Proximity search methods using tiles to represent geographical zones
US7606687B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 14, 2004 |
| Grant date | Oct 20, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 1, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F16/29
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A proximity search engine for carrying out a proximity search with respect to a reference location uses as a reference frame the earth divided into tiles, which are predefined geographic regions of substantially equal areas. Records that are searched based on proximity to a reference location include location pointers, each of which identifies a particular tile that encompasses the physical location indicated by the corresponding record. When the proximity search is carried out, the tiles that are within a specified distance from the reference location are obtained and records having location pointers corresponding to such tiles are selected for inclusion in the search results.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.