Multi-Level Map Display for Shopping Mall Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital map technologies often fail to accurately display points of interest within multi-level structures, such as shopping malls, by providing approximate locations or not specifying the correct level of a store, leading to user confusion and difficulty in navigation.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that receive search criteria, determine the location of search results relative to a multi-level map, and display search results as indicators on the map, distinguishing between results on the current level and those on different levels based on distance, allowing users to interact with and switch to the relevant level for accurate navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If search results are displayed on a two-dimensional map without level differentiation, then the map remains simple and easy to understand, but users cannot accurately locate points of interest on multi-level structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from a two-dimensional map representation to a multi-level three-dimensional representation. When points of interest are found on different levels, the system generates and displays additional map representations for each relevant level, effectively adding a vertical dimension to the navigation interface. This allows users to accurately locate items on multi-level structures while maintaining the simplicity of 2D map viewing on each individual level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the multi-level building into separate level-specific map representations. Instead of displaying all levels simultaneously in a complex overlay, the system divides the navigation space into discrete level segments and displays only the relevant levels based on the point of interest location. This segmentation maintains map simplicity while providing accurate multi-level location information.
2Ease of operation
If only a single entrance to a mall is identified in search results, then the information is simple to process, but users cannot find the closest entrance to their destination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different levels of entrance information based on the user's specific needs and the point of interest location. The system identifies multiple entrances and determines which ones are relevant to the user's destination, then displays detailed information including distance and directional guidance for each relevant entrance. This ensures users receive complete and actionable entrance information without being overwhelmed by unnecessary details.
3Loss of time
If search results do not specify the level of a store, then the search function remains simple, but users must physically search for the store after arriving at the mall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining and displaying the level information for each point of interest before the user arrives at the destination. The system identifies the specific level where the point of interest is located and includes this information in the search results and map display, allowing users to plan their route and prepare in advance. This eliminates the need for physical searching upon arrival and reduces time loss while maintaining manageable result complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods,apparatuses and computer program products are provided for displaying search results and other points of interest located on multiple floors or levels in a multi- level map. A method may include receiving an input indicating a search criteria. Further, the method may include determining at least one search result position related to the search criteria, and determining a relationship between the at least one search result position and a multi-level map. In addition, the method may further comprise causing, based at least in part on the relationship, a level of the map and the at least one search result position to be displayed as a search result position indicator, wherein the displayed search result position indicator may be presented in a different manners based at least in part on what level the search result position is located. Corresponding apparatuses and computer program products are also provided.