Electronic Map Manipulation Using Document Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic map systems lack the ability to personalize map data effectively, limiting user interaction and customization options such as selecting, copying, pasting, cutting, and replacing map content and objects.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allow users to manipulate electronic maps by selecting, copying, pasting, cutting, and replacing map portions and objects, including determining geographic location and orientation for accurate placement, and associating three-dimensional volumes for integration into other maps, using commands like copy, cut, paste, find, and replace.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users can switch between different map types and zoom levels, then map display flexibility is improved, but user interaction capability remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling maps to support multiple document operations (select, copy, cut, paste, insert, find, replace) that were previously unavailable. This transforms the map system from a simple display tool into a multi-functional manipulation platform, allowing users to perform diverse operations including selecting map portions, copying between maps, cutting and pasting, finding objects, and replacing content, thereby significantly enhancing user interaction capability while maintaining display flexibility
2Quantity of substance
If more map data and objects are included, then map information completeness is improved, but map manipulation and personalization become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by enabling users to select and manipulate specific portions of map data independently. Users can select individual map objects (buildings, roads, trees) or specific geographic areas, copy them to separate maps, or perform find and replace operations on targeted elements. This segmentation capability allows efficient manipulation of map content even when complete map datasets with extensive information are present
3Measurement precision
If precise geographic location and orientation tracking is implemented, then map integration accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by storing and transferring geographic location and orientation metadata when map portions are copied between maps. The system automatically captures the spatial context (location coordinates and orientation angles) of selected map elements and reproduces this spatial relationship in the destination map, ensuring accurate geographic alignment without requiring complex manual positioning procedures
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect of the disclosure, a user may manipulate an electronic map so as to personalize the data contained therein. In personalizing the map, the user may alter the map as if it were a document. In particular, the user may alter the map's content and appearance using various operations such as select, copy, cut, paste, insert, find, and replace.