PDA Signal Strength Map with Collapsible Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cellular phone/PDA communication systems lack the ability to efficiently manage cell phone signal strength across geographical areas, provide dynamic map updates, and optimize display space for map and symbol visualization, especially during periods of inactivity.
Innovation Solution
The system employs advanced communication software (ACS) integrated into cellular phones with GPS, enabling network participants to share location and status information, display cell phone signal strength, and automatically collapse virtual control switches to expand map and symbol display areas when inactive.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If virtual control switches and readout areas are displayed on the PDA screen, then communication control functions are provided, but the map and symbol display area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual control switches and readout areas are designed to dynamically collapse or expand based on user interaction. During periods of inactivity, these elements automatically collapse to maximize the map and symbol display area, while still remaining accessible when needed for communication control operations.
2Loss of information
If the PDA display shows comprehensive information including control switches and readout areas, then communication functionality is enhanced, but the geographical and symbol display area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The display system dynamically adjusts the visibility and size of information elements. When no user interaction occurs for a predetermined period, the system automatically collapses control switches and readout areas, thereby maximizing the geographical and symbol display area while preserving communication functionality on demand.
3Ease of operation
If the system continuously displays all control functions and information, then user accessibility is improved, but display space efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The interface elements are designed to automatically collapse after a predetermined period of inactivity, optimizing display space for map and symbol visualization. Users can still access communication controls by interacting with the collapsed elements, which then expand for full functionality, thus maintaining ease of operation while improving display space efficiency.
4Ease of operation
If virtual control switches are layered on the PDA touch screen, then communication control is enabled, but the map visualization area is overlapped and reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual control switches are implemented as collapsible elements that automatically retract after a predetermined period of inactivity. This dynamic behavior allows the map visualization area to expand and occupy the full display when controls are not in use, while still providing accessible communication control functions when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, a combined cellular, PDA communication device and system having specialized software applications for allowing a plurality of combined cellular phone/PDA device users to monitor each others' locations and status, to initiate cellular phone calls by touching a symbol on the touch screen display with a stylus which can also include point to call conferencing calling. Each participant's cellular phone/PDA device includes a GPS navigation receiver with application software for point to call or conference call initiation to network participants and fixed facilities. The method, device and system also include several features that: (a) provides an individual the ability to establish public or private peer to peer networks and to assign the symbols and soft switches associated with the network; (b) allow individual cell phone/PDA device users to create a signal strength geo-referenced contour map; (c) permit each network participant to automatically request and download additional constantly updated maps that surround the network participant's fixed or moving locations from a server and (d) collapse the cell phone's soft switch matrix and readout areas so that after a fixed amount of user inactivity time, the map and superimposed symbols area will increase to occupy the soft switch and read out areas.