US20110219318A1 - Character expression in a geo-spatial environment - Google Patents

Abstract

A method, apparatus and system of character expression in a geo-spatial environment are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes generating a community network of user profiles, each user profile associated with a specific geographic location, associating a first user with a first user profile, providing a first character expression associated with the first user profile, generating a first display view to include a three-dimensional map view embodied by the community network, the first character expression, and the first user profile represented at a location in the three-dimensional map view associated with the specific geographic location of the first user profile, and simultaneously representing other user profiles adjacent to the first user profile in the three-dimensional map view. The method may also include providing elements as a part of a commerce transaction and enabling the commerce transaction via a user profile.

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY
• This disclosure relates generally to the technical fields of communications and in one example embodiment, to a method, apparatus, and system of character expression in a geo-spatial environment.
BACKGROUND
• Character expression may generally refer to expressions of personality through symbolic representation. The representations may be expressed in various ways such as through original works of art and/or may be provided in various forums. For example, an individual may create avatars in a personal space in an Internet forum.
• The individual, however, may wish to incorporate aspects of his/her life that go beyond his/her personality into a real world expression. For example, the individual may place significance on aspects of his/her life related to his/her community. The individual may wish to express his/her personality in context of his/her community.
• Additionally, the individual may wish to get to know members of his/her community (e.g., their neighbors) and may want to learn more about their personalities. The individual may seek out each neighbor and may decide to spend time with each neighbor in an effort to get to know them. Such efforts may prove time-consuming and cumbersome or may fail altogether due to an inability to actually contact the neighbor, scheduling conflicts, etc.
SUMMARY
• A method, apparatus and system of character expression in a geo-spatial environment are disclosed. In one aspect, a method includes generating a community network of user profiles, each user profile associated with a specific geographic location, associating a first user with a first user profile, providing a first character expression associated with the first user profile, generating a first display view to include a three-dimensional map view embodied by the community network, the first character expression, and the first user profile represented at a location in the three-dimensional map view associated with the specific geographic location of the first user profile, and simultaneously representing other user profiles adjacent to the first user profile in the three-dimensional map view.
• The providing the first character expression associated with the first user profile may further include providing a representation of a physical space and/or an avatar, and enabling decoration of a representation as an expression of an individual. The representation of a physical space may be selected from a group including a representation of an outdoor space and/or a representation of an indoor space (e.g., may include a three-dimensional representation of a room), etc.
• In addition, the enabling decoration of the three-dimensional representation of a room as an expression of an individual may include enabling decoration with representation of an element selected from a group including physical object, color, pattern, background, furnishing, person, avatar, artwork, diploma, work accomplishment document, trophy, poster, picture, and/or photograph, etc. The representation of an outdoor space may also include a three-dimensional representation of a garden, a park, and/or an outdoor venue, etc.
• In addition, the enabling decoration of the three-dimensional representation of a garden, a park, and/or an outdoor venue may include enabling decoration with representation of an element selected from a group including physical object, color, pattern, background, flower, plant, tree, sky, cloud, sun, rainbow, body of water, person, avatar, animal, physical structure, and/or transportation vehicle, etc.
• The enabling decoration of the avatar may include enabling decoration of an element selected from a group including physical characteristic, personal feature, facial expression, physical pose, clothing item, and/or accessory, etc. The method may further include providing character expression tools to customize the first character expression. The method may also include providing elements as a part of a commerce transaction, and enabling the commerce transaction via a user profile.
• The method may yet include enabling creation of a second character expression (e.g., may be displayed in conjunction with a wiki profile) associated with a second user profile, generating a second display view to include a three-dimensional map view embodied by the community network, the second character expression, and the second user profile represented at a location in the three-dimensional map view associated with the specific geographic location of the second user profile, and simultaneously representing other user profiles adjacent to the second user profile in the three-dimensional map view.
• In addition, the method may include providing a first incentive associated with the creation of the second character expression. The method may further include providing a second incentive associated with generation of an invitation to claim the second user profile, and generating the invitation. The method may also include providing a third incentive associated with a claimed second user profile. The method may yet include generating a homepage associated with the first user profile. The method may include providing homepage tools to customize the homepage.
• In another aspect, a system includes a geo-spatial environment, a community network module of the geo-spatial environment, to include user profiles (e.g., each user profile to include a specific geographic location), a character expression module of the geo-spatial environment to generate character expressions associated with the user profiles, a map module of the geo-spatial environment to include map data which serves as a basis to render a three-dimensional map view in the geo-spatial environment which identifies residences, businesses, and/or civic structures having specific geographic locations, and a display module of the geo-spatial environment to generate a display view of the three-dimensional map view embodied by the community network, a first user profile, and a first character expression associated with the first user profile represented at a location in the three-dimensional map view associated with the specific geographic location of the first user profile, and simultaneously to represent other user profiles adjacent to the first user profile in the three-dimensional map view.
• The system may further include a wiki profile module of the geo-spatial environment to generate in the display view a wiki profile associated with a user profile. The system may also include an append module to generate, with the wiki profile, content associated with the wiki profile. In addition, the system may include an incentive module of the geo-spatial environment to enable creation of a second character expression associated with a second user profile, display of the second character expression in conjunction with the wiki profile associated with the second user profile, and incentives associated with the creation of the second character expression, generation of an invitation to claim the second user profile, and/or a claim of the second user profile.
• The system may yet include a character expression tool module of the geo-spatial environment to customize a character expression of the character expressions associated with the user profile. The system may further include an element module of the geo-spatial environment to provide elements to customize the character expression. The character expression may further include a representation of an indoor space (e.g., may include a three-dimensional representation of a room), a representation of an outdoor space (e.g., may include a three-dimensional representation of a garden, a park, and/or an outdoor venue), and/or an avatar.
• The elements to customize the three-dimensional representation of a room may be selected from a group including physical object, color, pattern, background, furnishing, person, avatar, artwork, diploma, work accomplishment document, trophy, poster, picture, and/or photograph, etc. Moreover, the elements to customize the three-dimensional representation of a garden, a park, and/or an outdoor venue may be selected from a group including physical object, color, pattern, background, flower, plant, tree, sky, cloud, sun, rainbow, body of water, person, avatar, animal, physical structure, and/or transportation vehicle, etc.
• In addition, the elements to customize the avatar may be selected from a group including physical characteristic, personal feature, facial expression, physical pose, clothing item, and/or accessory, etc. The system may further include a commerce transaction module of the geo-spatial environment to generate a commerce transaction (e.g., may include an online payment transaction to purchase a use of elements in the character expression) associated with the character expression. The system may further include a homepage module of the geo-spatial environment to generate a homepage associated with the first user profile. The system may yet include a homepage tool module to provide homepage tools to customize the homepage.
• In yet another aspect, a geo-spatial environment includes a first instruction set to enable a community network, to include a map database associated with map data and a user database associated with user profiles (e.g., each user profile associated with a specific geographic location identifiable in the map data), a second instruction set integrated with the first instruction set to generate a character expression associated with a first user profile (e.g., the first user profile may be displayed at a location in the three-dimensional map view associated with the specific geographic location of the first user profile), and a third instruction set integrated with the first instruction set and the second instruction set to display a three-dimensional map view embodied by the community network, the first user profile, the character expression, and simultaneously to represent other user profiles adjacent to the first user profile in the three-dimensional map view.
• Additionally, the geo-spatial environment may include a fourth instruction set integrated with the first instruction set, the second instruction set and the third instruction set to provide elements and character expression tools to customize character expressions. The geo-spatial environment may also include a fifth instruction set to enable creation and customization of a homepage associated with a user profile.
• The methods, systems, and apparatuses disclosed herein may be implemented in any means for achieving various aspects, and may be executed in a form of a machine-readable medium embodying a set of instructions that, when executed by a machine, cause the machine to perform any of the operations disclosed herein. Other features will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the detailed description that follows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• Example embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements and in which:
• FIG. 1 is a system view of a geo-spatial environment communicating with users through a network, according to one embodiment.
• FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the community network module ofFIG. 1, according to one embodiment.
• FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the additional modules ofFIG. 1, according to one embodiment.
• FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating generation of a character expression associated with a first user profile, according to one embodiment.
• FIG. 5 is a user interface view of generating a character expression for an indoor space, according to one embodiment.
• FIG. 6 is a user interface view of generating a character expression for an outdoor space, according to one embodiment.
• FIG. 7 is a user interface view showing elements for creating the character expression, according to one embodiment.
• FIG. 8 is a user interface view of creating the character expression associated with the user profile, according to one embodiment.
• FIG. 9 is a user interface view displaying completed character expression associated with the user profile, according to one embodiment.
• FIG. 10 is a user interface view of customizing a homepage, according to one embodiment.
• FIG. 11 is a user interface view showing a homepage of a user associated with a user profile, according to one embodiment.
• FIG. 12 is a user interface view displaying a representation of an avatar and an outdoor space in the geo-spatial environment, according to one embodiment.
• FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic system view of a data processing system in which any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be performed, according to one embodiment.
• FIG. 14 is a table view displaying information associated with the user profiles of the users, according to one embodiment.
• FIG. 15A is a process flow of generating the character expression associated with the user profile in the geo-spatial environment, according to one embodiment.
• FIG. 15B is a continuation of the process flow ofFIG. 15A, showing additional processes, according to one embodiment.
• FIG. 15C is a continuation of the process flow ofFIG. 15B, showing additional processes, according to one embodiment.
• Other features of the present embodiments will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the detailed description that follows.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• A method, apparatus and system of character expression in a geo-spatial environment are disclosed. In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments. It will be evident, however to one skilled in the art that the various embodiments may be practiced without these specific details.
• In one embodiment, a method includes generating a community network (e.g., thecommunity network200 ofFIG. 2) of user profiles (e.g., the user profiles204 ofFIG. 2-4 associated with the users102 ofFIG. 1), each user profile204 associated with a specific geographic location (e.g., the specific geographic location206 ofFIG. 2), associating a first user (e.g., of the users102 ofFIG. 1) with a first user profile (e.g., the first user profile204A illustrated inFIG. 4), and providing a first character expression (e.g., thecharacter expression422 ofFIG. 4) associated with the first user profile204A.
• The method also includes generating a first display view (e.g., thefirst display view402 ofFIG. 4) to include a three-dimensional map view (e.g., the three-dimensional map view420 ofFIG. 4) embodied by thecommunity network200, thefirst character expression422, and the first user profile204A represented at a location in the three-dimensional map view420 associated with the specific geographic location206 of the first user profile204A, and simultaneously representing other user profiles (e.g., the other user profiles204B ofFIG. 4) adjacent to the first user profile204A in the three-dimensional map view420.
• In another embodiment, a system includes a geo-spatial environment (e.g., the geo-spatial environment100 ofFIG. 1), acommunity network module106 of the geo-spatial environment100, to include user profiles204, each user profile204 to include a specific geographic location206, and a character expression module (e.g., thecharacter expression module110 ofFIG. 1) of the geo-spatial environment100 to generatecharacter expressions422 associated with the user profiles204,
• The system also includes amap module108 of the geo-spatial environment100 to includemap data116 which serves as a basis to render a three-dimensional map view420 in the geo-spatial environment100 which identifies some residences, businesses, and/or civic structures having the specific geographic location206, and a display module (e.g., thedisplay module112 ofFIG. 1) of the geo-spatial environment100 to generate adisplay view402 of the three-dimensional map view420 embodied by thecommunity network200, a first user profile204A, and afirst character expression422 associated with the first user profile204A represented at a location in the three-dimensional map view420 associated with the specific geographic location206 of the first user profile204A, and simultaneously to represent other user profiles204B adjacent to the first user profile204A in the three-dimensional map view420.
• In yet another embodiment, a geo-spatial environment100 includes a first instruction set to enable acommunity network200, to include a map database (e.g., themap database208 ofFIG. 2) associated with themap data116 and a user database (e.g., the user database202 ofFIG. 2) associated with user profiles204, each user profile204 associated with a specific geographic location206 identifiable in themap data116, a second instruction set integrated with the first instruction set to generate acharacter expression422 associated with a first user profile204A (e.g., the first user profile204A may be displayed at a location in a three-dimensional map view420 associated with the specific geographic location206 of the first user profile204A) and a third instruction set integrated with the first instruction set and the second instruction set to display the three-dimensional map view420 embodied by thecommunity network200, the first user profile204A, thecharacter expression422, and simultaneously to represent other user profiles204B adjacent to the first user profile204A in the three-dimensional map view420.
• FIG. 1 is a system view of a geo-spatial environment100 communicating with users102 through anetwork104, according to one embodiment. Particularly,FIG. 1 illustrates the geo-spatial environment100, the users102, thenetwork104, acommunity network module106, amap module108, acharacter expression module110, adisplay module112,additional modules114 and amap data116, according to one embodiment.
• The geo-spatial environment100 may enable creation of a character expression (e.g., thecharacter expression422 ofFIG. 4) to express oneself through symbolic representation in acommunity network200. The users102 may be individuals having user profiles (e.g., the user profiles204 ofFIG. 2-4) associated with specific geographic locations206 in the geo-spatial environment100. Thenetwork104 may enable the users102 to communicate with the geo-spatial environment100. Thecommunity network module106 may include user profiles204 associated with a specific geographic location206 in the geo-spatial environment100.
• Themap module108 may process (e.g., provide, store, generate, render, etc.) a three-dimensional map view420 in the geo-spatial environment100, concurrently displaying the specific geographic location206 associated with residence, business and/or civic structures using themap data116. Thecharacter expression module110 may generate thecharacter expressions422 to represent a physical space and/or an avatar (e.g., theavatar606 ofFIG. 6) associated with the user profiles204 in the geo-spatial environment100. In addition, thecharacter expression module110 may enable decoration of a representation of a physical space and/or anavatar606 using elements408 (e.g., physical object, color, pattern, and/or rainbow, etc).
• Thedisplay module112 may display thecharacter expressions422 associated with the user profiles204 having the specific geographic location206. Theadditional modules114 may generate additional processes to enable creation ofcharacter expressions422 associated with wiki profiles (e.g., thewiki profile416 ofFIG. 4). Themap data116 may be information associated with the user102 that serves as a basis to identify a specific geographic location206 associated with residences, businesses and/or civic structures displayed in the three-dimensional map view420.
• In the example embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1, the geo-spatial environment100 communicates with the users102 through thenetwork104. In addition, the geo-spatial environment100 communicates with themap data116. The geo-spatial environment100 includes thecommunity network module106, themap module108, thecharacter expression module110, thedisplay module112 and theadditional modules114, communicating with each other.
• Thecommunity network module106 of the geo-spatial environment100 may include the user profiles204 (e.g., each user profile to include the specific geographic location206). Thecharacter expression module110 of the geo-spatial environment100 may generate thecharacter expressions422 associated with the user profiles204. Themap module108 of the geo-spatial environment100 may include themap data116 which serves as a basis to render the three-dimensional map view420 in the geo-spatial environment100 which identifies some residences, businesses, and/or civic structures having specific geographic locations206.
• Thedisplay module112 of the geo-spatial environment100 may generate adisplay view402 of the three-dimensional map view420 embodied by thecommunity network200, a first user profile204A, and afirst character expression422 associated with the first user profile204A represented at a location in the three-dimensional map view420 associated with the specific geographic location206 of the first user profile204A, and simultaneously to represent other user profiles204B adjacent to the first user profile204A in the three-dimensional map view420.
• Thefirst character expression422 associated with the first user profile204A may be provided (e.g., using thecharacter expression module110 ofFIG. 1). For example, providing thefirst character expression422 associated with the first user profile204A may include providing a representation of a physical space and/or anavatar606 and enabling decoration of the representation as an expression of an individual. In addition, the enabling decoration of theavatar606 may include enabling decoration with an element (e.g., physical characteristic, personal feature, facial expression, physical pose, clothing item, and/or accessory, etc.).
• In addition, the representation of a physical space may be selected from a group including a representation of an outdoor space and/or a representation of an indoor space, etc. For example, the representation of an indoor space may include a three-dimensional representation of a room (e.g., thecharacter expression422 illustrated inFIG. 5). The enabling decoration of the three-dimensional representation of a room as an expression of an individual may include enabling decoration with a representation of an element (e.g., physical object, color, pattern, background, furnishing, person, avatar, artwork, diploma, work accomplishment document, trophy, poster, picture, and/or photograph).
• The representation of an outdoor space may include any one of a three-dimensional representation of a garden, a park, and/or an outdoor venue. For example, the enabling decoration of the three-dimensional representation of a garden, a park, and/or an outdoor venue may include enabling decoration with representation of an element408 (e.g., physical object, color, pattern, background, flower, plant, tree, sky, cloud, sun, rainbow, body of water, person, avatar, animal, physical structure, and/or a transportation vehicle, etc.).
• The geo-spatial environment100 includes a first instruction set (e.g., software, code, program, commands, etc.) to enable thecommunity network200, to include themap database208 associated with themap data116 and the user database202 associated with user profiles204, each user profile204 associated with the specific geographic location206 identifiable in themap data116. The geo-spatial environment100 includes a second instruction set integrated with the first instruction set to generate thecharacter expression422 associated with the first user profile204A.
• The geo-spatial environment100 includes a third instruction set integrated with the first instruction set and the second instruction set to display the three-dimensional map view420 embodied by thecommunity network200, the first user profile204A (e.g., the first user profile204A may be displayed at a location in the three-dimensional map view420 associated with the specific geographic location206 of the first user profile204A), thecharacter expression422, and simultaneously to represent other user profiles204B adjacent to the first user profile204A in the three-dimensional map view420.
• The geo-spatial environment100 may include a fourth instruction set integrated with the first instruction set, the second instruction set and the third instruction set to provideelements408 and/orcharacter expression tools406 to customizecharacter expressions422. The geo-spatial environment100 may include a fifth instruction set to enable creation and/or customization of a homepage (e.g., thehomepage404 ofFIG. 4) associated with a user profile204.
• FIG. 2 is an exploded view of thecommunity network module106 ofFIG. 1, according to one embodiment. Particularly,FIG. 2 illustrates themap data116, acommunity network200, a user database202, user profiles204, a specific geographic location206 and amap database208, according to one embodiment.
• Thecommunity network200 may be a network formed by the users102 having the user profiles204 in the geo-spatial environment100. The user database202 may include profile information (e.g., name, age, address, etc.) of the users102 in thecommunity network200. The user profiles204 may include information associated with a specific geographic location206 identifiable throughmap data116. For example, the specific geographic location206 may be a location (e.g., displayed in the three-dimensional map view420 to represent the user profiles204) associated with address data of the user profiles204 in the geo-spatial environment100. Themap database208 may includemap data116 used to identify specific geographic locations206 associated with the user profiles204.
• In the example embodiment illustrated inFIG. 2, thecommunity network module106 includes thecommunity network200. Thecommunity network200 consists of the user database202 that includes the user profiles204 and themap database208 including themap data116 associated with the specific geographic location206. Thecommunity network200 of the user profiles204 may be generated (e.g., using thecommunity network module106 ofFIG. 1) in which each user profile204 is associated with the specific geographic location206.
• FIG. 3 is an exploded view of theadditional modules114 ofFIG. 1, according to one embodiment. Particularly,FIG. 3 illustrates awiki profile module302, anappend module302A, a characterexpression tool module304, anelement module306, acommerce transaction module308, anincentive module310, ahomepage module312 and ahomepage tool module312A, according to one embodiment.
• Thewiki profile module302 may generate a wiki profile (e.g., thewiki profile416 ofFIG. 4) associated with a user profile204 in a three-dimensional map view420. Theappend module302A may generatecontent418 associated with the wiki profiles416 (e.g., displayed in the three-dimensional map view420). The characterexpression tool module304 may enable customizing of acharacter expression422 associated with the user profile204 in the geo-spatial environment100.
• Theelement module306 may provide elements (e.g., theelements408 ofFIG. 4) for the users102 to customize thecharacter expression422 in the geo-spatial environment100. For example the elements408 (e.g., color, pattern, flower, avatar, physical structure, transportation vehicle, and/or picture, etc.) may be used to decorate a representation of a physical space and anavatar606. Thecommerce transaction module308 may generate a commerce transaction424 (e.g., an online purchase) associated with thecharacter expression422 where the users102 can choose to buy the elements408 (e.g., representations of wallpaper, background, banners, fonts, artwork, poster, picture, photograph, etc.).
• Theincentive module310 may enable users102 to obtain different levels ofincentives410 associated with thecharacter expression422. For example, the user102 may obtain a first level ofincentive410 for creating thecharacter expression422, a second level ofincentive410 for sending invitations to others to claim a profile and a third level ofincentive410 when other users102 claim a profile204. Thehomepage module312 may generate a homepage (e.g., thehomepage404 ofFIG. 4) associated with the user profile204 of the user102. Thehomepage tool module312A may providehomepage tools414 to customize thehomepage404.
• In the example embodiment illustrated inFIG. 3, theadditional modules114 include thewiki profile module302, the characterexpression tool module304, theelement module306, thecommerce transaction module308, theincentive module310, thehomepage module312 interacting with each other. In addition, thewiki profile module302 includes theappend module302A and thehomepage module312 includes thehomepage tool module312A.
• Thewiki profile module302 of the geo-spatial environment100 may generate, in thedisplay view402, a wiki profile (e.g., a publiclyeditable wiki profile416 as illustrated inFIG. 4) associated with the user profile204. Theappend module302A may generate, with thewiki profile416,content418 associated with thewiki profile416. Theincentive module310 of the geo-spatial environment100 may enable creation of asecond character expression422 associated with a second user profile204, display of thesecond character expression422 in conjunction with thewiki profile416 associated with the second user profile204, andincentives410 associated with the creation of thesecond character expression422, generation of an invitation (e.g., through theinvitation option906 ofFIG. 9) to claim the second user profile204.
• The characterexpression tool module304 of the geo-spatial environment100 may customize the character expression422 (e.g., representing the indoor space, the outdoor space, and/or the avatar) associated with the user profile204. Theelement module306 of the geo-spatial environment100 may provideelements408 to customize thecharacter expression422.
• For example, thecharacter expression422 may include the representation of an indoor space, the representation of an outdoor space and/or theavatar606. The representation of an indoor space may include the three-dimensional representation of a room (e.g., thecharacter expression422 ofFIG. 5). For example, theelements408 to customize the representation of a room may be selected from a group including physical object, color, pattern, background, furnishing, person, avatar, artwork, diploma, work accomplishment document, trophy, poster, picture, and/or photograph, etc. In addition, the representation of an outdoor space may include the three-dimensional representation of a garden, a park, and/or an outdoor venue.
• For example, theelements408 to customize the three-dimensional representation of a garden, a park, and/or an outdoor venue may be selected from a group (e.g., including physical object, color, pattern, background, flower, plant, tree, sky, cloud, sun, rainbow, body of water, person, avatar, animal, physical structure, and/or transportation vehicle, etc).
• In addition, theelements408 to customize theavatar606 may be selected from the group including physical characteristics, personal features, facial expressions, physical poses, clothing items, and/or accessories, etc. Thecommerce transaction module308 of the geo-spatial environment100 may generate a commerce transaction424 (e.g., may include anonline payment transaction426 to purchase a use of elements408) associated with thecharacter expression422. Thehomepage module312 of the geo-spatial environment100 may generate a homepage (e.g., thehomepage404 ofFIG. 4) associated with the user profile204 of the user102. Thehomepage tool module312A may providehomepage tools414 to customize thehomepage404.
• Creation of asecond character expression422 associated with a second user profile204 may be enabled (e.g., using thecharacter expression module110 ofFIG. 1). Asecond display view402 may be generated (e.g., using thedisplay module112 ofFIG. 1) to include the three-dimensional map view420 embodied by thecommunity network200, the second character expression422 (e.g., may be displayed in conjunction with the wiki profile416), and the second user profile204 represented at a location (e.g., associated with the specific geographic location206 of the second user profile204) in the three-dimensional map view420. The other user profiles204B adjacent to the second user profile204 may be represented (e.g., using thedisplay module112 ofFIG. 1) simultaneously in the three-dimensional map view420.
• A first incentive associated with the creation of thesecond character expression422 may be provided (e.g., through theincentive module310 ofFIG. 3). A second incentive associated with generation of the invitation may be provided to claim the second user profile204. For example, an invitation may be generated using theincentive options904 ofFIG. 9. A third incentive associated with a claimed second user profile204 may be provided (e.g., using theincentive module310 ofFIG. 3).
• Thehomepage404 associated with the first user profile204A may be generated (e.g., using thehomepage module312 ofFIG. 3) and/or thehomepage tools414 may be provided (e.g., using thehomepage tool module312A ofFIG. 3) to customize thehomepage404.
• FIG. 4 is a block diagram400 illustrating generation of acharacter expression422 associated with the first user profile204A, according to one embodiment. Particularly,FIG. 4 illustrates themap data116, the user database202, the user profiles204, the first user profile204A, the other user profiles204B, themap database208, afirst display view402, ahomepage404,character expression tools406,elements408,incentives410, a invitation to claimprofile412,homepage tools414, awiki profile416, acontent418, a three-dimensional map view420, acharacter expression422, acommerce transaction424 and anonline payment transaction426, according to one embodiment.
• Thefirst display view402 may display thecharacter expression422 of the first user profile204A represented at the location along with the three-dimensional map view420 associated with the specific geographic location206. Thehomepage404 may display thecharacter expression422 associated with the first user profile204A and the other user profiles204B. Thecharacter expression tools406 may be used to selectelements408.
• Theelements408 may be a part of thecommerce transaction424 available for the users102 to customize acharacter expression422. Theincentives410 may be rewards and/or remuneration provided to the users102 for creating thecharacter expression422 forwiki profiles416, sending invitations to others to claim their profile upon receiving the invitation etc.
• The invitation to claimprofile412 may enable the users102 to send invitations to others to claim the profile. Thehomepage tools414 may be used to customize thehomepage404. Thewiki profile416 may be a profile associated with individuals who have not claimed their profile. Thecontent418 may include data associated with thewiki profile416. The three-dimensional map view420 may display the user profile204 along with the adjacent user profiles204 in the specific geographic location206.
• Thecharacter expression422 may generally refer to expressions of personality, the representation of a physical space (e.g., may be the representation of an indoor space and the representation of an outdoor space), and theavatar606 associated with the user profiles204 through symbolic representation in the geo-spatial environment100. Thecommerce transaction424 may enable the users102 to purchase elements408 (e.g., representations of wallpaper, furnishing, background, banners, fonts, artwork, poster, picture, photograph etc.) associated with thecharacter expression422 throughonline payment transaction426. Theonline payment transaction426 may enable the users102 to purchaseelements408 online for creating thecharacter expression422.
• In the example embodiment illustrated inFIG. 4, the user database202 provides the data sources to thehomepage404 through thecharacter expression tools406, the elements408 (e.g., physical object, color, pattern, background, furnishing, etc.), theincentives410, the invitation to claimprofile412, thehomepage tools414, thecommerce transaction424 and theonline payment transaction426. Thehomepage404 may include thefirst display view402 that displays news, daily diversions, entertainment and/or my finances. Thefirst display view402 may further include first user profile204A, the other user profiles204B, thewiki profile416, thecontent418, the three-dimensional map view420 and thecharacter expression422. In addition, the user database202 communicates with themap database208 associated with themap data116 and the user profile204.
• The first user102 may be associated with the first user profile204A. Thefirst character expression422 associated with the first user profile204A may be provided (e.g., using thecharacter expression module110 ofFIG. 1). Thefirst display view402 may be generated to include the three-dimensional map view420 embodied by thecommunity network200, thefirst character expression422, and the first user profile204A represented at a location in the three-dimensional map view420 associated with the specific geographic location206 of the first user profile204A. The other user profiles204B adjacent to the first user profile204A may be represented simultaneously in the three-dimensional map view420. Thecharacter expression tools406 may be provided (e.g., through the characterexpression tool module304 ofFIG. 3) to customize thefirst character expression422. Theelements408 may be provided (e.g., using thecommerce transaction module308 ofFIG. 3) as the part of thecommerce transaction424 and thecommerce transaction424 may be enabled via the user profile204.
• FIG. 5 is auser interface view500 of generating acharacter expression422 for an indoor space, according to one embodiment. Particularly,FIG. 5 illustrates thewiki profile416, thecontent418, the three-dimensional map view420, thecharacter expression422, a user profile menu option502 and representations of user profiles504, according to one embodiment.
• The user profile menu option502 may display details (e.g., user name, address data,character expressions422, etc.) of a user102 associated with a user profile204 of thecommunity network200. The user profile menu option502 may enable the user102 to create, edit, and/or modify acharacter expression422 associated with the indoor space of the user profile204. The representations of user profiles504 may represent the user profiles204 andwiki profiles416 in the three-dimensional map view420 in the geo-spatial environment100.
• In the example embodiment illustrated inFIG. 5, theuser interface view500 displays a profile of a user102 (e.g., Jane Doe). The three-dimensional map view420 displays thewiki profile416, thecontent418 associated with thewiki profile416 and the representations of user profiles504. In addition, theuser interface view500 may enable the user102 to edit thewiki profile416 associated with neighbors in a neighborhood.
• FIG. 6 is auser interface view500 of generating acharacter expression422 for an outdoor space, according to one embodiment. Particularly,FIG. 6 illustrates thewiki profile416, thecontent418, the three-dimensional map view420, thecharacter expression422, the representations of user profiles504, a user profile and character expression menu option602, a virtualphysical space604 and anavatar606, according to one embodiment.
• The user profile and character expression menu option602 may display details (e.g., user name, address data,character expression422,avatar606, etc.) of the user102 associated with the specific geographic location206 in the geo-spatial environment100. The virtualphysical space604 may represent a virtual view environment of the outdoor space associated with a particular user profile204. Theavatar606 may be a graphical representation of an individual in the virtual view environment.
• In the example embodiment illustrated inFIG. 6, theuser interface view600 displays the profile of the user102 (e.g., Jane Doe). Theuser interface view600 may enable the user102 to create, edit, and/or modify thecharacter expression422 associated with the virtual physical space (e.g., the outdoor space) of the user profile204 using the user profile and character expression menu option602. The three-dimensional map view420 displays thewiki profile416, thecontent418 associated with thewiki profile416 and the representations of user profiles504. In addition, theuser interface view600 may permit the user102 to editcontent418 of a profile associated with neighbors in the neighborhood.
• FIG. 7 is auser interface view700showing elements408 for creating thecharacter expression422, according to one embodiment. Particularly,FIG. 7 illustrates thecharacter expression tools406, theelement options704, thewiki profile416, thecontent418, the three-dimensional map view420, the representations of user profiles504 and a user profile and character expression menu option702, according to one embodiment.
• The user profile and character expression menu option702 may enable the user102 to create thecharacter expression422 to the represent the physical space and theavatar606 using thecharacter expression tools406 and/or theelements408. Theelement options704 may enable the users102 to create thecharacter expression422 associated with the user profiles204 using theelements408.
• In the example embodiment illustrated inFIG. 7, the user profile and character expression menu option702 displays a list of the user profiles204 in the neighborhood along with theelement options704. The user interface view may enable the user102 (e.g., Jane Doe) to create thecharacter expression422 by selecting theelements408 from the elements menu item. In addition, the user102 can explore the three-dimensional map view420 which displays the user profiles204 and thewiki profile416 in the neighborhood.
• FIG. 8 is auser interface view800 of creating thecharacter expression422 associated with the user profile204, according to one embodiment. Particularly,FIG. 8 illustrates thecharacter expression tools406, theelement options704, thecommerce transaction424 and a create a character expression for user profile menu option802 (e.g., for “Harry Cary,” as illustrated inFIG. 8), according to one embodiment.
• The create a character expression for user profile menu option802 may enable the user102 to create thecharacter expression422 to the represent the physical space and the avatar606 (e.g., for “Harry Cary”) using thecharacter expression tools406.
• In the example embodiment illustrated inFIG. 8, the create a character expression for user profile menu option802 displays a list of theelements408 in a group through which the user102 (e.g., Jane Doe) can select any kind of elements408 (e.g., avatars, physical objects, facial expression, etc.) from “select elements menu” for creating thecharacter expression422. The user interface view may also provide the user102 a choice to select the avatars (e.g., theavatar606 ofFIG. 6), the physical characteristics, the personal features, the facial expression, the physical objects, the furnishing, the decorations, the colors, the patterns, the background etc. from thefree elements408 shown under the “show more free” menu item.
• The create a character expression for user profile menu option802 may also includeelements408 which are a part of acommerce transaction424 where the users102 may have the choice to select from pay-for elements408 (e.g., avatars, furnishings, decorations, personalized decorations etc.) shown under the “buy” menu item. The facial expressions link of thecharacter expression tools406 displays a variety of facial expressions (e.g., happy, surprised, bored, sad, etc.) used to create thecharacter expression422. In addition, furnishing link of thecharacter expression tools406 displays a variety ofelements408 of furniture which the user102 (e.g., Jane Doe) can utilize to decorate Harry Cary's physical space (e.g., indoor space, outdoor space, etc.).
• FIG. 9 is auser interface view900 displaying the completedcharacter expression422 associated with the user profile204, according to one embodiment. Particularly,FIG. 9 illustrates theelements408, thecharacter expression422, a completed character expression for userprofile menu option902,incentives option904 and aninvitation option906, according to one embodiment.
• The completed character expression for userprofile menu option902 may display the user profile204 and the completed character expression of another user102 created by the user102 of the geo-spatial environment100. Theincentives option904 may provide the user102 different levels of incentives410 (e.g., the first level incentive, the second level incentive, the third level incentive, etc.) for creating thecharacter expression422, inviting others to claim the profile associated withcharacter expression422 and when the profile associated with thecharacter expression422 is claimed by the owner of the profile. Theinvitation option906 may enable the user102 to invite other user102 associated with the profile to claim the user profile204.
• In the example embodiment illustrated inFIG. 9, theuser interface view900 displays the completedcharacter expression422 associated with another user profile204 (e.g., Harry Cary) created by the user102 (e.g., Jane Doe). The completed character expression for userprofile menu option902 displays the upload option, theinvitation option906 and/or theincentives option904.
• In addition, an upload option enables the user102 (e.g., Jane Doe) to upload thecontent418 to the user profile204 of the user102 (e.g., Harry Cary) associated with thecharacter expression422. Theuser interface view900 may enable the user102 to invite the other user102 (e.g., Harry Cary) to claim the profile. Thecharacter expression422 displays theelements408 which may be used in decoration of the physical space (e.g., indoor space, outdoor space, etc.).
• FIG. 10 is auser interface view1000 of customizing thehomepage404, according to one embodiment. Particularly,FIG. 10 illustrates thehomepage tools414 and a customize my homepage menu block1002, according to one embodiment. The customize my homepage menu block1002 may enable the user102 to customize thehomepage404 by selecting options such as edit content, edit layout, delete, set as default page available in the list.
• In the example embodiment illustrated inFIG. 10, the user102 (e.g., Jane Doe) may customize associatedhomepage404 by selecting the desired options available in the list. The customize my homepage menu block1002 displays edit content option, edit layout option, delete option, and/or set as default page option. The customize my homepage menu block1002 also displays a quick start pages option that includes my finance, entertainment, tools, and/or daily diversions customized by the user102.
• FIG. 11 is auser interface view1100 showing thehomepage404 of a user102 associated with a user profile204, according to one embodiment. Particularly,FIG. 11 illustrates thewiki profile416, thecontent418, the three-dimensional map view420, thecharacter expression422, the representations of user profiles504 and a myhomepage menu option1102, according to one embodiment.
• The myhomepage menu option1102 may display the list of items linked through customized menu options. In the example embodiment illustrated inFIG. 11, theuser interface view1100 displays myhomepage menu option1102, thecharacter expression422, and the three-dimensional map view420 including the representation of user profiles504, thecontent418, and thewiki profile416. The customized homepage menu option displays “My Finances”, “My Divisions” options that are customized by the user102 (e.g., Jane Doe). For example, the customized menu option may display a list bank account balance link, a my stocks link and/or a my investments link, etc.
• The my finances link available in the myhomepage menu option1102 may enable the user102 to select the various options such as list bank account balances, today's financial headlines, my stocks, my investments etc. available in the list. In addition, my divisions link available in the myhomepage menu option1102 may enable the user102 to select the various available options such as today's famous birthdays history, word of the day, daily sudoku, mymusic, mywebsites, etc.
• FIG. 12 is auser interface view1200 displaying a representation of anoutdoor space1202 and anavatar1204 in the geo-spatial environment100, according to one embodiment. Particularly,FIG. 12 illustrates theelements408, theoutdoor space1202 and theavatar1204, according to one embodiment.
• Theoutdoor space1202 may represent a character expression (e.g., thecharacter expression422 ofFIG. 4) of the three-dimensional map view420 of an outside structure (e.g., garden, park, outdoor venue, etc.) associated with the user profile (e.g., the first user profile204A ofFIG. 4). Theavatar1204 may be a graphical representation of an individual in the virtual view environment.
• In the example embodiment illustrated inFIG. 12, theuser interface view1200 represents theoutdoor space1202 and theavatar1204 in the geo-spatial environment100. Theuser interface view1200 also displays various elements408 (e.g., headwear, tops, bottoms, footwear, eyewear, etc.), used to decorate the three-dimensional representation of theoutdoor space1202.
• FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic system view1300 of a data processing system in which any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be performed, according to one embodiment. Particularly, the diagrammatic system view1300 ofFIG. 13 illustrates aprocessor1302, amain memory1304, astatic memory1306, abus1308, avideo display1310, an alpha-numeric input device1312, acursor control device1314, adrive unit1316, asignal generation device1318, anetwork interface device1320, a machine readable medium1322,instructions1324 and anetwork1326, according to one embodiment.
• The diagrammatic system view1300 may indicate a personal computer and/or a data processing system in which one or more operations disclosed herein may be performed. Theprocessor1302 may be a microprocessor, a state machine, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array, etc. (e.g., Intel® Pentium® processor). Themain memory1304 may be a dynamic random access memory and/or a primary memory of a computer system. Thestatic memory1306 may be a hard drive, a flash drive, and/or other memory information associated with the data processing system.
• Thebus1308 may be an interconnection between various circuits and/or structures of the data processing system. Thevideo display1310 may provide graphical representation of information on the data processing system. The alpha-numeric input device1312 may be a keypad, a keyboard and/or any other input device of text (e.g., a special device to aid the physically challenged). Thecursor control device1314 may be a pointing device such as a mouse.
• Thedrive unit1316 may be a hard drive, a storage system, and/or other longer term storage subsystem. Thesignal generation device1318 may be a bios and/or a functional operating system of the data processing system. Thenetwork interface device1320 may be a device that may perform interface functions such as code conversion, protocol conversion and/or buffering required for communication to and from thenetwork1326. The machine readable medium1322 may provide instructions on which any of the methods disclosed herein may be performed. Theinstructions1324 may provide source code and/or data code to theprocessor1302 to enable any one/or more operations disclosed herein.
• FIG. 14 is a table view displaying information associated with the user profiles204 of the users102, according to one embodiment. Particularly,FIG. 14 illustrates a users field1402, a claimedprofile field1404, acharacter expression field1406, a customized homepage field1408 and anincentives field1410, according to one embodiment.
• The users field1402 may display an identifier (e.g., name, username, unique key, etc.) referencing users102 associated with the user profiles204 in the geo-spatial environment100. The claimedprofile field1404 may indicate whether a profile associated with the user102 is claimed or not. Thecharacter expressions field1406 may provide information on the users102 (e.g., whether thecharacter expressions422 for the user profiles204 are created or not). The customized homepage field1408 may display the customization of a homepage status (e.g., customized or not customized) of the users102. Theincentives field1410 may display a number rendering information about theincentives410 obtained by the users102.
• In the example embodiment illustrated inFIG. 14, the users field1402 displays “Jane Doe” in the first row, “Jim Slim” in the second row and “Harry Cary” in the third row of the users field column1402. The claimedprofile field1404 displays “Yes” in the first row, indicating that Jane Doe has claimed his/her profile, “Yes” in the second row, indicating Jim Slim has claimed his/her profile and “No” in the third row, indicating the profile associated with Harry Cary is a wiki profile, in the claimedprofile field column1404. The character expressions field1406 displays “No” in the first row, “No” in the second row, which indicatescharacter expressions422 are not created for the profiles associated with Jane Doe and Jim Slim and “Yes” in the third row, indicates thatcharacter expression422 is created for the profile associated with Harry Cary in the characterexpressions field column1406.
• The customized homepage field1408 displays “Yes” in the first row (e.g., indicating that Jane Doe has a customized homepage), “No” in the second row and “No” in the third row (e.g., indicating that the users Jim Slim and Harry Cary do not have customized homepages), in the customized homepage field column1408. Theincentives field1410 displays “1” in the first row, which indicates one incentive is provided to Jane Doe, “0” in the second row and “0” in the third row, indicating that no incentives are provided to Jim Slim and Harry Cary, in theincentives field column1410.
• FIG. 15A is a process flow of generating a character expression (e.g., thecharacter expression422 ofFIG. 4) associated with a user profile (e.g., the user profiles204 ofFIG. 2) in the geo-spatial environment100, according to one embodiment. Inoperation1502, a community network (e.g., thecommunity network200 ofFIG. 2) of user profiles204 may be generated, each user profile204 associated with a specific geographic location206 (e.g., using thecommunity network module106 ofFIG. 1). Inoperation1504, a first user (e.g., a user102 ofFIG. 1) may be associated with a first user profile204A.
• Inoperation1506, a first character expression (e.g., thecharacter expression422 ofFIG. 4) associated with the first user profile204A may be provided (e.g., using thecharacter expression module110 ofFIG. 1). Inoperation1508, a first display view (e.g., thefirst display view402 ofFIG. 4) may be generated (e.g., using thedisplay module112 ofFIG. 1) to include a three-dimensional map view (e.g., the three-dimensional map view420 ofFIG. 4) embodied by thecommunity network200, thefirst character expression422, and the first user profile204A represented at a location in the three-dimensional map view420 associated with the specific geographic location206 of the first user profile204A. Inoperation1510, other user profiles204B may be simultaneously represented (e.g., through themap module108 ofFIG. 1) adjacent to the first user profile204A in the three-dimensional map view420. Inoperation1512,character expression tools406 to customize thefirst character expression422 may be provided (e.g., through the characterexpression tool module304 ofFIG. 3).
• FIG. 15B is a continuation of the process flow ofFIG. 15A, showing additional processes, according to one embodiment. Inoperation1514, elements (e.g., theelements408 ofFIG. 4) may be provided (e.g., using theelement module306 ofFIG. 3) as a part of acommerce transaction424. Inoperation1516, thecommerce transaction424 may be enabled (e.g., using thecommerce transaction module308 ofFIG. 3) via a user profile204. Inoperation1518, creation of asecond character expression422 associated with a second user profile204 may be enabled (e.g., using theincentive module310 ofFIG. 3).
• Inoperation1520, asecond display view402 may be generated (e.g., using thedisplay module112 ofFIG. 1) to include a three-dimensional map view (e.g., the three-dimensional map view420 ofFIG. 4) embodied by thecommunity network200, thesecond character expression422, and the second user profile204 represented at the location in the three-dimensional map view420 associated with the specific geographic location206 of the second user profile204. Inoperation1522, other user profiles204B adjacent to the second user profile204 may be simultaneously represented (e.g., using thedisplay module112 ofFIG. 1) in the three-dimensional map view420. Inoperation1524, a first incentive associated with creation of thesecond character expression422 may be provided (e.g., using theincentive module310 ofFIG. 3).
• FIG. 15C is a continuation of the process flow ofFIG. 15B, showing additional processes, according to one embodiment. Inoperation1526, a second incentive associated with generation of an invitation to claim the second user profile204 may be provided (e.g., using theincentive module310 ofFIG. 3). Inoperation1528, the invitation may be generated (e.g., through theinvitation option906 ofFIG. 9). Inoperation1530, a third incentive associated with a claimed second user profile204 may be provided. Inoperation1532, a homepage (e.g., thehomepage404 ofFIG. 4) associated with the first user profile204A may be generated (e.g., using thehomepage module312 ofFIG. 3). Inoperation1534,homepage tools414 to customize thehomepage404 may be provided (e.g., using thehomepage tool module312A ofFIG. 3).
• Although the present embodiments have been described with reference to specific example embodiments, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the various embodiments. For example, the various devices, modules, analyzers, generators, etc. described herein may be enabled and operated using hardware circuitry (e.g., CMOS based logic circuitry), firmware, software and/or any combination of hardware, firmware, and/or software (e.g., embodied in a machine readable medium).
• For example, the various electrical structure and methods may be embodied using transistors, logic gates, and electrical circuits (e.g., Application Specific Integrated circuitry (ASIC) and/or in Digital Signal Processor (DSP) circuitry). For example, thecommunity network module106, themap module108, thecharacter expression module110, thedisplay module112, thewiki profile module302, theappend module302A, the characterexpression tool module304, theelement module306, thecommerce transaction module308, theincentive module310, thehomepage module312 and thehomepage tool module312A, and other modules ofFIGS. 1-15 may be enabled using a community network circuit, a map circuit, a character expression circuit, a display circuit, a wiki profile circuit, an append circuit, a character expression tool circuit, an element circuit, a commerce transaction circuit, an incentive circuit, a homepage circuit and a homepage tool circuit, and other circuits using one or more of the technologies described herein.
• In addition, it will be appreciated that the various operations, processes, and methods disclosed herein may be embodied in a machine-readable medium and/or a machine accessible medium compatible with a data processing system (e.g., a computer system), and may be performed in any order. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Claims (37)

1. A method, comprising:

generating a community network of user profiles, each user profile of the user profiles associated with a specific geographic location;

associating a first user with a first user profile of the user profiles;

providing a first character expression associated with the first user profile of the user profiles;

generating a first display view to include a three-dimensional map view embodied by the community network, the first character expression, and the first user profile of the user profiles represented at a location in the three-dimensional map view associated with the specific geographic location of the first user profile of the user profiles; and

simultaneously representing other user profiles adjacent to the first user profile of the user profiles in the three-dimensional map view.

2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the providing the first character expression associated with the first user profile of the user profiles comprises:

providing at least one of a representation of a physical space and an avatar; and enabling decoration of the representation as an expression of an individual.

3. The method ofclaim 2, wherein the representation of a physical space is selected from a group comprising a representation of an outdoor space, and a representation of an indoor space.

4. The method ofclaim 3, wherein the representation of an indoor space comprises a three-dimensional representation of a room.

5. The method ofclaim 4, wherein the enabling decoration of the three-dimensional representation of a room as an expression of an individual comprises enabling decoration with at least one representation of an element selected from a group comprising a physical object, a color, a pattern, a background, a furnishing, a person, an avatar, artwork, a diploma, a work accomplishment document, a trophy, a poster, a picture, and a photograph.

6. The method ofclaim 3, wherein the representation of an outdoor space comprises a three-dimensional representation of at least one of a garden, a park, and an outdoor venue.

7. The method ofclaim 6, wherein the enabling decoration of the three-dimensional representation of the at least one of a garden, a park, and an outdoor venue comprises enabling decoration with at least one representation of an element selected from a group comprising a physical object, a color, a pattern, a background, a flower, a plant, a tree, a sky, a cloud, a sun, a rainbow, a body of water, a person, an avatar, an animal, a physical structure, and a transportation vehicle.

8. The method ofclaim 2, wherein the enabling decoration of the avatar comprises enabling decoration with at least one element selected from a group comprising a physical characteristic, a personal feature, a facial expression, a physical pose, a clothing item, and an accessory.

9. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising providing character expression tools to customize the first character expression.

10. The method ofclaim 9, further comprising:

providing elements as a part of a commerce transaction; and

enabling the commerce transaction via a user profile of the user profiles.

11. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising:

enabling creation of a second character expression associated with a second user profile of the user profiles;

generating a second display view to include a three-dimensional map view embodied by the community network, the second character expression, and the second user profile of the user profiles represented at a location in the three-dimensional map view associated with the specific geographic location of the second user profile of the user profiles; and

simultaneously representing other user profiles adjacent to the second user profile of the user profiles in the three-dimensional map view.

12. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the second character expression is displayed in conjunction with a wiki profile.

13. The method ofclaim 11, further comprising providing a first incentive associated with creation of the second character expression.

14. The method ofclaim 11, further comprising:

providing a second incentive associated with generation of an invitation to claim the second user profile; and

generating the invitation.

15. The method ofclaim 11, further comprising providing a third incentive associated with a claimed second user profile of the user profiles.

16. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising generating a homepage associated with the first user profile of the user profiles.

17. The method ofclaim 16, further comprising providing homepage tools to customize the homepage.

18. The method ofclaim 1 in a form of a machine-readable medium embodying a set of instructions that, when executed by a machine, causes the machine to perform the method ofclaim 1.

19. A system, comprising:

a geo-spatial environment;

a community network module of the geo-spatial environment, to include user profiles, each user profile of the user profiles to include a specific geographic location;

a character expression module of the geo-spatial environment to generate character expressions associated with the user profiles;

a map module of the geo-spatial environment to include map data which serves as a basis to render a three-dimensional map view in the geo-spatial environment which identifies at least some residences, businesses, and civic structures having specific geographic locations; and

a display module of the geo-spatial environment to generate a display view of the three-dimensional map view embodied by the community network, a first user profile of the user profiles, and a first character expression of the character expressions associated with the first user profile of the user profiles represented at a location in the three-dimensional map view associated with the specific geographic location of the first user profile of the user profiles, and simultaneously to represent other user profiles adjacent to the first user profile of the user profiles in the three-dimensional map view.

20. The system ofclaim 19, further comprising a wiki profile module of the geo-spatial environment to generate in the display view a wiki profile associated with a user profile of the user profiles.

21. The system ofclaim 20, further comprising an append module to generate, with the at least one wiki profile, content associated with the at least one wiki profile.

22. The system ofclaim 19, further comprising:

an incentive module of the geo-spatial environment to enable creation of a second character expression associated with a second user profile of the user profiles, display of the second character expression in conjunction with a wiki profile associated with the second user profile, and incentives associated with at least one of the creation of the second character expression, generation of an invitation to claim the second user profile of the user profiles, and a claim of the second user profile of the user profiles.

23. The system ofclaim 19, further comprising a character expression tool module of the geo-spatial environment to customize a character expression of the character expressions associated with a user profile of the user profiles.

24. The system ofclaim 19, further comprising an element module of the geo-spatial environment to provide elements to customize the character expression of the character expressions.

25. The system ofclaim 24, wherein the character expression further comprises at least one of a representation of an indoor space, a representation of an outdoor space, and an avatar.

26. The system ofclaim 25, wherein the representation of the indoor space comprises a three-dimensional representation of a room.

27. The system ofclaim 26, wherein the elements to customize the three-dimensional representation of a room are selected from a group comprising a physical object, a color, a pattern, a background, a furnishing, a person, an avatar, artwork, a diploma, a work accomplishment document, a trophy, a poster, a picture, and a photograph.

28. The system ofclaim 25, wherein the representation of the outdoor space comprises a three-dimensional representation of at least one of a garden, a park, and an outdoor venue.

29. The system ofclaim 28, wherein the elements to customize the three-dimensional representation of the at least one of a garden, a park, and an outdoor venue are selected from a group comprising a physical object, a color, a pattern, a background, a flower, a plant, a tree, a sky, a cloud, a sun, a rainbow, a body of water, a person, an avatar, an animal, a physical structure, and a transportation vehicle.

30. The system ofclaim 25, wherein the elements to customize the avatar are selected from a group comprising a physical characteristic, a personal feature, a facial expression, a physical pose, a clothing item, and an accessory.

31. The system ofclaim 19, further comprising a commerce transaction module of the geo-spatial environment to generate a commerce transaction associated with a character expression of the character expressions.

32. The system ofclaim 31, wherein the commerce transaction further comprises an online payment transaction to purchase a use of elements in the character expression.

33. The system ofclaim 19, further comprising a homepage module of the geo-spatial environment to generate a homepage associated with the first user profile of the user profiles.

34. The system ofclaim 33, further comprising a homepage tool module to provide homepage tools to customize the homepage.

35. A geo-spatial environment, comprising:

a first instruction set to enable a community network, to include a map database associated with map data and a user database associated with user profiles, each user profile of the user profiles associated a specific geographic location identifiable in the map data; and

a second instruction set integrated with the first instruction set to generate a character expression associated with a first user profile of the user profiles; and

a third instruction set integrated with the first instruction set and the second instruction set to display a three-dimensional map view embodied by the community network, the first user profile of the user profiles, the character expression, and simultaneously to represent other user profiles adjacent to the first user profile of the user profiles in the three-dimensional map view, wherein the first user profile is displayed at a location in the three-dimensional map view associated with the specific geographic location of the first user profile.

36. The geo-spatial environment ofclaim 35, further comprising a fourth instruction set integrated with the first instruction set and the second instruction set and the third instruction set to provide elements and character expression tools to customize character expressions.

37. The geo-spatial environment ofclaim 35, further comprising a fifth instruction set to enable creation and customization of a homepage associated with a user profile of the user profiles.

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