Object Vector Indicators for Off-Screen Map Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of digital mapping services face difficulties in discerning the direction and distance to map objects outside the visible area of a map without panning or zooming, as these objects are not visually indicated within the current viewing area.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of object vector indicators (OVIs) that display information such as direction, distance, and travel time to map objects outside the visible area, positioned on the periphery of the map, allowing users to access this information without needing to adjust the map's zoom or pan level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the user zooms in or pans the map to see map objects outside the visible area, then the map objects become visible, but the user loses the current contextual view and requires manual navigation adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the map information into two segments: objects within the visible area are displayed on the map, while objects outside the visible area are represented by OVIs on the periphery. This segmentation allows users to see both the current map context and references to external objects simultaneously, eliminating the need to pan or zoom to discover external objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The OVI serves as an intermediary element between the visible map area and map objects outside the visible area. The OVI provides directional and distance information to external objects without requiring the user to leave the current map view, acting as a mediator that bridges the gap between what is visible and what exists outside the current view.
2Loss of information
If the user pans or zooms the map to include map objects in the visible area, then all map objects become visible, but the user loses navigation efficiency and requires time-consuming manual adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and displaying OVI information for map objects that are outside the visible area but relevant to the user's current view. This allows users to immediately see directional and distance information without having to manually pan or zoom to locate these objects, saving time and improving navigation efficiency.
3Device complexity
If the map displays only the visible area, then the map display remains simple and focused, but users cannot discern direction and distance to map objects outside the visible area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing OVIs with specific informational characteristics at the periphery of the map display. These OVIs provide localized directional and distance information for external map objects without complicating the central map view, maintaining simplicity while adding necessary navigational information where it is most useful.
Data Source
AI summary
A mapping systems includes determining that a map object (“MO”) is outside the visible area of a map displayed; calculating the direction, distance and travel-time to the MO, creating an object vector indicator (“OVI”) and displaying the OVI on the map-display application. The OVI may be displayed on the periphery of the map-display and may be positioned in the general direction of the MO. The position of the electronic device is factored into the calculations and placement of the OVI.