Abstract: A computer-implemented method of locating points of interest for a user in a geographic area is disclosed. A current state of the user is used as an index into a list of a plurality of current state functions to select at least one of the plurality of current state functions. Each current state function corresponds with a utility measure set where each utility measure set includes a plurality of utility measures ordered in a selected sequence. The computer is used to perform: (i) lexicographic optimization with respect to the plurality of current state functions so that the selected sequence of each utility measure set is optimally ordered, and (ii) rate a plurality of points of interest with respect to at least one of the plurality of optimized current state functions, and, based on the rating, to automatically select a set of points of interest for the user.

Abstract: There is provided a handheld device for navigating about a selected geographical zone. The handheld navigating device includes a processor circuit with a screen on which an image representative of a geographical map of a selected geographical zone is displayed. The geographical map of the selected geographical zone includes representations corresponding respectively with points of interest having locations and categories. The geographical map is configured so that (a) at least part of the representations corresponding respectively with points of interest are clustered within at least one viewing area, (b) the at least one viewing area is distinguished by a visible pattern having both a selected appearance and a first visual state that do not reveal the locations and the categories of the points of interest. The handheld navigation device includes a geographical position locating subsystem for determining when a selected relationship exists between the user and one or more of the points of interest.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for accurately and efficiently generating ambient point-of-interest recommendations electronically obtains a plurality of points-of-interest for an area, the area being an area selected by a user associated with a location of the user; electronically retrieves point-of-interest data including visitor information about visitors associated with the obtained plurality of points-of-interest and information about the obtained plurality of points-of-interest; electronically forms a plurality of groups based upon the visitor information, each group of the plurality of groups being associated with a point-of-interest of the obtained plurality of points-of-interest; electronically determines a mindset function from a plurality of mindset functions, the mindset function including a predefined function; electronically determines a group from the plurality of groups based upon the information about the obtained plurality of points-of-interest and the determined mindset function; and communic

Abstract: There is provided a handheld device for navigating about a selected geographical zone. The handheld navigating device includes a processor circuit with a screen on which an image representative of a geographical map of a selected geographical zone is displayed. The geographical map of the selected geographical zone includes representations corresponding respectively with points of interest having locations and categories. The geographical map is configured so that (a) at least part of the representations corresponding respectively with points of interest are clustered within at least one viewing area, (b) the at least one viewing area is distinguished by a visible pattern having both a selected appearance and a first visual state that do not reveal the locations and the categories of the points of interest. The handheld navigation device includes a geographical position locating subsystem for determining when a selected relationship exists between the user and one or more of the points of interest.

Abstract: There is provided a computer-implemented method of locating points of interest for a user in a geographic area. A current state of the user is used as an index into a list of a plurality of current state functions to select at least one of the plurality of current state functions. Each current state function corresponds with a utility measure set where (i) each utility measure set includes a plurality of utility measures and (ii) the plurality of utility measures of each utility measure set is ordered in a selected sequence. The computer is used to perform lexicographic optimization with respect to the plurality of current state functions so that the selected sequence of each utility measure set is optimally ordered. In turn, the computer is used to rate a plurality of points of interest with respect to at least one of the plurality of optimized current state functions, and, based on the rating, to automatically select a set of points of interest for the user.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for accurately and efficiently generating ambient point-of-interest recommendations electronically obtains a plurality of points-of-interest for an area, the area being an area selected by a user associated with a location of the user; electronically retrieves point-of-interest data including visitor information about visitors associated with the obtained plurality of points-of-interest and information about the obtained plurality of points-of-interest; electronically forms a plurality of groups based upon the visitor information, each group of the plurality of groups being associated with a point-of-interest of the obtained plurality of points-of-interest; electronically determines a mindset function from a plurality of mindset functions, the mindset function including a predefined function; electronically determines a group from the plurality of groups based upon the information about the obtained plurality of points-of-interest and the determined mindset function; and communic