System and method for displaying map information

Abstract

The present application relates to a system and method for displaying map information in a display area on a terminal device, the system comprising a processor and a display coupled to the processor. Wherein the processor can be configured to identify a display element in the display area; receive location information of at least one map element; identify a map portion to be displayed based on the location information, the map portion comprising the at least one map element; and position the map portion in the display area such that the display element does not overlap the at least one map element. The display can be used to display the display area.

Description

[0001] Cross-references

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to Chinese application No. 201710693346.8, filed August 14, 2017, and Chinese application No. 201710824140.4, filed September 13, 2017. The contents of the two applications mentioned above are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Case Analysis

[0004] This application is a divisional application of Chinese application filed on July 2, 2018, with application number 201880001534.2 entitled "System and method for displaying map information". Technical Field

[0005] This application relates to transportation services, and more specifically, to a method and system for automatically determining a passenger's boarding location when a transportation service request is made. Background Technology

[0006] Online service call platforms (such as DiDi™ online) can receive passenger ride service requests and then forward the service requests to at least one transportation service provider (e.g., taxi driver, private car owner, etc.). Service providers can accept service requests independently; or, if no service provider accepts the service request within a predetermined time period, the service request can be assigned to a service provider.

[0007] Drivers and passengers can communicate separately via applications installed on terminal devices (such as mobile phones). These applications can display various information within a display area on the terminal device. For example, on a passenger's terminal, the application can display driver and / or vehicle information, trip information, trip costs, and navigation maps. On a driver's terminal, the application can display passenger information, trip information, trip costs, and navigation maps. Driver and / or passenger information, along with trip information, can be displayed in bubbles on the navigation map. During the trip, because the bubble information may change, it can obscure the display of important information on the user's navigation map, such as the vehicle's current location.

[0008] Embodiments of this application provide methods and systems for overcoming the aforementioned drawbacks. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Embodiments of this application provide an exemplary system for displaying map information in a display area on a terminal device. The system may include a processor and a display coupled to the processor. The processor may be configured to identify display elements in the display area; receive location information of at least one map element in the map information; identify a map portion to be displayed based on the location information, the map portion including at least one map element; and position the map portion in the display area such that the display element does not overlap with the at least one map element; further comprising: positioning an information element associated with one of the map elements in the display area; determining at least one avoidance element in the display area at a distance within a threshold distance from the map element; and placing the information element such that a first distance between the geometric center of the map element and the information element is less than a first threshold distance, and a second distance between the geometric center of the avoidance element and the information element is less than a second threshold distance. The display may be configured to display the display area.

[0010] Embodiments of this application also provide a computer-implemented method for displaying map information in a display area on a terminal device. The method may include: a processor identifying display elements in the display area; the processor receiving location information of at least one map element from the map information; the processor identifying a map portion to be displayed based on the location information, the map portion including at least one map element; the processor positioning the map portion in the display area such that the display element does not overlap with the at least one map element; further comprising: positioning an information element associated with one of the map elements in the display area; determining at least one avoidance element in the display area that is within a threshold distance of the map element; placing the information element such that a first distance between the geometric center of the map element and the information element is less than a first threshold distance, and a second distance between the geometric center of the avoidance element and the information element is less than a second threshold distance; and displaying the display area on the terminal device.

[0011] Embodiments of this application also provide a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The non-transitory computer-readable medium may store a set of instructions, which, when executed by at least one processor of an electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform a method for displaying map information in a display area on a terminal device. The method may include identifying display elements in the display area; receiving location information of at least one map element in the map information; identifying a map portion to be displayed based on the location information, the map portion including at least one map element; positioning the map portion in the display area such that the display element does not overlap with the at least one map element; further comprising: positioning an information element associated with one of the map elements in the display area; determining at least one avoidance element in the display area at a distance within a threshold distance from the map element; placing the information element such that a first distance between the geometric center of the map element and the information element is less than a first threshold distance, and a second distance between the geometric center of the avoidance element and the information element is less than a second threshold distance; and displaying the display area on the terminal device.

[0012] It should be understood that the above description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and illustrative, and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an exemplary terminal device displaying map information according to an embodiment of this application.

[0014] Figure 2A and Figure 2B These are exemplary display areas for displaying various display elements according to embodiments of this application.

[0015] Figure 3A and Figure 3B This is an exemplary display area for displaying various map elements according to embodiments of this application.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a first exemplary method for displaying map information in a display area according to an embodiment of this application.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a second exemplary method for determining map information in a display area according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, and these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts.

[0019] One aspect of this application relates to a system for displaying map information in a display area on a terminal device. In some embodiments, the system can be implemented as part of an online application service, wherein a driver provides transportation services to passengers using a service vehicle. In this application, the terminal device can be a mobile phone, wearable device, PDA, etc., used by a driver (“driver terminal”) or a passenger (“passenger terminal”). The system may include a processor and a display coupled to the processor. The processor may be configured to process and display map information that needs to be displayed on the display.

[0020] In some embodiments, a specific area on the display screen can be set as the display area. Map information can be various elements displayed in the display area. Specifically, the processor can be configured to identify display elements (e.g., a display box for driver / vehicle information) and / or information elements (e.g., travel information in a bubble) in the display area. The processor can also be configured to receive location information of at least one map element (e.g., the vehicle's current location, the origin of the trip, the destination of the trip, etc.). Based on the location information, the processor can also be configured to identify the map portion to be displayed, such that the map portion includes at least one map element. The map portion can be displayed in the display area, and the display elements and / or information elements may not overlap with at least one map element.

[0021] In some embodiments, display elements and / or information elements can be moved or changed based on updated information or user interaction. For example, a display box may default to displaying only the driver's name and vehicle model. When the user interacts (e.g., clicks the display box), the display box can expand to display additional information (e.g., vehicle license plate number or driver rating). As another example, travel information can be periodically updated during a trip to indicate the distance to the destination and the estimated arrival time. Simultaneously, map elements can be updated (e.g., the vehicle's current location can be continuously updated). In this application, based on changes in map elements, display elements, and / or information elements, the processor can automatically adjust the map portion and its position within the display area.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an exemplary terminal device 100 according to embodiments of this application. Terminal device 100 may include any suitable device for interacting with a user, such as a smartphone, tablet, wearable device, computer, etc. In some embodiments, terminal device 100 may be a driver terminal used by a transportation service provider. In other embodiments, terminal device 100 may be a passenger terminal used by a passenger to request transportation services. This application uses a passenger terminal as an exemplary terminal device 100, but those skilled in the art can apply the features of the exemplary terminal device 100 to a driver terminal.

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, terminal device 100 may include a communication interface 104, a processor 106, a memory / storage device 108, and a display 110. Communication interface 104 may be an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) card, a cable modem, a satellite modem, or a modem providing data communication connectivity. For example, communication interface 104 may be a Local Area Network (LAN) card to provide data communication connectivity to a compatible LAN. Wireless connectivity may also be implemented by communication interface 104. In some embodiments, communication interface 104 may transmit and receive electrical signals, electromagnetic signals, or optical signals that are transmitted over a network and represent various types of digital data streams. The network may typically include a cellular communication network, a wireless local area network (WLAN), a wide area network (WAN), etc.

[0024] Communication interface 104 can be configured to send transportation service requests. Transportation service requests may include passenger information, origin, destination, or any combination thereof. Transportation service requests may be accepted by a service vehicle or otherwise matched with a service vehicle. Communication interface 104 can be configured to receive driver and vehicle information from the service vehicle. Service vehicles may include taxis or private cars registered in an online service call platform. In some embodiments, service vehicles may also include autonomous vehicles. The online service call platform may maintain a database for storing profiles of registered vehicles and related driver information. Vehicle information may include, for example, vehicle location, age, manufacturer, model, and other characteristics or features associated with the service vehicle. Driver information may include, for example, driver's name, driver's license number, driving record, and customer ratings of the driver.

[0025] The communication interface 104 can also be configured to receive updated travel information throughout the trip, such as the vehicle's current location, traffic data, map data, etc. In some embodiments, an in-vehicle navigation device serving the vehicle terminal or driver terminal can provide the vehicle's location to the communication interface 104. In some embodiments, the communication interface 104 can be configured to receive other data, such as map data, real-time traffic information, weather information, road congestion information, etc. The travel information can be updated periodically (e.g., every 0.1 seconds, every 1 second, every 5 seconds) or can be set according to user requests.

[0026] Processor 106 may include any suitable type of general-purpose or special-purpose microprocessor, digital signal processor, or microcontroller. Processor 106 may be configured as a separate processor module dedicated to displaying map information. Alternatively, processor 106 may be configured as a shared processor module for performing other functions unrelated to map information display. Processor 106 may include at least one hardware unit (e.g., part of an integrated circuit) and is designed to be used with other components or as part of a program. The program may be stored on a computer-readable medium, and when processor 106 executes the program, the program may perform at least one function.

[0027] The memory / storage device 108 may include any suitable type of mass storage to store any type of information that the processor 106 may need to process. The memory / storage device 108 may be volatile or non-volatile, magnetic, semiconductor, magnetic tape, optical, removable, non-removable, or other types of storage devices or tangible (non-transitory) computer-readable media, including but not limited to ROM, flash memory, dynamic RAM, and static RAM. The memory / storage device 108 may be configured to store at least one computer program that can be executed by the processor 106 to display map information. For example, the memory / storage device 108 may be configured to store a program that can be executed by the processor 106 to display and update various elements displayed in a display area.

[0028] The memory / storage device 108 can also be configured to store information and data used by the processor 106. For example, the memory / storage device 108 can be configured to store various types of data received by the communication interface 104 (e.g., transportation service requests, vehicle information, driver information, updated travel information, map data, traffic data, etc.). The memory / storage device 108 can also store intermediate data, such as portions of the map being displayed, the size and shape of elements displayed in the display area, etc. After processing each frame of data, various types of data can be immediately and permanently stored, periodically removed, or immediately ignored.

[0029] Display 110 may include a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode display (LED), a plasma display, or any other type of display. The display includes a graphical user interface (GUI) for user input and data display. The display material may include many different types (e.g., plastic or glass). The display material may be touch-sensitive to receive commands from the user. For example, the display may include a more rigid touch-sensitive material (e.g., Gorilla Glass™) or a more flexible touch-sensitive material (e.g., Willow Glass™).

[0030] In some embodiments, processor 106 may be configured to display various information in a display area of ​​display 110. For example, processor 106 may determine a relevant portion of map data and treat it as a map portion for display in the display area. Processor 106 may zoom in on the map portion to allow various other elements, such as map elements, display elements, and information elements, to be displayed in the display area. Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, display area 200 may include map portion 222, display elements 210 and 212, map element 220, and information element 230. Display element 210 may be a display box that displays travel information. For example, display element 210 may show that a service vehicle has picked up passengers and is heading to the passengers' destination. Display element 212 may be another display box that displays driver and vehicle information. Map portion 222 may be a part of a map related to the current trip. Map portion 222 may include map element 220 (e.g., the origin of the trip, the destination of the trip, and the current location of the vehicle).

[0031] In some embodiments, processor 106 can identify and display map portion 222 to show the vehicle's current location and origin / destination. Processor 106 can determine the center of map portion 222 and the center of a map area outside the coverage area of ​​display elements 210-212, and position the extent of map portion 222 such that the two centers are close to each other. For example, when there is only one map element 220 (e.g., the vehicle's current location), processor 106 can use the vehicle's current location as the center of map portion 222 and determine the extent of map portion 222 based on a predetermined map scale. Determining the predetermined map scale can be based on, for example, the resolution of display 110. When multiple map elements 220 exist (e.g., destination and vehicle's current location), processor 106 can determine the extent of map portion 222 such that all map elements 220 can be displayed in map portion 222. In some embodiments, the geometric center of map element 220 can be used as the center of map portion 222. For example, processor 106 can use the center point between the current vehicle location and the destination as the center of map portion 222.

[0032] In some embodiments, the map portion 222 may further include information element 230, travel information (e.g., distance to destination, estimated arrival time), and current travel cost. In this application, the processor 106 can position the information element 230 within the display area 200, ensuring that the information element 230 does not overlap with avoidance elements (including map element 220 and display elements 210-212). In some embodiments, the processor 106 can determine the shape and size of the information element 230 based on the amount of information in the display area. In some embodiments, the processor 106 can position the information element 230 within the map element 220 based on the relative orientation of the avoidance element with respect to the map element. For example, the processor 106 can set the map element 220 as the origin of a coordinate system and divide the display area 200 into four quadrants using the axes of the coordinate system. Based on the quadrant position of the avoidance element, a first orientation of the avoidance element relative to the map element can be determined. The information element 230 can be positioned in a quadrant opposite to the first orientation of the avoidance element relative to the map element. Therefore, the information element 230 will not obstruct the display of the avoidance element.

[0033] In this application, the processor 106 can dynamically adjust map portions and various elements based on received updated quadrants or detected user interaction. In some embodiments, the terminal 100 can periodically (e.g., every 3 seconds, every 5 seconds, or every 10 seconds) receive update information, including updates to the current location of the service vehicle and real-time traffic data. Based on the update information, the processor 106 can update and refresh the display of map portions 222 and map elements 220.

[0034] In some embodiments, a display element may have multiple states, and the state of the display element may change during user interaction. For example, the size, position, and / or shape of the display element may change between different states. According to some embodiments of this application, Figure 2A and Figure 2B It is an exemplary display area 200 containing various display elements 212.

[0035] In some embodiments, the display element 212 may have two states. In the first state (e.g.) Figure 2A As shown, display element 212 can be collapsed to display only the driver's photo and the service vehicle's license plate. When a passenger touches display element 212, processor 106 can detect the user interaction and adjust the display element accordingly to a second state. For example, in the second state, display element 212 (as shown) Figure 2BThe display element 212 (shown in the image) can be expanded to display additional information, such as the driver's name (e.g., Jane Doe), driver rating (e.g., 4.9 stars out of 5.0), and the number of trips the driver has provided on the platform (e.g., 1710 trips). The number of trips can represent the driver's experience and the frequency with which the driver provides transportation services. Similarly, the driver rating can represent the quality of the driver's service and passenger satisfaction. In some embodiments, when a carpooling service request is received, the expanded display element 212 further displays relevant information about the carpooler, such as the carpooler's name and the number of times the carpooler has used the carpooling service.

[0036] The extended display element 212 can display more information, thus occupying a larger space in the display area 200. As described in this application, the processor 106 can identify the position and size of the display element 212 in the display area and adjust other elements accordingly. For example, the processor 106 can adjust the scale of the map portion 222 or move the map portion 222 accordingly to display the same information in a smaller area outside the display element 212. The adjusted map portion 222... Figure 2B This is represented as map portion 224. Processor 106 can position map portion 224 within display area 200 such that the extended display element 212 does not overlap with either map element 220 or information element 230. Therefore, display element 212 will not obstruct the display of any information by map element 220 and information element 230.

[0037] In some embodiments, when a passenger touches display element 212 in the second state, display element 212 can be folded again and returned to its first state (by...). Figure 2A (As shown). Therefore, the processor 106 can restore the map portion 224 containing map elements 220 and information elements 230 to the map portion 222 in the first state. In some embodiments, the processor 106 can automatically adjust the display element 212 in the second state back to the first state after a certain threshold period (e.g., 3 seconds, 5 seconds, or 10 seconds).

[0038] Figure 3A and Figure 3B This is an exemplary display area 300 for displaying various map elements 320, as exemplified by an implementation of this application. Figure 3A and Figure 3B The display area 300 includes a map portion 322, display elements 310 and 312, map element 320, and information element 330. For example... Figure 3AAs shown, map portion 322 includes the origin, destination, and current vehicle location. Processor 106 can use the geometric center of these three map elements as the center of map portion 322. In some embodiments, a user can interact with map portion 322 by, for example, touching a vehicle icon or information element. For example, a user can touch... Figure 3A Information element 330 in the map. As a response processor 106, the scale of map portion 322 can be adjusted to zoom in on selected map elements, which may include travel destinations and the vehicle's current location. The adjusted map portion 324 is as follows: Figure 3B As shown. The processor 106 can then use the geometric center of the destination and the vehicle's current location as the center of the map portion 324, and determine the scale of the map portion based on the remaining display area outside display elements 210 and 212. In some embodiments, after a threshold period (e.g., 3 seconds, 5 seconds, or 10 seconds), the display area can be expanded from... Figure 3B Automatically return to Figure 3A .

[0039] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 400 for displaying map information in a display area of ​​a terminal, according to an embodiment of this application. Method 400 can be implemented by a terminal device 100. Method 400 may include steps 402-414 as described below. It should be understood that some steps in this application may be optional. Furthermore, some steps may be performed simultaneously or not in accordance with... Figure 4 They are executed in the following order.

[0040] In step 402, the terminal device 100 may identify display elements, such as display element 210 or display element 212, within the display area 200. In some embodiments, display element 210 may be a display frame that displays travel information. For example, display element 210 may indicate that a service vehicle has picked up passengers and is en route to their destination. Display element 212 may be another display frame that displays driver and vehicle information. Display element 212 may be located in different areas within the display area 200. In some embodiments, identifying display elements includes determining the shape, position, and size of the display element. For example, when the display element is a rectangular display frame, the length and width of the rectangular display frame may be determined, and the display element can then be positioned by determining the geometric center of the rectangular display frame.

[0041] In step 404, terminal device 100 may receive location information of map elements (e.g., map element 220). In some embodiments, map element 220 may include a travel origin, a travel destination, and the current vehicle location. The location information of the travel origin and destination may be included in the transportation service request. The current vehicle location can be measured by the vehicle's onboard positioning system. Communication interface 104 may periodically update and receive vehicle location information.

[0042] In step 406, terminal device 100 can identify a map portion, such as map portion 222, based on location information. Map portion 222 can be a portion of the map related to the current trip. Map elements 220 can be displayed on map portion 222 to represent the origin, destination, and vehicle on the map. In some embodiments, processor 106 can determine the scale and extent of map portion 222 based on the position of map elements 220. For example, processor 106 can determine the geometric center of map element 220. For example, when map element 220 includes the current vehicle location and the trip destination location, processor 106 can use the center point between the current vehicle location and the trip destination location as the geometric center. In some embodiments, geographic coordinates (e.g., longitude and latitude) can be determined for the geometric center and map element 220. Processor 106 can use the geographic coordinates to locate the position on a pre-stored map and extract the relevant portion that needs to be displayed in display area 200.

[0043] In step 408, map portion 222 may be located within display area 200. In some embodiments, to avoid overlapping with display elements, the processor may identify a map region outside the area covered by the display elements. For example, the boundary surrounding this map region may be determined within display area 200. In some embodiments, processor 106 may determine the center of map portion 222 and the center of the map region outside the area covered by display elements 210-212, and position map portion 222 such that the two centers are substantially close. For example, when there is only one map element 220 (e.g., the vehicle's current location), processor 106 may use that location as the center of map portion 222. When multiple map elements 220 exist (e.g., the destination and the current vehicle location), processor 106 may use the geometric center of all map elements 220 as the center of map portion 222. In some embodiments, map portion 222 may be scaled appropriately to fit the map region. In some embodiments, the map scale may be predetermined based on, for example, the resolution of display 110. In some embodiments, the map scale can be adaptively determined based on the distance between the geometric center and the location of the corresponding map element 220, so that the map element 220 fits the map area exactly.

[0044] In step 410, terminal device 100 can determine whether the location of map element 220 has changed. For example, a passenger may update their travel destination during a trip. Or, for example, the vehicle location may be updated periodically during a trip, such as every 3 seconds, every 5 seconds, or every 10 seconds. In step 410, if any of the above changes occur, method 400 will execute step 404, updating map portion 222 based on the change in map element. For example, the geometric center may be updated, and different portions of the map may be extracted. In step 410, if no change has occurred, method 400 can execute step 412.

[0045] In step 412, the terminal device 100 may determine whether any display element (e.g., display element 210 or display element 212) has changed. In some embodiments, the size, shape, and / or position of the display element may change. In some embodiments, the display element may change upon receiving update information or when the user interacts. For example, display element 212 may have two states (e.g., ...). Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown): In the first state, display element 212 is collapsed and only the driver's photo and the license plate of the service vehicle are displayed; in the second state, display element 212 is expanded to further display other information, such as the driver's name (e.g., Jane Doe), driver rating (e.g., 4.9 stars out of 5.0), the number of trips the driver has provided on the platform (e.g., 1710 trips), and carpooler information (e.g., the carpooler's name and the number of times the carpooler has used the carpooling service). Display element 212 may change between the two states upon user interaction (e.g., when the user touches display element 212) or upon receiving certain updates.

[0046] In step 412, if a change in the display element is detected, method 400 will execute step 408 to adjust and / or reposition the map portion 222. Processor 106 may first determine how the change in the display element affects the area occupied by the display element. Then, processor 106 may accordingly redetermine the map area of ​​map portion 222. Based on the determined map area, map portion 222 may be moved, zoomed in / out, or otherwise adjusted to fit the map area. The adjusted map portion 222 becomes map portion 224. In step 412, if no change in the display element is detected, method 400 may proceed to step 414 to display map information in display area 200.

[0047] Figure 5This is a flowchart of an exemplary method 500 for displaying map information in a display area of ​​a terminal according to an embodiment of this application. Method 500 can be implemented by a terminal device 100. Method 500 may include steps 502-514 as described below. It should be understood that some steps in this application may be optional. Furthermore, some steps may be performed simultaneously or not in accordance with the instructions. Figure 5 They are executed in the following order.

[0048] Method 500 may specifically involve the process of locating an information element (e.g., information element 230) related to a map element within a display area 200. In some embodiments, the information element may be displaying travel information (e.g., distance to the destination, estimated arrival time, and current travel cost). In this application, processor 106 may locate information element 230 within the display area 200 such that information element 230 does not overlap with any avoidance elements. Avoidance elements may include, but are not limited to, other map elements, display elements, information elements, etc., that the element should avoid.

[0049] In step 502, the terminal device 100 can determine the position of a map element (e.g., map element 220) in the display area 200. In some embodiments, the position of map element 220 (e.g., the current position of the vehicle) can be updated periodically, for example every 3 seconds, every 5 seconds, or every 10 seconds.

[0050] In step 504, the terminal device 100 can search for avoidance elements near the map element 220. In some embodiments, the search area can be within a predetermined distance of the map element 220. For example, the search area can be a circular area with a predetermined radius centered on the location of the map element 220. In some embodiments, objects that meet predetermined search criteria can be identified as avoidance elements. For example, predetermined search criteria may include shape (e.g., rectangle, square, ellipse, or circle) or size (e.g., an area greater than 3 mm² or 5 mm²).

[0051] In step 506, the terminal device 100 can determine the geometric features of the information element associated with the map element. For example, based on the amount of information in the display area, the terminal device 100 can determine the shape and size of the information element 230. In some embodiments, the size of the information element can be determined; for example, if the information element is circular, the size of the information element is the radius; or, for example, if the information element is rectangular, the size of the information element is the length and width.

[0052] In step 508, the terminal device 100 can determine the orientation of the avoidance element relative to the corresponding map element. In some embodiments, the processor 106 can set the map element 220 as the origin of the coordinate system and divide the display area 200 into four quadrants (e.g., quadrants I, II, III, and IV) using the axes of the coordinate system. The orientation of the avoidance element relative to the map element can then be determined based on its quadrant position. For example, when the avoidance element is located in quadrant I (upper left quadrant), the avoidance element is in a northwest direction relative to the map element.

[0053] In step 510, the terminal device 100 may determine the distance between map element 220 and information element 230. In some embodiments, the processor 106 may first determine the geometric center of information element 230, and then determine the distance between map element 220 and the geometric center. In step 512, the terminal device 100 may determine the distance between the avoidance element and information element 230. Similarly, the processor 106 may first determine the geometric centers of information element 230 and avoidance element, and then determine the distance between the two geometric centers.

[0054] In step 514, the terminal device 100 may position the information element 230 within the display area 200. In some embodiments, the terminal device 100 may position the information element 230 in a direction opposite to the direction of the avoidance element relative to the map element. For example, if the avoidance element is in quadrant I, the terminal device 100 may position the information element 230 in quadrant III relative to the map element 220.

[0055] In some embodiments, as part of step 514, the terminal device 100 may locate the information element 230 such that the distance between the map element and the information element (as determined in step 510) is lower than a first threshold distance, and the distance between the avoidance element and the information element (as determined in step 512) is lower than a second threshold distance. The first threshold distance and the second threshold distance may be, for example, 5mm, 10mm, or 15mm.

[0056] Another aspect of this application relates to a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions, which, when executed, allow at least one processor to perform the methods described above. The computer-readable medium may include volatile or non-volatile, magnetic, semiconductor, magnetic tape, optical, removable, non-removable, or other types of computer-readable media or computer-readable storage devices. For example, as described in this application, the computer-readable medium may be a storage device or a memory module storing computer instructions. In some embodiments, the computer-readable medium may be a disk or flash drive storing computer instructions.

[0057] As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, various modifications and alterations can be made to the systems and related methods disclosed in this application. The description and embodiments of the systems and related methods disclosed in this application will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0058] The description and examples are merely exemplary, and this application claims the broadest scope consistent with the claims.

Claims

1. A system for displaying map information in a display area on a terminal device, characterized in that Comprising: a processor configured to: identify a display element in a display area; receive location information of at least one map element in map information; identify a map portion to be displayed based on the location information, the map portion including the at least one map element; and position the map portion in the display area such that the display element does not overlap with the at least one map element; further comprising: positioning an information element associated with one of the map elements in the display area; determining at least one evasive element in the display area that is within a threshold distance from the map element; determining a first direction of the evasive element relative to the map element based on a quadrant position of the evasive element; positioning the information element into a quadrant opposite to the first direction of the evasive element relative to the map element; placing the information element such that a first distance between the map element and a geometric center of the information element is less than a first threshold distance, and a second distance between the evasive element and the geometric center of the information element is less than a second threshold distance; and a display coupled to the processor for displaying the display area.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein, The processor is further configured to: receive updated location information of the at least one map element; and automatically adjust the map portion and its position in the display area according to the updated location information.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein, The updated location information is periodically received from a positioning device.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein, The processor is further configured to: detect a change in the display element; and automatically adjust the map portion and its position in the display area based on the change.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein, The change in the display element includes at least one of a size change, a position change, and a shape change of the display element.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein, The at least one map element includes a current location of a vehicle, a trip origin, or a trip destination.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein, To position the map portion, the processor is further configured to: determine a first center of the map portion; determine a second center of a map region in the display area and outside of an area covered by the display element; and position the map portion such that the first center is substantially close to the second center. The processor is further configured to:

8. The system of claim 1, wherein, determine a geometric feature of the information element; and position the information element according to the geometric feature. Comprising:

9. A computer-implemented method for displaying map information in a display area on a terminal device, characterized in that identifying, by a processor, a display element in a display area; receiving, by the processor, location information of at least one map element in map information; identifying, by the processor, a map portion to be displayed based on the location information, the map portion including the at least one map element; positioning, by the processor, the map portion in the display area such that the display element does not overlap with the at least one map element; ​ It further comprises positioning an information element associated with one of the map elements in the display area; determining at least one evasive element in the display area that is within a threshold distance from the map element; determining a first direction of the evasive element relative to the map element based on a quadrant position of the evasive element; positioning the information element into a quadrant opposite to the first direction of the evasive element relative to the map element; placing the information element such that a first distance between the map element and a geometric center of the information element is less than a first threshold distance and a second distance between the evasive element and the geometric center of the information element is less than a second threshold distance; and displaying the display area on the terminal device.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein It further comprises: receiving periodically updated position information of the at least one map element from a positioning device; and automatically adjusting the map portion and its position in the display area based on the updated position information.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein It further comprises: detecting a change of the display element, the change comprising at least one of a size change, a position change and a display element shape change; and automatically adjusting the map portion and its position in the display area based on the change.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein It further comprises: determining a geometric feature of the information element; and positioning the information element according to the geometric feature. 13.A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a set of instructions that, when executed by at least one processor of an electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform a method for displaying map information in a display area on a terminal device, the method comprising: The method comprises: identifying a display element in a display area; receiving position information of at least one map element in map information; identifying a map portion to be displayed based on the position information, the map portion comprising the at least one map element; positioning the map portion in the display area such that the display element does not overlap with the at least one map element; it further comprises positioning an information element associated with one of the map elements in the display area; determining at least one evasive element in the display area that is within a threshold distance from the map element; determining a first direction of the evasive element relative to the map element based on a quadrant position of the evasive element; positioning the information element into a quadrant opposite to the first direction of the evasive element relative to the map element; placing the information element such that a first distance between the map element and a geometric center of the information element is less than a first threshold distance and a second distance between the evasive element and the geometric center of the information element is less than a second threshold distance; and displaying the display area on the terminal device.

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