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Techniques described herein allow a user to automatically associate an object with a location of the user and/or the object. This object and associated location may then be transferred to an entity for publishing the object and location on a map. For example, a user may capture a digital picture or video on a device and, in response, may automatically transmit the picture or video and corresponding location data for publishing to a map that is associated with the user. The described techniques also allow a user to create a journal that is associated with an annotated map. For instance, the user may create a journal having one or more portions that are associated with one or more portions of an annotated map. As a user consumes (e.g., reads, views, listens, etc.) the created journal, the view of the map or the displayed annotations may correspondingly change. Finally, the described techniques allow for creation of multiple overlays on a digital map. That is, these tools may allow each of multiple users to create an overlay, comprising one or more annotations, onto a digital map. These tools may then allow consuming users to choose whether to view all, some, or none of these user-created overlays.
1. One or more computer-readable media storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed on one or more processors, perform acts comprising:
capturing, at a particular location, an object;
determining the particular location at which the object was captured;
associating the captured object with the determined particular location; and
transmitting the captured object and the determined particular location for publishing to at least one annotated digital map.
2. The computer-readable media of
3. The computer-readable media of
4. The computer-readable media of
5. The computer-readable media of
6. The computer-readable media of
7. The computer-readable media of
8. A graphical user interface comprising:
a first screen area to display a journal that includes at least one link to an annotation on a digital map;
a second screen area to display the digital map; and
a third screen area to display an object associated with the annotation on the digital map in response to a user arriving at the at least one link in the journal.
9. A graphical user interface comprising:
a first screen area listing two or more overlays, wherein each of the two or more overlays: (i) is associated with a particular user who created the respective overlay, (ii) comprises one or more annotations for display over a digital map, and (iii) is selectable to display or hide the one or more annotations on the digital map; and
a second screen area to display the digital map and selected overlays on the digital map.
10. A system comprising:
a mechanism for capturing an object;
a mechanism for determining a location at which the object was captured;
a mechanism for associating the captured object with the determined location;
a mechanism for transmitting the captured object and the determined location for publication on a digital map; and,
a device that includes first, second, and third screen areas, wherein the first screen area lists two or more overlays, wherein each of the two or more overlays: (i) is associated with a particular user who created the respective overlay, (ii) comprises one or more annotations for display over the digital map, and (iii) is selectable to display or hide the one or more annotations on the digital map and wherein the first screen area displays a journal that includes at least one link to the one or more annotations on the digital map, and wherein the second screen area displays the digital map and selected overlays on the digital map, and wherein the third screen area displays the captured object associated with the annotation on the digital map in response to an individual user arriving at the at least one link in the journal.
11. One or more computer-readable media storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed on one or more processors, perform acts comprising:
obtaining a captured object and location information associated with the capture; and,
sending the captured object and location information to a web-site for publishing on a digital map based upon the location information.
12. The computer-readable media of
13. The computer-readable media of
14. The computer-readable media of
15. The computer-readable media of
16. The computer-readable media of
17. The computer-readable media of
18. One or more computer-readable media storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed on one or more processors, perform acts comprising:
determining a geographical location of a mobile device;
identifying an object affiliated with the geographical location; and
transmitting the object to the mobile device.
19. The computer-readable media of
20. One or more computer-readable media storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed on one or more processors, perform acts comprising:
receiving a data package; and
publishing an object of the data package on a digital map based upon location data contained in the digital package.
21. The computer-readable media of
22. One or more computer-readable media storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed on one or more processors, perform acts comprising:
interacting with a user to allow the user to publish an object captured by the user to a digital map; and
communicating with a publisher to allow the publisher to receive the object for publication on the digital map according to location information associated with the object.
23. The computer-readable media of
24. The computer-readable media of
25. The computer-readable media of
This patent application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/987,036, filed on Nov. 10, 2007 and from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/044,860, filed on Apr. 14, 2008.
Numerous tools exist for electronically presenting geographic information to users. The geographic information conventionally provides a map that shows locations of roadways, population centers, natural landscape features, and so forth. The geographic information may also overlay other information "on top" of the map that pertains to a particular subject. To cite merely one example, geographic information may overlay historical-based rainfall data on a map of a particular region to convey how rainfall is distributed across the region.
There remains room for improvement in the above-described technology for presenting geographic information.
The detailed description is described with reference to accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items.
This document describes tools for allowing a user to automatically associate an object with a location of the user and/or the object. This object and associated location may then be transferred to an entity for publishing the object at the associated location on a map. For example, a user may capture a digital photograph or video on a device and, in response, may automatically transmit the picture or video and corresponding location data for publishing to a map that is associated with the user or that is associated with one or more other users.
This document also describes tools for allowing a user to create a journal that is associated with an annotated map. For instance, the user may create a journal having one or more portions that are associated with one or more portions of an annotated map. As a user consumes (e.g., reads, views, listens, etc.) the created journal, the view of the map or the displayed annotations may correspondingly change.
For instance, a user may create an electronic journal that describes a mountain hike that the user recently completed. The user may also annotate a digital map with digital photographs taken during the hike. Furthermore, the user may associate portions of the journal with corresponding pictures. Therefore, as a consuming user reads the journal, corresponding pictures may be displayed. With this association, the reading user may not only read a journal about the hike, but may also view pictures that change according to the consuming user's location in the journal.
Finally, this document describes tools for allowing creation of multiple overlays on a digital map. That is, these tools may allow each of multiple users to create an overlay, comprising one or more annotations, onto the same digital map. These tools may then allow consuming users to choose whether to view all, some, or none of these user-created overlays.
For instance, in the hiking example discussed immediately above, envision that three users have hiked the same trail and each has included an overlay detailing his or her hike on a same digital map. A user that is viewing this map may decide whether to view zero, one, two, or three of these created overlays. The viewing user may also decide to view each one individually, to view two at a time, or to view none or more of these overlays in any other manner.
The discussion begins with a section entitled "Illustrative Architecture", which describes one non-limiting environment that may implement the claimed tools. A section entitled "Illustrative User Interfaces (UIs)" follows. This section illustrates and describes illustrative UIs that may include objects that have been automatically associated with a location. This section also includes UIs that comprise a journal that is associated with one or more portions of an annotated digital map. This section also illustrates UIs that allow a user to view none or more of multiple overlays associated with a digital map.
This brief introduction, including section titles and corresponding summaries, is provided for the reader's convenience and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims, nor the proceeding sections. The term "tools," for instance, may refer to system(s), method(s), computer-readable instructions, and/or technique(s) as permitted by the context above and throughout the document.
As illustrated,
Meanwhile, network 106, which couples computing device 104 and site 108, may comprise the Internet, a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a wireless network, and/or the like. Here, network 106 may comprise a wireless cellular network or a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) network.
As illustrated, computing device 104 includes one or more processors 110, as well as memory 112. Memory 112 includes a global positioning system (GPS) application 114, a clock application 116, a camera application 118, a video recorder application 120, an object store 122 storing one or more objects 122(1), (2), . . . , (N), and a packaging application 124. As discussed in detail below, these components are merely illustrative, and computing device 104 may include more or less components in other implementations. Furthermore, while
GPS application 114 functions to determine a current location of computing device 104 via any known location-tracking technique or otherwise. GPS application 114 may continually track a location of user 102 or may periodically track this location. GPS application 114 may then store these tracked locations (locally on computing device 104 or remotely) such that computing device 104 may access this location data. Furthermore, GPS application 114 may determine a location when a user 102 (and/or computing device) engages in a predetermined activity. For instance, GPS application 114 may determine a location of computing device 104 when device 104 captures an object (e.g., a photograph, a video recording, a document, etc.), as discussed in detail below.
Clock application 116, meanwhile, functions to maintain a current time. The clock application may determine and maintain this time locally or, in the case of some mobile phones, may determine the current time over the cellular or Wi-Fi network. However it is determined, clock application 116 may determine and store certain times associated with certain user and/or device actions. For instance, and similar to that discussed above with regards to GPS application 114, clock application 116 may determine and store a time when device 104 captures an object.
Next, device 104 includes camera application 118. As discussed above, camera application 118 allows user 102 to capture and store (e.g., locally or remotely) one or more photographs. Video recorder application 120, meanwhile, similarly allows user 102 to capture and store one or more videos.
Once user 102 takes a photograph or a video, device 104 may store these files in object store 122. As stated above, object store 122 may store or otherwise have access to one or more objects 122(1)-(N). These objects may include, without limitation, photographs, videos, documents, emails, text messages, voice recordings, and/or any other type of media file.
Finally, device 104 here includes packaging application 124. Packaging application 124 may function to package together a captured object with a time and/or location at which device 104 captured the object, as well as possibly additional data. This additional data may include, for instance, an annotation made by user 102 concerning the captured object. Packaging application 124 may then transmit this data package over network 106 for publishing on a map that is associated with user 102 and/or on a map that is associated with one or more other users. As such, user 102 may provide annotation(s) on map(s) that may be later consumed (e.g., viewed, watched, listened to, etc.) by user 102 and/or by other users.
In some instances, packaging application 124 creates and sends such a package in response to user 102 capturing the object. That is, application 124 may create and send a package simply in response (e.g., direct response) to user 102 taking a photograph of house 126. Therefore, user 102 merely needs to take a photograph in order to have the photograph (and corresponding time and/or location data) uploaded to the user's map or maps. Of course, in instances where device 104 is unable to contact network 106 (e.g., because device 104 is "out of range"), then packaging application 124 may store the data package and upload the package when device 104 is able to contact network 106. In still other instances, packaging application 124 may refrain from sending the package until user 102 issues such a command. An account management application 125 can allow the user to define a condition(s) for sending the package. For instance, the account management application can allow the user, such as through one or more user-interfaces, to define whether packages are sent automatically or upon user instruction. Further, the account management application 125 can allow the user to define to which map(s) packages should be published. Examples of user-interfaces that can be generated by the account management application are described below in relation to
In instances where object 132 comprises a video, this video may be associated with multiple different locations. That is, location 134 may actually comprise a variety of locations where user 102 captured the video. For instance, location 134 may comprise GPS coordinates where user 102 began capturing the video, GPS coordinates of where user 102 stopped the capturing of the video, and GPS coordinates of the path traveled there between. Here, the video may then be associated with this path on an annotated map, as discussed in detail below.
Also as discussed above, time 136 may comprise the time and/or the date at which user 102 took the picture of house 126. This may be a single time (e.g., a single timestamp) or time 136 may define an interval of time (e.g., in the case of a video recording). Finally, header 130 may include additional data 138. Data 138 may include, for instance, an annotation made by user 102. This annotation may comprise a voice recording, video clip, or text, for instance. Here, envision that user 102 typed "Great House!" into device 104 and associated this message with photograph 132. Packaging application 124 may accordingly include this annotation with data package 128 for publishing on the user's map.
Turning to the server-side aspects of site 108, the purpose of MPF 140 is to annotate a map produced by a raw map source 142. The map produced by raw map source 142 therefore serves as a base or substrate. MPF 140 metaphorically annotates the map by "placing" objects "on top" of the underlying map substrate.
Raw map source 142 represents any entity or combination of entities that produces an underlying digital map. As stated above, the term "map" is intended to have broad connotation, referring to any representation of the spatial organization of features within an area. In the case most commonly evoked, a map represents a tract of land that shows the location of roadways, population centers, natural landscape features, and so forth. Raw map source 142 can generate a map based on information collected from various sources, such as satellite photographs, aerial photographs, various cartographic databases, and so forth. The raw map source 142 can specify the location of elements within such a map using any kind of coordinate system. In a common case, the map has two dimensions. The elements in this type of map can be unambiguously described by specifying the X-Y coordinates of these elements. In other implementations, a map generated by raw map source 142 can have three or more dimensions.
In one implementation, the entity that administers server-side MPF 140 is the same entity that administers raw map source 142. In this case, MPF 140 allows the user to annotate maps that MPF 140 itself produces. In another implementation, different respective entities administer server-side MPF 140 and raw map source 142. In this case, MPF 140 may allow the user to annotate maps that are made publicly available by another commercial entity. For example, MPF 140 can be used to annotate raw maps produced by Yahoo�, Inc. of Sunnyvale, Calif., or Google�, Inc. of Mountain View, Calif., and so on. In other words, raw map source 142 in this case corresponds to a website administered by Yahoo�, Inc., Google�, Inc., and so on.
Server-side MPF 140 itself includes a collection of annotation tools 144 and one or more applications 146. Annotation tools 144 refer to modules that perform basic operations related to the annotation of maps. Applications 146 refer to functionality that incorporates one or more of annotation tools 144, or which otherwise relies on one or more of annotation tools 144. In one case, a single entity administers both annotation tools 144 and applications 146. In another case, a first entity may administer annotation tools 144, while one or more other entities may create applications 146 which rely on annotation tools 144.
A first tool comprises an account management module 148. The purpose of account management module 148 is to establish and maintain user accounts. A user account enables a user to interact with MPF 140. In one illustrative implementation, account management module 148 registers a user by collecting various information items regarding the user, such as: the name of the user; the physical address of the user; the Email address of the user; a billing address of the user and payment arrangements made by the user (if MPF 140 is optionally set up as a fee-based service); a user-selected ID; a user-selected password, and so on. The account management module 148 can store all of the collected information items in a user profile store 150. Account management module 148 can subsequently grant access to MPF 140 in conventional fashion by requiring the user to enter his or her pre-established user ID and password.
Account management module 148 can work in concert with, or in place of, the computing device's account management application 125. For instance, the account management module can allow the user to define how packages are handled. In some implementations, the computing device's account management application 125 may primarily perform this function. In such cases, the account management module 148 may simply provide a back-up of user defined conditions relating to package handling.
In other implementations, such as more centralized implementations that allow computing device 104 to function as a thin-client, the account management module 148 may cause user-interfaces to be generated on the computing device 104. For instance, the account management module 148 can cause user-interfaces to be displayed on computing device 104 which allow the user to define conditions for handling data packages 126. For instance, the user can utilize the user-interfaces to define conditions associated with his/her account. For example, the user can define particular maps to which data packages are to be published. This information can then be stored by the account management module 148.
In some configurations, data packages can be automatically uploaded from computing device 104 to MPF 140. Once received at the MPF, the account management module 148 can publish the data packages according to the conditions set by the user and saved in the account management module. Examples of user-interfaces that can be generated by the account management module 148 are described below in relation to
MPF 140 can also include a map creation and publication module 152, referred to for brevity as CP module 152. As the name suggests, CP module 152 performs two roles. As a first role, CP module 152 allows the user to create a new map. It performs this task by allowing the user to access a particular map created by raw map source 142 and then store this map as a user-selected file name. Further, CP module 152 allows the user to assign a default view and scale to the created map. This default view establishes a center of focus of the map, as in a map which focuses on the city of Yakima has a first view and a map that focuses on the city of Spokane has a second view. The scale defines a level of magnification of the map. When a previously-created map is later activated, CP module 152 can present the map using the stored default view and scale.
As a second role, CP module 152 allows the user to publish a map so that other users can potentially access this map. CP module 152 publishes the map based on a user's selection of a security option. A first selectable security option allows the user to publish the map without restriction, thereby enabling any user to access the map without restriction ("a public map"). A second security option allows the user to publish the map in protected form, such as by making access to the map dependent on the input of a valid password ("a protected map"). This security provision allows only a group of users who happen to know the password to access the map. A third option allows the user to store the map in a private form such that only the user himself or herself can access the map ("a private map").
Presuming that a user can access the map, CP module 152 can optionally allow the user to perform various actions with respect to the map. For example, CP module 152 can optionally allow a user to modify a map created by another user. CP module 152 can also optionally allow the user to transfer a map to another user (e.g., via Email, Instant Messaging, etc.). Through these sharing provisions, site 108 can establish a social network that is centered on the use of a map of common interest to the members of the network. To cite merely one example, site 108 can allow a group of outdoor enthusiasts to establish a community map that reflects a shared interest in a national park. Any of the users can annotate the community map with photographs, textual descriptions, links to personal maps, and so forth, such that the community map presented at any given time may reflect the collaborative input of many users.
CP module 152 can retain annotated maps in a map store 154. In one case, map store 154 stores actual map data that is used to construct the maps, including underlying raw map "substrate" data. In another case, map store 154 provides references which simply point to raw map data maintained by some other entity, such as raw map source 142. In other words, in the latter case, map store 142 may not store actual raw map data.
MPF 140 can also include an annotation module 156. Annotation module 156 implements several operations devoted to supplementing a map with objects. As stated above, the term "objects" can represent any type of information, including, but not limited to: alphanumeric labels; iconic labels; still picture information (such as JPEG digital photographs, etc.); audio information (such as music, sound effects, spoken-word content, etc.); video content (such as MPEG video, etc.); path-related information; hypertext link-related information; Extensible Markup Language (XML) scripts; Flash content; additional map information, and so on.
Annotation module 156 can associate an object with a defined location within a map. Annotation module 156 can perform this task by linking the object to a defined X-Y position in the coordinate system of the map. In one implementation, this linking is performed by allowing the user to manually point to a location in the map. In another implementation, the object may already have position information associated therewith, such as in the case of a digital photograph that may incorporate GPS data that describes the location where the photograph was taken (e.g., via GPS application 114). In the latter case, the annotation module 156 can include a conversion module (not shown) which converts various ways of representing position information into a standard representation of position. This provision effectively allows different sources of geographic information to be combined together, such as by allowing an object with an X-Y position specified using a first coordinate system to be placed on a map that is structured using a second coordinate system.
Annotation module 156 can function in a manual mode or an automatic mode. In the manual mode, annotation module 156 can allow the user to: (a) select a location within a map; (b) select an object to be placed at the selected location; and (c) link the selected object to the selected location on the map. As a preliminary task, annotation module 156 can allow the user to upload certain objects to an object store 158. For example, the user can upload digital pictures, media files, text documents, etc. to object store 158. Annotation module 156 can then allow the user to link an uploaded object stored in object store 158 to a selected location on the map. Indeed, in one implementation, annotation module 156 can allow the user to link the same uploaded object to multiple locations within a single map or various locations in different respective maps. This linking operation does not require the user to perform multiple uploading and storing operations to establish redundant copies of the object. This provision is beneficial because it reduces the processing and storage burden placed on MPF 140, and also potentially results in a better end-user experience.
The manual mode of annotation module 156 also allows the user to annotate the map with a path. For example, the path may represent a travel route. Annotation module 156 can allow the user to create a path by successively specifying path nodes on the map. The path nodes define different segments (or "legs") of the path.
In the automatic mode of operation, annotation module 156 automatically investigates a data source, extracts one or more objects from the data source, and then links the extracted objects to a map. In operation, annotation module 156 first receives set-up information which specifies at least one data source and at least one selection criterion. Annotation module 156 can then mine the specified data source to identify objects that satisfy the selection criterion. To present one concrete example, the user may select a Really Simple Syndication (RSS) news feed as a data source. The user may specify an alphanumeric search term as a selection criterion. Based on these inputs, annotation module 156 can periodically examine the RSS feed source to identify any objects that include the alphanumeric search term.
In a next stage of automatic annotation processing, annotation module 156 can determine location information associated with an object extracted from the data source. In one implementation, annotation module 156 can perform this task by identifying the presence of predefined alphanumeric map-related information in the object, such as the name of a country, city, etc. In a next stage, annotation module 156 can then automatically place the object on the map at a position that is based on the determined location information.
In either the manual or the automatic mode of operation, annotation module 156 can store the annotated map in map store 154. In one implementation, MPF 140 can store a map in map store 154, yet store the map's objects separately in object store 158. The map and its associated objects can be linked together using a pointer mechanism or some other linking mechanism. For example, a map can include an associated metadata file which provides file names or other codes which identify the objects used in the map, as well as position data which describe where the objects are placed in the map. The separate storage of maps and objects is efficient because it allows several maps to reference the same object without requiring redundant copies of the objects to be stored.
For instance, envision that user 102 has annotated a map that includes multiple pictures taken at different times and locations on the map. Envision also that user 102 writes a journal that describes the user's travels along the map with reference to a timeline. By doing so, the time of the journal may be associated with the time that the pictures were taken. Therefore, when another user reads the journal, corresponding pictures may be displayed as the reading user peruses through the journal.
In addition or in the alternative, pictures or other objects (e.g., videos) may be associated with the timeline of the journal itself. Again, this association may be created manually and/or automatically upon capturing an object. In either instance, when a viewing user consumes (e.g., reads, watches, listens to, etc.) the journal the objects may be similarly consumed. For instance, if a timestamp of a particular picture is associated with a particular time of the journal's timeline, then that picture may be presented to the viewing user when the viewing user reaches the corresponding portion of the journal. Similarly, if a timestamp or time interval of a video is associated with a particular time in the journal, then that video may similarly play when the viewing user reaches the corresponding time in the journal.
Layering tool 162, meanwhile, allows each of multiple users to create a layer on a same digital map. As discussed above in regards to a community map, each of these users may upload objects and may associate these objects with locations on the map. These users may alternatively or additionally annotate the map in multiple other ways (e.g., by commenting on pictures, commenting on the map, etc.).
With use of layering tool 162, users that view the map may selectively choose which layers to view (or hear, if audio annotations are included) and which layers to hide. For instance, envision that three users have annotated a same digital map and each of the three users is therefore associated with a corresponding layer on the digital map. With use of layering tool 162, a user that views the digital map may choose to view zero, one, two, or all three of these layers. Furthermore, the viewing user may alter between these different choices.
MPF 140 also includes a map zoom control (ZC) module 164. The purpose of ZC module 164 is to establish the zoom levels at which certain objects are made visible in a map. In operation, ZC module 164 can allow the user to select a minimum zoom level and/or a maximum zoom level. The minimum zoom level and the maximum zoom level define a range of zoom levels. If the user selects a zoom level that lies within the visible range, ZC module 164 will present a visual depiction of the object in question. If the user selects a zoom level that lies outside the visible range, ZC module 164 will conceal the object. A range can be selected which has only one fixed endpoint. Such a range is created by specifying either a minimum zoom level or a maximum zoom level, but not both levels.
In another implementation, ZC module 164 in conjunction with annotation module 156 can also operate in an automated mode. In the automated mode, site 108 can determine the relevance of an object based on at least one relevance criterion, and then select a zoom range based on the determined relevance. For example, site 108 can determine that an object is highly relevant because it has proven popular among users (as reflected by the fact that many users have "clicked on" the object in the map). As a result, ZC module 164 can define a zoom range that allows the object to appear over a relatively wide range of zoom levels. Other relevance criteria for assessing relevance can be used.
Finally, a map search module 166 allows a user to perform a search that involves map information. Map search module 166 can use the map information in different ways in performing a search. In one technique, search module 166 can allow the user to search within an individual map by specifying a bounding box within the map. The bounding box demarcates a rectangular area within the map, although annotation module 156 can also allow the user to select a bounding area having another shape. The user can also specify at least one selection criterion. Based on these selections, map search module 166 determines whether any objects within the bounding box satisfy the selection criterion. Map search module 166 can then present the results of its determination to the user.
In another case, map search module 166 can formulate a search term based on information extracted from the map, and then this search term is applied as a query to one or more data sources. In operation, search module 166 can allow the user to specify a data source and a bounding box. Search module 166 can extract one or more parameters based on objects identified within the bounding box, and can then use these parameters to construct a search term. Search module 166 then uses that search term in performing a search within the selected data source.
In another case, map search module 166 can allow the user to search a collection of maps, potentially created by different respective users. In operation, the user can enter a search term (and optionally a bounding box). Search module 166 can then investigate the collection of maps to determine whether it includes any objects which match the search term. In performing its search of the maps, map search module 166 can also perform a supplemental search in one or more other data sources, or otherwise rely on the information in these data sources. It is noted that the techniques described above are illustrative and that still other search strategies can make use of annotated maps.
Menu 204 includes an indication that house 126 of
When site 108 receives data package 128, site 108 may automatically annotate map 202 to include house 126 at an appropriate location on map 202. That is, site 108 annotates map 202 to include house 126 at location 134 determined by GPS application 114. Map 202 may also include time 136 corresponding to the time at which user 102 captured photograph 132. Furthermore, while map 202 here includes address 206 of house 126, other implementations may not include the address but may instead simply locate house 126 in a proper location on map 202. Other implementations may also annotate map 202 to include photograph 132 at locations on the map other than the address 206 of the house 126.
Furthermore, if a user captures a video, then the video may be associated with multiple locations rather than a single location. For instance, the video may be associated with a path that corresponds to where the video was captured. Here, map 202 may be annotated at a single location (e.g., the location where the user began or finished capturing the video). Alternatively, map 202 may be annotated at multiple locations (e.g., the location where the user began capturing the video and where the user finished capturing the video). In still another configuration, map 202 may be annotated at multiple locations to convey the entire path corresponding to where the video was captured. In the latter instances, map 202 may include an icon spanning most or the entire path associated with the video.
In instances where map 202 includes an annotation associated with a video, map 202 may shift while a user watches the video. For instance, when the user chooses to watch the video associated with the map, the map may pan and/or zoom in accordance with the video. That is, the map may begin centered on a beginning location of the video and may pan towards the ending location of the video as the video plays. Furthermore, the map may also zoom in and/or out during the playing of the video.
Returning to the illustrated example, map 202 further includes an icon 208 illustrating that the annotation associated with house 126 includes a photograph. Here, icon 208 comprises a camera, although other implementations may employ any other sort of icon. Furthermore, map 202 may employ different icons depending on the type of underlying object. For instance, a notepad may represent a text file, a video camera may represent a video, and so on.
Here, journaling tool 160 (
In addition or in the alternative, journal 402 may include a timeline. Here, one or more objects (e.g., pictures, videos, etc.) may be associated with this timeline. For instance, time 136 of data package 128 of
In the illustrated example, envision that user 102 of
Here, menu 802 lists a number of overlays 804, 806, 808, and 810, each corresponding to a particular user. Here, page 800 allows a viewing user to select which of the multiple overlays to view on map 202. That is, the viewing user may decide whether to view none, some, or all of overlays 804-810.
To so select none or more of these overlays, menu 804 here includes a respective check box next to each overlay. Therefore,
In some instances, a creator of map 202 or an administrator of site 108 determines whether or not viewing users may select and deselect overlays. This creator or administer may also determine, in some instances, whether a viewing user is able to create and/or delete overlays on a particular map. In some instances, varying levels of permission are given to different users. For instance, a first user may not be able to either create or delete an overlay, while a second user may be able to create but not delete an overlay. A third user, meanwhile, such as the creator of the map, may be able to both create and delete overlays on map 202.
In summary, the above examples describe how a user can capture an object on a device. Responsively, the object and corresponding location data can be transmitted for publishing to a map. The user (and/or a different user(s)) can view the object on the map. The following discussion includes examples of how the user can specify conditions relating to an object, such as when the object is transmitted and to where it is transmitted.
The object uploads category 1104 allows the user to select "automatic" uploads at 1110 or uploading "after prompt" at 1112. The "automatic" upload feature can be used where the user has preset the publishing sites and does not want to annotate captured objects. The "after prompt" 1122 upload option can allow the user to configure the object before it is transmitted. An example of such a configuration is described below in relation to
The "publish to:" category 1106 can allow the user to specify to publish to "default" sites at 1114, "set/change default" sites at 1116, or "specify sites/maps" at 1118. The default option 1114 can allow the user to maintain existing user-established and/or system-defined publication sites. The set/change default option 1116 can allow the user to set or change the default sites for future transmissions. The specify sites/maps option 1118 can allow the user to manually enter publication sites. In this case, three publication sites that the user has selected previously are pre-populated for the user. Specifically, "my map" meaning the site of the user's own map is prepopulated at 1120. A second prepopulated publication site is "The Oregonian" at 1122 which is a site corresponding to a newspaper published in Portland, Oreg. A third prepopulated publication site is "CNN" at 1124 which is a widely known online news site. As will be discussed below, some sites may be open to publication without condition, other sites may have preconditions that a user must satisfy before being allowed to publish to the site. For instance, the publication site may require the user to sign a citizen journalism pledge where the user agrees to only submit real and accurate material. In these examples a human friendly site is listed, but the underlying IP address can, of course, be known by the computing device 104.
Reverse publication category 1108 can be enabled at 1126 or disabled at 1128. This aspect will be discussed more below in relation to
Assume for discussion purposes that the user utilized window 1102 to set "The Oregonian" as the default publication site at 1116.
In this case, The Oregonian can send content to the user based upon the location of the user (i.e., the user's computing device 104). In this example, the story relates to Eugene which is where the user is presently located. The content can be in the form of text, pictures, video, etc, or a combination thereof. A source of the content is displayed at 1304 and a headline of the content is displayed at 1306. If the user wants to see further content he/she can click to see the whole story at 1308.
In this example, the user location is considered in a static manner, such as the user's coordinates are proximate Eugene. However, other implementations can track location and movement. For instance, the location and tracking data can indicate that the user is headed North on I-5 toward the Portland area. The content sent to the user may then relate not to the user's current location, such as Eugene, but to a projected future location, such as Portland. For instance, the content can be a story about things to do in Portland or an advertisement for a hotel in Portland.
Still another implementation can select content for reverse publication based upon a user-specified location rather than the present location of the user (and his/her computing device 104). For instance, a user that is a citizen journalist with a Vancouver, Wash. newspaper may specify the he/she lives in nearby Battleground, Wash. and that he/she desires to receive content about Battleground regardless of his/her present location. Thus, even when on vacation in Europe the user can receive content about the user-specified location (i.e., Battleground).
Architecture 1400 shows examples of mapping tools that can assist user(s) 1402 and publisher(s) 1404 to achieve the described functions. The reader is reminded that a user 1402 can also be a publisher 1404 and a publisher can also be a user. In this discussion, a user is someone who captures objects via computing device 104(1)-104(n) and a publisher is someone that hosts a site 108(1)-108(n) that can publish the captured objects based upon associated location information.
Individual computing devices 104(1)-104(n) can include or be associated with a mapping tool 1406(1)-1406(n) respectively. Similarly, individual sites 108(1)-108(n) can include or be associated with a mapping tool 1408(1)-1408(n) respectively. Still another mapping tool 1410 may be thought of as being independent of the computing devices and sites. The various mapping tools 1406-1410 can communicate via network 106. Further, the various mapping tools do not necessarily offer identical functionalities as should become apparent below. Instead, the term mapping tool is used to convey that the tool in some way can contribute to the overall process of capturing objects, associating location information with the captured objects, transmitting the captured objects for publication on a map based upon the location information, and/or establishing relationships for accomplishing the above capturing, associating, and transmitting.
In one configuration the user of an individual computing device 104(1) can utilize mapping tool 1406(1) to directly establish a relationship with an individual site 108(1) via its mapping tool 1408(1). For instance, the user 1402 and the publisher 1404 can negotiate various conditions relating to the user publishing to the site. For instance, the conditions can relate to fees, passwords, illicit content, file size, file format, exclusivity, and ownership, among others. Once the conditions are agreed upon, objects captured by the user's computing device 104(1) can be transmitted and published on a map supported by the site 108(1).
In another configuration, mapping tool 1410 can provide what can be termed an intermediary service between the user(s) 1402 and the publisher(s) 1404. So, for instance, mapping tool 1410 can identify potential publishers that are interested in publishing user content on a map on their site. The mapping tool can even provide one or more maps to the publisher and/or perform some, or all, of the map hosting function on behalf of the publisher. Further, the mapping tool can generate selectable icons that appear on the map and correspond to individual objects.
In a similar manner, mapping tool 1410 may identify users who are interested in publishing objects to a site's map(s). Mapping tool 1410 can set up accounts for the publishers and users with associated conditions. Accordingly, mapping tool 1410 can identify matches between users and publishers to facilitate publishing of captured images. For instance, mapping tool 1410 can indicate to a user that an individual publisher is willing to allow the user to publish on their site as long as the objects are in jpeg or pdf format and that the user allows the publisher to monitor his/her location via the user's computing device.
Similarly, mapping tool 1410 can provide a user 1402 with a list of publishers 1404 that are willing to publish according to the conditions established by the user. Mapping tool 1410 can also rank or present sites 108 to the user based upon geographic location, subject matter, etc. For instance, if the user wants to take pictures at sporting events, the user may be interested in publishing to the local newspaper's site as well as Sports Illustrated and not to The Wall Street Journal.
In this latter configuration, users 1402 and publishers 1404 can interact with mapping tool 1410 without having to directly interact with one another. This configuration can be easier for both user 1402 and publishers 1404. For instance, the user need only establish a single account via mapping tool 1410 rather than an account with each publisher. Similarly, the publishers can establish one account with mapping tool 1410 and avoid the logistics of dealing with potentially millions of users.
The latter described configuration further lends itself to reverse publication concepts. For instance, publisher 1404 can specify that they want to send content to users 1402 (i.e., to the user's computing device 104) based upon the user's location, such as by continent, country, state, county, city, specific coordinates etc. Mapping tool 1410 can track users' locations and send the appropriate content to individual user's based on location data maintained by the mapping tool. Further, the user account information maintained by mapping tool 1410 can offer other parameters that can be used for filtering content. For instance, an Oregon newspaper that has a publishing agreement with mapping tool 1410 can obtain content about wineries in the Willamette Valley. The newspaper could specify that they want the story sent to all user's that are located in Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington who have identified wine as an interest in their account information.
The present implementations can enable still other mapping variations. For instance, mapping tool 1410 can allow publishers to link RSS feeds to the publishers map. For instance, say the publisher posts an RSS feed story about Iraq on their site. The mapping tool can link the story to the publisher's map so that a reader can click on the link and see a map of Iraq when reading the story. In another configuration the mapping tool can enable location based headlines. For instance, say the publisher receives RSS feeds for headline stories. The mapping tool can tie the stories to the publisher's map by location. So if a user wants to view the headlines from Asia they simply go Asia on the map to view the headlines, icons or some other representation of the germane stories.
The method obtains a captured object and location information associated with the capture at block 1502. For instance, a user may enter text, take a picture, etc. on a computing device. Location information relating to where the object was captured can then be associated with the captured object.
The method sends the captured object and location information to a predefined site (i.e., web-site) for publishing on a digital map based upon the location information at 1504. The user can predefine the web-site before completion of either of blocks 1502 and 1504 or after completion of block 1502, but before block 1504. For instance, the user may predefine a default condition that specifies one or more web-sites. The default condition can further indicate that whenever the user captures an object that the object should automatically be transmitted to the defined web-site(s). In another instance, the user may capture an object, such as a picture. A user interface can then allow the user to predefine what web-sites before the transmitting. For instance, the user may go to a football game with his/her family and take a picture of the family. The user can predefine his/her own map as the web-site before transmitting the picture. The user may also take a picture of the action in the game and predefine transmitting that picture to a map published by Sports Illustrated. In still other configurations, the user may not predefine any sites and the method may attempt to identify potential publishers based upon available data, such as the location data associated with the picture.
Block 1602 determines a geographical location of a mobile device. Examples for determining the location are described above in relation to
Block 1604 identifies an object affiliated with the geographical location. For instance, a user may be traveling with a mobile device in the form of computing device 104 described above. Say for instance, that the user and the computing device are in Astoria, Oregon. Assume further that the user has a subscription/publisher agreement with the Oregon Tourism Office that also authorizes reverse publication. The Oregon Tourism Office, upon determining that the user is in Astoria, can affiliate an article about the Astoria Lewis and Clark Museum with the user's location.
Block 1606 transmits the object to the mobile device. This reverse publication model can be advantageous to both the user/subscriber and the publisher. For instance, the user receives objects that are specifically affiliated with the user's location or projected location and the publisher gets to send out material that may increase the publishers overall viewers/readers. The subscription/publisher agreement can be configured to foster the overall benefit to the parties. For instance, the user can specify conditions, such as areas of interest. For instance, the user may specify that he/she is only interested in receiving material related to "food and wine". This feature potentially increases the satisfaction of the user and lets the subscriber target the content to the reader both by location and interest. Another condition that can be agreed upon is whether the publisher can send content material and advertising material or just content material.
The method receives a data package at block 1702. The data package can include an object and location information relating to where the object was captured. The data package can also contain annotations or notes from the user, time of capture information, and information about the user, among others.
The method publishes the object of the data package on a digital map based upon the location data contained in the digital package at block 1704. This configuration can allow others to access objects based upon the location of the object on the map. For instance, if the user wants to see pictures of the Cascade Mountains, the user simply looks for content superimposed over the Cascade Mountains on the map. If the user then decides that he/she wants to see pictures of Mount Rainier, the user simply focuses in proximity to Mount Rainier on the map. The presence of any pictures in this area can be conveyed to the user for his/her viewing.
Block 1802 interacts with a user to allow the user to publish an object captured by the user to a digital map. For instance, the interaction can involve identifying for the user web-sites (i.e., sites) that are capable of publishing objects based upon associated location information. For example, a list of potential publishers can be provided to the user. In some instances, the interaction can involve, providing conditions that specific web-sites require for users to publish to their site. In other cases, the interaction can involve establishing a user account for the user that includes information about the user. In some implementations, the list of potential subscribers mentioned above may also list associated requirements (if any) for the individual listed publishers. For example, the interaction may provide a list of four public sites which may be suitable for the user based upon various conditions. Such conditions can include the user's location and/or other conditions that may, for example be defined in the user's account.
In some cases, the conditions may be utilized to present the potential publishers to the user in a ranked manner. For instance, the list may indicate that the user presently meets the requirements to publish to the first listed site, but additional material would have to be submitted to publish to the second two. The list could also present other information, such as whether a potential publisher screens submissions or publishes all submissions.
In a majority of instances, a user can be thought of as a specific individual, however, such need not be the case. For instance, a user can be an entity, such as a business entity or a group of individuals. For example, a photography studio may desire to get more public exposure for its nature photographs. The photography studio can set up a user account that can be utilized by any of its photographers.
Block 1804 communicates with a publisher to allow the publisher to receive the object for publication on the digital map according to location information associated with the object. The communications may involve for example, details about the publisher's site, condition associated with publishing to the site, the types of content that the site is interested in and/or the types of users that the site is interested in attracting, etc. The interacting and communicating can provide great time and resource saving to one or both of the users and the publishers. For instance, users don't have to hunt for places to publish their objects or negotiate with multiple publishers. Similarly, publishers can be paired with users who share the publisher's goals and thereby increase the quality of content available on the publisher's site. Accordingly, with very little effort the publisher can get more content, relevant content, and more viewers of their content. Similarly, user's get increased opportunity to publish their content with reduced effort.
Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.
Furthermore, each action and/or process discussed throughout can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. In the context of software, the actions and/or processes may be implemented via computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, perform the recited operations. Generally, computer-executable instructions include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, and the like that perform particular functions or implement particular abstract data types. The order in which the operations have been discussed is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described operations can be combined in any order and/or in parallel to implement any of the described processes.
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Smith Stronger in Second Season
The West Virginia University gymnastics team is about four weeks into its preseason, and as junior Erica Smith writes, the Mountaineers are busy adding flare and depth to their routines.
Tumblers' Tales will track the team throughout the fall, as each gymnast will take the time to write an update for Mountaineer Nation. Smith, a native of Blue Springs, Mo., is back at WVU for her second season with the Mountaineers. One of the team's strongest bars workers, she scored 9.8 or better on the apparatus five times in 2012 and reached the podium twice. After competing on beam, too, throughout the backend of the season, she hopes to add vault and floor to her competition slate this year.
What changes has Smith made to her routines during the 2013 preseason? And what one bucket list item is she hoping to knock off soon? Read on to find out…..
Going into my second year at WVU, I thought things would settle down into a routine, but it has been anything but that! That's what I love about being a student-athlete at WVU – there's always something new coming my way, like new friendships with the incoming freshmen and watching my teammates grow from last year.
Every preseason is different from the last, and this one feels like it came so fast! We're at the point where we are working our way into routines, adding in additions and making improvements to get us ready for season. Last year, I competed on bars and beam, so this year I'm just cleaning up those routines. On bars, I'm trying to work on putting in my Khorkina to add some extra flare to my routine, and on beam I'm cleaning things up and upgrading to a new series which also is coming along well.
This year, the team is really focusing on climbing higher. In my eyes, climbing higher is working my way into being able to contribute on all four events. My vaults are improving, and hopefully by the time season gets here they will be perfected and I can do my part in contributing to the team. For floor, I'm putting passes together into a routine and working on endurance to be able to compete them. My goal this year is to be able to do my part in helping get our team to nationals! I would love to be able to compete all four events again. Practices have been going well, so I know I'm on my way.
The cold weather is coming to Morgantown, and I am not too excited about it. The one thing that keeps me going is the other sports on campus. I absolutely love all things sports, especially football! I love how it brings so many people together. Mountaineer fans really take football very seriously, so I fit in just perfect here! I love the atmosphere at the games. My teammates and I jump and scream our heads off until we lose our voices! When I am standing in the crowd, I feel like I'm surrounded by family.
On the other hand, my love for sports from my hometown area doesn't mesh well with a lot of people in Morgantown. My favorite MLB team is the World Champion St. Louis Cardinals (I hope they pull it off again this year!), and my favorite NFL team is the Dallas Cowboys. Though a lot of my classmates don't seem to be fans of either of those teams, I proudly sport my jerseys whenever I can. I love my teams, especially the Cowboys! I have been a fan for as long as I can remember, and my dream is to be a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader for one season. Let's hope I can cross it off my bucket list one day!
Let's Go Mountaineers!
Men's Basketball: Bahamas Preview
Womens Soccer: Kadeisha Buchanan Press Conference
Big 12 Media Days: Dana Holgorsen
Women's Soccer: Amanda Hill and Mocha
Big 12 Media Days: Nick Kwiatkoski
Football: Dana Holgorsen on ESPN

subset: commoncrawl


text:
I think by now most people realizes that "cloud proficiency" requires new roles and skills.
Last December, EMC stepped up by announcing what I believe to be the first-ever "cloud architect" certification in the industry. The reaction has been extremely popular, to say the least.
The certification courses are now out of pilot, and in full production. As of this writing, there are now over 482 people enrolled for current or future classes.
The certification and associated coursework isn't a simple rubber stamp. You need serious certifications to get into the course, and that's when the fun starts.
We've captured a few video testimonials here, here and here of people who have been through the first few instances of the coursework. Generally speaking, extremely positive. I am also told that we're planning a preview version of the certification course at EMC World.
Find out more here.


text:
Judge suspended in video beating returns to bench
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (AP) — A Texas judge shown in a video beating his teenage daughter in 2004 returns to the bench this week after the Texas Supreme Court lifted his suspension.
The justices reinstated Aransas County Court-at-Law Judge William Adams on Tuesday. That was a year after the court suspended him when a video of him beating of his daughter became an Internet sensation.
Aransas County District Clerk Pam Heard tells the Corpus Christi Caller-Times that Adams is scheduled to preside over the next regular court-at-law docket in Rockport on Wednesday.
However, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services will no longer present him with cases involving violence with children.
Adams doesn't come up for re-election until 2014. The sheriff's office says it will enhance security the day he returns to work.
Information from: Corpus Christi Caller-Times, http://www.caller.com
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Downs After Dark - Presented by Finlandia Vodka
"Homecoming Dance: A Night To Remember"
Featuring Bet or No Bet presented by Thorntons
"Everything your Homecoming Dance should have been - and more..."
Join us for the final Downs After Dark, presented by Finlandia Vodka, of the September Meet!
Imagine yourself in a dance scene from your favorite high school movie. There will even be a chance for YOU to be crowned Churchill Downs' Homecoming King or Queen!
Guests are encouraged to grab an outfit from their closet inspired by their own high school experience, or to wear their favorite homecoming dance style outfit.
Enjoy live music, dancing, a King and Queen ceremony - and of course thrilling night racing!
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The $100,000-added Jefferson Cup is a Grade III race for 3-year-olds set for its 37th running.The distance for the race is 1 mile.
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The $175,000 inaugural Homecoming Classic race is for 3-year olds. The distance for the race is 1 1/8 miles.


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An arrangement and method for winterizing, by the use of antifreeze, a structure having hot and cold water pipes and a hot water storage tank and in which the hot water storage tank is normally the only connection between the hot and cold water pipes, the arrangement involving introducing antifreeze into both the cold and hot water pipes so that the hot water tank can be drained and maintained in a drained condition during the period of winterization. The arrangement is particularly adapted for use in connection with recreational vehicles.
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United States Patent 1 Goodwin 1 1 Dec. 30, 1975 154] FREEZE PROTECTION APPARATUS [76] Inventor: Frank E. Goodwin, 1015 N. 23rd St., Billings, Mont. 59101 22 Filed: July 29,1974
[21] App1.No.:492,492
[58] Field of Search 137/59, 301, 60, 337, 344; 126/350 R; 296/23 R 3,384,123 5/1968 Saddison 137/301 X Primary ExaminerHenry T. Klinksiek Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Frederick E. Lange 57 ABSTRACT An arrangement and method for Winterizing, by the use of antifreeze, a structure having hot and cold water pipes and a hot water storage tank and in which the hot water storage tank is normally the only connection between the hot and cold water pipes, the arrangement involving introducing antifreeze into both the cold and hot water pipes so that the hot water tank can be drained and maintained in a drained condition during the period of winterization. The arrangement is particularly adapted for use in connection with recreational vehicles.
7 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 939,858 11/1909 Pullen 126/350 R X 1,108,550 8/1914 Chubb 137/337 2,117,907 5/1938 Ogden... 137/337 2,840,101 6/1958 Saylor 137/344 X US. Patent Dec.30, 1975 Sheet10f2 3,929,15
Sheet 2 of 2 US. Patent Dec. 30, 1975 FREEZE PROTECTION APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION There is always a substantial problem in Winterizing a structure which is not to be occupied for substantial periods of time. This may arise in connection with a residence in which it isdesired not to have any heating for a while clue to the occupants being away. It is particularly acute in connection with recreational vehicles which often must stand for susbstantial periods of time during the winter with no convenient means for heating them. Since it is customary in connection with such recreational vehicles to have a supply of water and a substantial amount of plumbing, some means must be found for insuring against freezing of the water pipes and the various plumbing equipment, such as toilet bowls, wash basins, and so forth. While it is possible to completely drain such a system, it is often very difficult to remove all the water from the plumbing system. For example, water can be retained in traps of various kinds, and this water may, when the temperature drops sufficiently, cause cracking or other damage to the pipes or fixtures in which the water is trapped. For this reason, it is quite customary to employ antifreeze and to inject antifreeze into the pipes by filling the hot water tank, for example, with antifreeze and pumping this through the system. This has the advantage that any residual water is forced out and any fluid remaining in the pipes or fixtures is in the form of an antifreeze solution which will not freeze. The drawback to this arrangement, however, is that such antifreeze solutions are relatively expensive and the process of filling the hot water tank and introducing the antifreeze into the pipes from there requires a very substantial amount of antifreeze. The reason for employing the hot water tank is that it is, of course, necessary to introduce the antifreeze into both the hot and cold water pipes. These pipes are normally interconnected only through the hot water heater, the inlet of the hot water tank being connected to the cold water pipes and the outlet to the hot water pipes. By filling the hot water tank in this way, it is possible to introduce the antifreeze solution into both the hot and cold water pipes. As pointedout, however, this is done only by utilization of a large amount of antifreeze solution.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION The present invention is concerned with a method of Winterizing a structure by the use of antifreeze in which there is a normally closed bypass between the hot and cold water pipes, which bypass is independent of the hot water heater with means for opening this bypass so that both the cold water supply and the hot water tank can be completely drained and yet still enable antifreeze to be supplied from a tank of antifreeze to both the hot and cold water pipes. In actual practice, sufficient antifreeze is introduced to insure that it passes out through the various faucets. v
With the arrangement just described, it is possible with a relatively small amount of antifreeze to force out any residual water in the pipes and to insure that the pipes and plumbing fixtures in the structure will not be damaged while the structure is unheated. It is obvious that this is particularly desirable in connection with'a recreational vehicle.
In utilizing the equipment, the supply of water, particularly if it be city water,.is first shut off so that no more water can enter the system. The hot water heater, of course, is shut off. The hot water tank is then drained by opening the various faucets. If there is a supply storage tank, this likewise is drained. After the hot and cold water pipes, the hot water storage tank, and the main storage tank, if employed, areall drained, the faucets are all closed and the inlet and outlet valves to the hot water tanks are closed. The valve between the supply tank and the lines is also closed. The antifreeze solution from its storage tank is then forced into the various cold water pipes, the various cold water faucets being successively opened until antifreeze flows through them. Each one is then closed. The bypass valve between the cold and hot water pipes is then opened and each of the outlet hot water faucets is then opened one by one until antifreeze solution flows through them. These are then closed. When this method is followed, the entire system is adequately protected with a minimum use of antifreeze. My invention thus not only involves apparatus but also involves a method of Winterizing a structure having hot and cold water pipes.
For a better understanding of the invention reference is made to the accompanying specification and claims and the drawing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is an elevational plan view showing the invention as applied to a fifth wheel house trailer;
FIG. 2 is a layout of plumbing employing my invention; and
FIG. 3 is a modified form of plumbing layout employing my invention.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIG. 1, I have shown in schematic outline a typical fifth wheel recreational trailer. It is, of course, understood that the invention is equally applicable to any type of recreational vehicle or for that matter to a stationery permanent structure of any kind employing hot and cold water pipes. The trailer 10 is generally shown as comprising a housing 11 supported at its rear on two pairs of wheels, wheels 12 and 13 of which are the only ones that are visible in the drawing. The front portion 14 of thetrailer has a floor which is substantially higher than the floor of the main portion so that the front portion can extend over the bed of a pickup truck. Secured to the under side of the front portion is a coupler 15 designed to mate with a fifth wheel coupler secured in the bed of a pickup truck. In
order to support the front end of the trailer when it is not coupled to a pickup truck, it is provided with one or two retractable legs 17 which can be adjustably lowered to engage the ground and support the floor of the trailer in a substantially horizontal position. These adjustable legs are of course retracted when the trailer is coupled to a pickup truck for normal use. The trailer is provided with an interior floor 18 which is shown schematically and which, it will be understood, extends the full length of the trailer. No attempt has been made to show the various partitions in the trailer since they have no bearing upon the present invention.
Referring now to the plumbing equipment of the trailer with which this invention is concerned, the numeral 22 indicates a storage tank for storing water. When the trailer is permanently parked at some location where city water is readily available, the inlet to this tank will be coupled to a suitable source of water.
From the tank there is a connection under the control of a manually operated valve 23 to a cold water pipe 24, a branch 25 of which leads to a cold water faucet 26 controlling the water to a mixing faucet 27 of a conventional kitchen sink. Another branch 29 of the cold water pipe, connected to pipe 24, leads to a pipe 32 which is connected through a mixing valve 33 to a shower head 34 of a shower. A still further branch 36 of the cold water pipe is connected to the cold water faucet of a mixing faucet 37.
A further branch 38 of the cold water line is connected to the flushing mechanism of a toilet 39 which may be provided with an alternative spray type of flushing mechanism 40 which may be used to flush the toilet and save water.
A still further branch 41 of the cold water line leads through a valve 42 to the inlet of a hot water heater tank 44. It will be understood that there is associated with this tank a suitable heater for heating the water in the tank to a predetermined temperature which normally can be set to any desired value. Since such hot water tanks are conventional, the details of the hot water tank 44 have not been shown. Leading from the tank 44 through a manual] operated valve 45 is a hot water pipe 46 which is connected to various hot water branch pipes leading to different pieces of equipment employing hot water. For example, one line 47 goes to the mixing valve 33 which in turn leads to the shower faucet 34. Another line 49 connects to a pipe 51 which connects to the hot water faucet of the mixing valve assembly 37 of the bath tub. Another line 52 goes up to a hot water faucet 53 in the kitchen sink.
Extending between the cold water pipe 25 leading to cold water faucet 26 of the kitchen sink and pipe 52 leading to the hot water faucet 53 of the sink is a normally closed bypass 55 controlled by manually operated valve 54 which is normally closed. The bypass 55 and valve 54 form a significant feature of my operation, and the operation of these will be described in more detail later.
The numeral 59 designates a tank for an antifreeze solution. This tank is filled with antifreeze prior to the time it is desired to winterize the structure. Leading from the tank is a pipe containing a pump 56, the pipe 57 extending through a manually operated valve 58 and joining with cold water pipe 24 on the downstream side of the manually operated valve 23. The operation of the pump is controlled by a switch 60 which controls the energization of pump 56, switch 60 being connected in series with pump 56 between two lines 61 and 62 leading to any suitable source of power. This source of power may be the battery in the trailer or it may be a source of 110 volts which is generated in any suitable manner.
In FIGS. 2 and 3, there are shown various plumbing layouts which incorporate the present invention and permit the method of Winterizing of my invention to be used. In FIGS. 2 and 3, the various elements of the plumbing system are generally the same as in FIG. 1 but are shown in somewhat more detail and without reference to the trailer structure or layout. Where possible, reference numerals identical to those employed in FIG. 1 have been applied to elements which are similar to the elements of FIG. 1.
FIG. 2 shows a plumbing layout in which the elements are generally disposed in approximately the same position as in the more schematic showing in FIG. 1. The cold water storage tank 22 is in the lower right 4 hand corner as in FIG. 1. It is preferably provided with a detachable connection 67 of any suitable type for filling the storage tank and maintaining the tank filled. The connection 67 may lead, for example, to a source of city water. It is shown as provided with a suitable drain valve 68 in a drain pipe 69 leading to any suitable area for receiving the drained water. Similarly, the tank 55 holding the antifreeze solution is shown in the upper right hand corner. The hot water heater tank 44, unlike the showing in FIG. 1 is in a central position. Again the hot water heater tank 44 is shown as provided with a suitable drain valve 70 in a drain pipe 71. In some cases, the cold and hot water pipes have been reversed in position. Thus, in connection with the faucet 27 the cold water pipe leading to cold water 26 is on the right instead of the left as in FIG. 1. The shower nozzle 34, instead of being controlled by a single mixing valve as in FIG. 1, is controlled by two valves 60 and 61, 61 being the cold water valve and 60 the hot water valve.
In addition to these slight changes, the equipment is shown in somewhat more detail in FIGS. 2 and 3. Thus for example, the toilet bowl 39 is shown as being provided with a flush pedal 64 which is effective when stepped on to cause flushing of the toilet. Furthermore, the water saving nozzle arrangement 40 is shown as comprising a flexible hose 62 and a nozzle 63 with a manually actuable valve for opening the nozzle 63 and causing a water spray to issue therefrom. It is, of course, understood that the nozzle 63 will normally be on a hook or similar device for keeping it out of way until it is used.
Basically, the arrangement of FIG. 3 is very similar to that of FIGS. 1 and 2. In this case, the cold water tank 22 is shown in the lower left hand side whereas the hot water tank 44 is shown in the extreme right hand side. There are other slight differences such as the fact that, unlike FIG. 2, there is a common mixing valve 33 which is used to control the flow through the nozzle 34. Due to the similarity of the reference characters, it is believed unnecessary to again describe FIG. 3 in any detail.
OPERATION OF EQUIPMENT As has been previously indicated, the apparatus of the present invention makes it possible to thoroughly protect the plumbing in a structure from possible freezing by the use ofa relatively small amount of antifreeze solution. This is accomplished by employing an arrangement which makes it possible to drain not only the cold water reservoir but also the hot water reservoir of the hot water heater. This is accomplished by following definite steps which form part of a novel method of Winterizing such a structure.
When it is desired to winterize the trailer or other structure, the hot water heater is turned off and if the equipment is connected to a city water supply, the equipment is disconnected from this source of city water by disconnecting connection 67. The storage tank is then drained by opening drain valve 68 and draining through drain pipe 69. The hot water heater 44 is likewise drained by opening drain valve 70 and draining through drain pipe 71. If there are any other drain lines in the system, these should also be opened. If the hot water heater has a pressure relief valve on it, this pressure relief valve should reamin open after the pressure is released. During this draining operation, all of the valves at the toilet, the individualfaucets, etc. should be open to facilitate draining of the system.
After all of the drains haveguit draining-,jthenall of the faucets and any drain valves inx the linesfi ncluding,
drain valves 68 and 79, should be closed: Thevalve 23 leading from the cold water storage tank 22" is now closed to prevent any; antifreeze solution' from entering this storage tank. Similarly, both the cold water inlet valve 42 and the hot water outlet valve 45 connected with the hot water storage tank44 are closed. The valve 58 is now opened and switch 60 is closed to cause pump 56 to pump antifreeze solution from the tank 55 through pipe 57, valve 58,- -and cold water pipes 24, 29 and the other cold water pipes connected thretofEach of the cold water valves 26, 61, the cold water valve: of faucet 36, and so forth, are successively opened until antifreeze starts to run out. Similarly, in connection with the water saver hose 40, the valve handle 63 is opened until antifreeze passes therethrough. The inlet valve of the toilet 39 is opened either by flushing the toilet or by actuating the float control valve to admit antifreeze. As antifreeze flows through each valve, the valve is then shut off.
The valve 54 in bypass line 55 is now opened. This permits the antifreeze solution to flow from the cold water pipes into the hot water pipes. Thus, referring to FIG. 2, for example, antifreeze flows through line 25 and valve 54 to the hot water faucet 53 and hot water lines 52, 47 and 51. Again, the hot water valves are successsively opened until antifreeze flows through the outlet nozzle. For example, in the case of the mixing nozzle 27, the valve 53 is opened until antifreeze starts again issuing through the nozzle 27. Valve 53 is then closed. Similarly, hot water valve 60 is opened until such time as antifreeze again starts flowing through nozzle 34. Then the valve 60 is closed. This operation is repeated each time that there is a hot water faucet of any kind.
When the various steps outlined above have been completed, it is assured that there will be antifreeze solution in every fixture which is not completely empty. In the case of the storage tank 22 and the hot water heater storage tank 44, no antifreeze is introduced simply because these tanks have been sufficiently drained that any minor amount of water remaining can do no damage. The operation just described can be performed very quickly, once the storage tank 22 and the hot water tank 44 are drained. Furthermore, the only antifreeze solution necessary is that which is introduced into the pipes. No antifreeze solution is introduced into either of the tanks 22 or 44. This has the further advantage that when the system is subsequently flushed out to again prepare it for normal use, the amount of antifreeze that must be flushed out is relatively small as compared with what the situation would be if the entire hot water tank 44 were filled with antifreeze. This will speed up the process of putting the system back into operation.
CONCLUSION It will be seen that I have provided a novel apparatus and method for Winterizing a structure having hot and cold water pipes, the apparatus and method utilizing a minimum amount of antifreeze solution and insuring that the structure can be rapidly winterized and rapidly placed back into normal use.
While I have shown certain specific embodiments of my invention, it is to be understood that this is for purposes of illustration and that the scope of my invention is limited solely by the appended claims.
I claim'as my invention: l.-ln combination with av structure having a plurality of water conduits leading to various regions of utilization, at eachv of which regions there a valved outlet from one of said water conduits, someof said conduits acting as hot water conduits and other'of said conduits acting as cold water conduits;
a water heater having'a'storage tank with a valved drain outlet? a valved inlet connection to one of said cold water conduits and a valved outlet connection between said tank andsaid hot water conduits, said storage tank and said valved inlet and outlet connections constituting the only interconnections between said hot and cold water conduits when said valved inlet and outlet connections are open,
a source of water connected to said cold water conduits by a further valved connection, a source of antifreeze also connected to said cold water conduits by a further valved connection,
and a normally closed further valved connection between said hot and cold water conduits so that upon opening the valve in said last named connection and the valve in the connection between the source of antifreeze and said cold water conduits, following closure of the valves in the connection to the source of water and in the inlet and outlet connections of said heater storage tank and draining of the latter, antifreeze can be admitted to both said cold and hot water conduits while leaving said heater storage tank substantially free of fluid of any kind.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 in which the normally closed valve connection between said hot and cold water conduits is between hot and cold water conduits extending to a common region of utilization and is located adjacent the terminal points of said conduits so that the valve therein is readily accessible at said region of utilization.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 in which a pump is provided in the connection between the source of antifreeze and said cold water conduits.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 in which the source of water includes a storage tank and in which said tank has provision for draining the same.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 in which the structure is a recreational vehicle.
6. The method of Winterizing a structure having a plurality of water conduits leading to various regions of utilization, at each of which regions there is a valved outlet from one of said water conduits, some of said conduits acting as hot water conduits and other of said conduits acting as cold water conduits, a water heater having a storage tank with a valved drain outlet, a valved inlet connection to one of said cold water conduits and a valved outlet connection between said tank and said hot water conduits, said storage tank and said valved inlet and outlet connections constituting the only interconnections between said hot and cold water conduits when said valved inlet and outlet connections are open, and a source of water connected to said cold water conduits by a valved connection, said method comprising:
providing a normally closed connection between said hot and cold water conduits,
closing off the connections between said source of water and said cold water conduits,
opening the valved outlets at each of said points of utilization and opening said drain outlet of said heater storage tank to drain substantially all of the water from said storage tank and said conduits,
closing the inlet and outlet connections of said heater storage tank and the valved outlets at the regions of utilization,
supplying an antifreeze solution under pressure to said cold water conduits,
opening said valved outlets in the cold water conduits at the regions of utilization, one by one, and maintaining each such valved outlet open until said antifreeze solution starts to flow out of said outlet,
opening said normally closed connection between said hot and cold water conduits, and opening said valved outlets in the hot water conduits at the regions of utilization, one by one, and maintaining each such valved outlet open until said antifreeze solution starts to flow out of said outlet. 7. The method of claim 6 in which the structure has a cold water storage tank which has a valved drain and is connected to the cold water conduits by a valved connection, in which method said cold water storage tank is drained by opening said valved drain, and in which said valved connection to said cold water pipes is closed before the antifreeze solution is supplied to said cold water conduits.
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July 30 2015 Latest news:
Mark Bunn saves Clint Dempsey's penalty in Norwich City's League Cup win over Tottenham Hotspur at Carrow Road earlier in the season.
Peter Raven
Monday, January 28, 2013
Wednesday's opponents Tottenham Hotspur are next up in our 'Norwich City Win, Lose or Draw' game where Canaries fans get to pit their wits against our writers and columnists.
Before every Premier League game our writers - including Norwich City Hall of Famer Iwan Roberts and commentator Chris Goreham - will submit their predictions.
Norwich City fans will cast their vote in the poll on this page and the outcome with the largest percentage the day before the game will be the fans' prediction.
Guessing the correct outcome (win, lose or draw) will result in one point, with two bonus points on offer for guessing the correct goal deficit.
You can see what others have predicted, along with the league table at www.pinkun.com/winlosedraw or by clicking the link on the top-right of this page.
4 comments
I thought my eyes were deceiving me when Lawro predicts us to win 1-0 against Spurs, if he has it wrong once again lets hope it is a higher score in our favour. A city supporter for over 70 years reading your comments on this site it is understandable so many feel gloom about recent results. It is important for us to support our fine club even when the chips are down, so let our inspiration from the touchline inspire our team to success, with a good future in the PL
Monday, January 28, 2013
That`s right, cdu\adelaide; the optimism seems to gave drained from the fans. Then, the recent appalling run of performances was bound to do that. I think Spurs will win this comfortably - but I still have a bet on at the booky`s for City to win! And for Holty to score! OTBC.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Well, the so call experts all seem to go for an away win....all except Robin Baily....and he's bottom of the prediction league :)
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Erm...I'll go for "lose". Warm Wishes - Ged.
Monday, January 28, 2013
The views expressed in the above comments do not necessarily reflect the views of this site


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Giant Bombcast 08/04/2015
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This re-release seems unnecessary at first glance, but the conclusion of Kratos' journey serves up a level of spectacle that remains impressive in 2015.
Her Story is a bold and largely successful experiment in interactive crime fiction.
Rocksteady's gorgeous-looking third Arkham game refines its open-world format a bit and lets you drive a whole hell of a lot of Batmobile.
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consists of 4 releases.
Released Jun 19, 2009
A term that can refer to either games which feature 3D polygonal graphics but typically restrict gameplay and camera control to a 2D plane, or earlier games that attempted to simulate three-dimensional graphics without the use of 3D polygons.
Some games don't feature a traditional co-op mode that makes the players equal partners, but allows a second player to participate in the game to assist player one albeit with significantly different gameplay mechanics.
A boss fight is a culminating challenge that pits the player against one or more enemies representing a greater threat and/or difficulty than those previously faced. These scenarios typically feature unique antagonists.
Collectibles are items such as coins, rings, gems, packages etc. that can be gathered, usually for some kind of reward, or sometimes to simply beat a level. Often (almost too often) the source of earning achievements and trophies on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.
Cooperative play in games allows humans to play together as a team to accomplish a task. Instead of playing against a human opponent, the team must defeat an AI.
A destructible environment means the player has the ability to destroy his/her surroundings. This allows players to use the environment to their advantage.
Digital Distribution is the concept of purchasing digital media via the internet and having it sent to the user directly via the internet. No physical representation of this content is given but the content resides on the users hard drive and is legally owned by them.
This concept is for games where the main playable character is female.
It's not just for airplanes anymore: Game mascots and MMO players alike have taken to the skies. Players can use flight to quickly navigate large levels, find hidden items, or take opponents down.
Gliding is an ability that allows a character to extend their jump further usually through the help of wings or other aerodynamic tools. Unlike flying, gliding usually doesn't allow the character to gain or maintain altitude, but only slows its descent.
This tag is for all games and characters that deal in the concept of gods, demigods, half-gods and the like.
A winged creature from Greek mythology with the body of a bird and the head of a woman. Generally depicted as a winged woman with grotesque features with a mind full of bad habits.
The ability to control the direction and/or behavior of lightning; this may also be connected with the ability to generate lightning. Many games involve characters with lightning element attacks. These are unique because of their potency with water.
Using gestures with the controller to control on-screen actions. Alternatively, these gestures can also be detected by motion-sensing cameras.
Fauns and Satyrs are woodland spirits, seemingly composed of a man and a goat. Goat parts and human parts tend to vary from game to game.
Steam is a digital distribution service owned by Valve. Originally created to distribute its own games, Steam has since expanded to become the de facto standard for digital distribution of PC games, and supports community features, downloadable content and achievements. Starting 2010, Steam now offers Mac games as well.
Valve's counterpart to Microsoft's popular achievement system.
Steam Play is a feature introduced by Valve that allows for Steam games bought on one platform to be downloaded onto any other, be it Windows, MAC or Linux. In some cases it also allows for cross-platform multiplayer.
Games in which the infrared pointer is used for gameplay purposes, like aiming for instance
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Materials for Lab and Class
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Subject: Geoscience
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Back-of-the-Envelope Calculations: Rate of Lava Flow part of Quantitative Skills:Activity Collection
Barb Tewksbury, Hamilton College
Question In 1983, an eruption began at Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii that has proved to be the largest and longest-lived eruption since records began in 1823. Lava has poured out of the volcano at an average rate of ...
Intro to Graphing part of Cutting Edge:Develop Program-Wide Abilities:Undergraduate Research:2014 Workshop:Activities
Debra Woodall, Daytona State College
Intro to Graphing is a 2-phase exercise that introduces students to Excel for the purposes of properly storing their data and producing graphs.
Using a Mass Balance Model to Understand Carbon Dioxide and its Connection to Global Warming part of Quantitative Skills:Activity Collection
Bob Mackay, Clark College
Students explore the increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide over the past 40 years with an interactive on-line model.
Mid-level spreadsheeting and complex modeling of real-world scarp evolution part of Quantitative Skills:Activity Collection
William Locke, Montana State University-Bozeman
This exercise is a second or familiarization exercise in spreadsheeting, but is also a mathematical model for slope evolution. It uses the concept of "erosivity" (generally, the relative ratio of driving and resisting forces) and slope angle to reshape an initial topography. Finally, it asks the students themselves to come up with a real-world situation worth modeling.
Modeling the interior of the Earth using Seismic Waves part of Quantitative Skills:Activity Collection
Eric Baer, Highline College
Students use a variety of tools to explore the interior of the Earth in this inquiry activity.
Is There a Trend in Hurricane Number or Intensity? part of Cutting Edge:Topics:Hurricanes-Climate Change Connection:Activities
Todd Ellis, Western Michigan University
This lab guides students through an examination of the hurricane record to determine if there is a trend in hurricane intensity over the past 40 years and introduces some issues related to statistics and ...
How Fast Do Materials Weather? part of Starting Point-Teaching Entry Level Geoscience:Interactive Lectures:Examples
Rebecca Teed, Wright State University-Main Campus
A think-pair-share activity in which students calculate weathering rates from tombstone weathering data. -
Flood Frequency and Risk Assessment part of Quantitative Skills:Activity Collection
Carol Ormand, Carleton College
Students calculate recurrence intervals for various degrees of flooding based on historical data. Students then do a risk assessment for the surrounding community.
Two streams, two stories... How Humans Alter Floods and Streams part of Quantitative Skills:Activity Collection
Eric Baer, Highline College
An activity/lab where students determine the changes in 100-year flood determinations for 2 streams over time.
Heat Capacity of Minerals: A Hands-On Introduction to Chemical Thermodynamics part of Cutting Edge:Courses:Mineralogy:Activities
David Bailey, Hamilton College
Minerals are inorganic chemical compounds with a wide range of physical and chemical properties. Geologists frequently measure and observe properties such as hardness, specific gravity, color, etc. Unfortunately, ...