RU2611959C2 - Method (versions) and system (versions) for creating a heatmap - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: data processing.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to electronic devices and methods for creating a heatmap. In method (800) to (208, 222) create a heatmap, displaying multiple objects, access (802) to multiple objects is being obtained, access (804) to field (304) of the heatmap is being obtained and values of heat field related to field (304) of the heatmap are determined (806). When determining (808) that the value of heat field equals or exceeds the maximum value, any of multiple objects located in the respective field (304) of the heatmap are being ignored. When determining (810) that the value of heat field does not the exceed maximum value, value of heat field is being changed based on the value associated with one of multiple objects. Visual version of graphical indication (404) is being created (814), and the heatmap is being rendered (816).

EFFECT: technical result is reduced computational resources for processing data, simulating the heatmap representing multiple objects.

30 cl, 8 dwg

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[01] This solution relates to electronic devices and methods for creating a heat map. And in particular, to systems and methods, whose task is to create a heat map that displays many objects.

BACKGROUND

[02] In general, heat maps are graphical representations of data in which values are represented by graphical indications, for example, color-coded regions. Heat maps are used in various applications to facilitate the presentation of a large amount of information to the user. Such information may be, for example, values associated with a plurality of objects. In some embodiments, heat maps may comprise a heat map layer covered by a map area. In examples of such embodiments, the heat map layer may comprise color-coded regions reflecting values or approximate values associated with one or more objects. In addition, geographic coordinates can also be associated with one or more objects, allowing you to determine the geographical position of the color-coded region, reflecting the value of the object based on the geographical position associated with the corresponding object. As a result, a heat map layer containing color-coded regions associated with geographic coordinates can, after its creation, be superimposed with a geographic map for display to the user. The user can then immediately visualize the set of values associated with the set of objects, while at the same time being able to determine the coordinates associated with this set of values and / or determine the coordinates associated with the set of objects.

[03] Examples of a heat map layer on which a map area is superimposed include, for example, the Sightsmap web service, available at http://www.sightsmap.com. Sightsmap provides the user with a heatmap layer representing values related to the popularity of points of interest for visiting. In this particular example, the objects to which the values are associated represent points of interest to visit. In the same example, the popularity of points of interest for visiting is presented on the basis of a series of photographs that were taken at the corresponding points of interest. The values associated with the popularity of points of interest are presented to the user as a set of color-coded areas. The color associated with the heat map area is selected based on the values associated with the object corresponding to the area.

[04] A heat map layer overlaid with a geographic map was created by Google Maps, a Google Inc. company located in United States of America, California (CA 9404), Mountain View, Amphitheater Parkway, 1600. Sightsmap provides an example of a heat map, which contains a heat map layer covered by a geographic map of the area.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[05] The objective of this solution is to eliminate the disadvantages inherent in the prior art: in particular, reducing the use of one or more processing elements of an electronic device that performs the method of creating a heat map that displays many objects. The technical result achieved in this technical solution is aimed at reducing computational resources for processing data simulating a heat map that displays many objects.

[06] Embodiments have been developed with an understanding of at least one problem associated with the prior art.

[07] Although presenting data through a heat map can provide many advantages, improvements in the area of linking data to multiple objects and in the processing and presentation of this data may be required. In particular, current methods for creating a heat map can lead to inefficient use of one or more processing elements related to an electronic device that perform a method of creating a heat map displaying a plurality of objects. A similar situation of inefficient use of one or more processing elements can occur when determining the value of the thermal region of the heat map. The value of the heat region can be created by summarizing the values associated with a plurality of objects that are located in the heat map region, thereby determining the “common value” for the heat map region. The value of the thermal region can be used to create visual variants of graphic indications for providing the user with indications of the values associated with many objects that are located in the region of the heat map. As will be understood by a person skilled in the art, the visual version of the graphical indication may vary in accordance with a range of options that display the value of the thermal region associated with the region of the heat map. The range of options may include a maximum, which means that the values of the thermal region above a certain threshold cannot be translated into a visual version of the graphic indication. Alternatively, the heat map area may include three objects, namely, object A, associated with a value of ʺ50ʺ, object B, associated with a value of ʺ100ʺ, and object C, associated with a value of ʺ50ʺ. In this embodiment, visual options for graphical indications may be limited and methods may present only options for heat map values below ʺ100ʺ. The value of the heat region associated with the heat map area can be determined by adding the ʺ50ʺ value associated with object A to the ʺ100ʺ value associated with object B. The value of the heat region becomes ʺ150ʺ. The value of the thermal region exceeds the maximum value that visual variants of the graphic indication (i.e. ʺ100ʺ) can represent. As a result, the thermal value will be the maximum value that visual variations of the graphic indication (i.e. ʺ100ʺ) can represent. Within the framework of this example, further processing of object C will lead to a change in the value of the thermal region by adding the previously determined value of the thermal region (i.e., ʺ150ʺ) to the value of ʺ50ʺ associated with object C. The value of the thermal region then becomes ʺ200ʺ. As a result, the thermal value is ʺ200ʺ, but nevertheless it will be represented by the maximum value that visual variants of the graphic indication (i.e. т.е.100ʺ) can represent. As will be understood after reading this description, the processing of object C when determining the visual version of the graphic indication representing the area of the heat map on which objects A, B and C are located will not be visually visible to the user, since the value of the thermal region is ʺ150ʺ and the value of the thermal region is ʺ200ʺ will be represented by the same visual version of the graphic indication. Therefore, the processing of the object C in determining the visual variant of the graphic indication representing the area of the heat map on which the objects A, B and C are located, leads to the meaningless use of resources for processing.

[08] This decision is based on the fact that when determining the value of the thermal region associated with the region of the heat map, which is equal to or greater than the maximum value, any of the many objects that is located within the heat map, and which was not previously taken into account in the calculation the magnitude of the thermal region may not be taken into account. The value of the thermal region can then be used to create visual variants of the graphic indication that will be displayed when rendering the heat map, which includes the heat map area. This solution, respectively, allows you to determine the value of the thermal region without unnecessary processing of values associated with objects that do not affect the presented version of the graphic indication.

[09] Thus, one object of the present solution is a computer-executable method for creating a heat map displaying a plurality of objects, the method includes:

accessing a plurality of objects on a permanent computer-readable medium, wherein each of the plurality of objects is associated with a value and location;

gaining access to the heat map area on a permanent computer-readable medium, the heat map area being part of the heat map;

determining by the processor the value of the heat region associated with the heat map region, based on the value that is associated with one of the plurality of objects that is located in the heat map region;

when the processor determines one of (i) the value of the thermal region equal to the maximum value, and (ii) the value of the thermal region exceeding the maximum value, ignoring any of the many objects that are located in the region of the heat map and which was not previously taken into account in the calculation thermal region values;

when the processor determines that the value of the thermal region does not exceed the maximum value, and the location associated with another of the many objects in the heat map region, changing the value of the thermal region based on the value associated with another of the many objects;

creating a visual version of a graphical indication based on a specific value of the thermal region associated with the region of the heat map; and

processing a heat map by displaying a visual version of a graphic indication.

[10] In some embodiments, the maximum value is determined before determining the value of the thermal region associated with the region of the heat map.

[11] In some additional embodiments, access to the maximum value is obtained from a permanent computer-readable medium before determining the value of the thermal region associated with the region of the heat map.

[12] In some embodiments, the maximum value is associated with a heat map area.

[13] In some further embodiments, the value of the thermal region is determined to be zero until the value of the thermal region associated with the heat map region is determined.

[14] In some embodiments, the heat map region comprises one or more borders denoting the limits of the heat map region.

[15] In some further embodiments, the determination of a location associated with one of the plurality of objects in the heat map region is based on a comparison of coordinates determining the location and coordinates defining the boundaries of the heat map region.

[16] In some embodiments, determining a thermal region value based on a value associated with one of the plurality of objects includes one of (i) adding a value associated with one of the plurality of objects to the thermal region value, (ii) adding a value created based on a value associated with one of the plurality of objects to the value of the thermal region, and (iii) adding a predetermined value to the value of the thermal region.

[17] In some further embodiments, changing the value of the thermal region based on a value associated with another of the plurality of objects includes one of (i) adding a value associated with another of the plurality of objects to the value of the thermal region, (ii) adding a value created based on a value associated with another of the plurality of objects to the value of the thermal region, and (iii) adding a predetermined value to the value of the thermal region.

[18] In some additional embodiments, the graphic designation is a point associated with a color gradient.

[19] In some embodiments, the visual variations of the graphic indication correspond to the color gradient variants associated with the graphic indication.

[20] In some embodiments, the visual variations of the graphic indicia correspond to the transparency level options of the graphic indicia.

[21] In some further embodiments, each of the plurality of objects represents either a point of interest or a place of interest.

[22] In some additional embodiments, each value is associated with one of: quantity, popularity, user rating, number of tables, average score and brand rating.

[23] Another object of the implementation of the solution is a computer-executable method for creating a heat map displaying a plurality of objects, including:

accessing a plurality of objects on a permanent computer-readable medium, wherein each of the plurality of objects is associated with a value and location;

gaining access to the heat map area on a permanent computer-readable medium, the heat map area being part of the heat map;

determining by the processor the value of the heat region associated with the heat map region, based on the value that is associated with one of the plurality of objects that is located in the heat map region;

if the value of the thermal region does not exceed the maximum value, and the location associated with another of the plurality of objects is in the heat map region, determining the value of the thermal region based on the value associated with another of the plurality of objects;

if one of (i) the value of the thermal region is equal to the maximum value and (ii) the value of the thermal region exceeds the maximum value, determining the value of the thermal region as equal to the maximum value without taking into account the set of objects that are located in the heat map area and which were not previously taken into account when determining the value of the thermal region;

creating a visual version of a graphical indication based on a specific value of the thermal region associated with the region of the heat map; and

processing a heat map by displaying a visual version of a graphic indication.

[24] In some further embodiments, the method also includes extracting a map area; overlay on the area of the geographical map of the heat map; displaying the area of the geographical map on which the heat map is superimposed to the user.

[25] In some embodiments, the method includes storing in a permanent computer-readable medium at least one thermal region value and a visual version of a graphical indication.

[26] In some embodiments, access to a plurality of objects on a permanent computer-readable medium is carried out after receiving a request from a user that includes instructions (commands) to create a heat map for a specific geographical area on the map.

[27] In some further embodiments, access to a plurality of objects on a readable computer-readable medium is carried out after receiving a request from a user, the request comprising at least data representing a plurality of objects and data representing a specific geographic area of the map.

[28] In some embodiments, access to a plurality of objects on a permanent computer-readable medium is performed upon receipt of a request from a user to gain access to data on a permanent computer-readable medium that relates to a plurality of objects; and creating many objects from the data.

[29] In some further embodiments, the color gradient is a black and white gradient.

[30] Another object of the solution is a permanent computer-readable medium storing program instructions (machine-readable codes) for creating a heat map displaying a plurality of objects; wherein the program instructions are executed by the processor of the computer system to implement one or more of the above methods.

[31] Another object of the solution is a computer system, for example, without introducing restrictions, an electronic device including at least one processor and a memory storing program instructions (machine-readable codes) for creating a heat map; wherein the program instructions are executed by one or more processors of a computer system to implement one or more of the above methods.

[32] In the context of the present description, unless clearly indicated otherwise, “electronic device”, “user device”, “server”, “remote server” and “computer system” mean hardware and / or system software suitable for solving the corresponding problem. Thus, some non-limiting examples of hardware and / or software include computers (servers, desktop computers, laptops, netbooks, etc.), smartphones, tablets, network equipment (routers, switches, gateways, etc.) and / or their a combination.

[33] In the context of the present description, unless clearly indicated otherwise, “machine-readable medium” and “memory” means a medium of absolutely any type and character, non-limiting examples include RAM, ROM, disks (CDs, DVDs, floppy disks, hard drives drives, etc.), USB keys, flash cards, solid state drives and tape drives.

[34] In the context of the present description, unless expressly stated otherwise, the “sign” of an information element may be the information element or pointer itself, a reference, a link, or another indirect method allowing the recipient of the instruction to find a network, memory, database or other computer-readable medium from which information item can be retrieved. For example, a file attribute may include the file itself (i.e. its contents), or it may be a unique file descriptor that identifies the file with respect to a particular file system, or by some other means transmit an indication to the recipient of a network folder, a memory address, a table in the database, or another place where you can access the file. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the degree of accuracy necessary for such an indication depends on the degree of primary understanding of how the information exchanged between the receiver and sender of the pointer. For example, if before establishing a connection between the sender and the recipient, it is clear that the sign of the information element takes the form of a database key for recording in a specific table a pre-installed database containing the information element, then transferring the database key is all that is necessary for the efficient transmission of information element to the recipient, despite the fact that the information element itself was not transmitted between the sender and the recipient of the instruction.

[35] In the context of the present description, unless specifically indicated otherwise, the words "first", "second", "third", etc. used in the form of adjectives solely to distinguish the nouns to which they relate from each other, and not for the purpose of describing any specific relationship between these nouns. So, for example, it should be borne in mind that the use of the terms “first server” and “third server” does not imply any order, assignment to a certain type, chronology, hierarchy or ranking (for example) of servers / between servers, as well as their use (by itself itself) does not imply that a certain “second server” must exist in a given situation. Further, as indicated here in other contexts, the mention of the “first” element and the “second” element does not exclude the possibility that they are one and the same actual real element. So, for example, in some cases, the “first” server and the “second” server can be the same software and / or hardware, and in other cases they can be different software and / or hardware.

[36] Each embodiment includes at least one of the aforementioned objectives and / or objects. It should be borne in mind that some objects of the solution obtained as a result of attempts to achieve the aforementioned goals may satisfy other goals not specifically indicated here.

[37] Additional and / or alternative characteristics, aspects and advantages of the embodiments of the solution will become apparent from the following description, the attached drawings and the attached claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[38] For a better understanding of the solution, as well as its other aspects and characteristics, reference is made to the following description, which should be used in combination with the accompanying drawings, where:

[39] In FIG. 1 is a diagram of a computer system that is suitable for implementing a solution and / or that is used in conjunction with options for implementing a solution.

[40] In FIG. 2 is a diagram of a network environment implemented in accordance with an embodiment of the solution;

[41] In FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a heat map associated with a plurality of objects in accordance with an embodiment of the solution;

[42] In FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a heat map layer containing graphical indications in accordance with embodiment one;

[43] In FIG. 5-7 are examples of heat maps drawn in accordance with embodiments; and

[44] In FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a method, which is an embodiment.

[45] It should also be noted that the drawings are not to scale, unless specifically indicated otherwise.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[46] All examples and conditional constructions used here are intended primarily to help the reader understand the principles of the solution, and not to establish the boundaries of the scope of the solution. It should also be noted that specialists in the art can develop various schemes that are not separately described and not shown here, but which, nevertheless, embody the principles of the solution and are within the scope of the solution.

[47] In addition, for clarity of understanding, the following description relates to fairly simplified embodiments. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, many embodiments will be more complex.

[48] Some useful examples of modifications may also be covered by the following description. The purpose of this is also solely assistance in understanding, and not determining the scope and boundaries of the solution. These modifications do not constitute an exhaustive list, and those skilled in the art can create other modifications that remain within the scope of the solution. In addition, those cases where examples of modifications have not been presented should not be interpreted as saying that no modifications are possible and / or that what has been described is the only embodiment of this element.

[49] Moreover, all of the principles, aspects, and embodiments stated herein, as well as their specific examples, are intended to indicate their structural and functional foundations. Thus, for example, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the flowcharts presented here are conceptual illustrative diagrams that reflect the principles of the solution. Similarly, any block diagrams, transition state diagrams, pseudo codes, etc. are various processes that can be represented on a computer-readable medium and thus be used by a computer or processor, regardless of whether a clearly similar computer or processor is shown or not.

[50] The functions of the various elements shown in the figures, including a function block designated as a “processor” or a “graphic processor”, can be provided using specialized hardware or hardware capable of using suitable software. When it comes to a processor, functions can be provided by one specialized processor, one common processor or many individual processors, some of which may be shared. In some embodiments, the processor may be a general purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU), or a processor specialized for a specific purpose, such as a graphics processing unit (GPU). Moreover, the use of the term “processor” or “controller” should not imply exclusively hardware capable of supporting the operation of the software, and may include, without limitation, a digital signal processor (DSP), a network processor, a special purpose integrated circuit (ASIC), programmable the user gate array (FPGA), read-only memory (ROM) for storing software, random access memory (RAM) and non-volatile memory remembers device. Other hardware may also be included, conventional and / or special.

[51] Software modules or simple modules, which are software that can be used here in combination with flowchart elements or other elements, indicate the execution of process steps and / or text description. Similar models can be performed on hardware shown directly or indirectly.

[52] Based on these notes, some non-limiting options for implementing the decision will be discussed below.

[53] In FIG. 1 is a diagram of a computer system 100 that is suitable for some embodiments, the computer system 100 includes various hardware components, including one or more single or multi-core processors, which are represented by a processor 110, a graphics processor (GPU) 111, and a solid state drive 120 , RAM 130, a monitor interface 140, and an input / output interface 150.

[54] Communication between the various components of the computer system 100 may be via one or more internal and / or external buses 160 (eg, PCI bus, universal serial bus, IEEE 1394 high speed bus, SCSI bus, Serial ATA bus, and so on), with which various hardware components are electronically connected. The interface 140 of the monitor can be connected to the monitor 142 (for example, via an HDMI cable 144), visible to the user 170, the input / output interface 150 can be connected to a touch screen (not shown), a keyboard 151 (for example, via a USB cable 153) and a mouse 152 (for example, via a USB cable 154), both the keyboard 151 and the mouse 152 are used by the user 170.

[55] In accordance with embodiments, the solid state drive 120 stores program instructions suitable for loading into RAM 130 and used by processor 110 and / or GPU 111 to create a heat map. For example, program instructions (commands) may be part of a library or application.

[56] In FIG. 2 shows a networked computer environment 200 suitable for use with some embodiments, which comprises an electronic device 208 (also referred to as a “client device”, “electronic device” or “electronic device associated with a user”), a server 222 (also referred to as a “remote server”) associated with an electronic device 208 via a network 220 (e.g., the Internet) allowing these systems to exchange data, and a GPS satellite 230 transmitting a GPS signal to the electronic device 208.

[57] Embodiments of the electronic device 208 are not particularly limited, but, as an example, the electronic device 208 can communicate with the server 222, receiving user input 170 and receiving and transmitting data through the network 220. The electronic device 208 may, by way of non-limiting example. , be a desktop computer, laptop, smartphone (for example, Apple iPhone or Samsung Galaxy S5), personal digital assistant (PDA) or other device that includes computing functionality and communication capabilities. The electronic device 208 may include internal hardware components, such as one or more multi-core processors, which are shown in the drawing as a processor 110, a graphics processor GPU 111, RAM 130, each component is analogous to the correspondingly numbered components of the computer system 100 shown in FIG. 1, as well as a network interface (not shown) for communicating with server 222. The electronic device 208 may also include a GPS receiver (not shown) for receiving a GPS signal from one or more GPS satellites, such as satellite 230.

[58] In one embodiment, the electronic device 208 displays the contents of the server 222 by processing data simulating a heat map received from the server 222. In various embodiments, the electronic device 208 provides a visualization interface for displaying a heat map or heat map overlaid on a geographical card, to user 170 through a browser application (not shown) and / or through a specialized visualization application (not shown) pre-installed on an electronic troystve 208. In general, the object of the visualization interface is to allow the user 170 (i) select an area of a map; (ii) select one or more objects associated with the values to be displayed on the heat map; and / or (iii) display and allow the user to interact with the area of the geographic map, the heat map and / or the geographical map on which the heat map is superimposed.

[59] In an example embodiment, the selection of a map area for display on an electronic device 208 can be accomplished by formulating a search query and performing a search using a search engine, which, for example, is located on server 222. To this end, the search application may comprise a search interface (not shown) in which user 170 can formulate a search query using, for example, interaction with a touch screen on user device 208. The search interface can It also contains a search results interface (not shown) for displaying the result set created further for processing the search query. In some embodiments, a geographic map area can be selected automatically by an electronic device 208, for example (without limitation), based on a GPS signal received from a GPS satellite 230.

[60] In some embodiments, the visualization interface may allow the user 170 to select one or more objects associated with the values to be displayed on the heat map. The selection of one or more objects associated with the values to be displayed on the heat map can be carried out in a variety of ways. As a first example, the selection of one or more objects can be made by a user 170 who selects one or more objects and / or a specific set of objects. A specific set of objects can be pre-created or created by the results of user actions 170. A specific set of objects can be pre-created or created by identifying objects that have a common feature. For example, a particular set of objects is a set of restaurants, and a common attribute is the popularity associated with each individual restaurant of those that form a set of restaurants. In this example, popularity can be determined by restaurant visitors who rate their experience on a scale of ʺ1ʺ to ʺ10ʺ. In this particular example, objects representing restaurants and values associated with objects representing popularity are associated with the corresponding restaurant. In some embodiments, restaurant facilities may also be associated with other features, such as the average cost of dishes. In some alternative embodiments, different sets of objects may have one or more common features. For example, a set of objects representing hotels may have a sign of popularity, as well as a set of objects representing restaurants. As a result, the user 170 can interact with the electronic device 208 to select one or more sets of objects and / or one or more features that may be common to many sets of objects. For example, continuing the above example, a user 170 may interact with an electronic device 208 to select a set of objects representing restaurants. In some embodiments, the user 170 may also select a sign of popularity among the plurality of choices presented on the electronic device 208, for example, among the “popularity” and / or “average price of a dish” options. In some alternative embodiments, the selection of a popularity sign among a plurality of choices may be made automatically by an electronic device 208 and / or a server 222. In another embodiment, a user 170 may select a popularity sign from a plurality of choices to visualize a plurality of sets of objects having a common popularity sign. For example, user 170 may select a sign of popularity to visualize the popularity of restaurants and hotels on the same heatmap. As will be understood by a person skilled in the art, many options, combinations, and alternative embodiments may be provided for selecting one or more objects associated with the values for display on a heat map without going beyond the boundaries of the solution.

[61] In some embodiments, a visualization interface may allow a user 170 to display a map area, a heat map, and / or a map area on which a heat map is superimposed. In one embodiment, as soon as the user 170 has selected a geographic map area and / or one or more objects associated with the values to be displayed on the heat map, this heat map is created and displayed on the electronic device 208. In some embodiments, the geographical map area may be displayed on the electronic device 208 before creating a heat map. In some other embodiments, the selection of the geographic area of the map and / or one or more objects can be made without showing the geographic area of the map to the user 170 before creating the heat map. In some other embodiments, a map area may be superimposed on the heat map so that the user 170 can visualize both the heat map and the map area at the same time. In some alternative embodiments, a map area may be partially overlaid on the heatmap so that only part of the information contained in the area of the map is visible to the user 170, which, in some circumstances, may be necessary to reduce the amount of information, which will be presented to the user 170. In some other embodiments, a heat map may be presented to the user 170 without the user selecting 170 the ge a map and / or one or more objects. In such an embodiment, the user 170 may determine the relevant area of the geographic map and / or one or more relevant objects by interacting with a heat map displayed on the electronic device 208.

[62] As noted in the previous paragraph, in addition to displaying a map area, a heat map, and / or a map area on which a heat map is superimposed, a visualization interface can allow a user 170 to interact with a map area, a heat map, and / or a geographical the card on which the heat map is superimposed. In the first example, the user 170 can select the area of the map and then interact with the area of the map to more accurately determine the specific area on the map for which the user 170 wants to create a heat map. With this, the user 170 can limit the objects to be represented on the heatmap with objects with adjacent geographical locations corresponding to a specific area defined by the user 170. In the second example, the user 170 can interact with the heatmap and / or the area of the geographical map on which the heatmap is superimposed, once the heatmap has been created. With this, the user 170 can interact with the heat map in “real time” and, in some cases, in this case, the heat map will be created dynamically based on the interactions of the user 170 with the electronic device 208. As an example, the interaction of the user 170 with the electronic device 208 can include modification of geographical areas for which you want to create a heat map, changing the set of objects to be represented on the heat map (for example, switching from a heat map, representing restaurants, to the heat map representing the hotels), changing the attributes of the objects presented on the heat map (for example, switching from a heat map representing popularity to a heat map representing the average cost of a dish). As will be understood by those skilled in the art, other interactions with the heat map and / or the region of the geographic map on which the heat map is superimposed can be envisaged without going beyond the boundaries of the solution. Such interactions may include, for example (without imposing restrictions), changing the graphic indications used to represent the information on the heat map (for example, changing the color, changing the color gradient, changing the level of transparency), changing the level of detail of information associated with objects and / or areas geographical map, etc.

[63] In one embodiment, a data channel (not shown) may be established between the electronic device 208 and the server 222 to enable data exchange. Such data exchange may occur on an ongoing basis or, alternatively, upon the occurrence of specific events. For example, data exchange may occur as a result of the user 170 selecting a geographic area of the map, for example (without imposing restrictions), by sending a request by the electronic device 208 to the server 222 and receiving in response data simulating the geographical area of the map. In another example, data exchange may occur as a result of the user 170 selecting one or more objects associated with the values to be displayed on the heat map, for example (without introducing restrictions) by sending a request by electronic device 208 to server 222 and receiving data in response associated with objects and / or values associated with objects. In another example, data exchange may occur as a result of the electronic device 208 displaying a map area, a heat map and / or a map area on which a heat map is superimposed, for example (without introducing restrictions) by sending a request by the electronic device 208 to the server 222 and in response to receiving data related to a heat map created by the server 222. In addition, user interactions 170 with the heat map displayed on the electronic device can lead to data exchange, For example (without introducing restrictions), by sending a request by the electronic device 208 to the server 222 to update the heat map based on the interaction with the user 170 (for example, increasing, decreasing, changing the geographical area for presentation, etc.) and receiving data in response, associated with the updated version of the heatmap created by the server 222.

[64] As described above, in some embodiments, the data channel may be created as a result of the electronic device 208 sending a request for specific data related to the area of the geographic map, an object, a value associated with the object and / or heat map . In other embodiments, the electronic device 208 may also include a cookie (not shown) containing data that indicates whether the user 170 of the electronic device 208 is authorized on the server 222. A cookie may indicate whether the user 170 is participating in an active session in which the electronic device 208 communicates with the server 222, thereby indicating that the user 170 has an account associated with the server 222. As soon as the data channel between the electronic device 108 and the server 222 is installed, data related to the area of the geographical map, the object, the value associated with the object and / or heat map can be obtained by the electronic device 208. In some examples, the electronic device 208 receives a complete set of data simulating the entire heat map. In other examples, the electronic device 208 obtains a specific set of data simulating a portion of a heat map. Determining whether it is necessary to obtain a complete set of data modeling the entire heat map, or a specific data set modeling the part of the heat map, can be done by a visualization interface operating on an electronic device 208, a server 222, and / or a user 170 interacting with an electronic device 208. In some in other examples, the data set may include both a heat map and an area of a geographic map. In some other examples, the first data set may include only a heatmap, and the second data set may include only a geographic area. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, there are many options for how data will be transmitted between the electronic device 208 and the server 222, and they will not go beyond the boundaries of the solution.

[65] In another embodiment, data related to the area of the geographic map, object, value associated with the object, and / or heat map can be pre-stored in the memory of electronic device 208, for example, on solid state drive 120. In this embodiment There is no need to install a data transfer channel between the electronic device 208 and the server 222, since the data was previously stored in the memory of the electronic device 208, for example, after downloading and installing the visualization application to the electronic device 208. Naturally, even within those embodiments where data related to the area of the geographic map, object or value associated with the object, and / or heat map is stored in the memory of the electronic device, a data transmission channel can be established ( for example, to download updates and the like).

[66] Once the electronic device 208 has received from the memory of the electronic device 208 and / or evaluated data related to the area of the geographic map, object, value associated with the object, and / or heat map, they can be processed, for example, by processor 110 and / or GPU 111 of electronic device 208. Commands for processing data may be executed using a software module controlled by a visualization interface. Or, the software module may be controlled independently of the visualization interface (for example, it may be controlled by the operating system of the electronic device 208). In other embodiments, the processing command may be performed using a specialized module (software and / or hardware) or a non-specialized module (software and / or hardware) within the scope of the solution.

[67] As will be described in more detail below, the task of processing data related to the area of the geographical map, the object, the value associated with the object, and / or heat map is to create data for rendering the heat map. In some embodiments, the data created for rendering the heat map can be stored in the memory of the electronic device 208 for immediate or delayed rendering on the screen of the electronic device 208. After creation, the data for rendering the heat map is stored in the memory of the electronic device 208, for example, on a solid state drive 120 and / or on random access memory (RAM) 130. In some other embodiments, the processing of data for rendering a heat map may not take place electronically device 208, and on another device. For example, in an alternative embodiment, data processing for rendering a heat map can occur on server 222. In this example, an electronic device 208 may receive heat map drawing data processed by server processor 222 from server 222 instead of receiving raw data simulating a heat map. In this example, after receiving data for rendering the heat map, the electronic device 208 stores the data for rendering the heat map in the memory of the electronic device 208.

[68] In one embodiment, instructions (commands) to draw a heatmap based on data for rendering a heatmap can be implemented using a graphics engine controlled by a visualization interface. In some alternative embodiments, the graphics engine may be controlled by a software module independent of the visualization interface (for example, the operating system of the electronic device 208).

[69] The implementation of the visualization interface is not specifically limited. One example of a visualization interface can be user access to a website connected to server 222 using a web browser client running on electronic device 208. For example, the visualization interface can be accessed by entering the URL associated with the Yandex web service. The map is available at https://maps.yandex.com. In another example, the visualization interface may be implemented as a software application (also referred to as an “application”) for installation on the electronic device 208. For example, an application implementing the visualization interface can be downloaded by entering the URL associated with the application store from where applications can be downloaded. For example, the Yandex application. Maps are available for upload to Yandex. Store, Yandex, Russia, 119021, Moscow, ul. Leo Tolstoy, 16 or at the Apple App Store, Apple Inc., 1 Infinite Loop, Cupertino, C A 95014, USA. It is important to keep in mind that the visualization interface can be accessed using other commercially available or proprietary web services.

[70] The electronic device 208 is connected to the network 220 via a data line (not numbered). In some non-limiting embodiments, the network may be the Internet. In other embodiments, the network 220 may be implemented differently - in the form of a global data network, local data network, private data network, etc.

[71] The implementation of the communication line is not limited, and will depend on how the electronic device 208 is implemented. As an example (but not limitation) in those embodiments where the electronic device 208 is a wireless communication device (eg, smartphone), the data line is a wireless data network (for example, among others, a 3G data line, a 4G data line, Wireless Fidelity or WiFi®, Bluetooth®, etc.). In those examples where the electronic device 208 is a laptop computer, the data line can be either wireless (Wireless Internet Wireless Fidelity or WiFi®, Bluetooth®, etc.) or wired (Ethernet-based connection).

[72] It is important to keep in mind that the embodiments of electronic device 208, data line and network 220 are for illustrative purposes only. Thus, those skilled in the art will be able to understand the details of other specific embodiments of the electronic device 208, data lines and networks 220. That is, the examples presented here do not limit the solution.

[73] Also connected to the network 220 is a server 222, which may host a web service for creating heat maps. Server 222 may be a conventional computer server. In an example embodiment, the server 222 may be a Dell ™ PowerEdge ™ server that uses the Microsoft ™ Windows Server ™ operating system. Needless to say, server 222 may be any other suitable hardware and / or application software and / or system software, or a combination thereof. In the present embodiment, not limiting the scope of the solution, server 222 is a single server. In other non-limiting embodiments, the functionality of the server 222 may be shared, and may be performed by multiple servers.

[74] Embodiments of the server 222 are well known to those skilled in the art. However, in short, server 222 includes a communication interface (not shown) that is configured and configured to connect to various elements (eg, electronic device 208 and other devices potentially connected to network 220) through network 220. Server 222 further includes one or more of the following: a computer processor (not shown) operably connected to a communication interface and configured and configured to perform various processes described herein.

[75] Server 222 is operatively connected (or otherwise has access) to a server implemented as a search engine (not shown). Server 222 may also be operatively connected (or otherwise have access) to a database of objects 224 and / or a map database 226. Thus, the server 222 can sometimes be called a “search server” or “search input server”, “data server”, “data simulating geographic maps” or “data modeling server”. Although server 222 is depicted as a single block, in some embodiments, server 222 functionality may be divided and implemented as multiple servers within the scope of the solution.

[76] The main objective of server 222 is to create a heat map and provide data simulating the created heat map to other systems, for example, electronic device 208. The following is a description of an embodiment of server 222 that does not limit the scope of the solution. However, it should be borne in mind that there are other embodiments of server 222 that do not limit the scope of the solution. It is important to keep in mind that to simplify the following description, the configuration of server 222 has been greatly simplified. It is believed that specialists in the art will be able to understand the details of the implementation of the server 222 and its components, which could be omitted in the description with the aim of simplification.

[77] In general, the task of server 222 is to: (i) receive a request from electronic device 208; (ii) obtaining data from a database of 224 objects and / or data from a database of 226 maps; (iii) creating a heat map based on data obtained from a database of 224 objects and / or a database of 226 maps; and (iv) transferring the generated heat map to the electronic device 208. The way in which the server 222 receives the request, retrieves the data, and transmits it is not limited. Specialists in the art will understand some methods and means for receiving a request, retrieving data and transmitting them and, accordingly, some structural components of the server 222 will be described only at the surface level. A more detailed description of how the heat map is created will be provided with the description of FIG. 3.

[78] In one embodiment, server 222 may be configured to receive a request from electronic device 208, specifically identifying the area of the geographic map for which you want to create a heat map. In another embodiment, the request may also specifically identify one or more objects or a set of objects for which it is necessary to create a heat map. In another embodiment, the request may also specifically identify one or more features associated with objects for which it is necessary to create a heat map. In alternative embodiments, the request received from the electronic device 208 may be a search request that is interpreted and processed by a search engine located, for example, on a server 222. After processing, it may be necessary to identify the data to create the requested heat map. In one embodiment, data identification may be performed by accessing an object database 224 and / or map database 226. The way in which data is identified is not specifically limited.

[79] After the data has been identified, the server 222 retrieves the data from the database 224 objects and / or database 226 maps. The extracted data may include data related to one or more objects. Data related to one or more objects may include values and / or geographical locations associated with one or more objects. In some embodiments, the extracted data may be processed by the server 222 to create a heat map, which, in turn, is transmitted to the electronic device 208. In some embodiments, the data processing may include determining the value of the heat region associated with the heat map region, moreover, the area of the heat map is part of the heat map. The value of the thermal region is determined based on the values associated with a plurality of objects located in the heat map region. The processing may further include, in determining that (i) the value of the thermal region is equal to the maximum value or (ii) the value of the thermal region exceeds the maximum value, ignoring any of the many objects that is located in the heat map region and which was not previously taken into account when determining the value of the thermal region. The specific value of the thermal region can then be used to create visual variations of graphic indications that represent values associated with a plurality of objects located in the heat map region. In some embodiments, the processing may also include rendering a heat map by displaying a visual version of a graphic indication. In some embodiments, the determined thermal region value may be directly transmitted to the electronic device 208 without further processing on the server 222. In some other embodiments, a visual graphic indication based on the thermal region value may be directly transmitted to the electronic device 208 without further processing. on server 222. In other embodiments, data retrieved from the database 224 of the objects and / or database 226 maps of the data can be transmitted electronically building 208 without processing by server 222. In some other embodiments, a thermal region value may be pre-created and stored in a database functionally connected to server 222. In some alternative embodiments, a visual version of the graphic indication may be pre-created and stored in the database data functionally connected to server 222. In some alternative embodiments, a rendered heat map can be pre-created and stored in a database, optionally connected to server 222. In some embodiments, server 222 may also initiate rendering and / or display of a heat map on electronic device 208. In some alternative embodiments, triggering of drawing and / or display of a heat map can be performed by electronic device 208 or response to the interaction of the user 170 with the electronic device 208.

[80] The database 224 of the objects is functionally connected to the server 222 and may contain data representing one or more objects. In one embodiment, an object may represent a point of interest or place of interest. By way of example, but not limitation, an object may be a place of interest that can be visited; it is determined only by its geographic coordinates (for example, objects displayed on a heat map created using the Sightsmap web service, available at http://www.sightsmap.com). In some other examples, a place can be determined by the category of services and / or activities associated with the place, for example, the place can be a restaurant, cafe, hotel, museum, shop, bank. In some other embodiments, the implementation of the object may not be associated with a place of interest or point of interest, and therefore, the object may not be associated with a geographical location. For example, an object may represent data associated with a value and location. In this example, the location refers to the position of the object on the generated heat map, but does not apply to the geographical location itself. As will be clear to a person skilled in the art, the types of objects that can be represented by data stored in a database of 224 objects and used to create a heat map are not limited in any way.

[81] In some embodiments, each entry in the object database 224 corresponds to an object associated with the value. The value associated with the object may be stored in database 224 or in another database. The values associated with the object may also be referred to as the “weight coefficient” associated with the object. As described previously, a few examples of values may include: quantity, popularity, user rating, number of tables, average score and / or brand rating. Within the scope of the solution, other types of values may be used. In some embodiments, the implementation of the value associated with the object may correspond to the characteristic of the object, for example, the object "restaurant" may be associated with the sign of "popularity". In some embodiments, an object may also be associated with more than one value, for example, a объект restaurant ’may be associated with a first оп popularity’ value and a second ʺ average count ’value. In some other embodiments, the value may be associated with more than one object, for example, the “popularity” value may be associated with the first object and the second object, provided that the first and second objects have the same popularity. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, many options can be provided for how objects and values can be connected without going beyond the boundaries of the solution.

[82] In some alternative embodiments, each entry in the object database 224 corresponds to an object associated with a value and location. The location may be stored in a database of 224 objects or in a separate database, for example, but without limitation, in a database of 226 maps. As described previously, in some embodiments, the location may correspond to a geographical location, which may or may not correspond to a position in the map area. For example, the location associated with an object from the database 224 of the objects may correspond to the geographical location associated with the area of the geographic map in the database 226 maps. In some other examples, the location may be an indication of where the object should be located on the heat map when it is created. In some embodiments, an object may also be associated with more than one location. In some other examples, the location may be associated with more than one object, for example, the location may be associated with the first object and the second object. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, many options can be provided for how the database of 224 objects can be structured and how the objects and location are connected, without going beyond the boundaries of the solution.

[83] The map database 226 is operatively connected to the server 222 and may contain data representing one or more areas of the geographic map. In one embodiment, data representing one or more areas of the geographic map is available to the server 222 in response to transmitting a user request 170 to select a specific geographic area. Data representing one or more areas of the geographic map can also be accessed by server 222 when creating a heat map, for example, when creating a heat map that is overlaid with the corresponding region of the geographic map. The data contained in the database 226 maps can correspond to the entire geographical map or only part of the geographical map, for example, the area of the geographical map. In some alternative embodiments, the implementation of the map database 226 may comprise data corresponding to a non-geographical map, for example (without imposing restrictions), a map that provides the ability to present data in accordance with a specific structure. As described previously, in some embodiments, the map database 226 may also contain data related to a location associated with an object from the object database 224. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, many options can be provided for how the map database 226 can be structured and how locations are connected without going beyond the boundaries of the solution.

[84] In FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a heat map associated with a plurality of objects in accordance with an embodiment of the solution. In some embodiments, a plurality of objects may be associated with values that may be referred to as “unprocessed values”. Raw values may be data in such a format and state as originally determined after the creation of the raw data, before processing in accordance with embodiments. In contrast, thermal region values that were created in accordance with embodiments based on raw values.

[85] The diagram in FIG. 3 can be used to illustrate an embodiment of a method for creating a heat map 302 representing a plurality of objects. Heat map 302 contains a first heat map area 304, a second heat map area 306, and a third heat map area 308. Each of the regions 304, 306, 308 on the heat map is part of the heat map 302, which may also be referred to as a region. Each of the regions 304, 306, 308 on the heat map includes one or more boundaries defining the limits of the region. Despite the fact that the areas 304, 306, 308 on the heat map are shown in the form of rectangles, it should be borne in mind that other geometric shapes can also be used without going beyond the boundaries of the solution. Such geometric shapes may include, but are not limited to, a square, a quadrangle, or a polygon. Such geometric shapes may also include, inter alia, a shape with one or more curved segments, for example, a circular shape or an oval shape. Although areas 304, 306, 308 on the heat map are shown separated from each other, it should be borne in mind that other embodiments may also be implemented. In some embodiments, the heat map regions may define a grid that divides the heat map 302 into a plurality of regions. This plurality of regions together forms a heat map 302. In some embodiments, regions of the heat map can be adjacent to each other. In some other embodiments, for example, in the embodiment of FIG. 3, heat map areas can only be determined in those regions of heat map 302 in which the objects are located. In some other embodiments, the regions of the heat map may overlap each other. As will be understood from the description by those skilled in the art, the shape and configuration of the regions on the heat map are not limited and many options can be used within the boundaries of the solution.

[86] The diagram in FIG. 3 also shows many objects. The plurality of objects includes a first object 310 associated with a ʺ20ʺ value and a location in a heat map area 304; a second object 312 associated with a value of ʺ30ʺ and a location in a heat map area 304; a third object 314 associated with a ʺ50ʺ value and a location in a heat map area 304; a fourth object 316 associated with a ʺ25ʺ value and a location in a heat map area 304; a fifth object 318 associated with a value of ʺ20ʺ and a location in a heat map area 304; a sixth object 320 associated with a value of ʺ25ʺ and a location in the heatmap region 306; a seventh object 322 associated with a value of ʺ25ʺ and a location in the heatmap region 306; an eighth object 324 associated with a ʺ70ʺ value and a location in the heatmap region 308; a ninth object 326, associated with a value of ʺ24ʺ and a location in the heatmap region 308; a tenth object 328 associated with a ʺ26ʺ value and a location in the heatmap region 308; an eleventh object 330 associated with a ʺ125ʺ value and a location in the heatmap region 308.

[87] In this example, each object of the plurality of objects shown in FIG. 3, represents a restaurant, and each value associated with the corresponding object represents the popularity of the respective restaurant. In this example, the popularity of restaurants represented by a variety of objects 302 varies from ʺ24ʺ to ʺ125ʺ. Each object of the plurality of objects shown in FIG. 3 may be associated with a location. In this example, each location represents the geographical location of the respective restaurant. The geographical location may be geographical coordinates and / or an indication that allows you to localize the restaurant on the map area. In some embodiments, for example, in the embodiment of FIG. 3, the location associated with the object is determined based on coordinate systems, for example, coordinate systems 332. The coordinate system 332 is a Cartesian coordinate system containing x-axes and y-axes. The coordinate system 332 allows you to uniquely determine the position of the object located on the heat map 302. The coordinate system 332 can also uniquely determine the position and configuration of the heat map area. As a result, the coordinate system 332 can be based on determining whether the object is within a specific area of the heat map, for example, by comparing the coordinates determining the location of the object and the coordinates defining the boundaries of the heat map area. As will be clear to experts in this field, without going beyond the boundaries of the solution, other coordinate systems other than the Cartesian coordinate system can be used. Other coordinate systems, inter alia, may include a polar coordinate system, a cylindrical or spherical coordinate system.

[88] In an example embodiment, a method for creating a heat map includes determining a value of a heat region associated with a heat map region. In an embodiment, a thermal region value compiles values associated with objects located in a heat map region. In some embodiments, the thermal region value is first associated with a значением0ʺ value before processing of objects located in the heat map region begins. In the example of FIG. 3, the first thermal region value is associated with the heat map region 304, and can be first determined based on the ʺ20ʺ value associated with the first object 310. In the first embodiment, the first thermal region value can be determined by adding the ʺ20ʺ value associated with the first object 310, to the initial value of the first thermal region ʺ0ʺ. In this embodiment, the determined value of the first thermal region becomes ʺ20ʺ. In the second embodiment, the value of the first thermal region can be determined by adding the first value created based on the ʺ20ʺ value associated with the first object 310 to the initial value of the first thermal region ʺ0ʺ. In an exemplary embodiment, the first value can be created using the ʺ1 / 10ʺ ratio to the ʺ20ʺ value, i.e. as a result, the first value becomes ʺ2ʺ. In the third embodiment, the value of the thermal region can be determined by adding a predetermined value to the value of the first thermal region. In an exemplary embodiment, the first value may be predetermined as equal to ʺ 10 ʺ.

[89] Continuing with the first exemplary embodiment presented above, the value of the first thermal region is set to be ʺ20ʺ. At this stage, the method determines whether the value of the first thermal region is equal to or greater than the maximum value. In an embodiment, the maximum value may be pre-set to be ʺ100ʺ. The maximum value may be the same for all areas on the heatmap or may vary for each of the areas on the heatmap. In some embodiments, implementation, the maximum value can be manually set by the user 170 and / or administrator. In such embodiments, an indication of the maximum value can be obtained from the electronic device 208 as a result of the interaction of the user 170 with the electronic device 208. In some embodiments, the maximum value can be “tightly fixed” in a software module that performs various decision steps. In other embodiments, implementation, the maximum value can be determined dynamically. In an embodiment where the maximum value is ʺ100ʺ, the method determines that since the value of the first thermal region is ʺ20ʺ, it does not equal and does not exceed the maximum value. As a result, the method proceeds to change the value of the first thermal region based on the ʺ30ʺ value associated with the second object 312. In one embodiment, changing the value of the first thermal region includes adding a previously determined ʺ20ʺ value to the ʺ30ʺ value associated with the second object 312. B As a result, the value of the first thermal region changes and becomes equal to ʺ50ʺ.

[90] At this stage, the method repeats the previous step of determining whether or not the value of the first thermal region does not equal the maximum value. The method determines that, since the value of the first thermal region is ʺ50ʺ, it does not equal and does not exceed the maximum value. As a result, the method proceeds to change the value of the first thermal region based on the ʺ50ʺ value associated with the third object 314. In one embodiment, changing the value of the first thermal region includes adding a previously determined ʺ50ʺ value to the ʺ50ʺ value associated with the third object 314. B As a result, the value of the first thermal region changes and becomes equal to ʺ100ʺ. At this stage, the method repeats the previous step of determining whether the value of the first thermal region does not equal or exceed the maximum value. In an embodiment where the maximum value is ʺ100ʺ, the method determines that since the value of the first thermal region is ʺ100ʺ, it is equal to the maximum value. At this point, the method determines that the maximum value has been reached by the value of the first thermal region, and as a result, the fourth object 316 and the fifth object 318 will not be taken into account to determine the value of the first thermal region, despite the fact that the fourth object 316 and the fifth object 318 are located in a heat map area 304. The final value of the first thermal region is ʺ100ʺ.

[91] Turning to the heat map region 306, the method proceeds to determine the value of the second heat region associated with the heat map region 306. The value of the second thermal region can be determined by adding the ʺ25ʺ value associated with the sixth object 320 to the initial value of the second thermal region ʺ0ʺ. In this embodiment, the determined value of the second thermal region becomes ʺ25ʺ. The method determines that, since the value of the second thermal region is ʺ50ʺ, it does not equal and does not exceed the maximum value. As a result, the method proceeds to change the value of the second thermal region based on the ʺ25ʺ value associated with the seventh object 322. As a result, the changed value of the second thermal region changes and becomes ʺ50ʺ. At this stage, the method determines whether or not the value of the second thermal region does not equal the maximum value (for example, ʺ100ʺ for this exemplary embodiment). In this example, the method determines that, since the value of the second thermal region is ʺ50ʺ, it does not equal and does not exceed the maximum value. In the same example, since the sixth object 320 and the seventh object 322 are the only objects located in the heat map region 306, the method determines that the final value of the second heat region is ʺ50ʺ.

[92] Turning to the heat map region 308, the method proceeds to determine the value of the third heat region associated with the heat map region 308. The value of the third thermal region can be determined by adding the ʺ70ʺ value associated with the eighth object 324 to the initial value of the third thermal region ʺ0ʺ. In this embodiment, the determined value of the third thermal region becomes ʺ70ʺ. The method determines that, since the value of the third thermal region is ʺ70ʺ, it does not equal and does not exceed the maximum value. As a result, the method proceeds to change the value of the third thermal region based on the ʺ24ʺ value associated with the ninth object 326. As a result, the changed value of the third thermal region changes to ʺ94ʺ. At this stage, the method determines if the value of the third thermal region does not equal or exceed the maximum value (for example, ʺ100ʺ for this exemplary embodiment). In this example, the method determines that, since the value of the third thermal region is ʺ94ʺ, it does not equal and does not exceed the maximum value. As a result, the method proceeds to change the value of the third thermal region based on the ʺ26ʺ value associated with the tenth object 328. As a result, the changed value of the third thermal region changes to ʺ120ʺ. At this stage, the method repeats the previous step of determining whether or not the value of the third thermal region does not equal the maximum value. In an embodiment of the solution, where the maximum value is ʺ100ʺ, the method determines that, since the value of the third thermal region is ʺ120ʺ, it exceeds the maximum value. At this point, the method determines that the maximum value has been reached by the value of the third thermal region, and as a result, the eleventh object 330 will not be taken into account to determine the value of the third thermal region, despite the fact that the eleventh object 330 is associated with a location in the region 308 heatmaps. The final value of the third thermal region is ʺ120ʺ. In an alternative embodiment, since the value of the third thermal region exceeds the maximum value, the method can change the value of the third thermal region so that it becomes equal to the maximum value. In this alternative embodiment, the value of the third thermal region may become ʺ100ʺ.

[93] In this embodiment, the value of the first thermal region, the value of the second thermal region and the value of the third thermal region are used to create visual variations of the graphic indication that will be displayed to the user 170 when rendering the heat map 302. In this embodiment, the visual variations may correspond to color gradients associated with graphic options, black and white gradients associated with the graphic option, and / or transparency levels of the graphic indication. For example, the ʺ50ʺ value of the second thermal region may be associated with a higher transparency level than the transparency level associated with the value of the first thermal region and the value of the third thermal region, since the value of the first thermal region and the value of the third thermal region are both higher than the value of the second thermal region . In this embodiment, since the value of the first thermal region and the value of the third thermal region are both equal to or greater than the maximum value, and both correspond to the same level of transparency. In this case, the transparency level is selected so as to be lower than the transparency level, which reflects the fact that the values of objects associated with the heat map region 304 and the heat map region 308 are equal to or exceed the maximum value.

[94] In this example, each location represents the geographical location of the respective restaurant. The heat map layer 402 may also be referred to as a heat map. In some examples, a heat map is formed by overlaying a map area on a heat map layer. In some other examples, a heat map is formed by superimposing other layers on the heat map, for example (without introducing restrictions), a data map that determines the location of objects based on predefined locations. In some other examples, a heat map can be formed by itself with a heat map layer, without the need to overlay any other layer on the heat map layer. The heat map layer 402 may contain one or more graphical indications representing one or more objects and values associated with the respective objects. The graphic indicia may also be associated with a location allowing the graphic indicia to be arranged on the heat map layer 402 to show the location associated with the object. In FIG. 4 also depicts in close-up a graphic designation 404. Graphic designation 404 reflects an embodiment of a graphic designation. As will be clear to experts in this field, you can provide many options for graphical indications, without going beyond the boundaries of the solution. The graphic indication takes the form of a point with a level of transparency that changes from the center to the edges of the point. In one embodiment, the dots in the center have lower levels of transparency, and higher edges around the edges. In one embodiment, the visual variant of the graphic guide 404 may include changing the surface of the dot so that increasing the level of transparency leads to an overall increase in the transparency of the surface of the dot. Conversely, a visual version of graphical indication 404 may include changing the surface of the point such that lowering the level of transparency leads to a general decrease in the transparency of the surface of the point. In some alternative embodiments, the implementation of the visual variant of the graphic indication may include a color change of the area defining the graphic indication. As will be clear to experts in this field, you can provide many different visual options for graphical indications, without going beyond the boundaries of the solution.

[95] In FIG. 5-7, exemplary embodiments of a first screen 502, a second screen 602, and a third screen 702 are shown. The first screen 502 provides an example of a heat map that contains a heat map layer on which a geographic map area is superimposed. The first screen 502 also contains control buttons to enable the user 170 to interact with the heatmap. The control buttons include the “increase / decrease” control panel 504, the “switch display” button 510, the “change transparency” button 512, the “change radius” button 514, the invert gradient button 516, and the heat map button 518. The heat map shown on the initial screen 502 could be created in accordance with this decision and may contain graphic indications representing a plurality of objects associated with the values. As the reader will understand, graphical indications contain many visual options that give the user 170 the ability to instantly visualize options among the values associated with many objects. The heat map portion 520 is visible on the first screen 502, the second screen 602, and the third screen 702. The heat map portion 520 from the second screen 602 is a close-up of the portion 520 of the first screen 502. In one embodiment, increasing the portion 520 may result in an updated version of the heat map . An updated version of the heatmap may turn out to be the best version of the heatmap, which will provide the user 170 with an opportunity to more easily visualize options among the values associated with the presented objects. In some embodiments, an updated version of the heat map can lead to the creation of new areas on the heat map and to the determination of new corresponding values of the thermal regions in accordance with the described method. The heat map portion 720 from the third screen 702 is a close-up of the portion 520 of the second screen 602. In some embodiments, approaching the portion 520 may lead to the creation of additional new areas on the heat map and the determination of new additional corresponding values of the thermal areas in accordance with the described method. An additional updated version of the heat map may turn out to be an even more refined version of the heat map, which will give the user 170 the opportunity to more easily visualize the options among the values associated with the presented objects. As the reader will understand, the third screen 702 may provide the user 170 with the opportunity to distinguish some of the presented objects independently of some other objects.

[96] With reference to FIG. 1 - FIG. 7, some non-limiting examples of systems and computer methods used in connection with the problem of creating a heat map have been described. The following is a description of a general solution to this problem with reference to FIG. 8.

[97] More specifically, in FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a computer method 800 for creating a heat map displaying a plurality of objects (eg, one or more objects, a set of objects) in accordance with embodiments of the solution. Computer-implemented method 800 of FIG. 8 may include a computer-executed method implemented by a server processor 222 and / or an electronic device processor 208, the method including a series of steps performed by a server 222 and / or an electronic device 208.

[98] Computer-executable method 800 of FIG. 8 can be implemented, for example, in the case of an electronic device 208, by a processor 110 and / or a GPU 111, executing program instructions (instructions) loaded into RAM 130 from a solid state drive 120 of an electronic device 208. In an alternative embodiment, the computer method, depicted in FIG. 8 can be implemented, for example, in the case of server 222, by a software processor and / or GPU 111, executing software instructions (instructions) loaded into RAM 130 from the solid state drive 120 of server 222.

[99] At step 802, the method can access multiple objects on a read-only computer-readable medium, each of the many objects being associated with a value and location. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of objects represents either a point of interest or a place of interest. In some other embodiments, each value is associated with one of: quantity, popularity, user rating, number of tables, average score and / or brand rating. In other embodiments, access to a variety of objects is carried out after receiving a request from the user 170, which includes instructions to create a heat map for a specific geographical area on the map. In some embodiments, access to a plurality of objects is carried out after receiving a request from a user 170 that contains data representing a plurality of objects or data representing a specific geographic area on a map. In some other embodiments, access to a plurality of objects is obtained after receiving a request from a user 170 to access data relating to a plurality of objects contained on a permanent computer-readable medium; and creating many objects from the data.

[100] Next, at 804, method 800 can access a heat map area on a read-only machine-readable medium, the heat map area being part of the heat map. In some embodiments, implementation, the heat map area contains one or more borders indicating the limits of the heat map area. In some other embodiments, a heat map region can be created dynamically during method 800, in which case it will be stored on a permanent computer-readable medium and removed from it as necessary when method 800 is performed. At block 806, method 800 may determine the thermal value by the processor an area associated with a heat map area based on a value that is associated with one of a plurality of objects that is located in a heat map area. In some further embodiments, the value of the thermal region is determined to be zero until the determination of the value of the thermal region associated with the heat map region. In some further embodiments, determining a location associated with one of the plurality of objects in the heat map area is based on comparing the coordinates determining the location and the coordinates defining the boundaries of the heat map area. In some embodiments, determining a thermal region value based on a value associated with one of the plurality of objects includes (i) adding a value associated with one of the plurality of objects to the thermal region value, (ii) adding a value based on the value associated with one of the plurality of objects to the value of the thermal region, and (iii) adding a predetermined value to the value of the thermal region.

[101] At step 808, method 800 may implement, when the processor determines one of (i) a thermal region value equal to a maximum value and (ii) a thermal region value exceeding a maximum value, ignoring any of a plurality of objects that are located in a heat map region , and which was not previously taken into account when calculating the value of the thermal region. If the value of the thermal region is equal to or exceeds the maximum value, the method proceeds to step 814. If the value of the thermal region does not equal the maximum value and does not exceed it, the method proceeds to step 810. In some embodiments, the maximum value is determined before determining the value of the thermal region associated with the heat map area. In some other embodiments, access to the maximum value is obtained from a permanent computer-readable medium before determining the value of the thermal region associated with the region of the heat map. In some embodiments, the maximum value is associated with a heat map area. In some embodiments, the maximum value is determined dynamically.

[102] At 810, method 800, when the processor determines that the thermal region value does not exceed the maximum value, and the location associated with another of the plurality of objects in the heatmap region changes the value of the thermal region based on the value associated with another of the plurality . In some further embodiments, changing the value of the thermal region based on a value associated with another of the plurality of objects includes one of (i) adding a value associated with another of the plurality of objects to the value of the thermal region, (ii) adding a value, created based on a value associated with another of the plurality of objects, to the value of the thermal region, and (iii) adding a predetermined value to the value of the thermal region. In some embodiments, method 800 determines whether all of the plurality of objects have been considered. If not, the method 500 proceeds to step 808. If so, the method 500 proceeds to step 814.

[103] At step 814, method 800 creates a visual version of a graphical indication based on a determined value of a heat region associated with a heat map region. In some embodiments, the graphic designation is a point associated with a color gradient. The color gradient may be a black and white gradient. The visual variant of the graphic indication may correspond to the color gradient variants associated with the graphic indication. In some other embodiments, the implementation of the visual variants of the graphic indicia correspond to the options for the level of transparency of the graphic indicia.

[104] Next, at 816, method 800 can draw a heat map by associating visual variations of the graphical indication with the location of the corresponding object. After rendering, the heat map can be displayed to the user 170, for example, using an electronic device 208.

[105] In some embodiments, the method 800 may further include extracting a map area; overlay on the area of the geographical map of the heat map; displaying the area of the geographical map on which the heat map is superimposed to the user 170.

[106] In some other embodiments, the method 800 may further include storing in a readable, readable medium the value of the thermal region and / or visual variant of the graphical indication.

[107] Given the above-described embodiments, which have been described and shown with reference to specific steps performed in a specific order, it should be borne in mind that these steps can be combined, divided, have a different execution order - all this does not go beyond the boundaries solutions. Accordingly, the order and grouping of stages is not a limitation for the solution.

[108] Those skilled in the art will understand that in the present description, the expression “receiving data” from a user means receiving by the electronic device 208 or other electronic device data from the user in the form of an electronic (or other) signal. In addition, those skilled in the art will understand that displaying data to a user via a graphical user interface (e.g., an electronic device screen and the like) may include transmitting a signal to the graphical user interface, this signal contains data that can be processed, and at least a portion of this data may be displayed to the user via a graphical user interface.

[109] Some of these steps, as well as signal transmission-reception, are well known in the art and, therefore, have been omitted in specific parts of this description for simplicity. Signals can be transmitted-received using optical means (for example, fiber optic connection), electronic means (for example, wired or wireless connection) and mechanical means (for example, based on pressure, temperature or other suitable parameter).

[110] Modifications and improvements to the above described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The preceding description is provided as an example only and is not subject to any restrictions. Thus, the scope of the solution is limited only by the scope of the attached claims.

Claims (58)

1. A method (800) for creating a heat map displaying a plurality of objects, including: obtaining (802) access to a plurality of objects on a permanent computer-readable medium (120, 130), wherein each of the plurality of objects is associated with a value and location; obtaining access (804) to the heat map area (304) on a permanent computer-readable medium, the heat map area (304) being part of the heat map (302); determining (806) by the processor (110) the value of the thermal region associated with the heat map region (304) based on the value associated with one of the plurality of objects located in the heat map region (304); when determining (808) by the processor (110) one of (i) the value of the thermal region equal to the maximum value, and (ii) the value of the thermal region exceeding the maximum value, ignoring any of the many objects located in the region (304) of the heat map and earlier not taken into account when determining the value of the thermal region; when determining (810) by the processor (110) that the value of the thermal region does not exceed the maximum value, and the presence of a location associated with another of the many objects in the region (304) of the heat map, changing the value of the thermal region based on the value associated with another of many objects; creating (814) a visual version of a graphical indication (404) based on a determined value of the thermal region associated with the heat map region (304); and rendering (816) a heat map by displaying a visual version of a graphic indication (404). 2. The method according to p. 1, in which the maximum value is determined before determining the value of the thermal region associated with the region (304) on the heat map. 3. The method according to p. 1, in which access to the maximum value from a permanent computer-readable medium (120, 130) to determine the value of the thermal region associated with the region (304) of the heat map. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the maximum value is associated with a heat map area (304). 5. The method according to p. 1, in which the value of the thermal region is determined to be equal to zero before determining the value of the thermal region associated with the region (304) of the heat map. 6. The method according to p. 1, in which the region (304) of the heat map contains one or more borders indicating the limits of the region (304) of the heat map. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein determining a location associated with one of the plurality of objects in the heat map region (304) is based on comparing coordinates determining the location and coordinates defining the boundaries of the heat map region (304). 8. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the value of the thermal region based on a value associated with one of the plurality of objects includes one of (i) adding a value associated with one of the plurality of objects to the value of the thermal region, (ii ) adding a value created based on a value associated with one of the plurality of objects to the value of the thermal region; and (iii) adding a predetermined value to the value of the thermal region. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein changing the value of the thermal region based on a value associated with another of the plurality of objects by one of (i) adding a value associated with another of the plurality of objects to the value of the thermal region, (ii) adding a value created based on the value associated with another of the plurality of objects to the value of the thermal region and (iii) adding a predetermined value to the value of the thermal region. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the graphic designation (404) is a point associated with a color gradient. 11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the visual variations of the graphic indication (404) correspond to the color gradient variants associated with the graphic indication (404). 12. The method according to claim 1, in which the visual variants of the graphic indication (404) correspond to variants of the transparency level of the graphic indication (404). 13. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of objects represents either a point of interest or a place of interest. 14. The method according to claim 1, wherein each value is associated with one of: quantity, popularity, user rating, number of tables, average score and brand rating. 15. A method (800) for creating a heat map displaying a plurality of objects, including: obtaining (802) access to a plurality of objects on a permanent computer-readable medium (120, 130), wherein each of the plurality of objects is associated with a value and location; obtaining access (804) to the heat map area (304) on a permanent computer-readable medium (120, 130), the heat map region (304) being part of the heat map (302); determining (806) by the processor (110) the value of the heat region associated with the heat map region (304) based on the value associated with one of the plurality of objects located in the heat map region (304); determining a thermal region value based on a value associated with another of the plurality of objects, with a thermal region value not exceeding the maximum value, and a location associated with another of the plurality of objects located in the heat map region (304); determining the value of the thermal region as equal to the maximum value, if (i) the value of the thermal region is equal to the maximum value or if (ii) the value of the thermal region exceeds the maximum value; creating (814) a visual version of a graphical indication (404) based on a determined value of the thermal region associated with the heat map region (304); and rendering (816) a heat map by displaying a visual version of a graphic indication (404). 16. A system (208, 222) for creating a heat map displaying a plurality of objects, including: a permanent computer-readable medium (120, 130) and a processor (110), configured to: obtaining (802) access to a plurality of objects on a permanent computer-readable medium (120, 130), wherein each of the plurality of objects is associated with a value and location; gaining access (804) to the heat map area (304) on a permanent computer-readable medium, the heat map area (304) being part of the heat map (302); determining (806) the value of the thermal region associated with the region (304) on the heat map, based on the value that is associated with one of the plurality of objects located in the region (304) of the heat map; when determining (808) one of (i) the value of the thermal region equal to the maximum value, and (ii) the value of the thermal region exceeding the maximum value, ignoring any of the many objects located in the region (304) of the heat map and not previously taken into account in determining thermal region values; in determining (810) that the value of the thermal region does not exceed the maximum value, and the presence of a location associated with another of the plurality of objects in the heat map region (304), changing the value of the thermal region based on a value associated with another of the plurality of objects; creating (814) a visual version of a graphic indication (404) based on a determined value of the thermal region associated with the heat map region (304); and rendering (816) a heat map by displaying a visual version of a graphical indication (404). 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the processor is configured to determine a maximum value before determining a value of a thermal region associated with a heat map region (304). 18. The system of claim 16, wherein the processor is configured to obtain a maximum value from a permanent computer-readable medium (120, 130) prior to determining a value of a thermal region associated with a heat map region (304). 19. The system of claim 16, wherein the maximum value is associated with a heat map area (304). 20. The system according to p. 16, in which the processor is configured to determine the value of the thermal region as equal to zero before determining the value of the thermal region associated with the region (304) of the heat map. 21. The system according to p. 16, in which the region (304) of the heat map contains one or more borders indicating the limits of the region (304) of the heat map. 22. The system of claim 21, wherein the processor is configured to determine a location associated with one of the plurality of objects in the heat map region (304) based on a comparison of coordinates determining the location and coordinates defining the boundaries of the heat map region (304) . 23. The system of claim 16, wherein the processor is configured to determine a thermal region value based on a value associated with one of the plurality of objects, by (i) adding a value associated with one of the plurality of objects to the thermal region value, or by (ii) adding a value created based on a value associated with one of the plurality of objects to the value of the thermal region, or by (iii) adding a predetermined value to the value of the thermal region. 24. The system of claim 16, wherein the processor is configured to change a thermal region value based on a value associated with another of the plurality of objects, by (i) adding a value associated with another of the plurality of objects to the thermal region value, or by (ii) adding a value created based on a value associated with another of the plurality of objects to the value of the thermal region, or by (iii) adding a predetermined value to the value of the thermal region. 25. The system of claim 16, wherein the graphic designation (404) is a point associated with a color gradient. 26. The system of claim 16, wherein the visual variations of the graphic indication (404) correspond to the color gradient variants associated with the graphic indication (404). 27. The system of claim 16, wherein the visual variations of the graphic indication (404) correspond to variations in the transparency level of the graphic indication (404). 28. The system of claim 16, wherein each of the plurality of objects represents either a point of interest or a place of interest. 29. The system of claim 16, wherein each value is associated with one of: quantity, popularity, user rating, number of tables, average score and brand rating. 30. System (208, 222) for creating a heat map displaying a plurality of objects, including: a permanent computer-readable medium (120, 130); a processor (110) configured to: obtaining (802) access to a plurality of objects on a permanent computer-readable medium (120, 130), wherein each of the plurality of objects is associated with a value and location; gaining access (804) to the heat map area (304) on a permanent computer-readable medium (120, 130), the heat map region (304) being part of the heat map (302); determining (806) the value of the thermal region associated with the region (304) on the heat map, based on the value associated with one of the plurality of objects located in the heat map region (304); determining a thermal region value based on a value associated with another of the plurality of objects, with a thermal region value not exceeding the maximum value, and if there is a location associated with another of the plurality of objects located in the heat map region (304); determining the value of the thermal region as equal to the maximum value, ignoring the set of objects located in the region (304) of the heat map, not previously taken into account when determining the value of the thermal region, at (i) the thermal region equal to the maximum value, or at (ii) the thermal area exceeding the maximum value; creating (814) a visual version of a graphic indication (404) based on a determined value of the thermal region associated with the heat map region (304); and rendering (816) a heat map by displaying a visual version of a graphical indication (404).

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