Electronic Map Augmentation via Pointing Gestures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic maps do not effectively incorporate points of interest in the distance that other users are interested in, especially in social situations where users may be unaware of their friends' interests.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that uses pointing gestures detected by wearable devices like smart watches to augment electronic maps, displaying areas of interest pointed out by users, allowing for real-time sharing of locations and orientations on the map.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If electronic map displays only current location and immediate surroundings, then map clarity is maintained, but user awareness of distant points of interest is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent overlays a second map layer showing distant points of interest on top of the primary map display. This dimensional layering allows users to view both immediate surroundings and distant attractions simultaneously without increasing the physical display area, resolving the contradiction between information completeness and display space limitations.
2Loss of information
If electronic map includes all points of interest in the area, then information completeness is improved, but map clutter and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments points of interest into two distinct categories: immediate surroundings shown on the primary map and distant attractions shown on the overlaid layer. This segmentation allows comprehensive information display while maintaining visual organization and reducing clutter on each individual map layer.
Solution Approach 2:
By placing distant points of interest on a separate overlay layer, the patent creates a dimensional separation that prevents information clutter. Users can view all points of interest without the visual complexity increasing on the primary map display.
3Adaptability or versatility
If real-time gesture detection is added to wearable devices, then user interaction capability is improved, but device processing requirements and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable device uses its existing accelerometer and gyroscope sensors to detect pointing gestures, leveraging already-present hardware for new functionality. This self-service approach enables gesture recognition without adding specialized detection hardware, thus improving interaction capability while minimizing increases in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method, system and computer program product for augmenting an electronic map with pointing gestures are provided. The computer-implemented method, system and computer program product display an electronic map of a current location of a user of the electronic map, receive an indication that a person is gesturing, and augment the electronic map by displaying an area toward which the person is gesturing on the electronic map.