Navigation Device Elevating Map Icons Above Ground Level
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users find it difficult to perceive objects within map information displayed by navigation devices, especially when they are at ground level, leading to reduced visibility and navigation challenges.
Innovation Solution
A navigation device and method that elevates icons representing objects above the ground level within the map information, using techniques such as transparency and size adjustments to enhance visibility, and employs integrated input and display devices for improved user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If objects are displayed at ground level in map information, then the map maintains accurate spatial representation, but object visibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent elevates icons from the ground level (2D plane) into the third dimension (vertical axis), displaying them at different heights above the ground. This dimensional transformation allows objects to be visually distinguished from the map background while preserving their actual ground position information, thereby improving visibility without sacrificing spatial accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs color and transparency variations in icons to enhance their visibility against the map background. By adjusting visual properties such as color intensity and transparency levels, the icons become more distinguishable while maintaining the underlying map information visible through them
2Loss of information
If multiple objects are displayed on the map, then information completeness improves, but visual clutter increases reducing perceived clarity
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging multiple icons at different vertical heights above the ground level, the patent creates a hierarchical visual structure. This dimensional separation allows users to perceive multiple objects simultaneously without them overlapping and creating visual clutter, as each icon occupies a unique vertical position while maintaining its ground location accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different visual properties (height, color, transparency) to different icons based on their individual characteristics and importance. This localized differentiation allows multiple objects to be displayed with varying visual prominence, maintaining information completeness while preventing uniform visual clutter across all elements
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and devices are disclosed for providing map information to a user. The map information corresponds to a field of view. In at least one embodiment, the portable navigation device includes an input device to receive an input for selecting a desired destination and a display device to display map information including a route to the desired destination, a ground level and at least one icon elevated above the ground level. The at least one icon represents an object within the field of view. In at least one embodiment, a method is disclosed for providing map information to a user via a portable navigation device and corresponding to a field of view is disclosed. The method includes receiving at least one of an input and selection representing a desired destination and displaying map information including a route to the desired destination, a ground level and at least one icon elevated above the ground level. The at least one icon represents an object within the field of view.