Map Interface Gesture Navigation for Landmark Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for navigating through information in a map-based interface are cumbersome and inefficient, placing a significant cognitive burden on users and wasting energy, especially in battery-operated devices.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method that uses a touch-sensitive surface to display a geographic map in different modes, allowing users to change the magnification level or select a landmark by performing specific gestures, thereby facilitating easier navigation and access to information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional methods are used to access information in a map application, then multiple pieces of information can be retrieved, but the cognitive burden on users increases and navigation becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments information access into hierarchical levels (location → landmark → detail information). Users first select a location on the map, then progressively access landmark information and detailed attributes through structured interactions. This segmentation reduces cognitive burden by presenting information in manageable chunks rather than overwhelming users with all information simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to information display by showing multiple pieces of information stacked or layered at each location level. Instead of requiring horizontal navigation through multiple screens, information is organized in vertical layers that can be accessed through intuitive gestures, reducing the cognitive steps needed to access comprehensive information.
2Loss of information
If conventional navigation methods are used in map applications, then information can be accessed, but navigation efficiency decreases and energy is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-organizing information hierarchically and making it accessible through intuitive gestures. Common information access patterns are anticipated and structured in advance, allowing users to access frequently needed information with minimal interactions. The system prepares information layers in advance so users don't need to navigate through multiple menus or screens.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables users to skip intermediate navigation steps through direct gestures. Instead of requiring sequential clicks through multiple menu levels, users can perform gestures that directly access desired information layers or jump between different information levels, significantly reducing navigation time and energy consumption.
3Loss of information
If detailed information is displayed for each location, then comprehensive data is provided, but the interface becomes complex and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by displaying different levels of information detail at different locations and depths within the interface. Not all locations show the same level of detail simultaneously; instead, information density varies locally based on user selection and context. This reduces overall interface complexity while maintaining comprehensive information availability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where information is organized in concentric layers similar to nested dolls. The outer layer shows basic location information, intermediate layers contain landmark details, and inner layers provide comprehensive attributes. Users can access deeper layers by interacting with outer layers, maintaining a clean overall interface while providing complete information on demand.
Data Source
AI summary
A device with a display and a touch-sensitive surface: displays a geographic map in a first mode of an application, the geographic map including a plurality of landmarks, the geographic map being displayed at a first magnification level; detects a first input, the first input including a first finger contact at a location on the touch-sensitive surface that corresponds to a first landmark on the display; in response to detecting the first input: when the first input does not satisfy one or more predefined mode-change conditions, changes the magnification level in accordance with the first input and remains in the first mode; and when the first input satisfies the mode-change conditions, selects the first landmark and enters a second mode of the application; while in the second mode, detects a second input; and, in response to detecting the second input, displays information about the first landmark.