Method and apparatus for region sampling and estimation in location based networks
AssigneeAlcatel Lucent
InventorsYanhua Li, Moritz M. Steiner
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Various embodiments provide a method and apparatus for obtaining a representative sample set of venues (i.e., places) within a geographic region in a location based network using a low cost and efficient sampling and estimating algorithm. In particular, a dynamic random region sampling algorithm randomly selects a target location within a geographic region and then determines a sub-region containing the target location within the geographic region based on venue density prediction. Venue density prediction is based on a weighted average of venue densities of two or more comparable locations within the geographic region.
Claims18
An apparatus for providing venue datasets within a search region, the apparatus comprising:
- a data storage;
- and
- a processor communicatively connected to the data storage, the processor being configured to:
- randomly select a target location in the search region;
- select a first comparable location, the first comparable location having a first venue density;
- select a second comparable location, the second comparable location having a second venue density;
- determine a sub-region within the search region based on the target location, the first and second comparable locations, and the first and second venue densities;
- and
- determine a set of in-venues within the sub-region;
- wherein the first and second comparable locations are determined to have a higher relevance than other known locations within the search region.
A method for providing venue datasets within a search region, the method comprising:
- at a processor communicatively connected to a data storage, randomly selecting a target location in the search region;
- selecting, by the processor in cooperation with the data storage, a first comparable location, the first comparable location having a first venue density;
- selecting, by the processor in cooperation with the data storage, a second comparable location, the second comparable location having a second venue density;
- determining, by the processor in cooperation with the data storage, a sub-region within the search region based on the target location, the first and second comparable locations, and the first and second venue densities;
- and
- determining, by the processor in cooperation with the data storage, a set of in-venues within the sub-region;
- wherein the first and second comparable locations are determined to have a higher relevance than other known locations within the search region.
A computer-readable storage medium storing instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform a method, the method comprising:
- selecting a first comparable location, the first comparable location having a first venue density;
- selecting a second comparable location, the second comparable location having a second venue density;
- determining a sub-region within the search region based on the target location, the first and second comparable locations, and the first and second venue densities;
- and
- determining a set of in-venues within the sub-region;
- wherein the first and second comparable locations are determined to have a higher relevance than other known locations within the search region.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.