Method for rendering user interface and computing device thereof

Abstract

A method for rendering a user interface (200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) is disclosed, the method comprising providing a digital map (206, 306, 406, 506, 606, 706), the digital map comprising a first region (208, 408, 508, 608, 708) at least partially surrounding a target region (212, 412, 512, 612, 712), defining a rotation point (516) on the digital map, providing locator coordinates with respect to the digital map, and rendering a user interface (200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) on the first region (208, 408, 508, 608, 706). The provided locator coordinates (210, 410, 510, 610, 710) within a first region of the digital map are rendered on the user interface, and the digital map is rotated about a rotation point to align the target region in a predetermined direction (r) relative to the user interface. A computing device (204, 304, 404, 504, 604, 704) for rendering a user interface on a display (202, 302, 402, 502, 602, 702) thereof is also disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a user interface; and more particularly to a method for rendering a user interface. The present disclosure also relates to a computing device for rendering a user interface. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the use of computing devices (such as smart phones, tablet computers, laptops, desktops, etc.) for navigation purposes has increased. As a result, the number of users using navigation applications has increased dramatically. Typically, navigation applications can be used as an in-vehicle vehicle navigation system to get from one location to another. In addition, navigation applications can be implemented in games to move characters in the game from one location to another. In most cases, any of the above-mentioned navigation applications displays only a portion of a map based on map data on a user interface, and the map data describes the relative positions of, for example, streets, highways, points of interest, etc. In addition, some navigation applications may also provide a navigation feature that provides turn-by-turn instructions to the user to reach the destination location.

[0003] However, due to the disorientation of the map, it is difficult to perform navigation on a user interface rendered specifically on a portable computing device. It is worth noting that the disorientation of the map makes it difficult to know in which direction the user is scrolling or moving the map. In addition, the portable computing device displays only a portion of the entire landscape of the map on the screen of the computing device, so it is difficult to find the destination location. Conventionally, the map and the user interface can have a compass to indicate the direction (preferably, north). However, this may require providing additional symbols on the user interface that cause confusion in the map data.

[0004] Therefore, in light of the above discussion, there exists a need to overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings associated with conventional navigation applications. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present disclosure seeks to provide a method for rendering a user interface. The present disclosure also seeks to provide a computing device for rendering a user interface. The present disclosure seeks to provide a solution to existing problems of conventional navigation applications. The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a solution that at least partially overcomes the problems encountered in the prior art and provides an efficient, reliable and simple method for reaching a destination.

[0006] In one aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for rendering a user interface, the method comprising:

[0007] - providing a digital map comprising a first area at least partially surrounding a target area;

[0008] - define the rotation point on the digital map;

[0009] - Provide locator coordinates on digital maps;

[0010] - rendering the provided locator coordinates within the first area of ​​the digital map on the user interface; and

[0011] - Rotating the digital map about the rotation point to align the target area in a predetermined direction relative to the user interface.

[0012] In another aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a computing device for rendering a user interface, the computing device comprising:

[0013] - a display for rendering a user interface; and

[0014] - a processor, the processor being configured to:

[0015] - providing a digital map, the digital map comprising at least partly surrounding the target area

[0016] The first area;

[0017] - define the rotation point on the digital map;

[0018] - Provide locator coordinates on digital maps;

[0019] - rendering on the user interface the provided localization within the first area of ​​the digital map

[0020] Locator coordinates; and

[0021] - Rotating the digital map about the rotation point to align the target area in a predetermined direction relative to the user interface.

[0022] In another aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a computer program product for rendering a user interface, the computer program product comprising a non-transitory machine-readable data storage medium having program instructions stored thereon, the program instructions causing the processor to execute the above method when accessed by a processor.

[0023] The embodiments of the present disclosure substantially eliminate or at least partially solve the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, and enable a digital map to be rendered on a user interface in such a manner that the direction of movement through the digital map is always in the direction of a target area, so as to help a user easily find the target area. In addition, the disclosed method and system also enable a user to locate a target area on a digital map even after scrolling on a digital map rendered on a limited display screen area.

[0024] Other aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosure will become apparent from the accompanying drawings and detailed description of illustrative embodiments, which are interpreted in conjunction with the appended claims.

[0025] It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] When read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the above summary and the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments may be better understood. In order to illustrate the present disclosure, exemplary configurations of the present disclosure are shown in the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific methods and tools disclosed herein. In addition, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the accompanying drawings are not drawn to scale. Where possible, identical elements are represented by identical numerals.

[0027] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 is a flowchart of steps of a method for rendering a user interface according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0029] Figures 2 to 7 is a schematic diagram of a user interface according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] In the accompanying drawings, underlined numbers are used to indicate the item in which the underlined number is located or the item to which the underlined number is adjacent. Non-underlined numbers are associated with the item identified by the line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is not underlined and has an associated arrow, the number is used to identify the general item that the arrow points to. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The following detailed description describes embodiments of the present disclosure and their implementation. Although some modes for implementing the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art will recognize that other embodiments for implementing or practicing the present disclosure are also possible.

[0032] In one aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for rendering a user interface, the method comprising:

[0033] - providing a digital map comprising a first area at least partially surrounding a target area;

[0034] - define the rotation point on the digital map;

[0035] - Provide locator coordinates on digital maps;

[0036] - rendering the provided locator coordinates within the first area of ​​the digital map on the user interface; and

[0037] - Rotating the digital map about the rotation point to align the target area in a predetermined direction relative to the user interface.

[0038] In another aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a computing device for rendering a user interface, the computing device comprising:

[0039] - a display for rendering a user interface; and

[0040] - a processor, the processor being configured to:

[0041] - providing a digital map, the digital map comprising at least partly surrounding the target area

[0042] The first area;

[0043] - define the rotation point on the digital map;

[0044] - Provide locator coordinates on digital maps;

[0045] - rendering on the user interface the provided localization within the first area of ​​the digital map

[0046] Locator coordinates; and

[0047] - Rotating the digital map about the rotation point to align the target area in a predetermined direction relative to the user interface.

[0048] In another aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a computer program product for rendering a user interface, the computer program product comprising a non-transitory machine-readable data storage medium having program instructions stored thereon, the program instructions causing the processor to execute the above method when accessed by a processor.

[0049] The present disclosure provides the above-mentioned method and the above-mentioned computing device for rendering a user interface. The user interface provides a digital map with a target area, and the target area is required to be reached by the user from its initial position in the first area. Advantageously, the digital map rotates in a manner that the target area is always in a predetermined direction relative to the user and the user interface, so that even on a portable computing device that may be associated with different degrees of directional impairment during use, it is easier to view (or use) such a map. In addition, when a locator object (representing a user in the user interface) moves in a predetermined direction relative to the user interface, the locator object approaches a target area, for example, arranged at the top of the user interface. Advantageously, such a predetermined direction of the target area prevents the placement of additional symbols such as a compass to define the direction of the target area, and also makes it easy for the locator object to reach the target area.

[0050] Throughout this disclosure, the term "rendering" as used herein refers to the process of loading or generating a graphical visual or user interface on a display of a computing device. Typically, features of the user interface such as geometry, viewpoint, texture, lighting, and shading information are important in the rendering process. Notably, rendering is used in architectural design, video games, navigation applications, and design visualization. For example, a map of a video game is rendered for a user to play. Video games can be single-player or multiplayer. Optionally, real-time rendering is used due to the high user interaction in interactive graphics (such as navigation applications) and the rapid speed at which video game images are generated.

[0051] The term "user interface" used herein refers to the space where the interaction occurs between a user and a computing device. Typically, a user interface includes one or more spatially distributed elements. Optionally, a user can be any entity associated with or operating a computing device, such as a person (i.e., a human being) or a virtual program (such as an autonomous program or a robot). A computing device refers to an electronic device associated with (or used by) a user, which enables the user to perform a specific task. Optionally, a computing device may include, but is not limited to, a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld device, a laptop computer, a personal computer, etc., which is configured to provide a user interface thereon (such as on its display (or screen)). Beneficially, the interaction between a user and a computing device allows effective operation and control between them. In addition, the user interface design allows the user to interact easily and efficiently with a computing device in a user-friendly manner to provide maximum usability, thereby reducing the amount of user input for achieving a desired output.

[0052] Typically, a user interface may consist of one or more layers, including a human-machine interface (HMI), which connects the machine to physical input hardware (such as a keyboard, mouse, or gamepad) and output hardware (such as a computer display, speakers, printer, etc.). In addition, the UI layer may interact with one or more human senses, which may be selected from tactile UI (touch), visual UI (vision), auditory UI (sound), olfactory UI (smell), balance UI (balance), and taste UI (taste). Here, the user interface includes a visual UI and a tactile UI for displaying graphics and receiving user input, respectively. In addition, when sound is added to the user interface, the above user interface becomes a multimedia user interface (MUI).

[0053] The term "digital map" used herein refers to an electronic map representing geographic (or cartographic) data in its electronic form. In this regard, geological features such as hills, rivers, roads, buildings, gardens, etc. can be represented as graphic elements, such as rectangles, circles, straight lines, points, polygons, linear or curved texts, images, etc. Beneficially, digital maps enable the real-time and latest versions of geographic regions to be stored as geomatics, and users can use it to easily locate one or more geographic regions. In addition, digital maps can be used to determine the time and distance required to travel from a first point in the above-mentioned geographic region to a second point. In this regard, the first point can be the user's starting position in the first region of the digital map, and the second point can be the desired end position, i.e., the target region that the user wants to reach.

[0054] The term "first area" used herein refers to at least a portion of a digital map rendered on a user interface that is configured to have a target area therein. Typically, the first area can be a landscape configured to render visible features of a land area. Optionally, the first area can be a circular area, a rectangular area, a triangular area, or any closed shape limited by its boundary. For example, the first area can be depicted as a circular island with one or more elements therein, each element corresponding to a defined locator coordinate. Here, one or more elements can be, for example, a home, a hotel, a restaurant, a stadium, a store, a park, a museum, a tree, etc. It should be understood that at least one of the one or more elements forms a target area. In an exemplary implementation, the first area can be a part of a video game that displays an avatar, a digital copy, a digital character, or an animated graphic or an element that can be accessed by a symbol representing a user by performing one or more actions.

[0055] The term "locator coordinates" as used herein refers to the location of one or more elements within a first region. In this regard, the locator coordinates may correspond to a home, a hotel, a restaurant, a stadium, and any other geographic location having corresponding geographic coordinates associated therewith. Optionally, the first region may include a plurality of locator coordinates associated with a plurality of elements therein. It is noteworthy that at least one of the one or more locator coordinates associated with the one or more elements is rendered on the user interface.

[0056] The term "target area" refers to a user's destination location. In this regard, the target area may be a home, a hotel, a restaurant, a stadium, or any other geographic location. It should be understood that the target area is visible on the user interface of the computing device during navigation or scrolling of a digital map as the user approaches the target area by, for example, moving left, right, up, or down relative to the user interface. Optionally, the target area may be changed by the user while traveling, such as while using an in-vehicle vehicle navigation system.

[0057] Optionally, the user interface is implemented as a navigation map type user interface, a game map type user interface. Optionally, the navigation map type user interface can be a real world environment. In this regard, the user interface can be a navigation map of a city. It is worth noting that when the GPS associated with the computing device is turned on, the GPS sensor is activated and the coordinates of the computing device corresponding to the current position are found by communicating with the satellite. Optionally, an artificial intelligence (AI) system is configured to apply these technologies to adapt itself and learn to improve navigation using digital maps. In this regard, the AI ​​system uses technology to evaluate the real-time status of the route and provides the best route to help users avoid traffic and other road hazards. In addition, the AI ​​system provides navigation information to identify emergency braking events. Beneficially, the implementation of the AI ​​system improves efficiency by reducing the user's driving time. In addition, the optimal driving speed is provided to the user based on the mode of transportation. In one example, the navigation map type can be a city map implemented as a first area, and the map includes a city center implemented as a target area.

[0058] Optionally, the game map type user interface can be implemented as a map of the game (i.e., a game map type user interface) to navigate in the game. In addition, the game map type user interface can be configured to allow the user to play the game as a single player game or a multiplayer game. Beneficially, the disclosed navigation map type user interface and game map type user interface are configured to provide a simple method to find the direction to the desired location (i.e., the target area). Optionally, the navigation map type user interface and the game map type user interface can have a compass indicating north.

[0059] Optionally, the user interface may include a mini digital map that provides a high-level view of the digital map. It should be understood that the mini digital map is an additional map displayed on the user interface. The mini digital map provides a top or high-level view of the target area of ​​the digital map. Beneficially, the high-level view helps the user locate the target area when scrolling through the map.

[0060] The term "rotation point" as used herein refers to a point on a digital map about which the digital map rotates to change the orientation of one or more elements thereon. It should be understood that the rotation point is an imaginary point. In addition, when the digital map is rotated, the target area is always in a predetermined orientation relative to the user interface.

[0061] Optionally, the rotation point is located within the target area so that the target area has a predetermined radius from the rotation point. The term "predetermined radius" as used herein refers to the distance between the rotation point and the target area. Here, the rotation point can be in the center of the target area, close to the center of the target area, or closer to the boundary of the target area.

[0062] Optionally, the method further comprises:

[0063] - rendering a locator object at the locator coordinates in the user interface, wherein the locator object is rendered substantially centrally relative to the user interface;

[0064] - controlling the locator object to move in a predetermined direction relative to the user interface; and

[0065] - Generating an illusion of movement of the locator object on the user interface by re-rendering at least a portion of the digital map based on a predetermined direction relative to the user interface.

[0066] In this regard, the term "locator object" used herein refers to a symbol configured to indicate the location of a user on a user interface. It should be understood that the locator object is rendered on a layer of the user interface that is different from the layer of the user interface for rendering a digital map. In this regard, the locator object moves relative to the digital map and / or the user interface. Optionally, the locator object can be a car symbol, a ship symbol, a pointer, an avatar, an animated character, etc. It is worth noting that the locator object can have geographic coordinates associated with it. In this regard, the locator object indicates the real-time movement of the user in the digital map on the user interface. Typically, the locator object is a visual (or graphical) representation of the user that helps track movement on a computing device. In addition, the locator object also enables the user to locate other users, such as in a multiplayer video game. In this case, the locator object can be a graphical representation of a soldier, a soldier unit, a weapon system (such as a tank and other vehicles), or any other person, or even an animal or fictional character configured to perform one or more actions in a video game. Alternatively, the user can control the movement of the locator object with a controller to move in a predetermined direction relative to the user interface. Optionally, the locator object can be stationary, and the user interface rotates according to the navigation instruction. Notably, the locator coordinates are re-rendered on the digital map to create the illusion of movement on the user interface.

[0067] Optionally,:

[0068] - if the movement of the locator object within the first area is indicated as being towards the right direction relative to the predetermined direction, the rotation of the digital map is clockwise relative to the rotation point;

[0069] - if the movement of the locator object within the first area is indicated as being towards the left relative to the predetermined direction, the rotation of the digital map is counter-clockwise relative to the rotation point; or

[0070] - Rotation of digital map is disabled when locator object is inside target area.

[0071] In this respect, when the locator object moves towards the right or left respectively, that is, in the moving direction of the locator object, the digital map can rotate in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction around the rotation point. It should be understood that when the locator object is in the target area, the digital map does not need to rotate. In this case, optionally, when the locator object is in the target area, the digital map scrolls in the moving direction of the locator object. It should be understood that the locator object is always visible on the user interface. It is worth noting that when the locator object is in the target area, the digital map will not rotate around the rotation point, and in addition, the relative rotation movement between the target area and the digital map is fixed. In this respect, when the digital map is scrolled left, right, up or down, the locator object will not rotate. Beneficially, this helps to navigate the user in the target area and avoid rapid rotation when rendering the user interface.

[0072] Optionally, the speed of rotation along the rotation point is a function of the distance of the locator object from the rotation point and the speed of movement of the locator object. In this regard, the function ω=v / r is applied to calculate the rotation speed, where ω represents the rotation speed (i.e., angular velocity), v represents the speed of movement of the locator object, and r represents the distance from the rotation point. Optionally, the speed of rotation is inversely proportional to the distance of the locator object from the rotation point. In this regard, if the locator object is far away from the rotation point, the rotation speed is slower, and if the locator object is close to the rotation point, the rotation speed is faster. It is worth noting that as the digital map is scrolled, the moving speed of the locator object remains unchanged, regardless of the distance from the rotation point.

[0073] The present disclosure also relates to a computing device for rendering a user interface as described above. The various embodiments and variations disclosed above are applicable mutatis mutandis to a computing device for rendering a user interface.

[0074] The term "display" as used herein refers to the screen of a computing device. Typically, a display may be a screen of a computing device configured to provide visual graphics of a user interface to a user. Optionally, the display may be selected from a liquid crystal display (LCD) light emitting diode (LED), a backlit LCD, a thin film transistor (TFT) LCD, an organic LED (OLED), a quantum dot (QLED) display, an OLED display, an AMOLED display, a Super AMOLED display. Optionally, the display includes a protective cover for protecting the display from physical damage.

[0075] The term "processor" as used herein refers to a computing element operable to respond to and process instructions that drive a computing device to render a user interface. Processors include, but are not limited to, microprocessors, microcontrollers, complex instruction set computing (CISC) microprocessors, reduced instruction set computing (RISC) microprocessors, very long instruction words (VLIW) microprocessors, or any other type of processing circuits. In addition, a processor may refer to one or more individual processors, processing devices, and various elements associated with a processing device that may be shared by other processing devices. In addition, one or more individual processors, processing devices, and elements are arranged in various architectures for responding to and processing instructions that drive a computing device.

[0076] In addition, the computing device may include a camera, a memory, a communication interface, a microphone, a speaker, etc. to perform different tasks associated with the above method. In addition, the computing device is configured to host an application programming interface thereon to support and / or enable the operation. Specifically, the application programming interface logs into a display of the computing device to access the communication interface and display the virtual system. The application programming interface enables commands to be sent to the processor to control, configure or orchestrate one or more programmable components, such as a computing device.

[0077] Optionally, the processor is further configured to:

[0078] - rendering a locator object at the locator coordinates in the user interface, wherein the locator object is rendered substantially centrally relative to the user interface;

[0079] - controlling the locator object to move in a predetermined direction relative to the user interface; and

[0080] - Generating an illusion of movement of the locator object on the user interface by re-rendering at least a portion of the digital map based on a predetermined direction relative to the user interface.

[0081] Optionally, the user interface is implemented as a navigation map type user interface, a game map type user interface.

[0082] Optionally, the user interface includes a mini digital map providing a high level view of the digital map.

[0083] Optionally, the computing device is a navigator.The term "navigator" as used herein refers to a device configured to provide navigation to a user.

[0084] The present disclosure also relates to a computer program product as described above. The various embodiments and variations disclosed above apply mutatis mutandis to the computer program product.

[0085] Detailed description of the drawings

[0086] refer to Figure 1 , a flowchart 100 of steps of a method for rendering a user interface according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. At step 102, a digital map including a first area at least partially surrounding a target area is provided. At step 104, a rotation point is defined on the digital map. At step 106, locator coordinates with respect to the digital map are provided. At step 108, the provided locator coordinates within the first area of ​​the digital map are rendered on the user interface. At step 110, the digital map is rotated about the rotation point to align the target area in a predetermined direction relative to the user interface.

[0087] Steps 102, 104, 106, 108 and 110 are merely illustrative, and other alternatives may be provided in which one or more steps are added, one or more steps are deleted, or one or more steps are provided in a different order without departing from the scope of the claims herein.

[0088] refer to Figures 2 to 7 , which illustrates a schematic diagram of a user interface 200 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2 As shown, user interface 200 is rendered on display 202 of computing device 204. In user interface 200, digital map 206 is rendered. Digital map 206 includes first area 208 with locator coordinates 210. In addition, first area 208 includes target area 212. The movement of the user is depicted on user interface 200 by locator object 214. As shown, here, locator object 214 is implemented as a game character.

[0089] like Figure 3 As shown, user interface 300 is rendered on display 302 of computing device 304. User interface 300 provides digital map 306 in an enlarged manner such that only a portion of digital map 306 is visible on computing device 304. Portions of digital map 306 that are not rendered on computing device 304 are represented by dashed lines.

[0090] like Figure 4 As shown, user interface 400 is rendered on display 402 of computing device 404. User interface 400 provides digital map 406. As shown, when digital map 406 is rotated counterclockwise by about 30 degrees, first area 408 and locator coordinates 410 therein, target area 412 and locator coordinates therein are also rotated relative to user interface 400 and rendered on user interface 400. It should be understood that locator object 414 rendered on digital map 406 is not rotated.

[0091] like Figure 5As shown, user interface 500 is rendered on display 502 of computing device 504. User interface 500 provides digital map 506. Digital map 506 is scrolled to the left, so that locator object 514 is shifted from the previous locator coordinates (pentagon) in first area 508 to new locator coordinates 516 (semi-ellipse), so that target area 512 remains in a predetermined direction r. It is worth noting that digital map 506 rotates along rotation point 516. It should be understood that rotation point 516 is located within target area 512.

[0092] like Figure 6 As shown, user interface 600 is rendered on display 602 of computing device 604. User interface 600 provides digital map 606. In addition, locator object 614 moves from locator coordinates 610 of first area 608 to target area 612. It should be understood that the direction of digital map 606 is the same as it was when locator object 614 approached target area 612 (i.e., there is no change from the locator coordinates 610 of first area 608 to target area 612). Figure 5 further rotation in the direction achieved in ).

[0093] like Figure 7 As shown, user interface 700 is rendered on display 702 of computing device 704. User interface 700 provides digital map 706. In addition, locator object 714 is within target area 712, and digital map 706 is not further rotated. In addition, locator object 714 can move from a first position A within the target area to the left, right, upward, or downward to a second position A' on digital map 704 after passing through at least one of the position coordinates 710 of first area 708.

[0094] The embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be modified without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Expressions such as "including," "comprising," "incorporating," "have," "is," etc. used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be interpreted in a non-exclusive manner, i.e., allowing for the presence of items, components, or elements that are not explicitly described. References to the singular should also be interpreted as relating to the plural.

Claims

1. A method for rendering a user interface (200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700), the method comprising: - providing a digital map (206, 306, 406, 506, 606, 706), the digital map comprising a first area (208, 408, 508, 608, 708) at least partially surrounding a target area (212, 412, 512, 612, 712); - defining a rotation point (516) on the digital map; - providing locator coordinates (210, 410, 510, 610, 710) with respect to said digital map; - rendering the provided locator coordinates within the first area of ​​the digital map on the user interface; as well as - rotating the digital map about the rotation point to align the target area in a predetermined direction (r) relative to the user interface.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: - rendering a locator object (214, 414, 514, 614, 714) at the locator coordinates (210, 410, 510, 610, 710) in the user interface (200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700), wherein the locator object is rendered substantially centrally relative to the user interface; - controlling the locator object to move in the predetermined direction (r) relative to the user interface; as well as - generating an illusion of movement of the locator object on the user interface by re-rendering at least a portion of the digital map (206, 306, 406, 506, 606, 706) based on the predetermined direction relative to the user interface.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rotation point (516) is located within the target area (212, 412, 512, 612, 712) such that the target area has a predetermined radius from the rotation point.

4. The method according to claims 1 to 3, wherein: - if the movement of the locator object (214, 414, 514, 614, 714) within the first area (208, 408, 508, 608, 708) is indicated as being towards the right relative to the predetermined direction (r), the rotation of the digital map (206, 306, 406, 506, 606, 706) is clockwise relative to the rotation point (516); - if the movement of the locator object within the first area is indicated as being towards the left relative to the predetermined direction, the rotation of the digital map (206, 306, 406, 506, 606, 706) is counterclockwise relative to the rotation point; or - when the locator object is within the target area (212, 412, 512, 612, 712), the rotation of the digital map (206, 306, 406, 506, 606, 706) is disabled.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the digital map (206, 306, 406, 506, 606, 706) is scrolled in the direction of movement of the locator object (214, 414, 514, 614, 714) when the locator object is within the target area (212, 412, 512, 612, 712).

6. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the speed of the rotation along the rotation point (516) is a function of the distance of the locator object (214, 414, 514, 614, 714) from the rotation point and a function of the speed of the movement of the locator object.

7. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the speed of the rotation is inversely proportional to the distance of the locator object (214, 414, 514, 614, 714) from the rotation point (516).

8. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the user interface (200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) is implemented as a navigation map type user interface, a game map type user interface.

9. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the user interface (200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) comprises a mini digital map providing a high-level view of the digital map (206, 306, 406, 506, 606, 706).

10. A computing device (204, 304, 404, 504, 604, 704) for rendering a user interface (200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700), the computing device comprising: - a display (202, 302, 402, 502, 602, 702) for rendering the user interface; as well as - a processor configured to: - providing a digital map (206, 306, 406, 506, 606, 706), the digital map comprising a first area (208, 408, 508, 608, 708) at least partially surrounding a target area (212, 412, 512, 612, 712); - defining a rotation point (516) on the digital map; - providing locator coordinates (210, 410, 510, 610，710)； - rendering the provided locator coordinates within the first area of ​​the digital map on the user interface; as well as - rotating the digital map about the rotation point to align the target area in a predetermined direction (r) relative to the user interface.

11. The computing device (204, 304, 404, 504, 604, 704) of claim 10, wherein the processor is further configured to: - rendering a locator object (214, 414, 514, 614, 714) at the locator coordinates (210, 410, 510, 610, 710) in the user interface (200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700), wherein the locator object is rendered substantially centrally relative to the user interface; - controlling the locator object to move in the predetermined direction (r) relative to the user interface; and - generating an illusion of movement of the locator object on the user interface (206, 306, 406, 506, 606, 706) by re-rendering at least a portion of the digital map based on the predetermined direction (r) relative to the user interface.

12. The computing device (204, 304, 404, 504, 604, 704) of claim 10 or 11, wherein the user interface (206, 306, 406, 506, 606, 706) is implemented as a navigation map type user interface, a game map type user interface.

13. The computing device (204, 304, 404, 504, 604, 704) of claims 10 to 12, wherein the user interface (206, 306, 406, 506, 606, 706) includes a mini digital map providing a high-level view of the digital map (206, 306, 406, 506, 606, 706).

14. The computing device (204, 304, 404, 504, 604, 704) of claims 10 to 13, wherein the computing device is a navigator.

15. A computer program product for rendering a user interface (206, 306, 406, 506, 606, 706), the computer program product comprising a non-transitory machine-readable data storage medium having program instructions stored thereon, the program instructions when accessed by a processor causing the processor to perform the method according to claims 1 to 9.

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