Map-Based Polygon Selector for Precise Geographic Data Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for targeting specific customer demographics in businesses lack precision, relying on non-targeted advertising, limited statistical data, and inefficient database querying, which fail to provide accurate information on customer desires or needs.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for generating user-specified information by selecting points on a map to form a polygon, using a selector tool with a user interface, geometry engine, and database interface to retrieve data within the defined area, allowing for precise geographic-based querying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If commercial database services with command line interface are used to query potential markets, then information retrieval efficiency is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to limited schema capabilities and complex query formulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a graphical user interface as an intermediary between the user and the database system. This GUI translates user-friendly map-based selections into database queries automatically, eliminating the need for users to directly interact with complex command line interfaces while maintaining efficient information retrieval capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical command line interface interaction model with a graphical map-based selection system. Users interact with visual map representations and geometric shape tools rather than typing complex queries, substituting the mechanical typing and parsing process with graphical selection and automatic translation.
2Productivity
If commercial database services with command line interface are used to query potential markets, then information retrieval efficiency is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to difficult query formulation
Solution Approach 1:
The graphical user interface acts as an intermediary that translates simple map-based geometric selections into complex database queries. Users draw shapes on maps to define search areas, and the system automatically formulates the corresponding database queries, making the operation easy while maintaining retrieval efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses map visual representations as a copy or abstraction of the underlying database structure. Instead of requiring users to understand database schemas and query syntax, the system provides a visual copy of geographic data that users can interact with intuitively, while the system handles the translation to actual database queries.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional database schemas are used for market research, then data storage is simplified, but adaptability worsens due to inability to query based on geometric shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional system that handles both traditional tabular data storage and geometric shape-based querying. The database schema is extended or augmented to support spatial queries while maintaining compatibility with conventional data storage methods, allowing the system to perform multiple functions with a single integrated architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial or geometric dimension to traditional database schemas. By incorporating coordinate systems and geometric shape definitions into the data structure, the system enables queries based on spatial relationships and shapes while preserving the original tabular data organization and storage efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment relates generally to a method of generating user-specified information. The method includes receiving a plurality of points selected on a map to form a first continuous line having one or more vertices. The method also includes generating a closed polygon having a plurality of edges, where at least one edge forms a second continuous line substantially parallel to and spaced apart at a distance from the first continuous line. The method also includes determining a plurality of coordinate pairs each associated with a point on the plurality of edges of the closed polygon and retrieving user specified information for an area enclosed by the plurality of coordinate pairs.