Technology

The unique capability of a mobile device equipped with GeoVector designs is its ability to point at locations, either real or virtual, and pull up information about them. This proprietary system uses data generated by the device positioning system and a heading sensor to enable an intuitive pointing access method. Using this technology, GeoVector enhances digital devices (including mobile phones, PDA’s cameras and other products) so that they are able to access relevant data based on their position and orientation.

GeoVector helps manufacturers implement pointing capability in their devices with minimal modifications. Once the product is in the user’s hand, he or she simply points the phone to indicate interest. GeoVector’s servers identify the user, interpret the query, access the information and return it to the user. It is important to note that GeoVector can access a vast library of existing databases or other information sources for unique and specialized content.

Although GeoVector enabled handsets and devices can make use of most existing geo-coded content, GeoVector also provides software tools for manufacturers, service providers and content developers who wish to make their location-coded information more readily accessible. The company is enabling the worldwide development of pointing accessible location content and will facilitate these offerings by providing tools and systems to assure efficient and accurate object identification.

The two images below illustrate the power of the Pointing Access Method. The user is in San Francisco looking for a restaurant. With a typical location based device he would request eating locations within a specified distance. Without the ability to indicate direction, the number of establishments that would appear could be overwhelming. Refining the search by pointing to indicate interest makes the information received much more manageable, and therefore of much greater utility. Setting user preferences can further refine the amount of information the user receives. Knowledge of position and direction can also be used to generate pedestrian guidance to the user’s destination. Other examples are available on the designs page.

GeoVector has been awarded 12 patents by the USPTO and has 25+ applications pending. GeoVector also has been awarded a number of international patents. These inventions and patents exploit several existing technologies such as GPS; electro-optic devices; microprocessors; digital signal processors; and motion and heading sensors. This suite of intellectual properties supports the delivery of proximity-enhanced data, through pointing access methods, image annotation, positioning methods, latency reduction and others.