GB2504085A

GB2504085A - Displaying maps and data sets on image display interfaces

Info

Publication number: GB2504085A
Application number: GB201212634A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Donald Ballantyne
Original assignee: SOFTWARE Ltd C
Current assignee: SOFTWARE Ltd C
Priority date: 2012-07-16
Filing date: 2012-07-16
Publication date: 2014-01-22
Also published as: GB201212634D0

Abstract

A computer system includes: a processor (10,fig.1); a memory (22,fig.1); user input means (16,18,fig.1); and a display (12,fig.1). The memory is arranged to store a map and geographical data associated with locations on the map. The display is arranged to display the map. The user input means is operable to select a portion of the map. The processor is arranged to: display a context indicator 36 which indicates said portion of the map; display in an inset box 38 an image generated from the geographic data associated with said portion of the map; modify one of the inset box and context indicator in response to an operation of the user input means; and modify the other of the inset box and context indicator to maintain consistency between them. The context indicator may be an outline displayed over the map. The inset box is an enlarged section of the map corresponding to the context indicator. Modifying the context indicator may comprise changing its size, position, shape, thereby defining a different portion of the map. Modifying the inset box may comprise panning, scrolling or zooming the map.

Description

DISPLAYING MAPS

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to image display interfaces, for example interfaces for personal computers (PCs), laptop computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablet computers and mobile communications devices such as smartphoncs. In particular it relates to the display of maps and data sets.

Background to the Invention

When showing maps on a display interface of a computer or similar electronic device, it is well know to provide the user with means to pan or zoom (in or out) to display either a different region of the map or more detail. When the map is zoomed in it is often difficult to identify what area of the map is being viewed and panning to a different location may be difficult.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides a computer system comprising: a processor; a niemory; user input means; and a display. The memory may be arranged to store a map, for example in the form of map data which can be used to generate and display an image of a map. The memory may be arranged to store geographical data associated with locations covered by the map. The display may be arranged to display the map. The user input means may be operable to select a portion of the map. The processor may be arranged to display a context indicator which indicates said portion of the map. The processor may be arranged display in an inset box an image generated from the geographic data associated with said portion of the map. The processor may be arranged to modify one of the inset box and context indicator in response to an operation of the user input nieans. The processor may be arranged, for example in response to the same operation of the user input means, or in response to modification of said one of the inset box and context indicator, to modify the other of the inset box and context indicator to niaintain consistency between the context indicator and the inset box.

For example, the processor may be arranged, in response to a change of size of the context indicator, or of the selected portion of the map, to change the size of the inset box, or to change the scale of the image displayed in the inset box, or to change the information displayed in the inset box. In response to a change of shape of the context indicator, or of the selected portion of the map, the processor may be arranged to change the shape of the inset box.

Some embodiments of the present invention allow the user to select a portion of the map, which can be identified using a eomtext indicator, to be viewed in more detail, on a larger scale, in an inset box. The inset box may then be arranged to allow the user to pan and zoom, whilst the context box is updated to reflect the change in the area of the map covered. Any modification made to the context box is also reflected in the image shown in the inset box.

The context indicator may be an outline displayed over the map, or it may comprise one or more markers arranged to indicate an area of the map. The area may be rectangular, or circular or oval, or any other suitable shape.

The map may be arranged to be panned, zoomed or overlaid with markers, in each case in response to a respective operation of the user input means.

The geographical data may comprise at least one of map data, satellite image data, and list data which can generate a list for display in the inset box. The geographical data may relate to locations of interest found within a geographical area represented by the portion of the map.

The modifying of the context indicator may comprise changing at least one of its size, position, and shape thereby defining a different portion of the map. The modifying of the inset box may comprise panning or zooming the map or satellite image.

The user input means may comprise at least one of a mouse, a keyboard, and a touch s crc en.

The processor may be arranged to control the display to display an association indicator indicating association between the context indicator and the inset box. The association may comprise one or more lines connecting the context indicator to the inset box, or a graphical symbol, such as an arrow, located so as to indicatc the association.

The invention further provides a computer system comprising: a processor; a memory; user input means; wherein the memory is arranged to store a map and geographical data, the user input means is operable to select a portion of the map, and the processor is arranged to: generate a context indicator arranged to indicate said portion of the map; define an inset box in which an image generated from the geographical data associated with the portion of the map can be displayed; modify one of the inset box and context indicator in response to an operation of the user input means; and modify the other of the inset box and context indicator to maintain consistency between the context indicator and the inset box.

The invention further provides a method of displaying images on a display, the method comprising: displaying the map: selecting a portion of the map; displaying a context indicator which indicates said portion of the map; displaying in an inset box an image generated from geographic data associated with said portion of the map; modifying one of the inset box and context indicator in response to an operation of a user input means; and modifying the other of the inset box and context indicator to maintain consistency between the context indicator and the inset box.

The method may include panning, zooming or overlaying the map with markers in response to respective operations of a user input means.

Modifying the context box may comprise changing at least one of its size and shape and position thereby defining a different portion of the map.

Modifying of the inset box may comprise panning or zooming the map or satellite in-iage.The system may further comprise any one or more features, in any combination, of the embodiments of the invention which will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a schematic view of a system according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a diagram of the system of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an image displayed on the system of Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a further image displayed on the system of Figure 1; Figure Sa shows a further image displayed on the system of Figure 1; Figure Sb shows a further image displayed on the system of Figure 1; Figure 6 shows a further image displayed on the system of Figure 1: and Figure 7 shows a further image displayed on the system of Figure 1

Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Referring to Figure 1 a computer system comprises conventional hardware including a processor unit 10, a display screen 12 connected to the processor unit, and user input devices 14 in the form of a keyboard 16 and a mouse 18 also connected to the processor unit. Referring to Figure 2, the processor unit 10 houses a processor 20 and memory 22. The computer system is arranged to run applications which are stored as software in the memory 22, and which, when they are run, determine the operation of the processor so that it can access and process data from the memory 22, as well as inputs from the user input devices 14, and control operation of the display screen 12.

The display screen is arranged to display a number of images and objects as will be described below, in each case under the control of the processor 20.

The memory 22 is arranged to store map data, from which the processor 20 can generate a map 24 to be displayed on the display screen 12. In this embodiment the map is a world map but in other embodiments may be national, regional or local maps.

The memory is further arranged to store geographic data 26 associated with locations on the map. The geographic data includes place names and labels with which the map can be annotated, and which are each associatcd with a position on the map corresponding to the position of the place to which they refer. The geographic data also includes further map data which can be used to generate a further map of part or all of the area covered by the map 24, but on a larger scale.

The display screen 12 is arranged to display the map 24 so that it can be viewed by the user. In this embodiment the display screen is the monitor of a personal computer, but in other embodiments may be a projected image, or the screen on a laptop, FDA, smart phone or tablet computer. The map 24 is arranged to be manipulated in response to operation of the user input devices 14. The map 24 can be zoomed to alter the scale of the map displayed or panned to show a different region of the map in response to user input at the keyboard 16 or mouse 18. The map 24 can be annotated with overlays and markers to show any additional information or notes made by the user.

Figure 3 shows an example of the map 24 as displayed on the display screen 12. In this case the map is a world map and is fully zoomed out to show all of the map on the display screen. The map 24 has typical interactive functionality well know in the art.

The map can be zoomed in and out or panned in response to operation of the user input devices. Zoom toggle buttons 31 and 32 allow the map to be zoomed in or out to adjust the scale. The toggle buttons are activated in response to the user input device as is typical with a computer system and display interface. The map 24 is displayed in grey scale so as not to distract the user's attention from the additional overlaid inforn-iation, but in other embodiments the map may be a coloured map or grey scale or coloured satellite image. The map 24 may show data from various sources such as satellite imagery.

The map 24 is overlaid with a context box 36, in this case in the form of a rectangular line, which identifies a portion of the map. The portion which is identified is in this case simply the area within the rectangular line. The size and location of the context box is set in response to operation of the user input devices 14. The user niay drag a cursor over an area of the map to choose the extent covered by the context box.

Alternatively, the user may select an option from a menu displayed on the display screen 12 indicating that thcy wish to insert a context box. Thc location of the contcxt box can be chosen from a list of places or areas, for example a particular city could be chosen to be covered by the context box. The context box defines a portion or area of the map which is smaller than the total area of the map. The processor 20 is arranged, in response to creation of the context box 36, also to display an inset box 38 in an area of the screen 12 not used for the context box. The context box is connected to an inset box 38 in which an inset image can be displayed which shows, or is generated from, the geographic data associated with the portion of the map defined by the context box 36. In this case the two boxes are connected by means of connector lines 39 which are displayed on the screen 12 and each connect a point on the context box to a point on the inset box. These lines serve as an association indicator to indicate that the two boxes 36, 38 are associated with each other. The connector lines connect corresponding corners of the context box and inset box. Each context box may be connected by a pair of connector lines or alternatively three or four connector lines.

The number of connector lines may be chosen by the user from a menu of options or the number of connector lines may be changed by the processor as the inset box is moved around the screen. In one mode, as shown in Figure 3, the geographic data used to generate the inset image are the further map data associated with the geographical area corresponding to the area of the map 24 found within the context box 36.

Therefore the image displayed in the inset box 38 is a large scale version of the area of the map defined by the context box 36. The information in the inset box allows the user to see more detail than is displayed by the map 24 whilst the context box allows the user to also see how that detail is positioned on the map 24. It therefore provides the user with the context of the geographic data. In other embodiments the inset box may show the geographic data as text or markers overlaid onto a satellite image to show detail of what the locations may look like to people on the ground. The image displayed in the inset box 36 has all of the functionally as the map 24. It can similarly be zoomed or panned in response to operation of the user input devices. The inset box 36 can also be repositioned within the map 24 in response to operation of the user input devices. This allows the user to change the position of the inset box so that impor ant pails of the map 24 are not covered by the inset box 36.

In a modification to the embodiment described above, as shown in Figure 4, the map 24 is again shown overlaid with a context indicator 46, in this case comprising a set of corner markers identifying a rectangular area of the map 24, which is associated with an inset box 48. In this case the association is indicated by an association indicator in the form of an arrow 49 which is displayed over the map 24. In this ease the geographic data shown in the inset box are a list of places within the geographic area represented by a portion of the map defined by the context box 46. The list can be of major cities or towns, hotels, restaurants, train stations, or places of interest. In a further modification to this embodiment, the user input devices 14 can be operated to toggle between the two different display modes, in which the different types of geographical data are used to generate the image in the inset box 38, 48.

Referring back to Figure 3, after it has been created, the context box 36 can be modified by operation of the user input devices 14. In response to modification of the context box 36, for example of its size, shape, or position, the processor 20 is arranged to modify the image displayed in the inset box 38 so that it remains consistent with the modified context box 36. For example, Figures Sa and 5b show some effects of modifying the inset or context box 36. In the example shown in Figure 5a the context box 56a has been modified so that it is larger than that shown in Figure 3. The larger context box defines a larger portion of the map and therefore has different geographic data associated with it. The modification to the context box is reflected in a corresponding modification to the inset box 58a, which accounts for the change in the geographic information associated with the area contained within the portion of the map. The inset box 58a in Figure 5a does not change in size, but remains the same size as the context box 36 is enlarged, and shows a smaller scale map than in Figure 3 along with locations found within the larger context box.

The size of context box 38 can be changed in response to the user input devices to allow the user to select a larger portion of the map. For example the corners of the context box 38 may be clicked and dragged using the mouse 18 to change its size.

Alternatively the inset box can be modified directly by one of the user input devices 14 to show a larger amount of geographical data. A corresponding modification is then made to the context box to reflect the larger portion of the map in which the geographical data are now found. In the example shown in Figure Sa, the map shown in the inset box of Figure 3 can be zoomed out (the scale has been decreased) to show the sn-ialler scale inset map of Figure 5a, and the context box is then expanded to the size shown in figure 5a to maintain correspondence between the two boxes. The map shown in the inset box can be zoomed in or out and panned. The map shown in the

S

inset box is a fully interactive like the map 24. Modification to either the inset box or the context box leads to a corresponding modification to the other, so that they always display corresponding information. The modifications are carried out dynamical iy, typically simultaneously, so that the inset box and context box arc continuously S updated.

In addition to the example shown in Figure 5a where the inset box size is increased, it is to be understood that the modification can also be a decreasc in the size of the context box. This corresponds to an increase in the scale of the map shown in the inset box.

Figure Sb shows a similar situation to Figure Sa, but in this case the position of the context box Sob has been moved rather than its size changed in comparison to the context box 36 of Figure 3. The context box may be moved in response to the user input 14. This may include for example using the mouse to move a cursor displayed on the screen to click on the context box outline and drag it to a new position. The change in position of the context box 56b means that it covers a different area of the map and therefore defines a diffcrent portion with different geographic data associated with it. The modification to the context box 56b is again reflected in a corresponding modification to the inset box 58b, accounting for the change in the geographic information associated with the area contained within the portion of the map. The inset box 58b in Figure Sb shows a map of the same scale as the insct box of Figure 3 but the map is of a different region.

The inset box and context box arc therefore dynamically, and simultaneously, updated so that they always corrcspond with one another. The size and shape of the inset box is changed in response to a modification of the context box and the size and shape of the context box is changed in response to a modification to the inset box. This enables the user, or people viewing the map on the display device, to always scc how the geographic data in the inset box relates to the map by displaying the context box. In other words the context box shows the context of the map or data displayed in the inset box.

Modifying the inset box and context box so that they always correspond with one another can include any one or more of the following: Panning or scrolling the map or image displayed in the inset box to show a different area results in the movement of the associated context box such that the portion of the map dcfined by the context box corresponds to the different area shown in the inset box.

* Zooming the map or image displayed in the inset box to show a different area results in a change of size of the associated context box such that the portion of the map defined by the context box corresponds to the different area shown in the inset box.

* Expanding or contracting the inset box to show a different area results in a change in size of the associated context box such that the portion of the map defined by the context box corresponds to the different area shown in the inset box. The expanding or contracting of the inset box may occur in response to an associated operation of the user input devices, for example operating the mouse to click on a corner of the inset box and drag it to change the size.

* Moving the context box so that it defines a different portion of the map results in panning or scrolling of the map displayed in the inset box such that the map displayed in the inset box corresponds to the different portion of the map defined by the context box. The moving of the inset box may occur in response to an associated operation of the user input devices, for example operating the mouse to click on a corner of the context box and dragging it to a different position on the display screen.

* Expanding or contracting the context box so that it defines a different portion of the map results in zooming of the map displayed in the inset box such that the map displayed in the inset box corresponds to the different portion of the map defined by the context box. The expanding or contracting of the context box may occur in response to an associated operation of the user input devices, for example operating the mouse to click on a corner of the inset box and dragging it to change the size.

If the display mode of Figure 4 is being used in which the inset box 48 shows a list of data, then modification of the context box will result in updating of the list in the inset box 48 so that it remains consistent with the area of the context box. However in this case the inset box cannot be modified directly by operation of the user input to modify the context box.

Figure 6 again shows map 24, but here it is overlaid with two context boxes 66 and 67.

Each context box is arranged to define a different portion of the map 24, or may cover the same portion of the map 24, selected in response to the user input devices. Each of the context boxes 66 and 67 have corresponding inset boxes 68 and 69 respectively.

The context boxes 66, 67 and inset boxes 68, 69 have the same properties as context box 46 and inset box 48. Context box 66 is arranged so that it is modified in response to a modification to inset box 68, and vice versa. Context box 67 is arranged so that it is modified in response to a modification to inset box 69, and vice versa. This allows the user, or other people viewing the display device, to see contextual information on two portions of the map simultaneously. In other embodiments there may be any number of inset and context boxes to show the required portions of the map.

Figure 7 shows the map 24 overlaid with nested inset boxes. The map shown in inset box 69 is overlaid with context box 76, which is associated with inset box 78. The context box 76 and inset box 78 have the same properties as context box 36 and inset box 38 and are therefore arranged to be modified in response to a modification to the 0th Cl'.

Overall the invention provides a computer system to improve the presentation maps and how the user may interact with them. The present invention allows the user to select an area of the map with a context box, and view the area of the map in an inset box which shows geographic data associated with the area selected. If the user then modifies the context box or inset box the other is dynamically modified. This allows the user to always see the context of the geographic data they are viewing.

Claims

Claims 1. A computer system comprising: a processor; a memory; user input means; and a display; wherein the rncmory is arranged to storc a map and geographical data associated with locations on the map: the display is arranged to display the map; the user input means being operable to select a portion of the map; the processor is arranged to: display a context indicator which indicates said portion of the map; display in an inset box an image generated from the geographic data associated with said portion of the map; modify one of the inset box and context indicator in response to an operation of the user input means; and modify the other of thc inset box and context indicator to maintain consistency between the context indicator and the inset box.
2. The computer system according to claim 1 wherein the context indicator is an outline displayed over the map.
3. The computer system according to any preceding claim wherein the map is arranged to be panned, zoomed or overlaid with markers in response to respective operations of the user input means.
4. The computer system according to any preceding claim wherein the geographical data comprise at least one of a map data, satellite image data, and list data which can generate a list for display in the inset box.
5. The computer system according to claim 4 wherein the geographical data relates to locations of interest found within a geographical area represented by the portion of the map.
6. The computer system according to any preceding claim wherein modifying the context box comprises changing at least one of its size and shape thereby defining a different portion of the map.
7. The computer system according to any preceding claim wherein the modifying of the inset box comprises panning or zooming the map or satellite image.
8. The computer system according to any preceding claim wherein the user input means comprises at least one of a mouse, a keyboard, and a touch screen. I0
9. The computer system according to any foregoing claim wherein the processor is arranged to display an association indicator indicating the association between the context indicator and the inset box.
10. The computer system according to any preceding claim arranged to display simultaneously a plurality of inset boxes each with an associated inset box.
11. A computer system comprising: a processor; a memory; user input means; wherein the memory is arranged to store a map and geographical data the user input means is operable to select a portion of the map: the processor is arranged to: generate a context indicator arranged to indicate said portion of the map; define an inset box in which an image generated from the geographical data associated with the portion of the map can be displayed; modify one of the inset box and context indicator in response to an operation of the user input means; and modify the other of the inset box and context indicator to maintain consistency between the context indicator and the inset box..
12. A method of displaying images on a display, the method comprising: displaying a map; selecting a por ion of the map; displaying a context indicator which indicates said portion of the map; displaying in an inset box an image generated from geographic data associated witl1 said portion of the map; modifying one of the inset box and context indicator in response to an operation of a user input means; and modifying the other of the inset box and context indicator to maintain consistency between the context indicator and the inset box.
13. The method according to claim 12 wherein the context indicator is an outline displayed over the map.
14. The method according to claim 12 or claim 13 wherein the map is panned, zoomed or overlaid with markers in response to respective operations of a user input means.
15. The method according to any of claims 12 to 14 wherein the geographical data comprise at least one of a map data, satellite image data, and list data which can generate a list for display in the inset box.
16. The method according to claim 15 wherein the geographical data relates to locations of interest found within a geographical area represented by the portion of the map.
17. The method according to any of claims 12 to 16 wherein modifying the context box comprises changing at least one of its size and shape thereby defining a different portion of the map.
18. The method according to any of claims 12 to 17 wherein the modifying of the inset box comprises panning or zooming the map or satellite image.
19. The method according to any of claims 12 to 18 wherein the user input nieans comprises at least one of a mouse, a keyboard, and a touch screen.
20. The method according to any of claims 11 to 18 comprising displaying simultaneously a plurality of insct boxes each with an associated inset box.
21. A computer system substantially as described herein with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.
22. A method of displaying images on a display substantially as described herein with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings. I0Amendments to the claims have been made as follows: Claims 1. A computer system comprising: a processor; a memory; user input means; and a display; wherein the memory is arranged to storc a map and geographical data associated with locations on the map: the display is arranged to display the map; the user input means being operable to select a portion of the map; the processor is arranged to: display a context indicator which indicates said portion of the map; display in an inset box an image generated from the geographic data associated with said portion of the map; display an association indicator indicating the association between the i-'-context indicator and the inset box; modify one of the inset box and context indicator in response to an 0 operation of the user input means; and modify the other of the inset box and context indicator to maintain consistency between the context indicator and the inset box.2. The computer system according to claim I wherein the context indicator is an outline displayed ovcr the map.3. The computer system according to any preceding claim wherein the map is arranged to be panned, zoomed or overlaid with markers in response to respective operations of the user input means.4. The computer system according to any preceding claim wherein the geographical data comprise at least one of a map data, satellite image data, and list data which can generate a list for display in the inset box.5. The computer system according to claim 4 wherein the geographical data relates to locations of interest found within a geographical area represented by the podion of the map.6. The computer system according to any preceding claim wherein modifying the context box comprises changing at least one of its size and shape thereby defining a different portion of the map.7. The computer system according to any preceding claim wherein the modifying of the inset box comprises panning or zooming the map or satellite image.8. The computer system according to any preceding claim wherein the user input means comprises at least one of a mouse, a keyboard, and a touch screen.9. The computer system according to any preceding claim arranged to display simultaneously a plurality of inset boxes each with an associated inset box.10. A computer system comprising: 0 a processor; a memory; r user input means; wherein the memory is arranged to store a map and geographical data the user input means is operable to select a portion of the map: the processor is arranged to: generate a context indicator arranged to indicate said portion of the map; define an inset box in which an image generated from the geographical data associated with the portion of the map can be displayed; define an association indicator for indicating the association between the context indicator and the inset box; modify one of the inset box and context indicator in response to an operation of the user input means; and modify the other of the inset box and context indicator to maintain consistency between the context indicator and the inset box.11. A method of displaying images on a display, the method comprising: displaying a map; selecting a portion of the map; displaying a context indicator which indicates said portion of the map; displaying in an inset box an image generated from geograpluc data associated with said portion of the map; displaying an association indicator indicating the association between the context indicator and the inset box; modifying one of the inset box and context indicator in response to an operation of a user input means; and modifying the other of the inset box and context indicator to maintain consistency between the context indicator and the inset box.12. The method according to claim 11 wherein the context indicator is an outline displayed over the map. co13. The method according to claim 11 or claim 12 wherein the map is panned, zoomed or overlaid with markers in response to respective operations of 0 a user input means.14. The method according to any of claims 11 to 13 wherein the geographical data comprise at least one of a map data, satellite image data, and list data which can generate a list for display in the inset box.15. The method according to claim 16 wherein the geographical data relates to locations of interest found within a geographical area represented by the porion of the map.16. The method according to any of claims 11 to 15 wherein modifying the context box comprises changing at least one of its size and shape thereby defining a different portion of the map.17. The method according to any of claims 11 to 16 wherein the niodifying of the inset box comprises panning or zooming the map or satellite image.18. The method according to any of claims 11 to 17 wherein the user input nwans comprises at least one of a mouse, a keyboard, and a touch screen.19. The method according to any of claims 11 to 16 comprising displaying simultaneously a plurality of inset boxes each with an associated inset box.20. A computer system substantially as described herein with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.21. A method of displaying images on a display substantially as described herein with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings. C')N-r