Navigation Device Indicator Module for Map Magnification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing navigation devices struggle to provide a clear representation of marked locations, such as destinations and points of interest, when switching between low and high map magnifications, leading to user disorientation and the inability to easily identify nearby relevant information.

Innovation Solution

A navigation device and method that includes an indicator generation module to display indicators for marked locations outside the current local environment on the navigation map, providing icons with direction and distance information to maintain user orientation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the map magnification is increased to show detailed local environment, then the detail information of marked locations is improved, but the overview of marked locations outside current view is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetail informationVSAvoidoverview of marked locations
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the display information by using different visual elements for different purposes: detailed markers for locations within the local environment and simplified indicators for locations outside the local environment. This segmentation allows the map to simultaneously provide detailed information for nearby locations and overview information for distant locations without requiring frequent zooming.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a dimensional distinction by introducing indicators that represent marked locations outside the current local environment view. These indicators provide spatial information about distant locations without requiring the user to zoom out, effectively adding an extra dimension of information display that complements the detailed local view.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of information

If the map magnification is decreased to show overview of marked locations, then the overview information is improved, but the detail information of local environment is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverview informationVSAvoiddetail information
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The display system segments information presentation by location type: markers within the local environment provide detailed information, while indicators for locations outside the local environment provide overview information. This segmentation eliminates the need to switch between zoom levels to obtain both detail and overview.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Loss of information

If frequent map magnification changes are made to switch between detail and overview views, then the user can access both detail and overview information, but user distraction and operation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to informationVSAvoiduser distraction
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines which marked locations should be displayed as indicators outside the local environment based on their spatial relationship to the current view. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for users to manually adjust magnification to find distant locations, reducing distraction and simplifying operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3179213B1Navigation device and method
Publication Date: 2019.06.05 TOMTOM NAVIGATION BV
  • EP3179213B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3179213B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3179213B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a navigation device comprising: a processor that is configured to generate a navigation map of a local environment; and a display controllable by said processor to display said navigation map and any markers that relate to marked locations within said local environment. The navigation device further comprises an indicator generation module for generating an indicator for each of any marked locations outside of said local environment, said processor being responsive to said indicator generation module to control said display to display any generated indicators in said navigation map. A method of generating a navigation map and a computer program are also disclosed.