Map Rendering via URL Strings on Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile communication devices with limited memory and processing power face challenges in efficiently displaying maps without excessive memory and communication bandwidth usage, as traditional mapping technologies rely on large bitmap images.
Innovation Solution
The method involves receiving a URL string with latitude and longitude coordinates, and based on the device's capabilities, either invoking a mapping application for map rendering or requesting map data from a server to display a map, optimizing the process by using Maplet data structures and context filtering to minimize data transfer and processing demands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional bitmap images are used for map display, then map visualization is achieved, but memory and communication bandwidth resources are excessively consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments map data into hierarchical levels of detail (LOD), where maps are divided into multiple resolution layers. Mobile devices receive and display only the appropriate segment (lower resolution) for their capabilities, while desktop devices receive higher resolution segments. This segmentation allows the same map information to be delivered efficiently to different device types, reducing memory and bandwidth consumption for mobile devices while maintaining map display functionality.
2Measurement precision
If high-resolution map data is transmitted to mobile devices, then map display quality is improved, but communication bandwidth usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by transmitting different quality levels of map data to different locations or device types. Mobile devices receive lower-resolution map data suitable for their small screens and processing capabilities, while desktop devices receive higher-resolution data. This localized quality adjustment ensures that communication bandwidth is not wasted transmitting high-resolution data to mobile devices where it cannot be effectively utilized, while still providing adequate map display quality for each device type.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex mapping applications are installed on mobile devices, then mapping functionality is enhanced, but device processing power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary that performs complex mapping computations and data processing. Instead of requiring mobile devices to have powerful local processing capabilities to run complex mapping applications, the server handles the computationally intensive tasks of map rendering, routing calculations, and data management. Mobile devices send requests to the server and receive processed results, thereby achieving enhanced mapping functionality without needing high processing power locally.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for use in a wireless communication device for displaying a map are described. The device receives via a user interface a selection of a hypertext link object in an electronic file or message. The object is associated with a URL string which includes a server address and location data corresponding to a location. When a mapping application is installed in the device, the device executes the mapping application for rendering a map of the location in response to receiving the selection of the object. When the mapping application is not installed in the device, the device executes a web browser of the device for receiving and displaying a map image of the location in response to receiving the selection of the object.