Map Annotation Placement Dynamics and Whitespace Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital maps lack user-friendly annotation capabilities, as users cannot freely place annotations on maps, which limits their utility in unfamiliar environments and for specific object identification.
Innovation Solution
A map application with a map display interface and an annotation interface that allows users to capture and relocate notes as annotation objects, enabling flexible placement and toggling of annotations on digital maps, along with a whitespace adjustment feature for optimal display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If annotations are placed in preassigned locations on the map, then the map structure remains organized and simple, but the user cannot freely place annotations to point to specific objects of interest
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the annotation placement dynamic by allowing users to freely position annotation objects anywhere on the map rather than restricting them to fixed preassigned locations. The system dynamically adjusts to user-placed annotations and maintains map functionality regardless of annotation positions, thereby improving adaptability without permanently increasing complexity.
2Loss of information
If annotation objects are placed near device objects on the map, then the association between annotation and device is clear, but the annotation may obscure important map information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a connector line as an intermediary element that links the annotation object to its associated device object. This connector maintains the semantic association between annotation and device while allowing the annotation to be positioned in a location that does not obscure map information, thus resolving the conflict between association clarity and information visibility.
3Area of stationary object
If the map display area is maximized to show more map content, then less map information is obscured, but there is less whitespace available for annotation placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the spatial conflict by allowing annotation objects to be positioned in the whitespace area surrounding the map display rather than requiring whitespace within the map boundaries. This utilizes the two-dimensional display space more efficiently, maintaining both maximum map visibility and adequate annotation placement options.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses and methods are provided to allow a user to insert annotations or comments in a map application and place such annotations or comments on a digital map, as desired by the user.