Contextual Ink Annotation in Mapping Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mapping programs are unable to adequately handle virtual ink annotations, leading to frustration for users who want to annotate maps using dynamic rendering views.
Innovation Solution
A computing device and method that enable contextual ink annotation in mapping interfaces by linking virtual ink annotations to map rendering contexts, adjusting their graphical state based on changes in contextual parameters such as zoom level, map type, and geographical location, ensuring relevant annotations are displayed while avoiding extraneous ones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mapping programs dynamically render map views based on user-selected contexts, then the convenience and adaptability of the mapping interface is improved, but the ability to adequately handle virtual ink annotations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the annotation display adaptive to changing map rendering contexts. Annotations are not statically displayed or hidden, but dynamically shown or hidden based on real-time comparison between current and previous map rendering contexts (zoom level, map type, geographical location). This resolves the contradiction by enabling the mapping interface to adapt to user needs while maintaining proper annotation handling through context-aware display control.
2Ease of operation
If virtual ink annotations are always displayed in map views, then the notational experience is enhanced, but the map view becomes cluttered with extraneous annotations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making annotation visibility context-specific rather than uniform across all situations. Each annotation's display is determined by comparing the current map rendering context with the context in which the annotation was created. Annotations are selectively displayed only when contextual parameters (zoom level, map type, geographical location) match, ensuring relevant annotations appear while extraneous ones remain hidden, thus enhancing the notational experience without creating clutter.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If virtual ink annotations are hidden when map context changes, then the map view remains clean, but relevant annotations may be hidden when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing a context-comparison mechanism that continuously monitors changes in map rendering context and uses this feedback to control annotation visibility. When the current map rendering context matches the previous context (within defined thresholds for zoom level, map type, and geographical location), annotations are displayed; when it diverges beyond thresholds, annotations are hidden. This feedback loop ensures annotations are shown when relevant and hidden when extraneous, preventing both information loss and clutter.
Data Source
AI summary
A computing device and method for use in enabling contextual ink annotation in a mapping interface are disclosed. In one aspect, the computing method may include receiving a map view request to render a map view of map data based upon a current map rendering context, determining that a previously created virtual ink annotation is associated with a location within the map view, the virtual ink annotation having a previous map rendering context captured at a time of creation of the virtual ink annotation, and comparing the current map rendering context to the previous map rendering context associated with the virtual ink annotation. The method may further include, based on a result of the comparison, controlling display of the virtual ink annotation in a rendered map view.