Map Icon Decluttering via Vertical Stacking and Leader Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic display systems for maps often suffer from icon clutter and overlap, making it difficult for users to access and interpret points-of-interest (POI) information effectively, as they lack the ability to declutter or reposition icons.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for decluttering icons on a map by determining overlapping icons, grouping them, and repositioning them into a decluttered pattern at a minimum distance from a common focal point, with the option to adjust positions based on user input, and providing leader lines to indicate original positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If POI icons are displayed densely on a map to convey more information, then the quantity of information conveyed increases, but the icons overlap and become difficult to distinguish
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning icons from a two-dimensional plane to a three-dimensional stacked arrangement. When icons overlap on the map display, the system automatically stacks them vertically, creating a visual tower effect where multiple icons are arranged in layers. This allows numerous POI icons to be displayed in a limited area without overlapping, as each icon occupies a distinct vertical position while maintaining its identity through visual differentiation.
2Area of stationary object
If the display area is limited on portable devices, then device portability is maintained, but the ability to convey POI information effectively is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the display area limitation by utilizing the vertical dimension for icon stacking. Instead of expanding the horizontal or vertical footprint of individual icons, the system arranges multiple icons in a stacked configuration along the depth axis. This enables a limited display area to accommodate a much larger quantity of POI icons by distributing them across multiple vertical layers rather than requiring more screen real estate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple POI icons into a unified stacked structure at the same map location. Rather than displaying overlapping icons that compete for the same visual space, the system combines them into a single visual element (the stack) that represents multiple distinct points of interest. Users can interact with the stack to access individual icons, effectively consolidating multiple information elements into one compact display unit.
3Quantity of substance
If icons are allowed to overlap to maximize information density, then more POIs can be displayed, but user ability to access desired information is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent improves ease of operation by stacking icons vertically so that each icon is accessible at a different height. Users can tap or select specific icons within the stack to access their corresponding POI information, rather than having to navigate through overlapping icons. The stacking mechanism automatically organizes icons in a hierarchical structure that facilitates selective access while maintaining high information density.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for decluttering icons on a map graphically presented on a display. In one implementation, a method is provided for decluttering icons representing points-of-interest on a map, wherein the method includes determining whether icons in a map view are overlapping and grouping the icons which are determined to overlap into at least one icon group. The method may also include repositioning the icons in each icon group into a decluttered icon patterns, wherein repositioning includes repositioning the icons at a predetermined distance from a common focal point. In addition, the method may include adjusting the repositioned icons to a different position in the map view when the repositioned icons overlap. Additionally, or alternatively, the method may include repositioning an icon in at least one decluttered icon pattern to a new position in the map view based on input from a user.