Cross-Device Mapping Synchronization via Centralized Service
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face frustration and time consumption when trying to access mapping information across multiple devices, as they need to re-enter data or repeat actions to obtain desired mapping information, and existing mapping applications often limit the types of points of interest (POI) provided.
Innovation Solution
A synchronization service that allows computing devices associated with a user to share mapping information, including user-selected POI, across devices, enabling seamless access to the last viewed state of mapping applications, even when switching between devices, by transmitting updates and notifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mapping information is accessed on multiple devices independently, then each device can operate autonomously, but users must re-enter data and repeat actions to obtain mapping information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mapping application states across multiple devices by implementing a synchronization service that combines data from desktop, tablet, and mobile devices into a unified state. When a user performs actions on one device, those changes are automatically synchronized to other devices, eliminating the need to re-enter data or repeat actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a synchronization service as an intermediary component that mediates between multiple mapping application instances on different devices. This service receives state information from each device, processes synchronization, and distributes updated states back to the appropriate devices, enabling seamless cross-device continuity.
2Ease of operation
If mapping application state is synchronized across all devices, then users can access information seamlessly, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal synchronization service that handles multiple device types (desktop, tablet, mobile) and various mapping application states through a single multi-functional system. The service can synchronize different types of data (search queries, directions, points of interest) across different device platforms using the same underlying mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent manages synchronization complexity by dynamically adjusting synchronization parameters such as sync frequency, data priority, and conflict resolution strategies based on device type, network conditions, and user preferences. This allows the system to optimize performance and reduce complexity for different scenarios.
3Productivity
If standard POI information is provided by mapping application, then information can be obtained quickly, but user-specific interests are not addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by proactively identifying and pre-loading points of interest that match user preferences and media item associations before the user explicitly requests them. The system analyzes user profiles, media library contents, and browsing patterns to anticipate user needs and prepare relevant POI information in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system monitors user interactions with mapping information, such as which points of interest are viewed, which searches are performed, and which locations are visited. This feedback is used to continuously refine and personalize the POI recommendations, improving both relevance and retrieval efficiency over time.
Data Source
AI summary
A user can access a mapping application from multiple devices, and updates made through one application can automatically be synchronized across the other devices. In some embodiments, a number of different activities of a user, such as entering an address or selecting a route, can cause information for that activity to be provided to a logically centralized system or service. The system or service then can notify the other devices of updated map state information for the user, which those devices can then request or download. The map information can include point of interest (POI) information from a number of sources, such as from a media information source that is able to provide POI information for locations associated with books, movies, music, and other types of media.