Repositionable Map Indicator for Forward Visibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile navigation applications often display maps with the current location indicator anchored to the center, limiting the visibility of important information ahead of the user's direction of travel, especially when traveling at constant velocities.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that automatically repositions the graphical current location indicator and associated map area based on the direction and velocity of the mobile device, shifting the map to prioritize forward map details and points of interest, while maintaining the indicator within the viewport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the current location indicator is anchored to the center of the map, then the indicator remains stable and easy to locate, but the map area ahead of the user's direction of travel is not visible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by repositioning the current location indicator from the center to an offset position (e.g., bottom-center or lower-third) of the map display. This asymmetric placement creates unequal distribution of map space, providing expanded visibility of forward map information in the upper portion while maintaining the indicator in a predictable lower location for easy user identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension of the display by moving the indicator down to the bottom portion of the screen. This dimensional repositioning allows the upper vertical space to be dedicated to displaying forward map information, effectively using the vertical axis to resolve the conflict between indicator visibility and forward information display.
2Loss of information
If the map is displaced relative to a fixed current location indicator, then the indicator remains stationary onscreen, but the user cannot see map details in the direction of travel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the current location indicator from its traditional centered position and relocates it to the bottom portion of the display. This extraction allows the main body of the map, particularly the forward-looking portion, to occupy the central and upper display areas without being obstructed by the indicator, thereby revealing forward map details and points of interest.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating different functional zones on the display: the lower portion is dedicated to the current location indicator for user reference, while the upper and central portions are optimized for displaying forward map information. This local differentiation allows each area to serve its specific purpose effectively.
3Loss of information
If the current location indicator remains centered on the map, then the display configuration is simple, but important navigation information ahead of the user is hidden
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements asymmetry by positioning the current location indicator at the bottom-center or lower-third of the display rather than at the center. This asymmetric configuration maximizes the visible map area in the forward direction while keeping the indicator in a consistent, easily locatable position for user interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the map display adaptive to the user's direction of travel. The map automatically orients itself to show forward information, and the indicator position adjusts dynamically based on navigation context, creating a living display that responds to user needs rather than a static centered view.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A computer-implemented method includes determining a current location of a mobile device, displaying in a map viewport a first map area surrounding the current location of the mobile device and displaying on the first map area a graphical current location indicator representing the current location of the mobile device. The method further entails repositioning the graphical current location indicator relative to the map viewport by shifting the first map area to a partially overlapping second map area that includes both a new map area and a portion of the first map area that contains the graphical current location indicator.