Floor Selector Interface for Multi-Story Search Result Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional maps lack an intuitive way to display elevation information, particularly in multi-story buildings, limiting their effectiveness in providing location and search result information.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a floor selector interface to differentiate search result identifiers based on elevation, displaying selected results non-transparently and non-selected results semi-transparently, allowing users to navigate and visualize search results and their location within a building's floors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional two-dimensional maps are used to display search results, then the display is simple and easy to implement, but elevation information cannot be intuitively displayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from a two-dimensional map display to a three-dimensional visualization that incorporates elevation information. Search result identifiers are displayed at different vertical positions corresponding to different floors or elevation levels, allowing users to intuitively understand the vertical distribution of search results while maintaining the base map context.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the display into multiple elevation levels or floors, with each floor representing a distinct vertical zone. Search results are divided and assigned to specific floors based on their elevation data, allowing the system to present complex spatial information in an organized, floor-by-floor manner that is easier to process and understand.
2Loss of information
If all search result identifiers are displayed simultaneously, then complete information is provided, but user confusion increases due to lack of elevation differentiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making search result identifiers semi-transparent when they belong to floors other than the currently selected floor. This selective transparency allows users to perceive the presence of results on other floors without being overwhelmed by them, while fully opaque identifiers on the selected floor ensure clear visibility and focus on the most relevant information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic visual feedback by changing the transparency of search result identifiers based on user interaction with the floor selector. When a user selects a different floor, the system dynamically updates the opacity of identifiers to reflect the new selected floor, creating an interactive experience that adapts to user choices and maintains clarity throughout navigation.
3Ease of operation
If floor selector interface is added to indicate elevation, then elevation navigation is improved, but interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the floor selector interface with the existing map display by integrating it along one edge of the map. This combination allows the floor selection functionality to be added without requiring a completely separate interface, reducing overall complexity while maintaining elevation navigation capabilities. The merged interface presents a unified view that combines map visualization with floor selection controls.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are provided that display search results and user location on a map. A floor selector interface may be displayed with the map. The floor selector interface may include one or more floor selectors, each of which correspond to a floor in a multi-story building. Upon selection of a floor selector, first search result and location indicators may be displayed transparently or semi-transparently to indicate whether the user or the search results are on the selected floor. If the user or the search results are on a non-selected floor, such indicators may be displayed differently, such as with a different transparency. The floor selector interface may also include second search result and location identifiers. Such second identifiers may be displayed at particular floor selectors corresponding to the present elevation of the user and search results, respectively.