Map Search Interface Ranking by Proximity and Social Factors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current location-based services and social networking systems face challenges in providing an effective graphical user interface for map search, particularly in integrating user location data with relevant search results in a user-friendly and contextually relevant manner, such as proximity and social connections.
Innovation Solution
A computing device accesses location data, retrieves image data for a graphical map, processes search queries, and displays a list of relevant locations overlaying the map, using geographic coordinates to indicate user and search results locations, with ranking based on proximity and social relevance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional map search interfaces are used, then basic location display is provided, but the integration of user location data with relevant search results in a user-friendly and contextually relevant manner is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the map display with an overlaying list view that combines search results with contextual information about users, places, and activities. This integration allows the interface to present both location data and socially relevant information simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and information completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimensional layer by overlaying list views on top of the map interface. This list view dimension provides contextual information about users and places without obscuring the map functionality, enabling users to access both spatial and social context simultaneously.
2Measurement precision
If search results are ranked solely by proximity, then geographic relevance is improved, but social relevance and contextual information are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the ranking parameters from purely geographic to a composite metric that includes both proximity and social relevance factors. The system considers user profiles, place information, and activity data to determine search result ranking, enabling the interface to adapt to both geographic and social contextual requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The search interface is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides geographic search capability while simultaneously incorporating social network data, user profiles, and place information. This multi-functionality allows the same interface to address both geographic relevance and social context needs.
3Loss of information
If detailed contextual information about users and places is displayed, then search result relevance is improved, but interface complexity and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display into distinct functional layers: the map background layer for spatial visualization and the overlaying list view layer for contextual information. This segmentation allows detailed information to be presented without complicating the overall interface structure, as each layer serves a specific purpose and can be independently managed.
Solution Approach 2:
The overlaying list view acts as an intermediary between the raw data and the user interface. It processes and presents contextual information about users and places in a structured manner, reducing the complexity of data processing requirements while maintaining information completeness.
Data Source
AI summary
Particular embodiments include receiving, from a client system of a first user, location data that includes a first geographic location of the first user. A search query inputted by the first user at a search interface may be received from the client system. A plurality of second geographic locations matching the search query may be identified. The second geographic locations may be ranked based on a proximity of the respective second geographic location to the first geographic location of the first user and one or more social factors associated with the respective second geographic location. A list of one or more of the second geographic locations may be sent to the client system for display, where the one or more second geographic locations may be presented according to their rankings.