Mapless Grid Interface for Low Bandwidth Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reliable Internet connectivity is not always available, leading to a negative user experience when loading standard user interfaces for transportation services, as they require significant data transfer, which is slow and sluggish over low-bandwidth connections.
Innovation Solution
A client device selects an alternative user interface, such as a grid or timeline interface, based on network connectivity strength, reducing data transfer and maintaining a functional user experience by displaying service provider location updates without a map.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a full map-based user interface is used, then users can visualize service provider location accurately, but data transfer requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential functional element (location information) from the complete map interface, presenting only critical location data in a simplified format that eliminates unnecessary map imagery and reduces data transfer requirements while maintaining core functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs lightweight, simplified interface elements (text-based location indicators, basic graphics) that require minimal data to render, replacing heavy map-based visualizations with less data-intensive alternatives that achieve the same informational goal
2Loss of information
If a standard user interface is loaded over an unreliable Internet connection, then comprehensive information is provided, but user experience deteriorates due to slow loading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the user interface into essential and non-essential components, loading and displaying only the critical location and status information needed for the ride-hailing service to function, while omitting or deferring loading of supplementary map and visual elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by providing a functional interface with core location tracking capabilities using minimal data, accepting that not all information features are available but ensuring the essential service functionality operates effectively under constrained network conditions
3Loss of information
If a map-based interface is used, then location context is clearly provided, but network bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates simplified copies of location information using text-based representations and basic graphical indicators that convey essential location context without requiring the full map imagery, achieving the same informational purpose with fraction of the bandwidth
Data Source
AI summary
A client device provides mapless user interfaces to show a service provider's progress in movement toward a start location. One type of mapless interface is a grid interface, which the device selects if the device is subject to low network connectivity. The grid interface includes graphics representing the start location and the service provider. The two graphics are displayed at their respective location coordinates on a coordinate grid. Because the grid interface does not include a map, it can be loaded relatively quickly even when the service requester device is experiencing low network connectivity.