18377203. Method and Apparatus for Supporting User Interactions with Non-Designated Locations on a Digital Map simplified abstract (Google LLC)

Method and Apparatus for Supporting User Interactions with Non-Designated Locations on a Digital Map

Organization Name

Google LLC

Inventor(s)

Kelvin Ho of San Francisco CA (US)

Jonah Jones of San Francisco CA (US)

Yatin Chawathe of San Francisco CA (US)

Bernhard Seefeld of San Francisco CA (US)

Paul Merrell of Palo Alto CA (US)

Alirez Ali of Sunnyvale CA (US)

Jonathan Siegel of Mountain View CA (US)

Daniel Otero of Seattle WA (US)

Su Chuin Leong of South San Francisco CA (US)

Method and Apparatus for Supporting User Interactions with Non-Designated Locations on a Digital Map - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18377203 titled 'Method and Apparatus for Supporting User Interactions with Non-Designated Locations on a Digital Map

Simplified Explanation

The abstract describes a mapping system that allows users to interact with digital maps and access location-related information about selected locations. The information can be pre-stored data or generated on the fly in response to user interactions.

• The mapping system enables users to select any location on a digital map and view related information in various formats such as cards, pop-ups, images, or graphics.
• The displayed information can be predetermined data about the location or dynamically generated based on user interactions with the map.
• The location-related information is displayed in a consistent graphical format on the digital map, regardless of whether it is pre-stored or generated on the fly.

Potential Applications

This technology could be applied in various industries such as tourism, real estate, navigation, and urban planning to provide users with detailed information about specific locations on digital maps.

Problems Solved

This technology solves the problem of users needing to search for location-related information separately from viewing digital maps, streamlining the process and enhancing user experience.

Benefits

The mapping system enhances user engagement with digital maps by providing instant access to location-related information, improving decision-making and overall user satisfaction.

Potential Commercial Applications

One potential commercial application of this technology could be in the development of interactive mapping platforms for businesses in the travel and tourism industry, allowing them to showcase points of interest and attractions to potential customers.

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art for this technology could be existing mapping applications that provide location-related information, but may not offer the same level of interactivity and dynamic data generation as described in the abstract.

How does the mapping system ensure the accuracy and relevance of dynamically generated location-related information?

The article does not delve into the specific algorithms or processes used to verify and update the dynamically generated data to ensure its accuracy and relevance to users.

What measures are in place to protect user privacy and data security when interacting with the mapping system?

The article does not address the potential privacy concerns or security protocols implemented to safeguard user information while using the mapping system.

Original Abstract Submitted

A mapping system allows a user to interact with any location on a digital map and present the user with location related information associated with the selected location. The location related information may be in the form or a card, pop-up, image, or other graphic and may be displayed on the map at or near the selected location, around the map, etc. The displayed location related information may include predetermined or pre-stored data about the location or may include location related information collected and generated on the fly in response to the user interaction with the digital map. The displayed location related information may be displayed in the same graphical format on the digital map regardless of whether location related information is predetermined information about the location that already exists or information that is collected and generated on the fly in response to the user interaction.