Multi-marker Touch Map Interface for Route Information
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mapping applications on devices with touch-sensitive surfaces face challenges in efficiently providing travel information on small screens, as it often requires dedicating a fixed portion of the screen for travel data, which is inconvenient for small screens and does not support point-to-multipoint or multipoint-to-multipoint routes effectively.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where users can input touch gestures on a map display to retrieve travel information between multiple locations, including travel distance and time, and receive turn-by-turn directions without opening additional applications, using a touch-sensitive surface to interact with markers representing locations and invoke relevant user interfaces for route information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed portion of the screen is dedicated for travel data display, then travel information is provided to users, but the screen space is wasted and the interface is inconvenient for small screens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the travel information display by creating separate interactive elements (markers) at different locations on the map. Each marker can be independently touched to display route information, allowing information to be distributed across the screen rather than concentrated in one fixed area. This enables efficient use of small screens while maintaining ease of access to travel data.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional mapping applications are used, then basic navigation is provided, but point-to-multipoint or multipoint-to-multipoint routes are not supported
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal marker interaction system where touching any combination of markers (two or more) can generate various route types (point-to-point, point-to-multipoint, multipoint-to-multipoint). This single interactive mechanism handles multiple route configurations, providing versatility without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically determines route types based on the number and arrangement of markers touched by the user. Rather than requiring separate functions for different route types, the system adapts its behavior based on user input, automatically configuring the appropriate route calculation and display.
3Productivity
If touch gestures are implemented on map display, then travel information is accessed without opening additional applications, but the system must process multiple touch inputs simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The map display and markers are designed to be self-service interactive elements. When users touch markers, the system automatically identifies the touched markers, calculates routes between them, and displays travel information without requiring users to open additional applications or navigate complex menus. The interface serves itself by directly responding to touch gestures with relevant information.
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a touch sensitive surface for receiving touch input or gestures associated with two or more markers representing two or more locations defining a route on a map display. Based on the touch input or gesture, information associated with the route is provided to the user including, for example, the travel distance between the two or more locations and an estimated travel time. In some implementations, a gesture associated with two or more markers representing locations on a map display opens a user interface for providing travel directions for a route associated with the two or more locations.