Dynamic Map Viewport Adjustment via User Distance Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital map technologies fail to dynamically adjust viewport parameters based on user and device-specific signals, leading to inconsistent and irrelevant map displays for users accessing the same geographic location from different distances and locations.
Innovation Solution
A software component, such as a mapping API, determines viewport parameters like zoom level and centering based on the distance and relationship between user devices and the geographic location, ensuring that digital maps are displayed at appropriate zoom levels and precision relevant to each user's context, by querying a map server or using user-specific signals like location, familiarity, and preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a digital map is displayed at a fixed zoom level for all users, then the map display is simple and consistent, but the map becomes irrelevant or less useful for users at different distances from the displayed location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic zoom level adjustment by detecting user location data and automatically modifying the map viewport parameters. The system transitions from a static fixed zoom level to a dynamic zoom level that adapts based on the user's distance from the displayed location, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity through automated dynamic adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the zoom level parameter of the map display based on detected user location. By monitoring distance parameters and adjusting the zoom level accordingly, the system achieves adaptability without requiring complex manual configuration, as the parameter adjustment is automatically driven by location data.
2Measurement precision
If a digital map is displayed at a low zoom level for all users, then broad context is visible, but local details become indiscernible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different zoom levels to different users based on their location. Users close to the displayed location receive high zoom levels for detailed local views, while users farther away receive lower zoom levels for broader context, ensuring each user receives the appropriate level of detail for their specific situation.
3Ease of operation
If the map viewport parameters are manually adjusted for each user, then the map display is highly relevant to each user, but the operation becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting user location data and adjusting the map viewport parameters without requiring manual user input. The system uses available location information to autonomously determine the appropriate zoom level, eliminating the need for manual adjustment while preserving user context through automatic adaptation.
Data Source
AI summary
A non-transitory computer-readable medium stores instructions that implement an application programming interface (API) for generating digital maps. When invoked by a software module executing on one or more processors of a client device, the API operates to (i) determine a geographic location to be included in a digital map, where the geographic location is specified by a server device coupled to the client device via a communication network, (ii) select a parameter for a viewport of the digital map based at least on a distance from a current location of the client device to the specified geographic location, (iii) generate the digital map in accordance with the selected parameter, and display the digital map via a user interface of the client device.