Computerized information access and presentation methods

Abstract

Methods for providing information useful to a user of a computerized apparatus. In one embodiment, the method includes utilizing the speech of the user as an input to access, for example, a database having a plurality of business entities nearby to the user. Where multiple possible matches to the input are located, the user is presented with at least a portion of the name of each of the possible matches, so that the user can select the one of interest, and obtain imagery of a location of the selected entity of interest, including its surroundings, to orient themselves and find the selected entity.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 .- 40 . (canceled) 
     
     
         41 . A method of providing information to a user of a computerized apparatus, the computerized apparatus comprising at least a display device and a speech processing apparatus, the method comprising:
 receiving a digital representation of human speech, the human speech relating to an organization or business entity which the user wishes to locate;   causing access of a plurality of data to identify the organization or business entity, the identification of the organization or business entity based at least in part on the digital representation, the identification of the organization or business entity further comprising receiving and utilizing at least one user input subsequent to the digital representation so as to resolve one or more ambiguities relating to multiple possible matching organizations or business entities; and   providing data comprising a graphical or visual representation of a location associated with the identified organization or business entity for display on the display device of the computerized apparatus in order to aid the user in finding the organization or business entity, the graphical or visual representation of the location showing at least the organization or business entity and its immediate surroundings, as well as other organizations or business entities proximate thereto.   
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 41 , wherein:
 the digital representation of human speech is obtained by:
 receiving the human speech in analog form; 
 digitizing the received analog human speech to produce a digital output; and 
 identifying one or more words within the digital output; and 
   the causing access of a plurality of data to identify the organization or business entity, the identification of the organization or business entity based at least in part on the digital representation, comprises using the identified one or more words as part of a search of the plurality of data.   
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 42 , wherein the plurality of data comprises a plurality of data comprising at least names and location information relating to a plurality of organizations or business entities. 
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 43 , wherein the plurality of organizations or business entities comprise a plurality of organizations and business entities which are geographically proximate to a current location of the user. 
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 42 , wherein the plurality of data comprises a plurality of data comprising at least names and location information relating only to a plurality of organizations or business entities which are local to a location of the user when the user provides the human speech. 
     
     
         46 . The method of  claim 42 , wherein the human speech comprises at least part of a name of the organization or business entity, and the multiple possible matching entities each have a name associated therewith which includes the at least part of the name of the organization or business entity. 
     
     
         47 . The method of  claim 46 , wherein the receiving and utilizing that at least one subsequent user input comprises receiving and utilizing an input indicating that the user wishes to select one of the plurality of possible matching organizations or business entities. 
     
     
         48 . The method of  claim 47 , wherein the subsequent user input comprises a speech input. 
     
     
         49 . The method of  claim 47 , wherein the subsequent user input comprises an input received from a touch screen input and display device of the computerized apparatus, the received input comprising the user touching a touch-sensitive screen of the input and display device. 
     
     
         50 . The method of  claim 42 , wherein the plurality of data is disposed on a remote network entity, and the causing access of a plurality of data comprises:
 transmitting a representation of the one or more words via at least a wireless link formed between the computerized apparatus and a network in communication with the remote networked entity; and   using, at the remote networked entity, the identified one or more words to search the plurality of data.   
     
     
         51 . The method of  claim 50 , wherein the providing to the computerized apparatus data comprising a graphical or visual representation of a location associated with the identified organization or business entity for display on the computerized apparatus in order to aid the user in finding the organization or business entity comprises:
 accessing a file or other data element associated with the identified organization or business entity;   obtaining, via the accessing of the file or other data element, the data comprising a graphical or visual representation of the location associated with the identified organization or business entity; and   receiving, via at least the wireless link, the data comprising a graphical or visual representation of a location associated with the identified organization or business entity.   
     
     
         52 . The method of  claim 51 , wherein the identifying one or more words within the digital output comprises using at least one phoneme string present in the digital output to search a library of words. 
     
     
         53 . The method of  claim 52 , wherein the location comprises a location substantially within a building, and the immediate surroundings, as well as other organizations or business entities proximate thereto, are also each disposed within the building. 
     
     
         54 . The method of  claim 50 , wherein the transmitting, via at least the wireless link, and the receiving, via at least the wireless link, each comprises utilization of a wireless link compliant with an IEEE 802.11 standard. 
     
     
         55 . The method of  claim 41 , wherein:
 the display device comprises a touch-screen input and display device, and the method further comprises presenting to the user, using at least the touch screen input and display device, a visually perceivable listing of at least a portion of the multiple possible matching organizations or business entities, the presenting occurring prior to the receiving and utilizing the at least one user input subsequent to the digital representation; and   the receiving the at least one user input subsequent to the digital representation comprises receiving the at least one user input via the touch-screen input and display device.   
     
     
         56 . The method of  claim 41 , wherein:
 the computerized apparatus further comprises a speech synthesis apparatus, and the method further comprises presenting to the user, using at least the speech synthesis apparatus, an audibly perceivable recitation of at least two of the multiple possible matching organizations or business entities, the presenting occurring prior to the receiving and utilizing the at least one user input subsequent to the digital representation; and   the receiving the at least one user input subsequent to the digital representation comprises receiving the at least one user speech input via the speech processing apparatus.   
     
     
         57 . The method of  claim 41 , wherein identified organization or business entity comprises an organization or business entity having a name, a portion of which that is a to nearest approximation of a match to one or more words present in the human speech received from the user, but not an exact match. 
     
     
         58 . The method of  claim 41 , wherein:
 the multiple possible matching organizations or business entities each comprise an organization or entity having a name, at least a portion of the name which is an approximate but non-exact match to one or more words present in the digital representation of the human speech; and   the identification of the organization or business entity comprises at least: (i) determining, within the multiple possible matching organizations or business entities, at least a nearest approximation of a match to the at least portion of a name; and (ii) utilizing an organization or business entity associated with the determined nearest approximation of a match as the identified organization or business entity.   
     
     
         59 . The method of  claim 58 , wherein the determining at least a nearest approximation of a match comprises computing at least one metric for the multiple possible matching organizations or business entities which are approximate but non-exact matches, the at least one metric being used in determination of the nearest approximation, and the receiving and utilizing the at least one subsequent user input so as to resolve the one or more ambiguities comprises:
 prompting the user to evaluate whether the at least nearest approximation of a match comprises the organization or business entity which the user desires to locate;   receiving the at least one subsequent user input from the user, the at least one subsequent user input indicating that the nearest approximation of a match is desired by the user; and   causing selection of the nearest approximation as a basis for the providing to the computerized apparatus data comprising a graphical or visual representation of the location associated with the identified organization or business entity.   
     
     
         60 . The method of  claim 58 , wherein the determining at least a nearest approximation of a match comprises computing at least one metric for the multiple possible matching organizations or business entities which are approximate but non-exact matches, the at least one metric being used in determination of the nearest approximation, and the receiving and utilizing the at least one subsequent user input so as to resolve the one or more ambiguities comprises:
 prompting the user to evaluate whether the at least nearest approximation of a match comprises the organization or business entity which the user desires to locate;   receiving the at least one subsequent user input from the user, the at least one subsequent user input indicating that the nearest approximation of a match is not desired by the user; and   prompting the user to evaluate whether a next nearest one of the approximate but non-exact matches is the entity which the user desires to locate.   
     
     
         61 . The method of  claim 41 , wherein the computerized apparatus comprises a button- or key-based input device configured to, when actuated, cause the computerized apparatus to enter a mode whereby a user can provide a speech input to the speech processing apparatus; and wherein the method further comprises:
 receiving a first signal indicating that the input device has been actuated by the user;   after a predetermined period of time has passed, causing the computerized apparatus to revert to a mode where the user cannot enter the speech input; and   receiving a second signal indicating that the input device has again been actuated by the user; and   wherein the receiving a digital representation of human speech occurs after the second signal has been received.   
     
     
         62 . The method of  claim 61 , wherein the computerized apparatus comprises a graphics co-processor, and the method further comprises rendering at least a portion of the provided data comprising a graphical or visual representation of a location associated with the identified organization or business entity on the display device of the computerized apparatus, the rendering comprising at least a portion of a building on the display device using the graphics co-processor. 
     
     
         63 . A method of providing information to a user of a computerized apparatus, the method comprising:
 receiving via a network link a first digital representation of human speech, the human speech relating to the name of an organization or business entity which the user wishes to locate;   based at least in part on the first digital representation, causing identification of multiple possible matching organizations or business entities;   receiving data relating to an input provided by the user, the input provided subsequent to the human speech, the input determining identification of one of the multiple possible matching organizations or business entities as being the one which the user desires to locate; and   causing, based at least in part on the received data, provision to the computerized apparatus via a wireless network link, data relating to a graphical or visual representation of a location associated with the identified one organization or business entity which the user desires to locate, the data relating to the graphical or visual representation enabling display of at least a portion thereof on a display device of the computerized apparatus in order to aid a user in finding the organization or business entity, the graphical or visual representation of the location comprising at least one image showing at least the location of the organization or business entity relative to other organizations or entities immediately proximate thereto.   
     
     
         64 . The method of  claim 63 , wherein the at least one image comprises a two-dimensional overhead image of the location, the image further illustrating a path which can be followed to lead to the location. 
     
     
         65 . The method of  claim 63 , wherein the at least one image comprises an image of at least a portion of a building at least proximate the location, the image further illustrating a path which can be followed to lead to the location. 
     
     
         66 . The method of  claim 63 ,wherein the display device comprises a touch-sensitive input and display device, the computerized apparatus is configured to display a plurality of Internet hyperlinks on the touch-sensitive input and display device, and the method further comprises:
 receiving via the network link a user input obtained at least in part by the user touching at least one of the hyperlinks;   causing accessing of a remote network entity associated with the at least one hyperlink; and   causing information associated with the at least one hyperlink obtained during said accessing to be sent to the computerized apparatus via a network link for display of at least a portion thereof on the display device;   wherein the information associated with the at least one hyperlink obtained during said accessing comprises information which is at least one of: (i) subject to expiry within a limited period of time, and accordingly updated on a regular basis; and/or (ii) directions to a restaurant or public transportation facility local to the location.   
     
     
         67 . The method of  claim 66 , wherein:
 the information which is subject to expiry within a limited period of time, and accordingly updated on a regular basis, comprises weather information; and   at least a portion of the plurality of Internet hyperlinks are displayed on the display device as icons configured to communicate a topic associated therewith visually to the user.   
     
     
         68 . The method of  claim 63 , wherein the method further comprises:
 receiving, prior to receiving the first digital representation, a plurality of preferences from the user, the plurality of preferences being used to configure at least a portion of a file or data element specific to the user; and   subsequently accessing the file or data element so as to utilize at least some of the plurality of preferences in configuring at least one aspect of operation of the computerized apparatus.   
     
     
         69 . The method of  claim 68 , wherein the configuring the at least one aspect of the operation of the computerized apparatus comprises configuring at least a portion of the data relating to a graphical or visual representation of a location associated with the identified one organization or business entity which the user desires to locate. 
     
     
         70 . The method of  claim 68 , wherein the configuring the at least one aspect of the operation of the computerized apparatus comprises configuring at least a portion of data to be provided to the user via an ad hoc data link formed between the computerized apparatus and a personal electronic device of the user. 
     
     
         71 . The method of  claim 70 , wherein the data to be provided to the user via the ad hoc data link formed between the computerized apparatus and the personal electronic device of the user comprises at least one of: (i) map data that has been obtained from an Internet server and sent to the computerized apparatus via the wireless link; and/or (ii) the data relating to the graphical or visual representation of a location associated with the identified one organization or business entity which the user desires to locate. 
     
     
         72 . A method of providing information to a user of a computerized apparatus, the method comprising:
 receiving human speech from the user, the human speech comprising at least part of a name of a business entity which the user wishes to locate;   creating a first digital representation of the human speech;   processing the first digital representation to identify the at least part of the name;   causing search of a database having at least data relating to a plurality of business entities including at least a name of each of the plurality of business entities, the search utilizing the identified at least part of the name;   receiving data relating to multiple possible matching business entities that have been identified from the search;   providing data relating to an input provided by the user, the input provided subsequent to the human speech, the input enabling identifying of one of the multiple possible matching business entities as being the one which the user desires to locate;   receiving data relating to a graphical or visual representation of a location associated with the identified one business entity which the user desires to locate, the received data relating to a graphical or visual representation of a location having been provided in response to at least the providing the data relating to the input, the graphical or visual representation of the location comprising at least one image showing the location of the business entity relative to other business entities proximate thereto; and   displaying the received data relating to a graphical or visual representation of a location associated with the identified one business entity which the user desires to locate on a display device of the computerized apparatus in order to aid a user in finding the one business entity.   
     
     
         73 . The method of  claim 72 , wherein the receiving data relating to a graphical or visual representation of a location associated with the identified one business entity which the user desires to locate further comprises receiving data relating to a graphical or visual representation of directions to the location, the directions comprising at least one arrow that can be rendered so as to be visually distinguishable from the at least one image. 
     
     
         74 . The method of  claim 73 , wherein the receiving the data relating to multiple possible matching business entities that have been identified from the search comprises receiving both (i) data indicating at least part of a name of each of the multiple possible matching business entities; and (ii) data indicating at least part of an address of each of the multiple possible matching business entities; and
 wherein the method further comprises providing at least a portion of both (i) the data indicating at least part of the name of each of the multiple possible matching business entities; and (ii) the data indicating at least part of an address of each of the multiple possible matching business entities, to the user before the input is provided by the user.   
     
     
         75 . The method of  claim 74 , wherein the providing at least a portion of both (i) the data indicating at least part of the name of each of the multiple possible matching business entities; and (ii) the data indicating at least part of an address of each of the multiple possible matching business entities, to the user before the input is provided by the user comprises synthesizing audible speech which is intelligible to the user, the audible speech comprising at least a portion of each of data indicating at least part of the name of at least one of the multiple possible matching business entities, and data indicating at least part of an address of at least one of the multiple possible matching business entities. 
     
     
         76 . The method of  claim 74 , wherein the providing at least a portion of both (i) the data indicating at least part of the name of each of the multiple possible matching business entities; and (ii) the data indicating at least part of an address of each of the multiple possible matching business entities, to the user before the input is provided by the user comprises synthesizing audible speech which is intelligible to the user, the audible speech comprising speech relating to at least two of the multiple possible matching entities, a portion of the audible speech relating to a first of the at least two entities being presented before a portion of the audible speech relating to a second of the at least two entities. 
     
     
         77 . The method of  claim 72 , wherein the receiving the data relating to multiple possible matching business entities that have been identified from the search comprises receiving both (i) data indicating at least part of a name of each of the multiple possible matching business entities; and (ii) data indicating at least part of an address of each of the multiple possible matching business entities; and
 wherein the method further comprises providing at least a portion of both (i) the data indicating at least part of the name of each of the multiple possible matching business entities;   and (ii) the data indicating at least part of an address of each of the multiple possible matching business entities, to the user before the input is provided by the user.   
     
     
         78 . The method of  claim 77 , wherein:
 the location comprises a location substantially within a building, and the business entities proximate thereto are also each disposed within the building; and   the at least part of the address for at least one of the multiple possible matching business entities comprises a floor number for a floor within the building.   
     
     
         79 . The method of  claim 72 , wherein the location comprises a location substantially within a building, and the business entities proximate thereto are also each disposed within the building. 
     
     
         80 . The method of  claim 72 , further comprising: (i) receiving via a wireless interface a plurality of images of the location, the plurality of images comprising images corresponding to respective ones of portions of the location, the portions being at least partly contiguous with others of the portions at the location; and (ii) displaying the plurality of images substantially simultaneously on the display device. 
     
     
         81 . The method of  claim 80 , wherein the plurality of images are each derived from a camera that visually observed the respective one of the portion of the location. 
     
     
         82 . The method of  claim 72 , wherein the causing search of a database having at least data relating to a plurality of business entities including at least a name of each of the plurality of business entities comprises causing search of a database having only data relating to a plurality of business entities which are local to a geographic area within which the computerized apparatus is located. 
     
     
         83 . A method of interactively providing information to a user of a computerized apparatus from a remote location, the method comprising:
 receiving a first digitized representation of human speech, the speech relating to a business entity which a user wishes to locate;   based at least in part on the first representation, identifying a plurality of possible matching business entities;   receiving at least a second digitized representation of speech of the user;   based on at least the second representation, identifying one of the plurality of possible matching entities as the business entity of interest to the user; and   causing provision to the computerized apparatus via a network link data comprising a visual representation of the location for display on the computerized apparatus in order to aid a user in finding the business entity of interest, the visual representation of the location showing at least a portion of surroundings of the business entity of interest.   
     
     
         84 . The method of  claim 83 , further comprising:
 causing provision of address information relating to a location of the business entity of interest to the user; and   causing display of a graphical or visual representation of directions to the location, the directions comprising at least one arrow that can be rendered so as to be visually distinguishable by the user from the visual representation.   
     
     
         85 . The method of  claim 83 , further comprising:
 causing provision of address information relating to at least two of the plurality of possible matching business entities prior to receiving the at least a second digitized representation of speech of the user; and   causing display of a graphical or visual representation of directions to the location, the directions comprising at least one arrow that can be rendered so as to be visually distinguishable by the user from the visual representation.   
     
     
         86 . The method of  claim 83 , wherein the computerized apparatus comprises a button- or key-based input device configured to, when actuated, cause the computerized apparatus to enter a mode whereby a user can provide a speech input to the speech processing apparatus; and wherein the method further comprises:
 receiving a first signal indicating that the input device has been actuated by the user;   after a predetermined period of time has passed, causing the computerized apparatus to revert to a mode where the user cannot enter the speech input; and   receiving a second signal indicating that the input device has again been actuated by the user; and   wherein the receiving the first digitized representation of human speech occurs after the second signal has been received.   
     
     
         87 . A method of providing information to a user of a computerized apparatus, the method comprising:
 receiving a digital representation of a speech input, the representation generated via a speech recognition apparatus of the computerized apparatus, the speech input comprising at least part of a name of an organization or business entity which a user wishes to locate, the organization or business entity being inside of a building;   causing, based at least in part on the digital representation, searching of a plurality of data comprising information relating to a plurality of organizations or business entities, the searching identifying a plurality of possible matches for the at least part of the name;   presenting a listing of the plurality of possible matches, including at least a portion of an address thereof, to the user;   receiving, subsequent to the presenting, an input from the user, the input enabling the identification of one of the plurality of possible matches as the one which the user wishes to locate; and   causing provision to the computerized apparatus via at least a wireless network link of an image of the identified one organization or business entity which the user wishes to locate, the image showing at least the immediate surroundings of the identified one organization or business entity and one or more other organizations or entities which are proximate to the identified one organization or business entity within the building, the image being configured for display on a display device of the computerized apparatus and to aid a user in orienting themselves when proximate the identified one organization or business entity.   
     
     
         88 . The method of  claim 87 , wherein the computerized apparatus comprises a button- or key-based input device configured to, when actuated, cause the computerized apparatus to enter a mode whereby a user can provide the speech input to the speech processing apparatus; and
 wherein the method further comprises:
 receiving a first signal indicating that the input device has been actuated by the user; 
 after a predetermined period of time has passed, causing the computerized apparatus to revert to a mode where the user cannot enter the speech input; and 
 receiving a second signal indicating that the input device has again been actuated by the user; and 
   wherein the receiving the digital representation of human speech occurs after the second signal has been received.   
     
     
         89 . The method of  claim 88 , wherein the computerized apparatus comprises a capacitive touch screen input and display device, and the receiving, subsequent to the presenting, an input from the user comprises receiving an input generated as a result of the user touching a region of a touch screen of the touch screen input and display device corresponding to one of the plurality of possible matches. 
     
     
         90 . The method of  claim 89 , further comprising:
 displaying, on the touch screen input and display device, a plurality of Internet links selectable by the user via touching the touch screen, the plurality of Internet links comprising links to various topical areas;   receiving a user input selecting at least one of the displayed Internet links;   causing access of a remote server via at least the wireless network link, the remote server being addressed by the selected at least one Internet link;   receiving information relating to the selected at least one Internet link from the remote server via at least the wireless network link; and   displaying at least a portion of the received information on the input and display device.   
     
     
         91 . The method of  claim 90 , further comprising displaying the image on the touch screen input and display device in a first window on the touch screen; and
 wherein the displaying at least a portion of the received information on the input and display device comprising displaying the at least portion of the received information within a second window on the touch screen, the first and second windows being display simultaneously.   
     
     
         92 . The method of  claim 90 , further comprising:
 receiving digital video data from at least one video apparatus, the video data relating to an area which is at least partly occluded from view of the user; and   displaying the received digital video data on the touch screen input and display device.   
     
     
         93 . The method of  claim 92 , wherein the causing access of a remote server via at least the wireless network link comprises causing access of a remote server via at least a wireless interface compliant with an IEEE 802.11 standard.