Concurrent Search Result Mapping Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for integrating search results with mapping for directions are cumbersome and inefficient, leading to a significant cognitive burden on users and energy wastage, particularly in battery-operated devices.

Innovation Solution

A computing device with a display that concurrently displays search results for starting and ending points on a map, allowing users to select and display a route between them, thereby reducing the need for multiple searches and improving user interface efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If users perform separate searches for starting and ending points using conventional methods, then search results can be obtained, but the process becomes tedious and creates significant cognitive burden requiring users to remember results across multiple searches

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of useVSAvoidtime required
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple search operations into a single unified interface where users can input both starting and ending points simultaneously. The system performs both searches concurrently and displays results together on a map, eliminating the need for users to perform separate searches and remember results across multiple operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares and displays multiple potential starting and ending points in advance on the map interface, allowing users to select from pre-computed results rather than performing sequential searches. This preliminary computation reduces the cognitive burden of remembering search results and accelerates the route planning process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If users repeat searches to select different search results, then alternative routes can be found, but energy is wasted particularly in battery-operated devices

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple search operations into a single concurrent execution model. By performing both starting point and ending point searches simultaneously in one operation rather than sequentially, the system reduces the total number of search executions and associated energy consumption, while still providing flexible result selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically manages and displays multiple search results on the map interface, allowing users to select alternative routes without manually repeating searches. The system self-services by maintaining result sets and enabling direct selection, reducing energy-wasting repeated search operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If conventional sequential search methods are used, then users can find routes, but the process is inefficient and reduces productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidefficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges sequential search operations into concurrent execution, where both starting point and ending point searches are performed simultaneously. This consolidation maintains the reliability of finding accurate routes while dramatically improving efficiency by eliminating the sequential overhead and reducing total operation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary search computations and displays multiple potential results on the map before user selection is required. This preliminary action enables faster route determination and improves productivity by reducing the time users spend iterating through search results.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2521893B1Device, method, and graphical user interface for mapping directions between search results
Publication Date: 2016.04.20 APPLE INC
  • EP2521893B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP2521893B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP2521893B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

A method includes: displaying a map, a first field configured to receive a first query input, and a second field configured to receive a second query input; receiving the first query input in the first field; receiving the second query input in the second field; initiating a search that uses the first query input and a search that uses the second query input; concurrently displaying on the map a first plurality of search results for the first query input and a second plurality of search results for the second query input; detecting selection of a first search result in the first plurality of search results; detecting selection of a second search result in the second plurality of search results; and displaying a route on the map from the first search result to the second search result.