Map Zooming Interface Using Continuous Scale Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional map zooming systems require users to understand and manually switch between different map scales, leading to complexity and abrupt changes, which can disorient users and slow down response times, especially in operational environments where precision is critical.
Innovation Solution
A zoom bar graphical user interface component that allows continuous map zooming with smooth transitions between map data sets, using a vertical bar with scale hash marks and a movable indicator to change map scales without the need for manual selection, enabling users to easily transition between different levels of detail.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional map zooming systems use manual toggle buttons or combination boxes for switching between map scales, then map scale selection is possible, but interface complexity increases and user operation becomes difficult especially on portable devices with small screens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, discrete map scale selection into a dynamic, continuous zooming interface. The zoom bar allows users to continuously adjust the map scale by dragging the indicator along the bar, rather than selecting from fixed discrete options. This dynamic approach simplifies the interface while maintaining full functionality across portable devices with varying screen sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the interface by implementing a vertical zoom bar that extends along the height of the display area. This dimensional change allows the interface to accommodate map scale adjustment without consuming horizontal screen space, making it suitable for portable devices with limited screen real estate while reducing overall interface complexity.
2Measurement precision
If conventional map zooming systems require users to understand and distinguish between different map scales, then precise map scale selection is achieved, but user cognitive load increases and response time slows
Solution Approach 1:
The zoom bar indicator automatically displays the current map scale information, eliminating the need for users to manually interpret or remember different map scale values. The system provides self-service by presenting the relevant scale information directly to the user during the zooming process, reducing cognitive load while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical interaction of understanding and selecting from discrete map scale options with a fluid, continuous dragging motion along the zoom bar. This substitution eliminates the need for users to cognitively process multiple map scale definitions, allowing intuitive control that reduces response time while maintaining the ability to select precise map scales.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional map zooming systems use discrete toggle buttons for map scale switching, then specific map scales can be selected, but transitions between map scales are abrupt and disorienting
Solution Approach 1:
The zoom bar enables continuous adjustment of map scale through smooth dragging motion, creating a continuous transition between different map scales. This eliminates the abrupt jumps associated with discrete toggle buttons, maintaining visual continuity and preventing user disorientation while preserving the ability to access various map scales.
4Device complexity
If conventional map zooming systems require manual selection of map scales through multiple controls, then detailed map scale control is possible, but operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of map scale selection, zoom level adjustment, and navigation control into a single unified zoom bar interface. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate controls, maintaining detailed control capability while significantly improving operational efficiency by reducing the number of interactions required.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for map zooming includes instructions stored in a memory that when executed by a processor render a zoom bar. The zoom bar includes a plurality of map scale hash marks arranged along an axis of the zoom bar and indicative of a map scale range of a geographic map. The plurality of map scale hash marks include a first map scale hash mark representative of a first map scale, a second map scale hash mark offset along the zoom bar axis from the first map scale hash mark and representative of a second map scale, and a map transformation hash mark located between the first and second map scale hash marks and representative of a transformation of the geographic map from a first map data set defined with reference to the first map scale to a second map data set defined with reference to the second map scale. The zoom bar further includes a map zoom bar indicator located relative to the first and second map scale hash marks and corresponding to a current map display scale and a zoom level of the geographic map.