Informational Lens for Interactive Map Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current interactive maps lack enhanced visualization and user interaction features, particularly in the context of highly automated driving where drivers need to focus on tasks other than navigation, and do not provide detailed, real-time information about locations such as weather, pedestrian density, and venue status.
Innovation Solution
The system provides an informational lens on the map that offers a three-dimensional representation of locations, including weather, pedestrian density, and venue status, with interactive features like zooming, panning, and animations to draw attention to relevant points of interest, using sensors and server updates for real-time data and user-specific information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional two-dimensional map displays are used, then the device complexity is low, but the information visualization capability is insufficient for automated driving contexts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional map displays to three-dimensional building models with virtual camera navigation. This dimensional enhancement allows comprehensive visualization of multiple information layers (venue status, weather, pedestrian density, traffic conditions) simultaneously within the same spatial context, resolving the contradiction between information completeness and display complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested information visualization by placing interactive hotspots within three-dimensional building models, which contain additional clickable elements leading to detailed information panels. This nested structure organizes complex information hierarchically, allowing users to access detailed data without overwhelming the initial display view
2Loss of information
If detailed real-time information about multiple parameters is provided, then the usefulness for navigation is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to increased interaction complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different levels of information detail at different locations and depths within the interface. Hotspots on building models provide summary information, while nested interactive elements within hotspots provide detailed real-time data. This graduated information disclosure maintains operational simplicity while preserving access to comprehensive real-time information when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces virtual camera navigation as an intermediary mechanism between the user and detailed information. Instead of requiring users to directly navigate complex information panels, the virtual camera provides an intuitive spatial navigation interface that naturally guides users through the three-dimensional map environment, simplifying the interaction process while maintaining information accessibility
3Illumination intensity
If three-dimensional representations and interactive features are added, then the map visualization capability is enhanced, but the processing and rendering requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the three-dimensional map environment into discrete building models, each with its own set of hotspots and interactive elements. This segmentation allows the system to render only relevant portions of the map based on user focus and navigation state, reducing overall processing requirements while maintaining high visualization quality in the active view
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial rendering by displaying detailed three-dimensional models and real-time information only for buildings and areas currently in view or of interest to the user. Distant or irrelevant areas use simplified representations, reducing the total computational load while preserving visualization quality where it matters most for the user's navigation task
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for providing a location based interactive informational display includes processing circuitry outputting on a display device a map of a region represented with a first level of detail and including a location focusing graphical indicia overlaid on a sub-region of the map, outputting on the display device a details frame that includes information of the sub-region with a second level of detail that is higher than the first level of detail, receiving user input for modifying the sub-region on which the location focusing graphical indicia is overlaid, and, responsive to the user input, modifying the display of the location focusing graphical indicia and modifying the details frame to include information at the second level of detail corresponding to the modified sub-region.