Automatic Map Embedding via Geographic Reference Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face inconvenience when trying to communicate geographic locations in electronic documents, as they need to manually import digital maps from separate applications, which is time-consuming and distracting.
Innovation Solution
A software application with a geographic reference detection module that automatically embeds digital maps into electronic documents by parsing user input for geographic patterns and providing the corresponding map data from a map service, allowing seamless integration without requiring explicit user action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If users manually import digital maps from separate mapping applications, then the digital map can be inserted into the electronic document, but the operation takes significant time and causes user distraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the map service functionality directly within the software application, merging what were previously separate operations (opening mapping application, capturing map, inserting into document) into a single integrated operation. The geographic reference detection module and map service execute within the same application environment, eliminating the need to switch between applications and significantly reducing the time and complexity of inserting digital maps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of geographic references in user input text before the user completes their message. The geographic reference detection module continuously monitors input and identifies potential location references, preparing the map insertion process in advance. When a geographic reference is detected, the system automatically retrieves and prepares the corresponding digital map, so it is ready for immediate insertion without requiring manual user action.
2Extent of automation
If the software application independently detects geographic references and provides digital maps, then automatic embedding is achieved, but the application requires integration with a map service
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a geographic reference detection module as an intermediary component that bridges the software application and the map service. This module handles the complex tasks of parsing user input, identifying geographic references, and communicating with the map service, while presenting a simplified interface to the user. The intermediary module absorbs the complexity of map service integration, allowing the core application to remain relatively simple while still achieving automatic map embedding functionality.
Data Source
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AI summary
An application programming interface (API) for automatically providing digital maps to third-party software applications is provided. The API is configured to (i) receive a string of alphanumeric characters from a third-party software application that executes independently of a map service, (ii) automatically determine whether the string is consistent with one or more indications of geographic locations, (iii) when the string is consistent with an indication of a geographic location, determine whether a digital map of a geographic area including the indicated geographic location should be generated, and (iv) in response to determining that the digital map should be generated, receive the digital from the map service and provide the digital map to the third-party software application for display via a user interface.