Comments for Google Plans to Upgrade Old Billboards in Street View

Google Plans to Upgrade Old Billboards in Street View

2010-01-11T19:45:28Z

According to a new patent that was just granted to Google, the company could soon extend the reach of its advertising program in Google Maps to Street View. This patent, which was originally filed on July 7, 2008, describes a new system for promoting ads in online mapping applications. In this patent, Google describes how it plans to identify buildings, posters, signs and billboards in these images and give advertisers the ability to replace these images with more up-to-date ads. In addition, Google also seems to plan an advertising auction for unclaimed properties.

]]> In Google's example, the software could identify the marquee and individual window posters on a theater property and replace them with new information. Through this, a theater could promote a new play in Street View, even if the actual Street View image is completely out of date.

The patent describes a two-step process for identifying potential advertising real estate in these images. Google's software first identifies interest points in the image (e.g. the edges or corners of an object) and then generates features around these interest points. Google can then augment this region of the image with a link or replace a part of the current Street View image with a new image.

What Happens When Somebody Wants to Put a Virtual Ad on Your Real-Life Billboard?

One of the most interesting aspects of the patent can be found in the following paragraph:

The link can be associated with a property owner, for example the property owner which owns the physical property portrayed. The link can alternatively be associated with an advertiser who placed the highest bid on the image recognized within the region of interest (e.g., poster, billboard, banner, etc.). Any portion of the geographic display image in which the region of interest is located can be selectable (e.g., hot-linked). For example, the image of the coffee shop can be hot-linked to an advertisement for the coffee shop.

This does open up some interesting questions. It makes perfect sense for the owner of a local coffee shop to advertise through this system, but in this patent, Google also describes an advertising auction. Does that mean that a rival coffee shop could also bid for ad space on the virtual image of a competitor's store in Street View? Chances are this isn't quite what Google has in mind, though it could definitely be a possibility. Instead, it looks like Google could potentially identify some billboards and banners in Street View images and then replace these real-life billboards with virtual ads from the highest bidders.

Comment from Biz Ad on 2011-07-29

2011-07-30T02:49:40Z

BIZ.AD+DEAL ALREADY DOES THIS SERVICE

Comment from FurnitureRemovalistsMelbourne on 2011-03-23

2011-03-24T01:02:17Z

The real question is can they afford to keep street view up to date?

Comment from Cure a Hemorrhoid on 2011-03-20

2011-03-21T02:04:37Z

however i intend to inform which i such as this post a lot.

Comment from M.A on 2011-01-11

2011-01-12T00:09:17Z

Interesting article. Another way to apply marketing knowledge in the future.

Comment from ugg bailey button on 2010-12-27

2010-12-27T09:09:55Z

within 50 miles of Chicago.

Comment from Keydayadmilky on 2010-12-08

2010-12-09T01:48:57Z

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Comment from Dog Beds on 2010-11-16

2010-11-16T20:57:43Z

Not surprising at all. Google is probably getting paid a shed load to update billboards.

Comment from INK on 2010-11-04

2010-11-05T05:43:37Z

This is pretty cool might be of better use for mobile applications

Comment from buy adderall on 2010-10-25

2010-10-25T15:59:44Z

Visitors to the only hotel on this 'idyllic' eight-mile-long Hebridean island were picked up from the ferry and 'well looked after' by the manager, Scott Omar, and his 'courteous, efficient' staff. The unpretentious hotel is owned by a group headed by the laird and his wife, Alex and Jane Howard

Comment from Sadie on 2010-10-19

2010-10-19T10:00:20Z

I believe that this idea of virtual billboard doesn't quite look right esp for business owners.

Comment from Mykalai Kontilai on 2010-10-09

2010-10-09T10:27:18Z

Google's software first identifies interest points in the image and then generates features around these interest points.....That's good point to be considered,and can be implemented for more good work.

Comment from Mykalai Kontilai on 2010-10-05

2010-10-05T16:46:21Z

Now we know whom to blame if we lose our way...'this is not the right billboard.........

Comment from Nightly Business Report on 2010-09-29

2010-09-29T09:40:02Z

Another reason to switch Yahoo or Bing.Realy Google is pushing too much after personilized search.

Comment from Data Services on 2010-09-29

2010-09-29T07:27:37Z

Google always provides some new ideas and i think they are change our future..Nice Article, I think its a Good idea to until in beleive in Google...

Comment from Mykalai Kontilai on 2010-09-24

2010-09-24T09:16:19Z

The patent describes a two-step process for identifying potential advertising real estate in these images. Google’s software first identifies interest points in the image and then generates features around these interest points

Comment from Danny DeMichele on 2010-09-24

2010-09-24T08:37:15Z

No doubt google always do something new,go ahead google...

Comment from Mykalai Kontilai on 2010-09-23

2010-09-23T07:16:29Z

I think it's a gud time for google. Best Wishes:-))

Comment from Becky on 2010-09-22

2010-09-22T07:26:54Z

Well, the notion is blindingly obvious, of course, but as Douglas Adams once wrote so is the idea of a cat flap--but somebody still had to invent it.

Comment from Internet Startup Consultant on 2010-09-20

2010-09-20T12:45:46Z

The link can alternatively be associated with an advertiser who placed the highest bid on the image recognized within the region of interest.

Comment from Nicholas Ayiotis on 2010-09-12

2010-09-12T07:04:22Z

Comment from Trent Jordan on 2010-08-29

2010-08-30T06:36:07Z

Google is under no obligation to show the billboards that happen to be captured by their Street View cameras right now.

Comment from Mark Aument on 2010-08-28

2010-08-28T10:29:19Z

Google is under no obligation to show the billboards that happen to be captured by their Street View cameras right now.

Comment from Double Bathroom Vanities on 2010-08-26

2010-08-26T10:33:43Z

Pretty cool. Google is pretty crazy as far as their hiring practices go. I have a friend who works for them down in Atlanta. Also the company I work for has a big project that Google is partnering with us on. Even though we did all the preliminary coding on the project now that we are working with Google on this you can only work on it if you pass all of Google's tests. And let me tell you these aren't easy tests at all. They are really really tough.

Comment from Cross Country Home Services on 2010-08-26

2010-08-26T07:12:53Z

Could Google alter the streetview image even further to "errect" a digital billboard for an advertiser who identifies one they'd like to commit to buying?

Comment from Gerard Amaro on 2010-08-24

2010-08-25T06:17:21Z

In Street View land, you could bid to have your ad appear on all available billboards in the state of California, or within 50 miles of Chicago.

Comment from Bathtubs on 2010-08-23

2010-08-23T08:19:44Z

you can choose to run a display ad on a specific website, which may have too little inventory to be worthwhile, but you can also choose to advertise to all sites matching some keywords.

Comment from Bathroom Vanity Units on 2010-08-21

2010-08-21T11:14:38Z

it seems interesting . I can remember the movie studios getting in trouble for doing just this with billboards in Times Square. I think it was for Spider-Man and a few others where they replaced existing and long-standing ads on certain buildings with ads for products that had paid for placement in the movie. if Google does it, I'm sure Bing will follow. Why miss such a big cash cow

Comment from Max Furniture on 2010-08-20

2010-08-21T06:11:59Z

If Man United could bid on that space via google and prevent the city image from being displayed - then it would ruin teh whole campaing.

Comment from Justin Amador on 2010-08-20

2010-08-21T05:33:56Z

Google is under no obligation to show the billboards that happen to be captured by their Street View cameras right now.

Comment from Capital Gold Group on 2010-08-19

2010-08-20T06:06:53Z

This just sounds kind of ridiculous. Unless the Street View could be augmented to be VR-like, I'll be ignoring the billboards and posters.

Comment from Sandy on 2010-08-19

2010-08-19T12:52:25Z

They are not even first to do it. this concept has been around for awhile.

Comment from Rosaria Abreu on 2010-08-19

2010-08-19T07:34:28Z

Google is creating innovative technologies to prove how they can change future through their creations.

Comment from Find Senior Housing on 2010-08-17

2010-08-18T05:35:07Z

This just sounds kind of ridiculous. Unless the Street View could be augmented to be VR-like, I'll be ignoring the billboards and posters.

Comment from work from home opportunities on 2010-08-16

2010-08-17T05:22:47Z

This could mean that the coffee shop owner could have his ad up in streetview but auction off part of his outside wall to another business to use for their advertising.

Comment from J hass Group on 2010-08-15

2010-08-16T06:56:10Z

I would like to see the level and quality at which writers need to be writing about on google could soon augment old billboards in street.

Comment from David Abernethy on 2010-08-13

2010-08-13T07:47:31Z

This could mean that the coffee shop owner could have his ad up in streetview but auction off part of his outside wall to another business to use for their advertising.

Comment from Andy Abascal on 2010-08-11

2010-08-12T06:25:08Z

you can choose to run a display ad on a specific website, which may have too little inventory to be worthwhile, but you can also choose to advertise to all sites matching some keywords.

Comment from list building on 2010-08-11

2010-08-11T12:21:09Z

Nice article,The coffee shop owner could have his ad up in streetview but auction off part of his outside wall to another business to use for their advertising. perhaps ...

Comment from Organic Baby on 2010-08-11

2010-08-11T07:26:51Z

This just sounds kind of ridiculous. Unless the Street View could be augmented to be VR-like,I'll be ignoring the billboards and posters.

Comment from Christa (Centola) Dhimo on 2010-08-10

2010-08-10T10:13:49Z

I don't much about it. But I think, Google is under no obligation to show the billboards that happen to be captured by their Street View cameras right now.

Comment from Internet Startup Consultant on 2010-08-09

2010-08-09T07:21:21Z

Could Google alter the streetview image even further to "errect" a digital billboard for an advertiser who identifies one they'd like to commit to buying?

Comment from Appraiser on 2010-08-05

2010-08-05T07:19:34Z

This could mean that the coffee shop owner could have his ad up in streetview but auction off part of his outside wall to another business to use for their advertising.

Comment from Copywriting on 2010-08-04

2010-08-05T06:34:17Z

Google is under no obligation to show the billboards that happen to be captured by their Street View cameras right now.

Comment from best CMS on 2010-08-03

2010-08-03T11:27:23Z

That it's ridiculous it was given a patent.They are not even first to do it. this concept has been around for awhile.

Comment from Christine on 2010-07-29

2010-07-29T11:53:23Z

I think its a great idea. Google always provides some new ideas and i think they are gonna change our future.

Comment from Christine on 2010-07-29

2010-07-29T10:53:53Z

his could mean that the coffee shop owner could have his ad up in streetview but auction off part of his outside wall to another business to use for their advertising. perhaps ...

Comment from Erica on 2010-07-27

2010-07-28T03:56:44Z

Google is creating innovative technologies to prove how they can change future through their creations. But this idea of virtual billboard doesn't quite look right esp for business owners.

Comment from Molly on 2010-06-30

2010-06-30T09:08:45Z

This could mean that the coffee shop owner could have his ad up in streetview but auction off part of his outside wall to another business to use for their advertising. thanx for the post.

Comment from Rebecca on 2010-06-13

2010-06-13T12:25:00Z

Can you provide links to other articles you have written on other sites? I would like to see the level and quality at which writers need to be writing about on google could soon augment old billboards in street.

Comment from Kerry on 2010-06-02

2010-06-02T16:31:05Z

But of course that wouldn't bring in $$$ for Google.

I think your logic is flawed; If I had a child conceived by IVF, would that child be the property of the developer of that treatment?

Comment from Jackie on 2010-06-01

2010-06-01T19:17:22Z

I think now at this moment 'google' rule the virtual world. They are always giving us some new services and trying to give the best service. Thanks for sharing.

Comment from Katie on 2010-05-28

2010-05-28T18:04:11Z

Street View on a smartphone would then be something of a surreal experience, with different and perhaps conflicting info displayed on the Street View world view versus what you can see with your eyes.

Comment from Julie on 2010-05-25

2010-05-25T19:29:48Z

I think its a great idea. Google always provides some new ideas and i think they are gonna change our future.

Comment from Sandra on 2010-05-13

2010-05-13T14:39:31Z

Leave it to Google to do MORE advertising in every product they offer. I think it's a great idea and I'm sure they'll make it a reality.

Comment from Ilan Ben Menachem on 2010-03-26

2010-03-26T11:14:03Z

Another reason to switch Yahoo or Bing.Realy Google is pushing too much after personilized search.

Comment from Sam on 2010-02-05

2010-02-05T15:19:40Z

Wrong patent, muchacho.

You linked to one about "An information retrieval system uses phrases to index, retrieve, organize and describe documents."

Comment from Brian Sharland on 2010-01-16

2010-01-16T14:49:00Z

I think the auction aspect could refer to businesses buying streetview ad space on unused building space in streetview. This could mean that the coffee shop owner could have his ad up in streetview but auction off part of his outside wall to another business to use for their advertising. perhaps ...

Comment from Lincolnshire Web Design on 2010-01-15

2010-01-15T16:15:20Z

I didnt think it would be long until Google tried monotonising Google Earth/Maps. Im suprised they havent let people add their adverts anywhere before now.

Comment from Yuri on 2010-01-14

2010-01-14T20:48:53Z

Are you sure the patent issued? My search suggests it was just published: http://appft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-adv.html&r=1&p=1&f=G&l=50&d=PG01&S1=%28%22Claiming+Real+Estate+Panoramic+3D+Mapping+Environments+Advertising%22.TTL.%29&OS=ttl/%22Claiming+Real+Estate+in+Panoramic+or+3D+Mapping+Environments+for+Advertising%22&RS=TTL/%22Claiming+Real+Estate+in+Panoramic+or+3D+Mapping+Environments+for+Advertising%22

Comment from Frederic Lardinois on 2010-01-13

2010-01-13T22:33:41Z

@Nick - thanks. Funny thing is, Google made the same typo in the patent (that's probably where I got it from).

Comment from Nick on 2010-01-13

2010-01-13T22:16:35Z

I think you're looking for the word "marquee", not "marquis", which refers to a French title equal to "Marquess", as in "Marquess of of Anglesey"

Comment from Debbie on 2010-01-13

2010-01-13T16:28:43Z

Digital images of billboards on a service like Streetview isn't a reliable land marker for directions, so why not give the opportunity.

There are some locations I could see purchasing for clients - strategically located near event venues and tourist attractions... Times Square, anyone? Could Google alter the streetview image even further to "errect" a digital billboard for an advertiser who identifies one they'd like to commit to buying?

If the impressions are low, then it should be low cost as well; but definitely a neat new revenue stream for Google!

Comment from andylockran on 2010-01-13

2010-01-13T14:12:58Z

This stinks, big time. If I pay for advertising space, then I expect that to be reserved for my use. Take the big advertising area on St. George's Island in Manchester where the following image was posted. If Man United could bid on that space via google and prevent the city image from being displayed - then it would ruin teh whole campaing. http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00050/cit1_516x350_50413a.jpg

Of course, I've used football clubs just to exaggerate the problem, but the same is true of any rival/competing companies.

Comment from Simon Dance on 2010-01-13

2010-01-13T10:35:10Z

Sounds outstanding, providing of course the billboards don't get in the way of the sleek UI of Maps/Streetview...

Comment from Christy Sanders on 2010-01-12

2010-01-12T20:34:41Z

i lol'ed

Comment from Sam on 2010-01-12

2010-01-12T18:12:51Z

I'm having a hard time understanding why the actual billboard owner has ANY right to the virtual billboard that would be displayed in Street View.

Someone with more legal background should correct me if I'm wrong, but Google is under no obligation to show the billboards that happen to be captured by their Street View cameras right now.

If they wanted, they could blur out every single advertisement that appears in a Street View since they are the owners of the image(s). The owner of the actual billboard is irrelevant.

Thoughts?

Comment from Mark Coates on 2010-01-12

2010-01-12T18:12:35Z

Who actually uses Street View to do anything besides look at a building from the outside, just to get a quick idea of what the *real building* looks like. This just sounds kind of ridiculous. Unless the Street View could be augmented to be VR-like (to walk into the coffee shop and order a latte), I'll be ignoring the billboards and posters...

Comment from jane on 2010-01-12

2010-01-12T18:05:01Z

this is such an obvious use of advertising (like in video games) that it's ridiculous it was given a patent. they arent even first to do it. this concept has been around for awhile. it's like bezos patenting one click

Comment from Mehmet on 2010-01-12

2010-01-12T15:02:20Z

Another reason to switch Yahoo or Bing.Realy Google is pushing too much after personilized search.

Comment from Finbarr Taylor on 2010-01-12

2010-01-12T14:57:20Z

Absolutely amazing.

Comment from Mark van Loon on 2010-01-12

2010-01-12T11:26:11Z

Great Post, and in some situations it will be very interesting. For sure, I'm looking forward to the possibilities it offers.

Comment from 2010 winter olympics on 2010-01-11

2010-01-12T04:05:58Z

Google is coming up with such innovative ideas, I am sure they are going to change the shape of the future completely.

Comment from Dan Grossman on 2010-01-11

2010-01-12T03:29:39Z

@Tom: It'll just be another tab in your Google AdWords account, just like you bid to advertise on websites. Yes you can choose to run a display ad on a specific website, which may have too little inventory to be worthwhile, but you can also choose to advertise to all sites matching some keywords. In Street View land, you could bid to have your ad appear on all available billboards in the state of California, or within 50 miles of Chicago.

Google will make it fly.

Comment from Tom on 2010-01-11

2010-01-12T02:29:13Z

How many views will an individual billboard get? Too few to sell. This won't fly at all.

Comment from daub815 on 2010-01-11

2010-01-12T02:19:59Z

What does this mean for the owner of the original billboard? Shouldn't they get a piece of the pie?

Comment from Dr. Bob Obvious on 2010-01-11

2010-01-12T00:23:18Z

And Google won't stop until the streetview world looks like the set of Idiocracy.

Comment from Pills Here on 2010-01-11

2010-01-12T00:15:45Z

the future is a win! thank you sirs for sharing this great insights. Buy some pills too.

Comment from Fran on 2010-01-11

2010-01-12T00:07:11Z

amazing one step closer 2 virtual reality life

Comment from AAfter Search on 2010-01-11

2010-01-11T21:56:00Z

Now we know whom to blame if we lose our way...'this is not the right billboard'