Portable Device Geolocation Search Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current online search systems for geographical information, such as phone numbers and directions, are inefficient due to limited searchable fields and slow results, especially when searching for individuals or businesses with common names, and online maps can be cumbersome with limited location information.
Innovation Solution
A portable electronic device method that determines geographical coordinates and pointing direction using GPS and magnetic sensors, allowing users to input a search radius and criteria, which are sent to a server for database search, and displays relevant records within a defined search area based on the device's location and direction, enhancing search efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If online search systems are used to search for geographical information, then search coverage is extensive, but search speed is slow and results are numerous requiring multiple pages to view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by filtering search results based on the user's specific geographical location and device pointing direction. Instead of returning all matching results globally, the system prioritizes and displays only those results that are geographically relevant to the user's current location and orientation, thereby reducing the number of results the user must Browse while maintaining comprehensive search coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the search results into different geographical zones based on the device's pointing direction and search radius. Results are divided into those within the forward search area and those outside it, allowing the system to present a segmented, manageable set of results rather than a single large list, improving search efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If online maps are used with limited location information, then basic navigation is possible, but search efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the system pre-determine the device's geographical coordinates and pointing direction before performing the search. This preliminary acquisition of location and orientation information allows the search to be optimized in advance, filtering results based on the user's specific context before they even view the results, thereby improving search efficiency without requiring the user to input detailed location information.
3Reliability
If all search results are displayed, then completeness is maintained, but user time to locate desired information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by displaying search results with enhanced prominence for those located in the forward search area (within the device's pointing direction). Results within the search radius and pointing direction are displayed with higher visibility or priority, while still maintaining access to all results, thus preserving completeness while reducing the time needed to locate relevant information.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method significantly reduces the number of search results by displaying only records within the user's defined search area, improving search speed and relevance, particularly useful for users navigating to a specific destination.
Implementation Method 1
positioning system hardware for determining geographical coordinates of the portable electronic device
Implementation Method 2
magnetic sensor hardware for determining a pointing direction of the portable electronic device
Data Source
AI summary
A method of sorting and displaying data on a portable electronic device includes: determining geographical coordinates of the portable electronic device, providing search criteria to the portable electronic device, performing a search in a database based on the search criteria resulting in a list of database records, determining a search area of the portable electronic device and displaying selected records from the list of database records on a display screen of the portable electronic device. Each of the selected records is located within a search radius, which originates at the geographical coordinates of the portable electronic device, and within the search area, which is determined based on a pointing direction of the portable electronic device.