Dynamic Map Viewable Region Expansion for Multi-User Location Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current instant messaging systems with GPS technology face limitations in displaying multiple users' locations on a map due to small screen sizes, where users far from the host or with changing locations may not be included or updated in real-time.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that acquire the current locations of all users, determine a starting location, create a starting region, and gradually expand it to encompass all users' locations, ensuring a viewable region on the map is dynamically adjusted to include all participants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a static map viewable region is used on a terminal with limited screen size, then the map display is simple and fixed, but users located far from the host user or with changing locations cannot be included or updated in real-time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static map viewable region into a dynamic one that automatically adjusts its boundaries. The system continuously monitors the locations of all users in the chat session and dynamically expands or contracts the viewable region to ensure all users remain visible. This resolves the contradiction by making the map display adaptable to changing user locations while maintaining automated operation without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously receives location updates from users and feeds this information back to adjust the map viewable region. The host user's terminal receives location data from all participants and automatically recalculates the optimal viewable region boundaries. This closed-loop feedback system ensures the map display remains synchronized with actual user positions, resolving the issue of users falling outside the visible area.
2Loss of information
If the viewable region is expanded to include all users' locations, then all users become visible on the map, but the screen space for each user's location information decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the map display into hierarchical levels: the main viewable region shows all user locations as icons or markers, while detailed location information is segmented into separate interactive elements. Users can tap or click on specific location markers to access detailed information panels. This segmentation allows the system to display complete user location data across the expanded viewable region while preserving access to detailed information through interactive segmentation of the interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the space constraint by transitioning from a two-dimensional flat display to a multi-dimensional information presentation. Detailed location information is not confined to the main map plane but is accessed through additional dimensions such as pop-up windows, side panels, or layered overlays. This dimensional transition allows the viewable region to expand to include all users while detailed information remains accessible through spatial layering rather than competing for the same screen real estate.
3Measurement precision
If the map viewable region is dynamically adjusted to include all users, then real-time location accuracy is improved, but the computational complexity and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing selective location updating mechanisms. Rather than continuously recalculating the entire viewable region for every minor location change, the system triggers viewable region adjustments only when users cross certain thresholds or when a significant number of users have moved. This partial updating approach maintains sufficient location accuracy while reducing unnecessary computational overhead and processing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automated algorithms that independently calculate and adjust the optimal viewable region boundaries based on user locations. The host user's terminal automatically receives location data from all participants, processes this information through predefined algorithms, and adjusts the map display without requiring manual intervention. This self-service automation reduces the operational complexity while maintaining accurate real-time location display.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, device, and terminal for displaying multiple users' locations on a map. The method includes: acquiring in real time, the most current locations of all the users who participate through an instant messaging chat system to share in sharing their locations; determining a starting location on a map, creating a starting region centered on the starting location, and gradually expanding the starting region in accordance with the most current location of each of the users who participate in sharing their locations, until a target region including the most current locations of all the users who participate in sharing their locations is acquired; and determining and displaying a viewable region on the map in accordance with the target region. The target region starting region expands to display a viewable region on the map as determined, such that the most current locations of users participating in sharing location is efficiently acquired.