Geo-located Feature Visualization for Mobile Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mapping applications on mobile devices face usability issues due to overwhelming amounts of data, making it impractical for users to navigate effectively, especially when they need to focus on driving and cannot constantly view the screen.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines the distance of geo-located features from a perspective point and generates indicators proportional to their distance, allowing for compact visualization by spacing and sizing these indicators relative to the perspective point, avoiding overlap, and applying visual padding, with the option to merge indicators if they are close, to provide a clear and concise display on small screens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If all available mapping data is displayed on the mobile device screen, then the information completeness is improved, but the usability deteriorates due to overwhelming information and small screen size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mapping information into two distinct visualization modes: a traditional map view showing detailed geographic features, and a compact feature indicator view showing simplified icons representing geo-located features. This segmentation allows users to access comprehensive information when needed while maintaining usability through the simplified compact view that reduces cognitive load and improves readability on small screens.
2Loss of information
If detailed mapping information is displayed to provide comprehensive navigation data, then the information completeness is improved, but the display complexity increases making it overwhelming for users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential navigation information (geo-located features such as points of interest, destinations, and waypoints) from the comprehensive mapping data and presents it in a simplified compact format using standardized icons and indicators. This extraction process separates the critical navigation elements from the full map detail, reducing display complexity while maintaining information completeness by allowing users to switch between views or access detailed information on demand.
3Loss of information
If the display shows comprehensive navigation information, then the information completeness is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates when users need to focus on driving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic visualization system that can switch between different display modes (traditional map view and compact feature indicator view) based on user needs and context. The compact view with standardized icons provides essential navigation information at a glance, reducing the need for users to constantly interact with the device during driving, while still maintaining access to comprehensive information when the user stops or needs detailed guidance.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for improved visualization of geo-located features. Geo-located features may be displayed with respect to a perspective point, such that the size of an indicator of a geo-located feature is representative of a distance of the feature from the perspective point. The positioning of the geo-located feature is indicative of the direction of the geo-located feature relative to the perspective point. Thus, compact visualization of the geo-located features may be provided. Animated transitions may be provided such that indicators gradually move as the perspective point moves, so that a user may maintain perspective.