Map Detail Control Independent of Zoom Level
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital map technologies require users to zoom in or out to view additional or reduced detail, which can be inefficient and lead to increased network traffic and data requests, as they are tied to specific zoom levels and predetermined display schemas.
Innovation Solution
A computing device that allows users to dynamically alter the level of detail on a digital map independently of the zoom level by using multiple display schemas for each zoom level, enabling users to switch between different levels of detail without changing the zoom level, and pre-loading data for map tiles to reduce network requests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If users zoom in or out to view additional or reduced detail, then the level of detail displayed on the map is improved, but network traffic and data requests increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the map display control into two independent dimensions: zoom level (spatial scale) and detail level (information density). This allows users to adjust detail independently of zoom by switching between display schemas (e.g., basic, intermediate, detailed) without triggering new map tile requests, thereby reducing network traffic while maintaining information visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different display schemas based on user selection rather than requiring zoom operations. This dynamic adjustment of detail level within the same zoom level enables users to view more or less information without changing the spatial scale, reducing unnecessary network requests and data transfer.
2Loss of information
If users zoom in or out to view additional or reduced detail, then the level of detail displayed on the map is improved, but the complexity of operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating zoom level control from detail level control through distinct display schemas, the patent simplifies user operations. Users can independently adjust detail without affecting zoom level, and vice versa, making the interface more intuitive and flexible while reducing the complexity of achieving specific display states.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides multiple display schemas (basic, intermediate, detailed) that can be applied at any zoom level, creating a universal control mechanism. This multi-functionality allows users to achieve various detail levels without being constrained by zoom operations, enhancing ease of operation and user flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple applications are used to customize level of detail, then user flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple display schemas (basic, intermediate, detailed) within a single map application, eliminating the need for separate applications to achieve different detail levels. This universal approach allows users to switch between detail levels using the same application interface, reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple display schema options into one unified application, combining the functionality of what would traditionally require separate applications. Users can access basic, intermediate, and detailed views within the same application by selecting different display schemas, simplifying the overall system while preserving user flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A machine and associated methods are provided to decouple the level of detail shown within a map from the zoom level of the map. A user interface is provided to receive commands to increase or decrease the level of detail of items shown in a map, including the number of geographical elements shown in the map, independent of a control of a change in the zoom level for the map. Rendering circuitry can responsively render different versions of a map having different levels of detail within the same zoom level. The different versions of the map can be displayed on a display device.