Measurement Data Overlay on Area Maps for Field Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies fail to provide a comprehensive display of measurement data on an area map, specifically lacking the spatial location, type, and quality/strength of signals in a single view for field measurement applications.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow users to import area maps and overlay measurement results as icons, with thumbnails indicating the type and quality of measurements, and optionally include directional arrows to represent the measurement orientation, enabling spatially related displays of measurement data on geographic, plat, or floor plans.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If measurement data is displayed on an area map, then spatial location information is provided, but the display becomes cluttered and difficult to read
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement data display is segmented into multiple hierarchical levels: area map icons showing location, thumbnail images showing measurement type, and color-coded indicators showing signal quality. Users can drill down from the map view to thumbnail views to detailed measurement data, dividing information into manageable segments that reduce display clutter while preserving all spatial and measurement information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds visual dimensions to the display by using color-coded borders around icons to indicate signal quality (e.g., green for good, yellow for moderate, red for poor quality). This adds a visual dimension that allows users to quickly assess measurement quality without adding textual clutter to the spatial display.
2Loss of information
If detailed measurement data is displayed at each location, then complete information is provided, but the map becomes overcrowded and unusable
Solution Approach 1:
Detailed measurement data is extracted from the main map display and placed into separate thumbnail images and pop-up windows. The map icons serve as anchors that link to detailed information stored separately, allowing complete measurement data to be accessed without occupying map space. This separates the spatial display function from the detailed data presentation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The display structure implements a nested hierarchy where area map icons contain references to thumbnail images, which in turn contain references to detailed measurement data. This nested structure allows users to navigate from the overview map level down to detailed measurement information, preserving all data while maintaining map usability at each level.
3Loss of information
If multiple types of measurement information are displayed, then comprehensive data is provided, but the user interface becomes complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
Different visual qualities are applied to different aspects of measurement data: icons indicate location, thumbnail images indicate measurement type, and color-coded borders indicate signal quality. Each visual element serves a specific local function, allowing users to quickly interpret different types of information through consistent visual cues rather than complex menus or text labels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color changes in the icon borders to encode signal quality information (e.g., green for good quality, yellow for moderate, red for poor). This visual encoding allows users to instantly grasp measurement quality without reading numerical values or navigating complex displays, simplifying the user interface while providing comprehensive information.
4Loss of information
If measurement icons are added to the map, then measurement locations are identified, but the map readability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of displaying full measurement data directly on the map, the patent creates simplified icon copies that represent measurement locations. These icons are minimal visual markers that indicate where measurements were taken without reproducing the full complexity of the measurement data, preserving map readability while providing location identification.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of attaching measurement data to an area map on the display of a test instrument includes importing a map for display covering a desired spatial region. Appropriate points of interest are overlaid on the map. A user selects measurement data to be attached to the map and, upon selection such as by "tapping" a touch sensitive screen, a measurement icon is positioned on the map where the selected measurement data was acquired. A thumbnail of the selected measurement data is overlaid on the measurement icon to show both the type of measurement and actual measurement results. Also indicia of quality/strength for the measured signal may be tagged to the measurement icon, such as by changing the color of the border of the measurement icon accordingly. A direction arrow may also be associated with the measurement icon to indicate an orientation of the test instrument when the measurement data was selected.