Business Icon Position Correction in Street-Side Imagery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) face inaccuracies in geocoding, leading to imprecise location of business addresses, especially when multiple businesses share the same address, complicating navigation and data display.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a user-driven correction mechanism within GIS applications to fine-tune business geolocation using separate panels and 3D localization, allowing users to accurately place business icons on human-scale imagery, and providing concise data display with additional information upon user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If geocoding is used to locate business addresses, then geographic coordinates can be obtained, but location accuracy deteriorates to several meters precision which is insufficient for precise business locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables users to self-correct geolocation data by manually adjusting business icon positions on the map interface. Users can drag and drop business icons to their accurate locations, and the system automatically updates the geocoding data based on user corrections, eliminating the need for professional surveying while improving precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a visual map interface dimension where businesses can be positioned using 2D/3D visualization tools. This additional visual dimension complements the traditional coordinate-based geocoding, allowing users to intuitively adjust positions by viewing the business relative to surrounding landmarks and streets, thereby achieving higher precision.
2Loss of information
If multiple businesses at the same address are displayed, then comprehensive information is provided, but icon stacking occurs making individual businesses indistinguishable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies 3D visualization techniques to display multiple businesses at the same address. Instead of stacking 2D icons on top of each other, the system renders icons with vertical offset or elevation in 3D space, allowing users to see and distinguish multiple businesses while maintaining their address association. This dimensional transformation resolves the icon stacking problem while preserving information completeness.
3Loss of information
If detailed business information is displayed, then users get comprehensive data, but users must browse away from the main map view losing context
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the business information display directly onto the map interface by attaching information panels, tooltips, or sidebars to business icons. Users can access detailed business information (hours, reviews, services) while remaining in the map context, eliminating the need to navigate to separate pages. The information is overlaid or positioned adjacent to the icon, maintaining spatial relationship and context.
4Productivity
If geocoding data is used without correction, then automated processing is maintained, but location inaccuracies prevent useful navigation information
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where user corrections to business icon positions are captured and used to update the geocoding database. The corrected locations feed back into the system, improving future geocoding accuracy for the same business. This creates a continuous improvement loop that maintains automated processing while progressively enhancing location precision through user feedback.
Data Source
AI summary
A separate panel may be used to display business icons near images of business entries, if the GIS does not include a business's front door geolocation. Users may place icons that represent business entities near the entrances to the entity. Also, a concise but extensive display of business listing data (e.g., reviews, summaries, services, hours, etc.) in the display near the geolocation and the presentation of further information upon user actions such as a mouse-overs, may avoid browsing away from the viewing application in order to learn more about the business.