TWI461940B - Use the web to get a list of geographic information around the center - Google Patents

Description

A method of obtaining geographic information within a certain range of a central location through the Internet

The present invention relates to a method for obtaining geographic information, and more particularly to a method for obtaining geographic information within a certain range of a central location through a network.

With the rapid development of network technology, more and more network-based applications have been developed and implemented in human life. For example, when a user wants to query related information of a certain place through the Internet, the electronic device (for example, a personal computer) can be connected to a specific website (for example, an google map or a portal such as Chimo) or by executing After the application software on the mobile device (for example, Ovi provided by Nokia), input the keyword to be queried to obtain information about the keyword.

The disadvantage of the above method is that the information obtained by the user is usually too complicated, and the geographical range covered by it is usually too broad and affects its reference. For example, when a user enters a place to check whether there is a medical or cultural institution nearby, the electronic map obtained through the above method usually contains many other information that is not related to the medical or cultural institution, which causes inconvenience to the user. . What's more, when the user further wants to check whether there is a medical or cultural institution within a certain distance around a certain place, or if there is a special activity (such as a special sale) within a certain period of time, the user must spend extra time. In order to filter out the information that is really helpful to many search results.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method of obtaining geographic information within a certain range of a central location through a network.

Thus, the method for obtaining geographic information within a certain range of a central location through the network includes the following steps: (A) providing a system for obtaining geographic information within a certain range of the central location through the network, wherein the system includes a system a geographic map database, a data receiving unit, and a geographic information screening unit, which are pre-established and include a plurality of geographic information; (B) the data receiving unit receives a central location, a distance, and at least one provided by the user a keyword; (C) the geographic information screening unit generates an electronic map for the electronic device of the user according to the latitude and longitude, the distance, the keyword, and the geographic map database of the central location, wherein the electronic map corresponds to the electronic map a circular area centered at the radius of the distance and showing at least one geographic information associated with the keyword and located in the circular area, and the relative location of the key location and the central location Geographic location. The effect of the invention is that the electronic map generated by the user based on the central location, the distance and the keyword provided by the user can directly obtain the geographic information of the key location, so the user does not need to spend more time self-inquiry. The information obtained is used to screen out the information that is really needed.

The above and other technical contents, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments.

Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 3, a preferred embodiment of the method for obtaining geographic information within a certain range of a central location through a network includes the following steps.

Provide a system 1 for obtaining geographic information within a certain range of the central location through the Internet. The system 1 is a remote server, and includes a pre-established geographic map database 11 including a plurality of pieces of geographic information, a data receiving unit 12, a data transfer unit 13, a user interface 14, and a Geographic information screening unit 15. The geographic information is the existing electronic graphic content, which includes attraction information, business information, latitude and longitude information, and the like. The data receiving unit 12 and the data transmitting unit 13 are integrated into a network module, and are used for receiving data of the user's electronic device (for example, a personal computer or a mobile device) through the Internet or a communication network. Transfer. In the preferred embodiment, the geographic information screening unit 15 is implemented in a software manner, and the implementation aspect is a computer program product that stores the geographic information screening program. After the remote server's processor (not shown) loads the program and executes it, the function of the geographic information screening unit 15 can be completed. Of course, the program can also be loaded into the processor of the user's electronic device, and is not limited to the preferred embodiment.

It is worth mentioning that the geographic information can be subsequently established through the user interface 14 in addition to being pre-established. That is, it is added by the merchant or any user to the geographic map database 11 through the user interface 14. Of course, the geographic information can be centrally built in the geographic map database 11, or can be distributedly located in different remote server geography database, and uniformly managed by the remote server. It is not limited to the preferred embodiment.

In the following, with reference to several application examples, the method for obtaining geographic information within a certain range around a central location through the network and the operation between the above units are further explained.

First, the user can connect to the system via a personal computer through a personal computer, or connect the system through a communication network through a mobile device. Among them, the connection details of the above methods, the data conversion and transmission between the Internet and the communication network are easily understood by those skilled in the art, and therefore will not be described here. Of course, the user can also connect the system 1 through a communication network through a personal computer, and is not limited to the preferred embodiment.

After the user's electronic device is coupled to the system 1, the user interface 14 of the system 1 generates an input screen for display by the display of the electronic device. The input screen is used for the user to manually input a central location, a distance, and at least one keyword. It is worth mentioning that the system 1 can also provide voice input and support multi-language (text translation function or voice translation function) to meet the needs of different language users. The keyword can be a store name, a product category, a product name, an event message, historical information, geographic information, a place name, a landmark, a person's name, and the like.

As shown in step S31, after the user inputs information such as a central location, a distance, and a keyword on the input screen, the data receiving unit 12 then receives the central location, distance, and keywords provided by the user through the network. News. It is worth mentioning that the location of the center can be the location where the user is now, or the location that the user enters arbitrarily. The former can be obtained through the global positioning function of the electronic device. That is, after obtaining a latitude and longitude information of the electronic device currently through the Global Positioning System (GPS), the latitude and longitude information is input to the input screen as the central location. The location entered by the latter is the address corresponding to the location; and the system 1 obtains the latitude and longitude information of the address according to the geographic map database 11. However, the details of obtaining relevant positioning information through the global positioning system are not the focus of the present invention, and therefore will not be described here.

As shown in step S32, the geographic information screening unit 15 generates an electronic map for the user's electronic device based on the latitude and longitude or address, distance, keyword, and geographic map database 11 of the central location (see FIG. 4). . Wherein the electronic map corresponds to a circular area centered on the central location and having a radius of the distance, and displays at least one geographic information of a key location associated with the keyword and located in the circular area, and the key The relative geographic location between the location and the central location. Since the electronic map only displays the geographical information related to the keyword in the circular area, the user can directly select the required geographic information by using the electronic map, without spending extra time to filter and The keyword is irrelevant or is geographical information beyond this distance. In addition, the geographic information displayed on the electronic map is presented in the form of a text or a banner. The logo includes a number or a brief representation of the text associated with the geographic information for the convenience of the user to browse without having to select one. It is worth mentioning that the geographic information may also include Hyper Link linked to other websites for users to link and further obtain more detailed information.

It is worth mentioning that the geographic information screening unit 15 also generates a distance/time coordinate map for the user's electronic device according to the latitude and longitude, the distance, the keyword, and the geographic map database 11 of the central location (see Figure 5), wherein the distance/time coordinate map has a vertical axis as a distance and a horizontal axis as time, and includes geographic information of the key attraction (example, A), wherein the geographic information includes a key as a vertical axis coordinate The relative linear distance between the location and the central location (eg, a2), and the occurrence time of the geographic information as a horizontal axis coordinate (eg, a1). That is, the distance/time coordinate map can be used by the user to view the time of each key location and the distance from the center location. Of course, the geographic information displayed on the distance/time coordinate map is also presented in words or logos.

Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 5, for example, if a merchant prepares to open a short-term home appliance sale year at a certain place (for example, C), the system 1 can be first connected through a personal computer and in the geographic map. Relevant geographic information (including location, location of the floor, period of occurrence, commodity, price, etc.) is added to the database 11. When a consumer wants to know whether there is a message about a home appliance sale near a location (eg, M), they can connect to the system 1 through a mobile device, and input the "home appliance sale" as a keyword, and then enter the center location and distance. And other information. After receiving the information through the communication network, the data receiving unit 12 generates the distance/time coordinate map showing the geographic information of the home appliance sale meeting within a certain distance near the central location, and then transmitting the data. Unit 13 transmits the distance/time coordinate map over the communication network for display by the display of the mobile device.

By distinguishing the information by the time provided by the distance/time coordinate map, the user can clearly view the sale meetings held in the past (eg, B), the ongoing sale (eg, A), and the future Information on the sale of special events (eg, C). Among them, c1 represents the linear distance between the location C of the home appliance sale and the location M, and c2 represents the interval between the moment when the user queries the information and the official time of the home appliance sale.

It is worth mentioning that the system 1 can also be linked to the database of the telecommunications company to obtain information about the video device connected to the telecommunications company, such as a mobile device with real-time audio and video transmission function held by another user, or A video camera set up by a telecommunications company, or a video camera of a computer hosted in a certain place. In addition to displaying the relevant geographic information, the electronic map also displays the location of the above-described image device located in the circular area. Of course, the image device displayed on the electronic map is also presented by text or logo.

As shown in step S33, when the user selects the geographic information, the data transfer unit 12 of the system 1 transmits a pair of instant video information of the key location to the user's electronic device through the network. The instant video information is captured by an image device adjacent to the key location and transmitted through the network. The following is further explained for the transmission of the instant video information.

Transmitted via a mobile device via a mobile network :

When the user selects the geographic information, if the user wants to further view the current status of the key location, the image device adjacent to the key location and providing instant video transmission function may be selected (ie, the other user is not recognized). Video camera of the user's mobile device). Then, another user receives the request and can use the video camera to shoot at the key location according to the demand, and simultaneously transmit the captured instant video information to the user's electronic device for display through the communication network. . Therefore, the user does not need to go to the key location in person to obtain instant video information of the key location through the system 1. Of course, another user can also set whether or not he is willing to provide a service for real-time video and audio transmission. If it is set to be unable to provide services, the corresponding image device will not be displayed on the electronic map.

It is worth mentioning that the geographic map database 11 may also include geographical distribution information of the base station established by the telecommunications company. Therefore, if there is no image device on the electronic map that can be directly selected by the user, the geographic information screening unit 15 can further obtain the telecommunication through a differential global positioning system (DGPS) according to the geographic location distribution data of the base stations. The latitude and longitude coordinates of the mobile device with instant video transmission function of the customer belonging to the company, and corresponding banners are generated on the electronic map for the user to select. Wherein the mobile device is located in a plurality of mobile devices adjacent to the telecommunications base station of the key location, and is closest to the key location.

By video camera transmission via the communication network :

In addition to the above, the image device adjacent to the key location and capable of providing instant video transmission can also be a video camera located at the key location. The video camera is set up by a telecommunications company and can operate independently without initial setup via a host computer. That is, when the video camera receives the user's request, the captured instant video information is transmitted to the user's electronic device via the communication network for display. Therefore, the user does not need to go to the key location in person to obtain instant video information of the key location through the system 1.

By video camera transmitting over the Internet :

In addition to the above, the image device adjacent to the key location and providing instant audio and video transmission function can also be a video camera of a computer host located at the key location. The computer is connected to the Internet. When the computer host receives the user's request, the video camera of the computer host transmits the captured instant video and audio information to the user's electronic device for display through the Internet. Therefore, the user does not need to go to the key location in person to obtain instant video information of the key location through the system 1.

In addition, when the user selects and decides to go to a key location corresponding to the geographic information, the geographic information screening unit 15 generates a path map 42 (see FIG. 4) connecting the central location and the critical location on the electronic map. The geographic information includes a pair of actual path distances that should be the path map 42. That is, the path map 42 can provide the actual path distance (non-linear distance) for the user's reference in addition to guiding the user to the key location.

Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 4, for example, suppose the user wants to know that there is a store near the current location M that sells vitamins. Since there is no means of transportation, it is only possible to walk to a more nearby store for purchase. And don't consider shops that are too far away. According to the present invention, the user can connect to the system 1 through a mobile device (or an electronic device that can access the Internet), and use the current location M as the central location, with a distance of 41 meters, with a certain brand of vitamins. Enter for the keyword. After receiving the information through the communication network, the data receiving unit 12 generates the electronic map by the geographic information screening unit 15. The data transmitting unit 13 then transmits the electronic map through the communication network for displaying the electronic map on the display of the mobile device.

The electronic map contains geographic information within a radius of 500 meters centered on the user's location M, and is located or at a location (eg, E) of the store that sells the brand's vitamins (eg, E). If the store clerk selling the brand's vitamin store has a mobile device with instant video transmission function, the user can also select the text or logo of the mobile device representing the store clerk on the electronic map (example, C-1) In order to request the clerk to provide further information about the instant audio and video information of the brand of vitamins (for example, the store staff to introduce the real-time audio and video of goods and prices) for reference. Therefore, users do not need to go to the store in person to get instant information on the products they want to buy, and save time and effort in finding the store.

For another example, suppose the user plans to drive to a scenic spot for vacation, so he wants to find a home or restaurant within five kilometers of the scenic area. According to the present invention, the user can connect to the system 1 through the mobile device, and use the scenic area as the central location M, with a distance of 41 from five kilometers, and input as a keyword for the hotel or the restaurant. After receiving the information through the communication network, the data receiving unit 12 generates the electronic map by the geographic information screening unit 15. The data transmitting unit 13 then transmits the electronic map through the communication network for displaying the electronic map on the display of the mobile device.

The geographical information contained in the electronic map is the location or distance of a home or restaurant (eg, B) within five kilometers of the scenic area. Of course, if the above-mentioned hotel or restaurant owner has a mobile device with instant audio and video transmission function or a video camera installed by a telecommunications company (for example, C-4), the user can also use it to obtain instant video information of the hotel or restaurant. (Example, the introduction of real-time audio and video for the room type and price by the industry). Therefore, users do not need to go to the hotel or restaurant in person to get instant audio and video information about the accommodation.

Of course, if the user has some consumption experience to share with other users after traveling to a certain place, he can also link the system 1 and add relevant information to the geographic map database 11 (for example, the location latitude and longitude of a certain place) Or address, photo, video file, travel experience, consumer category, etc.) for other users to inquire.

In summary, the electronic map only displays the geographic information located in the circular area and associated with the keyword, so the user can directly select the geographic information without spending time to filter the geographical information that does not meet the demand; The electronic map can also provide users with time to receive instant video and audio data to save time; the distance/time coordinate map can simultaneously provide user location and time information to improve query efficiency, so that the purpose of the present invention can be achieved.

The above is only the preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the scope of the invention is not limited thereto, that is, the simple equivalent changes and modifications made by the scope of the invention and the description of the invention are All remain within the scope of the invention patent.

1. . . Access to a geographic information system within a certain range of the central location through the Internet

12. . . Data receiving unit

13. . . Data transfer unit

14. . . user interface

15. . . Geographic information screening unit

41. . . distance

42. . . Path map

S31~S33. . . step

A~E. . . Geographic information

C-1~C-4. . . Image device

M. . . Central location

1 is a schematic diagram showing a preferred embodiment of a method for obtaining geographic information within a certain range of a central location through a network in accordance with the present invention;

2 is a system diagram showing a geographic information system within a certain range around a central location through a network corresponding to the preferred embodiment;

Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating the steps of the preferred embodiment;

Figure 4 is a schematic view showing an electronic map of the preferred embodiment; and

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the distance/time coordinate of the preferred embodiment.

S31~S33. . . step

Claims (9)

A method for obtaining geographic information within a certain range of a central location through a network, comprising the steps of: (A) providing a system for obtaining geographic information within a certain range of a central location through a network, wherein the system includes a pre-established a geographic map database including a plurality of geographic information, a data receiving unit, and a geographic information screening unit; (B) the data receiving unit receives a central location, a distance, and at least one keyword provided by the user; (C) the geographic information screening unit generates an electronic map for the user's electronic device according to the latitude and longitude, the distance, the keyword, and the geographic map database of the central location, wherein the electronic map corresponds to the central location a circular area centered on the distance and displaying at least one geographic information associated with the keyword and located in the circular area, and a relative geographic location between the key location and the central location; And (D) the geographic information screening unit is based on the latitude and longitude, the distance, the keyword, and the geographic map information of the central location a distance/time coordinate map displayed by the user's electronic device, wherein the vertical axis of the distance/time coordinate map is a distance, and the horizontal axis is time, and includes geographic information of the key attraction, wherein the geographic information includes a The relative linear distance between the key location of the vertical axis coordinate and the central location, and the occurrence time of the geographic information as a horizontal axis coordinate. Obtain a central location via the Internet as described in item 1 of the scope of the patent application The method of geographic information surrounding a certain range further includes a step (E): when the user selects the geographic information, the network transmits a pair of instant video information of the key location to the user's electronic device, wherein the instant The audiovisual information is captured by an image device adjacent to the key location and transmitted over the network. A method for obtaining geographic information within a certain range of a central location through a network as described in claim 2, wherein the video device is a video camera located at the key location, and the instant video information is transmitted through a communication network The electronic device that is transmitted to the user. A method for obtaining geographic information within a certain range of a central location through a network as described in claim 2, wherein the video device is a video camera of a computer host located at the key location and will be accessed via the Internet The instant video information is transmitted to the user's electronic device. A method for obtaining geographic information within a certain range of a central location through a network as described in claim 2, wherein the video device is a video camera that does not recognize one of the user's mobile devices of the user, and The instant video information is transmitted to the user's electronic device through the communication network. A method for obtaining geographic information within a certain range of a central location through a network as described in claim 5, wherein the mobile device is closest to the critical component of the telecommunications base station adjacent to the critical location Location. Obtain a central location via the Internet as described in item 1 of the scope of the patent application The method of surrounding geographic information within a certain range further includes a step (F): when the user selects the geographic information, generating a path map connecting the central location and the key location on the electronic map, wherein the geographic information Includes a pair of actual path distances that should be path maps. A method for obtaining geographic information within a certain range of a central location through a network according to claim 1 of the scope of the patent application, wherein in the step (B), the electronic device of the user has a global positioning function, and the electronic device The instant location is the central location provided by the user. A method for obtaining geographic information within a certain range of a central location through a network as described in claim 1 of the scope of the patent application, wherein in the step (B), the user inputs the central location on the electronic device Provide the location of the center.