at public events and the like. As noted above, a person or location details can be associated with a registered user, most advantageously more than one if desired. It will be appreciated that any type of association can be made with a registered user as desired including an association to a preferred fishing spot by using .fish association, for example.

From a delivery business point of view even including takeaway foods that are delivered, the delivery business can locate the current location of a user as desired when delivering items. If the location of a user is not at home but in fact one or two doors away with a neighbour, a delivery driver may be able to see this via a .now association location and leave a package at the persons residence (or .delivery location association) knowing they are not too far away. It will be appreciated that in the preferred embodiment of the system 10 the database 1 can be searched for any predetermined details a user selects to be searchable. In the case of the above example where a person is not home but nearby, a message can be left by the registered users .now association location or even .home association location to advise the delivery driver to leave the package at the door. Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment of the system 10, a registered user can set country locations by association by simply attaching a country code to their address settings such as current location, home, or office, and delivery or warehouse address. As referred to above, an association can be made with a registered user so that their current location (.now) can be tracked by GPS or manual entry can be entered into the database 1 of the system 10. In this way, a record via received coordinates of the registered users location can be stored in the system database 1. Particularly, this will allow a person to map their location as desired automatically in the system database 1. To be included or indexed with this location information, the registered user can include any other information they desire associated with a stored location from a given time, such as by adding photographs, text, social networking commentary or other information as the user desires. This information may be able to be viewed by pre-authorised persons or by any user searching database 1.

In addition to providing a current location for a registered user if desired via a. now association, for example, a user can set a regular diary indicating times when they will be at particular locations. These locations include being at work or in an office, travelling to or from work and other times when a user may not be at their home or office address. If a diary is selected to be viewed by others where every Tuesday, for example, has the user in the office between 9 and 5 but one day they know they will not be there and have some other appointment, they can simply change this information via the system database 1 to allow other people searching the database 1 notification of the users intended location. This is in addition to or in place of a .now current location association.

It will also be appreciated that data associated with a users location can be aggregated to not only provide a timeline of a users location as above, but also to be able to predict it. This may be particularly advantageous in intercepting services or individuals that are known to regularly move between locations.

The foregoing describes only one embodiment of the present invention and

modifications, obvious to those skilled in the art, can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention. The term "comprising" (and its grammatical variations) as used herein is used inclusive sense of "including" or "having" and not in the exclusive sense of "consisting only of.

Claims

1. A method of providing a locational mapping system, the method comprising the steps of:

wherein said database sends to said computing device via said application software the geophysical coordinates associated with each said identifier and said identifiers are overlaid onto a map at locations associated therewith for display or manipulation on said computing device.

2. A method according to claim 1 wherein said computing device is selected from the group consisting of: smartphones; laptops; portable computers; and communications enabled GPS navigation devices.

3. A method according to claim 1 or 2 wherein said unique identifiers are selected from the group consisting of: cellular telephone numbers; email addresses; fixed landline telephone numbers; facsimile or telex numbers; social networking tags or usernames; land or marine vehicle registration details; business names and alphanumeric strings including in the form of names or codes.

4. A method according to any one of the proceeding claims further including the step of said database sending instructions to said computing device indicative of directions for said user to follow to travel to the location associated with said identifier from a location claimed by said user or from a location of said computing device.

5. A method as according to any one of the proceeding claims wherein said geophysical coordinates consist of longitude and latitude or consist of longitude and latitude and altitude.

6. A method as according to any one of the proceeding claims wherein said maps said coordinates corresponding to said unique identifier is overlaid on to is a third party map accessible by said user.