Panoramic Ring Interface for Directional Map Views
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current map services fail to provide users with an accurate understanding of geographic locations by lacking perspective information in aerial and panoramic views, making it difficult to determine the actual appearance of a location from displayed images.
Innovation Solution
A user interface that displays media objects, such as panoramic images, around a selected target location on an interactive map, with the ability to indicate and display these images in their original capture directions, allowing users to view enlarged versions from specific perspectives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If aerial photographs or satellite images are displayed to show location information, then the map service provides visual representation of locations, but the user cannot determine the actual appearance or perspective of the location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D aerial/satellite images to 360-degree panoramic images that provide three-dimensional spatial representation. This dimensional change allows users to view locations from multiple angles and perspectives, fundamentally solving the problem of understanding actual location appearance that 2D images cannot provide.
Solution Approach 2:
The panoramic image is divided into multiple directional segments (e.g., north, south, east, west views) that can be independently selected and viewed. This segmentation allows users to explore different perspectives of the same location by choosing specific directional segments, providing comprehensive spatial understanding without overwhelming the user with a single static image.
2Adaptability or versatility
If panoramic images are displayed with fixed view directions, then the images can be shown on the map, but the user cannot interactively determine the actual location orientation or explore different perspectives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic view direction indicators that move and rotate on the map interface based on user interactions. Instead of static directional markers, the system provides dynamic visual feedback that shows the current viewing direction and allows users to explore different orientations by interacting with the map, making the interface adaptable to user needs without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces directional indicator elements as intermediary components between the panoramic images and the map interface. These indicators serve as mediators that convey spatial orientation information to users and enable intuitive interaction with panoramic content, simplifying the complex task of orientation understanding through visual metaphors and interactive elements.
3Loss of information
If photographs are displayed without directional context, then the slideshow can be presented simply, but the user cannot ascertain what the location actually looks like or where objects are located
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color-coded directional indicators and visual markers that change appearance based on orientation and selection state. Different colors represent different cardinal directions or view angles, providing immediate visual cues about spatial context without requiring complex text labels or explanations, thus maintaining ease of operation while reducing information loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-processes panoramic images by embedding directional metadata and organizing them by orientation before display. This preliminary action ensures that when users view the images, the spatial context is already established through pre-positioned directional indicators and organized presentation, eliminating the need for users to mentally reconstruct spatial relationships from uncontextualized photographs.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-readable medium and user interface for displaying media objects on a geographic map to a user are described. Indications from the user are received specifying a target location and a view direction on the geographic map. A database is accessed to retrieve media objects, either individually or in a panoramic view, that were captured in a geographic location in the proximity of the target location. The retrieved media objects are displayed on the map according to their geographic location from the target location. Enlarged versions of any of the retrieved media objects captured in the view direction from the target location are then presented to the user.