Map Display Apparatus Radial Thumbnail Navigation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Users face cumbersome operations when trying to find destinations on maps, as they need to download and scroll through map data to locate specific areas, and existing thumbnail formats do not clearly indicate directions.
Innovation Solution
A map display apparatus and method that centers a map image on the screen, surrounded by thumbnail images representing areas in each direction, allowing users to view a wider area without switching screens, with zoom-in and zoom-out buttons for enhanced navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users download and scroll through map data to find destinations, then they can locate specific areas, but the operation becomes troublesome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the map display into a main map area and multiple thumbnail map areas arranged around it. Each thumbnail represents a different directional view of the vicinity, allowing users to quickly locate destinations by scanning thumbnails rather than scrolling through entire map pages sequentially.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional scrolling map view to a two-dimensional radial arrangement of thumbnails around the central map. This dimensional change enables users to perceive multiple directional views simultaneously, improving search efficiency without increasing operational complexity.
2Loss of information
If thumbnail images are displayed on the right area of the map image, then users can see vicinity maps, but it becomes difficult to see how these images correspond to each direction on the map
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges thumbnail maps radially around the central map in a circular pattern, with each thumbnail positioned to correspond to a specific direction (north, east, south, west). This spatial arrangement in two dimensions preserves and enhances directional information, allowing users to intuitively understand the relationship between thumbnails and map directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric placement of thumbnails around the central map, where each thumbnail's position is deliberately designed to match its corresponding directional view. This asymmetric arrangement ensures that directional correspondence is visually evident, with thumbnails positioned at angles that reflect their geographic orientation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If users click arrow icons to download adjacent map data, then they can view different areas, but multiple screen-switching operations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the map viewing function into a central main map display and multiple surrounding thumbnail displays. Each thumbnail is a separate, accessible view of a different directional area, allowing users to switch between areas by selecting thumbnails rather than performing multiple sequential screen-switching operations through arrow icons.
Solution Approach 2:
The central map display serves multiple functions: it displays the current view, provides context for surrounding thumbnails, and acts as a reference for directional correspondence. The thumbnail arrangement provides both navigation and contextual information simultaneously, reducing the need for multiple separate operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A map display apparatus is provided to allow a user to easily find out destinations on maps without forcing him/her to perform troublesome operations. An apparatus displays a main map image showing a current position at substantially a center of a screen. The apparatus also disposes a plurality of map images around the main map image in thumbnail format such that each map image corresponds to each direction on the main map image. In this manner, the apparatus provides the user with information about wider area than the main map image by showing him/her the thumbnails , which are disposed around the main map image such that each thumbnail corresponds to each direction on the main map image That allows the user to easily find out destinations on maps without forcing him/her to perform troublesome operations.