Interactive Map Link Highlighting for Dynamic Route Sharing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current map information exchanged between communication devices is static and limited, not allowing users to alter or enhance the maps with interactive links representing points of interest.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for exchanging map information between communication devices that includes receiving and transmitting maps with embedded interactive links, allowing users to highlight and modify points of interest, generate routes, and include favorite locations, enabling dynamic interaction and sharing of maps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If static maps are exchanged between communication devices, then the map information can be shared, but the maps cannot be altered or enhanced with interactive links

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemap interactivityVSAvoidmap structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms static maps into dynamic interactive maps by embedding links that allow users to modify map information, add points of interest, and update routes. The map structure evolves from a fixed image to an interactive data structure that can be altered and exchanged between communication devices, resolving the contradiction between interactivity and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of information

If current maps are exchanged, then map sharing is enabled, but the maps are limited in the information they include

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemap information completenessVSAvoidmap data structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent embeds multiple levels of information within the map structure, including embedded links to points of interest, route information, and modification capabilities. This nested structure allows rich information to be contained within the map data itself, enabling comprehensive information exchange without requiring separate complex data structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If users can alter maps with embedded links, then map customization is enabled, but the complexity of map exchange increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemap customizationVSAvoidmap exchange process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal map exchange mechanism that handles both static map sharing and dynamic map customization through the same interface. The embedded link structure serves multiple functions: displaying map information, enabling modifications, adding points of interest, and updating routes, thereby simplifying the user experience despite the enhanced capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9778062B2Methods, devices, and computer program products for exchanging interactive map information

Publication Date: 2017.10.03 AT&T MOBILITY II LLC

AI summary

Map information is exchanged between communication devices. A map of a geographical area is received. The map includes embedded interactive links that graphically represent points of interest within the geographical area. An embedded interactive link that graphically represents at least one point of interest is highlighted within the map. Responsive to selection of another embedded interactive link within the map that graphically represents another point of interest within the geographical area, the other embedded link within the map is highlighted. The map is transmitted, with the other embedded interactive link that graphically represents the other point of interest highlighted.