Geotemporal Search Interface with Map and Timeline Filters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current internet search methods lack the ability to efficiently filter search results based on both geographic location and temporal relevance, making it difficult for users to find specific information tied to a particular place and time without extensive textual queries.
Innovation Solution
Geotemporal search technology that allows users to select a geographic location and temporal window, using a graphical user interface to identify search results relevant to both, with optional text-based or content-based queries for further refinement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional text-based search queries are used, then users can search for information, but it is difficult to filter results by geographic location and temporal relevance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the search system into distinct functional modules: a geographic location selection component, a temporal window selection component, and a search query component. This segmentation allows each module to handle specific aspects of the search (location, time, text) independently, improving precision without creating a monolithic complex system. The modular architecture enables users to selectively apply filters based on their needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds two new dimensions to the traditional one-dimensional text-based search: geographic location (spatial dimension) and temporal window (time dimension). This transforms the search from a single-parameter text query into a multi-dimensional search space, enabling precise filtering by location and time while maintaining the text-based query capability as an additional refinement layer.
2Loss of information
If geographic and temporal filters are added to search, then location-specific and time-specific information can be found, but the search interface becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is segmented into distinct functional areas: a geographic location selection area (with map visualization), a temporal window selection area (with timeline visualization), and a text-based query area. This segmentation presents complexity in an organized, modular fashion, allowing users to interact with each filter type independently without being overwhelmed by the entire system at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces visual intermediary elements: a map serves as an intermediary for geographic location selection, and a timeline serves as an intermediary for temporal window selection. These visual mediators translate abstract concepts (coordinates, timestamps) into intuitive visual representations, reducing the perceived interface complexity while maintaining information relevance.
3Productivity
If users select specific geographic locations and temporal windows, then search results are narrowed to relevant findings, but the search scope is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustability in both geographic and temporal parameters. Users can dynamically resize the geographic search area by dragging map boundaries, dynamically adjust the temporal window by moving timeline markers, and dynamically add or remove text-based search terms. This dynamic capability allows the search scope to be precisely tuned to match the user's specific needs, balancing productivity gains with adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows users to change multiple parameters (geographic coordinates, temporal boundaries, text keywords) to adjust the search scope. By providing independent control over each parameter, users can make fine-grained adjustments to narrow or expand the search scope as needed, maintaining versatility while achieving high productivity through focused results.
Data Source
AI summary
Computer-readable media and a computing device are described for providing geotemporal search and a search interface therefor. A search interface having a location portion and a timeline portion is provided. A geographic area is selected in the location portion by adjusting the visible area of a map. A temporal window is selected in the timeline portion by adjusting sliders along a timeline to a desired start and end time. The start and end times can be in the past, present, or future. A geotemporal search is executed based on the selected geographic area and temporal window to identify search results having associated metadata indicating a relationship to the selected geographic area and temporal window. One or more search terms are optionally provided to further refine the geotemporal search.