Operating System Location Card for Unified Action Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mapping applications on smartphones and mobile devices are limited in their ability to perform complex tasks related to locations, requiring users to switch between applications, copy information, and perform actions manually, leading to a confusing user experience due to inconsistent presentation of location-related actions across different apps.
Innovation Solution
The operating system generates a location card that includes a map, details, and action indicators linked to specific applications, allowing users to perform actions directly from the card without switching apps, providing a consistent and streamlined experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple applications are used to perform location-related tasks, then the functionality is improved, but the user experience deteriorates due to inconsistent presentation and manual information copying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments location-related functionality into distinct action indicators (e.g., directions, calling, sharing) that can be independently selected and presented in a standardized location card format, allowing each function to be accessed consistently across different applications
Solution Approach 2:
The location card serves as a universal interface that can be generated by any application containing location information, providing consistent access to multiple location-related actions (directions, calling, sharing, etc.) through standardized action indicators, making the system multi-functional while maintaining consistency
2Adaptability or versatility
If users switch between applications to perform location-related actions, then the available actions are improved, but the time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The location card is generated in advance with all relevant location information and action indicators already prepared and displayed, allowing users to access multiple actions (directions, calling, sharing) without needing to switch applications or manually copy information
Solution Approach 2:
The location card acts as an intermediary interface between different applications and the user, consolidating location information and providing standardized action indicators that bridge the gap between various applications while eliminating the need for manual information transfer
3Adaptability or versatility
If applications present location actions in application-specific ways, then the customization is improved, but the consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The location card provides a universal structure with standardized action indicators that ensure consistency across applications, while allowing applications to specify which particular actions should be included based on their capabilities and the context
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual information copying is required between applications, then the flexibility is improved, but the complexity and error potential increase
Solution Approach 1:
The location card serves as an intermediary that automatically manages information transfer between applications, eliminating manual copying while maintaining flexibility through standardized action indicators that can be acted upon directly from the card
Data Source
AI summary
Innovations in the area of presentation of location-related actions and location information are presented. For example, an application calls an operating system to generate a location card. The location card can show a map of a location as well as additional information about the location and one or more action indicators. With an action indicator, a user can launch an application to perform an action related to the location immediately and directly from the location card. Depending on usage scenario, an application can specify different actions to be represented with action indicators in a location card. At the same time, location cards supported by the operating system provide a consistent way to expose location information and location-related actions to users.