Dual Position Map Display for Location Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in simultaneously and accurately displaying multiple geographic locations for a single device, particularly in situations where communication with the mapping system is lost or GPS data quality is inadequate, affecting situational awareness and coordination among participants in events.
Innovation Solution
The method involves sending positioning data from a device's GPS receiver to an online mapping system, displaying the current and previous positions on a map using icons, and providing resource information associated with objects at a destination location, while also notifying users of communication issues or inaccurate data quality, allowing for situational awareness and resource management in events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the system displays only the current position of the device, then the display is simple and clear, but the system loses track of previous positions and cannot provide historical location information
Solution Approach 1:
The display is segmented into multiple functional layers: a base map layer, a current position indicator layer, and a historical position trajectory layer. This segmentation allows the system to display both current and previous positions simultaneously without creating a cluttered interface, as each type of information is rendered through distinct visual elements (e.g., different icon styles or trajectory lines) that can be independently controlled and displayed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from displaying position information in a single temporal dimension (current position only) to multiple temporal dimensions by incorporating historical position data. This is achieved by adding a time dimension to the display, where previous positions are shown as trajectory points or sequential markers on the map, allowing users to visualize the device's movement path without obscuring the current position.
2Measurement precision
If the system continuously updates the displayed position in real-time, then the position accuracy is high, but the system consumes more energy and generates more data traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic position updates rather than continuous real-time updates. The GPS receiver and mapping system update the displayed position at predetermined time intervals (e.g., every few seconds or minutes), which maintains sufficient position accuracy for most applications while significantly reducing energy consumption and data traffic compared to continuous updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The update frequency is made dynamic rather than static. The system can adjust the update interval based on device state (e.g., moving vs. stationary), location conditions (e.g., urban canyon vs. open area), and user preferences. When the device is stationary or in areas with poor signal, updates are reduced or suspended, conserving energy while maintaining accuracy when needed.
3Loss of information
If the system displays multiple icons for current and previous positions, then complete location information is provided, but the display becomes cluttered and harder to interpret
Solution Approach 1:
Different visual qualities and styles are applied to different position indicators on the map. The current position is displayed with a prominent, distinct icon (e.g., larger size, different color, or animated marker), while previous positions are shown with smaller, less prominent markers or trajectory lines. This local differentiation allows users to quickly identify the current position while still perceiving the historical context, maintaining information completeness without overwhelming the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts and separates critical position information from the full trajectory data. Instead of displaying every single historical position point, the system selects and displays only key position markers (e.g., turning points, significant location changes, or periodically sampled points). This extraction reduces visual clutter while preserving the essential information about the device's movement pattern and historical locations.
Data Source
AI summary
A dual position display is disclosed. Embodiments of the invention include simultaneously displaying at least two geographic locations for a single device. In some embodiments, a received position of the device is displayed, the received position being received from the on-line, real-time mapping system and being indicated on a map display by a first icon. In at least some embodiments, the current position of the device as indicated by the positioning receiver is also displayed, the current position of the device being indicated on the map display by a second icon displayed simultaneously with the first icon. In at least some embodiments, the map display continues to display the received position as a previous position that corresponds to a loss of communication of the positioning data between the device and the mapping system.