Map Element Repositioning for Overcrowding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with mapping functionality face challenges in visually distinguishing and managing multiple elements, such as points of interest, that are closely spaced on a map, leading to overcrowding and reduced usability.
Innovation Solution
The system determines a map section based on user position and direction, spacing elements further apart when they are closer than a threshold, dynamically adjusting the section's size and display to enhance visibility and user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple elements are displayed at their actual geographic positions on a map, then the map provides accurate geographical representation, but elements that are closely spaced become indistinguishable and cause screen overcrowding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the display behavior context-dependent: elements are displayed at their actual geographic positions (maintaining geographical accuracy) unless they fall within a defined section of the map where they would be too closely spaced (where distinguishability becomes the priority). This creates different display qualities in different spatial contexts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the contradiction by introducing an additional dimension to the display space. Elements that are too closely spaced in the horizontal map dimension are separated along the vertical dimension (displayed at different positions on screen), allowing both geographical accuracy and element distinguishability to be maintained simultaneously.
2Measurement precision
If elements are displayed at their actual geographic positions, then the map maintains geographical accuracy, but user interaction becomes difficult when elements are closely spaced
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different display qualities in different regions: in most areas elements are shown at their true geographic positions for accuracy, but in specific sections where elements are too closely spaced, the display behavior changes to improve selectability through repositioning or highlighting.
Solution Approach 2:
When elements are too closely spaced to be easily selected, the patent separates them along the vertical display dimension rather than keeping them at their horizontal geographic positions, making them individually selectable while preserving the understanding of their relative locations.
3Loss of information
If the map displays all elements at their precise positions, then complete geographical information is provided, but the screen becomes overcrowded and reduces usability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the map display into different sections: a defined section where elements may be repositioned for better visibility, and the rest of the map where elements remain at their geographic positions. This segmentation allows the system to maintain information completeness while improving usability in specific problem areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than changing the display of all elements uniformly, the patent applies enhanced display behavior (repositioning for clarity) only to elements within a specific section of the map where overcrowding occurs, while leaving other elements at their geographic positions to maintain overall information completeness.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus comprises at least one processor, and at least one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to cause a plurality of elements to be displayed in respective positions on a map, to determine a section of the map based upon one or more conditions, to determine that two or more of the elements are positioned in or near to the section of the map and are spaced closer together than a threshold spacing, and, in response thereto, to cause a perceptible output to be provided to further distinguish each of the two or more elements from one another.