Abstract: A system and method for using a combination of semantic and statistical processing of input strings or other data content, such as a web page or an electronic document. In accordance with an embodiment, the system enables the injection of semantics into an otherwise statistically-based environment, by recognizing that, within various topics, certain words, combinations of words, or phrases, herein referred to as keyphrases have different weights. Some keyphrases may be relatively unique within a particular topic, or have a relatively high weighting towards that topic; whereas other keyphrases may not be unique, or may have a relatively low rating toward that topic. In accordance with an embodiment, the system allows for characterization of both (a) “sufficient” and (b) “necessary” keyphrases. A keyphrase is considered sufficient for a particular topic when, if that keyphrase is found in the input string or data content, one is likely to be in that topic (but could be in another topic).

Abstract: A system and method for using semantic understanding in storing and searching data and other information. A linearized tuple-based version of a conceptual graph can be created from a user input. A plurality of conceptual graphs, or portions thereof, can be compared to determine matches. An associative database can be created and/or searched using a hierarchy of conceptual graphs in tuple format, so that the data storage and searching of such database is optimized. The associative database can be used to integrate data from multiple different sources; form part of an Internet or other search engine; or used in other implementations. Also disclosed herein is a system and method for use of semantic understanding in searching and providing of content is described herein.

Abstract: A method and system for creating and/or using a universal location referencing object (ULRO) with electronic files including electronic maps. ULROs establish traversable links between a file-of-reference and third-party-files. In accordance with an embodiment, the ULRO comprises a universal location referencing code uniquely corresponding to the location, together with several optional components, including: a set of name information; a super-set of coordinates; a file-of-reference pointer field comprising a file-of-reference pointer; a third-party-file pointer field comprising one or more third-party-file pointers; a file-of-reference back-pointer field comprising a file-of-reference back-pointer; a third-party-file back-pointer field comprising one or more third-party-file back-pointers; and a metadata field.

Abstract: A system and method for multiple attribute concurrent searching using a visual paradigm. The system allows the user to locate and display a first data item in the database, graphically select attributes, values or other criteria associated with that data item, and instruct the system to use these criteria as a constraint in successive ordering and access of other data items either in a previously retrieved set of data items, or as a new search in the database itself. When the user clicks on a “next” icon, “next” button, or a similar search-initiation feature, the system uses the constraints previously selected to locate, organize, or place into a logical order the next data item matching those constraints. In accordance with an embodiment for use with digital maps and digital map databases, the system provides a graphical window screen by which a user can select attributes associated with a particular map item, and use these attributes and constraints in subsequent ordering and searching.

Abstract: A system and method for providing digital map or navigation information with need-based routing. In accordance with an embodiment, the system disclosed herein provides a means for suppliers, such as suppliers or retailers of goods and services, to provide information about the availability of those goods and services. When a user interacts with the system and a need is determined, the system can offer information, such as directing the user to an appropriate supplier, including where appropriate a map and/or route to the supplier. In accordance with an embodiment the system can take into account the user's location, and/or the supplier's locations, and/or a cost associated with an item, and/or other geographic and non-geographic information that can be stored and retrieved from a digital map or a supplier.

Abstract: A method and system for creating and/or using a universal location referencing object (ULRO) with electronic files including electronic maps. ULROs establish traversable links between a file-of-reference and third-party-files. In accordance with an embodiment, the ULRO comprises a universal location referencing code uniquely corresponding to the location, together with several optional components, including: a set of name information; a super-set of coordinates; a file-of-reference pointer field comprising a file-of-reference pointer; a third-party-file pointer field comprising one or more third-party-file pointers; a file-of-reference back-pointer field comprising a file-of-reference back-pointer; a third-party-file back-pointer field comprising one or more third-party-file back-pointers; and a metadata field.

Abstract: A system and method for attaching geographical markers to a variety of objects, including real-world objects, electronic documents, people, software applications, and other items of information, including stationary and moving entities. In accordance with an embodiment, the system provides an object location identifier (OLI), and can use additional forms of identifiers such as universal location referencing objects (ULRO) for mapping real-world objects, electronic documents, people, software applications, and other items of information. The object location identifier answers the questions of who and where a particular object may be. A mobile object location identifier (MOLI) feature can also be provided as a standardized way for specifying an object location identifier for user with mobile entities, including people, websites, and wireless applications.

Abstract: A system and method for causing a master operation that is executed on a master map, window, document, or database to also be automatically executed in its corresponding form on one or more slave maps, windows, documents, and/or databases. Embodiments of the invention can operate with masters and slaves that are initially either open or closed or both, depending on the operator's desires and the current state of the computing device. Embodiments of the invention are capable of opening masters and/or slaves that are closed. In some embodiments, the event handler capable of receiving the selections of master and slave(s) is part of the operating system and in other embodiments it is separate from the operating system. All embodiments operate with one master and with one or more slaves. In certain embodiments, the master and/or one or more slaves and/or the operation will be selected by default.

Abstract: A system and method for using universal location referencing objects (ULRO) to provide geographic information. As described herein, an embodiment of a ULRO comprises a permanent identification code designed to identify a selected location. A location in turn may be associated with one or more geographic items. A ULRO can be employed to establish traversable links or connections between a file-of-reference and third-party-files for a broad range of database formats. A file-of-reference is a geospatial file used for permanent storage of a file owner's geographic data. A third-party-file is a geospatial file used for permanent storage of a third-party's geographic data. Whatever its format may happen to be, a file-of-reference or a third-party-file can typically be transformed into other formats that may be more appropriate for certain applications.

Abstract: A method and system for creating and/or using a universal location referencing object (ULRO) with electronic files including electronic maps. ULROs establish traversable links between a file-of-reference and third-party-files. In accordance with an embodiment, the ULRO comprises a universal location referencing code uniquely corresponding to the location, together with several optional components, including: a set of name information; a super-set of coordinates; a file-of-reference pointer field comprising a file-of-reference pointer; a third-party-file pointer field comprising one or more third-party-file pointers; a file-of-reference back-pointer field comprising a file-of-reference back-pointer; a third-party-file back-pointer field comprising one or more third-party-file back-pointers; and a metadata field.

Abstract: A system and method for viewing and editing digital maps using a plugin data abstraction layer for different digital map formats. An embodiment of the present invention is generally related to systems for accessing, displaying, editing and using digital maps. The system includes a viewer application together with a data abstraction layer and a plurality of different data abstraction interfaces. The data abstraction layer can be used to allow different map formats to be parsed and viewed. This allows the system to receive data in any of a variety of different input map formats. The map can then be edited, viewed, displayed on a display screen, or output. The map can also be used to create or display a map in a universal display format that is independent of the original format.

Abstract: A system and method for converting digital map information using displayable map information as an intermediary. An embodiment of the present invention is generally related to systems for accessing, displaying, editing and using digital maps. The system can receive data into the viewer application in a first map format and then provide or output that data in a second map format. Different map formats can be interpreted and/or optionally displayed in a universal display format. Depending on the particular embodiment the universal display format can include item coordinates, or higher level descriptions of geometry and topology in the map. In accordance with an embodiment, a map format legend associated with a particular map format can then be used to interpret the universal display format, and output the data into that map format. A plurality of different map legends can be used to allow different map formats to be output. In this manner the system allows for easy and universal converting of map formats.

Abstract: A system and method for using layers and grids to access, view, edit and store digital map data. An embodiment of the present invention is generally related to systems for accessing, displaying, editing and using digital maps. The system assists in previewing and outputting data to different map formats. Some maps include multiple levels of tiled map information. The map can be displayed on a display screen in a universal display format that is independent of the original format, and can then be parsed using a map legend. Features are provided to allow output of different types or sets of map data based on the currently displayed map. If a user modifies the map display to display a greater, or lesser, detail of resolution, then the set of map data that is output can be varied accordingly.

Abstract: A system and method for providing efficient access to digital map data. An embodiment of the present invention is generally related to systems for accessing, displaying, editing and using digital maps. In some map data formats each map item is not necessarily stored or encoded using a consistent byte length. Instead, to save overall storage requirements, the map items can be stored as different byte length variables. In accordance with an embodiment, the system comprises a bit stream processor that provides a staging area for efficient reading and writing of map data, and also provides security for adjoining data portions that use different byte length variables. An input map or map data can be read into the system, and optionally written to an output map. As map data is read into the system, instead of reading it directly from disk storage to the display screen, which takes time, the bit stream processor places the map data in memory and reads it from there.

Abstract: A system and method for manipulating digital map information, that allows the operator to view or modify map object or item attributes from either a graphical window or a text window. In one embodiment, when the user selects a map item within the graphical window (202), the text window (210) displays a text record that includes attributes (242) associated with the currently selected item. Attributes may include, for example, a street name, or a relationship of the current item to another item. The system can display these relationships within the text window. In one embodiment, the attributes that include links to related map items or to related items of information are highlighted or are visibly identified (249) in some manner. The operator can then select a highlighted attribute to traverse to, and display the new map item. The graphical window display can be updated in parallel with the text window.

Abstract: A system and method for manipulating digital map information, that allows the operator to view or modify map object or item attributes from either a graphical window or a text window. In one embodiment, when the user selects a map item within the graphical window (202), the text window (210) displays a text record that includes attributes (242) associated with the currently selected item. Attributes may include, for example, a street name, or a relationship of the current item to another item. The system can display these relationships within the text window. In one embodiment, the attributes that include links to related map items or to related items of information are highlighted or are visibly identified (249) in some manner. The operator can then select a highlighted attribute to traverse to, and display the new map item. The graphical window display can be updated in parallel with the text window.

Abstract: A system and method for manipulating digital map information, that allows the operator to view or modify map object or item attributes from either a graphical window or a text window. In one embodiment, when the user selects a map item within the graphical window (202), the text window (210) displays a text record that includes attributes (242) associated with the currently selected item. Attributes may include, for example, a street name, or a relationship of the current item to another item. The system can display these relationships within the text window. In one embodiment, the attributes that include links to related map items or to related items of information are highlighted or are visibly identified (249) in some manner. The operator can then select a highlighted attribute to traverse to, and display the new map item. The graphical window display can be updated in parallel with the text window.

Abstract: A method and system for creating and/or using a universal location referencing object (ULRO) with electronic files including electronic maps. ULROs establish traversable links between a file-of-reference and third-party-files. In accordance with an embodiment, the ULRO comprises a universal location referencing code uniquely corresponding to the location, together with several optional components, including: a set of name information; a super-set of coordinates; a file-of-reference pointer field comprising a file-of-reference pointer; a third-party-file pointer field comprising one or more third-party-file pointers; a file-of-reference back-pointer field comprising a file-of-reference back-pointer; a third-party-file back-pointer field comprising one or more third-party-file back-pointers; and a metadata field.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a virtual map database, referred to herein as the “Virtual Database System” (VDB). The VDB allows integration of map data, often from various sources, in a consistent manner for supply to an end user, while simultaneously ensuring that the entity best able to support a particular data source retains control over the data. In accordance with an embodiment, the VDB environment enables third-party data providers to associate their third-party-files with a base map or file-of-reference, thereby allowing for the creation of dynamic relationships between digital map features and other third-party data providers. The integration may be performed in a dynamic or real-time fashion, receiving up-to-date information from the various sources, creating links, and composing virtual maps, as needed or on-demand.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a virtual map database, referred to herein as the “Virtual Database System” (VDB). The VDB allows integration of map data, often from various sources, in a consistent manner for supply to an end user, while simultaneously ensuring that the entity best able to support a particular data source retains control over the data. In accordance with an embodiment, the VDB environment enables third-party data providers to associate their third-party-files with a base map or file-of-reference, thereby allowing for the creation of dynamic relationships between digital map features and other third-party data providers. The integration may be performed in a dynamic or real-time fashion, receiving up-to-date information from the various sources, creating links, and composing virtual maps, as needed or on-demand.