U.S. patent application number 13/092609 was filed with the patent office on 2012-10-25 for visualization of query results in relation to a map.
This patent application is currently assigned to PANASONIC CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Keiji Icho, Yuichi Kobayakawa, Ryota Tsukidate.
Application Number | 20120268485 13/092609 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47020972 |
Filed Date | 2012-10-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120268485 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Icho; Keiji ; et
al. |
October 25, 2012 |
Visualization of Query Results in Relation to a Map
Abstract
A method is provided for visualizing query results in relation
to a map. The method includes: specifying a geographic location of
interest around which query results are to be clustered; querying a
data source using a search query; constraining entities that
satisfy the search query to form a subset of entities having a
predefined number of entities that are geographically proximate to
the specified location of interest; displaying an indicia for each
of the entities in the subset of entities in a content area of a
display; displaying a map of a geographic area on the display,
where the geographic area includes the specified location of
interest; and designating a boundary on the map whereby each of the
entities in the subset of entities reside in the boundary and other
entities that satisfy the search query reside outside the
boundary.
Inventors: |
Icho; Keiji; (Osaka, JP)
; Kobayakawa; Yuichi; (Osaka, JP) ; Tsukidate;
Ryota; (Osaka, JP) |
Assignee: |
PANASONIC CORPORATION
Osaka
JP
|
Family ID: |
47020972 |
Appl. No.: |
13/092609 |
Filed: |
April 22, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
345/629 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 16/29 20190101;
G06K 9/00476 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/629 |
International
Class: |
G09G 5/00 20060101
G09G005/00; G06F 3/041 20060101 G06F003/041; G06F 17/30 20060101
G06F017/30 |
Claims
1. A method for visualizing query results in relation to a map,
comprising: specifying a first geographic location of interest
around which query results are to be clustered; querying a data
source using a search query; constraining entities that satisfy the
search query to form a subset of entities having a predefined
number of entities that are geographically proximate to the first
specified location of interest; displaying an indicia for each of
the entities in the subset of entities in a content area of a
display; displaying a map of a geographic area on the display,
where the geographic area includes the first specified location of
interest; and designating a first boundary on the map whereby each
of the entities in the first subset of entities reside in the
boundary and other entities that satisfy the search query reside
outside the boundary.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the first boundary is further
defined as a circle having a center positioned on the map at the
first geographic location of interest and a circumference aligned
with an entity in the subset located furthest away from the first
geographic location of interest.
3. The method of claim 1 further comprises: specifying a second
geographic location of interest around which query results are to
be clustered; constraining entities that satisfy the search query
to form a second subset of entities having the predefined number of
entities and are geographically proximate to the second specified
location of interest; and replacing indicia for each of the
entities in the first subset of entities in the content area with
indicia for each of the entities in the second subset of entities;
and designating a second boundary on the map whereby each of the
entities in the second subset of entities reside in the second
boundary and other entities that satisfy the search query reside
outside the second boundary.
4. The method of claim 3 further comprises specifying the second
geographic location of interest with an input to a touch-sensitive
display.
5. The method of claim 1 further comprises changing the boundary on
the map to a new boundary in accordance with an input from a user
and, in response to the changed boundary, displaying in the content
area of the display an indicia for each of the entities that
satisfy the search query and reside inside the new boundary.
6. The method of claim 5 further comprises changing the boundary on
the map in accordance with an input to a touch-sensitive
display.
7. The method of claim 1 further comprises changing the number of
entities that are displayed in the content area of the display in
accordance with an input from a user and resizing the boundary on
the map to include the entities displayed in the content area,
where the entities displayed in the content area are geographically
located nearest to the first specified location of interest from
amongst the entities that satisfy the search query.
8. The method of claim 1 further comprises ordering the entities
that satisfy the search query in accordance with proximity of the
entities to the first specified location of interest; presenting a
scrollable listing of entities that satisfy the search query in the
content area; and designating a second boundary on the map in
response to an input from a user to scroll through the listing,
whereby the second boundary encapsulates the first boundary and
includes entities displayed in the content area.
9. The method of claim 1 further comprises displaying a quantity of
the entities in the first subset on the map adjacent to the first
boundary.
10. A method for visualizing query results in relation to a map,
comprising: specifying a first geographic location of interest
around which query results are to be clustered; querying a data
source using a search query; constraining entities that satisfy the
search query to form a subset of entities having a predefined
number of entities that are geographically proximate to the first
specified location of interest; displaying an indicia for each of
the entities in the subset of entities in a content area of a
display; displaying a map of a geographic area on the display,
where the geographic area includes the first specified location of
interest; designating a first boundary on the map whereby each of
the entities in the first subset of entities reside in the boundary
and other entities that satisfy the search query reside outside the
boundary; and dynamically adapting the first boundary on the map in
accordance with an input from the user specifying a second
geographic location of interest.
11. The method of claim 10 further comprises displaying the map on
touch-sensitive display and dynamically adapting the first boundary
in accordance with an input from the user to the touch-sensitive
display.
12. The method of claim 10 wherein dynamically adapting the first
boundary further comprises: specifying a second geographic location
of interest around which query results are to be clustered;
constraining entities that satisfy the search query to form a
second subset of entities having the predefined number of entities
and are geographically proximate to the second specified location
of interest; and replacing indicia for each of the entities in the
first subset of entities in the content area with indicia for each
of the entities in the second subset of entities; and designating a
second boundary on the map whereby each of the entities in the
second subset of entities reside in the second boundary and other
entities that satisfy the search query reside outside the second
boundary.
13. The method of claim 12 wherein the first boundary is further
defined as a circle having a center positioned on the map at the
first geographic location of interest and a circumference aligned
with an entity in the subset located furthest away from the first
geographic location of interest.
14. The method of claim 13 further comprises dynamically adapting
the first boundary by resizing the radius of the circle.
15. The method of claim 10 further comprises displaying a quantity
of the entities in the first subset on the map adjacent to the
first boundary.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to visualization of query
results in relation to a map.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Technology for displaying query results on a map is
generally known. For example, various websites enable users to
search for retailers located in an area of interest, such as in a
city or proximate to a specified zip code. Search results are in
turn displayed to the user. The search results will typically
include a listing of the retailers that satisfy the search query
along with a map of the area of interest. For retailers that
satisfy the search query and fall within the boundary of the map,
an indicia for such retailers may be displayed on the map. Due to
space constraints of the display, the entire listing of retailers
is not presented but rather a subset of the retailers is presented
at any given time in the display area. Consequently, the number of
retailers displayed from the listing of retailers does not
correspond to the number of retailers indicated on the map.
[0003] Therefore, it is desirable to develop a more intuitive
manner in which to visualize query results in relation to a map.
This section provides background information related to the present
disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.
SUMMARY
[0004] A method is provided for visualizing query results in
relation to a map. The method includes: specifying a geographic
location of interest around which query results are to be
clustered; querying a data source using a search query;
constraining entities that satisfy the search query to form a
subset of entities having a predefined number of entities that are
geographically proximate to the specified location of interest;
displaying an indicia for each of the entities in the subset of
entities in a content area of a display; displaying a map of a
geographic area on the display, where the geographic area includes
the specified location of interest; and designating a boundary on
the map whereby each of the entities in the subset of entities
reside in the boundary and other entities that satisfy the search
query reside outside the boundary.
[0005] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure,
and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of
its features. Further areas of applicability will become apparent
from the description provided herein. The description and specific
examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration
only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present
disclosure.
DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a system for visualizing query
results in relation to a map;
[0007] FIG. 2 is a flowchart depicting a method for visualizing
query results in relation to a map;
[0008] FIG. 3A is an exemplary display of a query tool illustrating
a boundary on a map encircling the entities shown in the content
area of the display;
[0009] FIG. 3B is another exemplary display for the query tool;
[0010] FIG. 4A is an exemplary display of the query tool
illustrating the user reducing the number of entities shown in the
content area of the display;
[0011] FIG. 4B is an exemplary display of the query tool
illustrating the user increasing the number of entities shown in
the content area of the display;
[0012] FIG. 5A is an exemplary display of the query tool
illustrating the user reducing the area encompassed by the boundary
on the map;
[0013] FIG. 5B is an exemplary display of the query tool
illustrating the user reducing the area encompassed by the boundary
on the map;
[0014] FIGS. 6A-6C are exemplary displays of the query tool
illustrating a scrollable listing of entities that satisfy a search
query;
[0015] FIG. 7 is an exemplary display of the query tool
illustrating the user changing the geographic location of
interest;
[0016] FIG. 8 is an exemplary display of the query tool
illustrating graduated boundaries for the area of interest;
[0017] FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate an alternative embodiment for how the
user could change the geographic location of interest;
[0018] FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate another embodiment for how the
user could change the geographic location of interest;
[0019] FIGS. 11A and 11B depict a coordinated visualization amongst
multiple locations of interest on a display of the query tool;
and
[0020] FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram for an exemplary
embodiment of the query tool.
[0021] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes
only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations,
and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts
throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] With reference to FIG. 1, a system for visualizing query
results in relation to a map is provided and is generally referred
to as system 10. The system 10 is comprised of a query tool 12, a
content database 13, and a map database 14. In an exemplary
embodiment, the query tool 12 is a computer software program (i.e.,
computer executable instructions) executed by a processor of a
computing device 16. The computing device 16 may employ a
conventional computer architecture having a central processing unit
(CPU), a random access memory, and other types of data stores
coupled to a data bus. The computing device may further include one
or more user interface components, such as a display, keyboard or
touchscreen, as well as an input/output (I/O) module to facilitate
communication with external devices via any suitable means such as
wired connection or wireless connection. Computing devices with
other types of components and/or architectures are also
contemplated by this disclosure.
[0023] The query tool 12 may be used to query the content database
13. For example, the user may be searching for retailers located in
a particular geographic area of interest. When formulating criteria
for the query, the user will specify a geographic location of
interest. In an exemplary embodiment, the user may specify a city
and/or a zip code. Alternatively, the user's computing device may
be equipped with a global positioning system (GPS). In this case,
the current global coordinates as reported by the GPS may be used
to form the search criteria. Other types of indicators for the
geographic location of interest are also contemplated. In any case,
the query tool receives an indicator for a geographic location of
interest to use in the search query. It is readily understood that
the indicator for the geographic area of interest may be combined
with other search criteria when forming the search query.
[0024] The query tool will then query the content database 13 using
the search criteria. The content database 13 contains the content
to be searched. In this example, the content database contains a
listing of retailers. Search results will be displayed in relation
to a map as shown in FIG. 3A. An exemplary display 30 is
partitioned into different areas, including a content area 32 and a
map area 34. In the content area, a listing of the content that
satisfies the search query or a subset thereof is displayed. In the
case of a search for retailers, contact information, such as name,
address and phone number, may be presented in the listing for each
of the retailers that satisfy the search query. In the map area, a
map that encompasses the geographic area of interest is
displayed.
[0025] To provide a more intuitive understanding of the correlation
between the content area and the map area, the number of retailers
displayed in the content area 32 at a given time will correspond to
an area designated on the map in the map area 34. The query tool 12
selects a predefined number of content entities to present in the
content area (e.g., 10) although this number may be configurable by
the user. In FIG. 3A, indicia for ten (10) entities are presented
in the content area 32. On the map, a boundary 36 is designated,
such that each of the ten entities reside inside the boundary.
[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, the entities displayed are those
having the closest geographic proximity to the geographic location
of interest. Search results are constrained by the query tool to
form a subset of entities having a predefined number of entities,
where the predefined number of entities corresponds to the number
of entities to be displayed in the content area. For example, the
query tool may order the entities that satisfy the search query in
accordance with geographic proximity to the specified location of
interest (e.g., closest to furthest away) and select the entities
closest to the location of interest to form the subset of entities.
In other words, the query tool selects the ten entities closest to
the specified location of interest. Indicia for each of the
entities in the subset of entities are then displayed in the
content area of the display. Other criterion for forming the subset
of entities is also contemplated by this disclosure.
[0027] Based on the search query, the query tool will also query
the map database to retrieve a map that includes the specified
location of interest. The retrieved map is displayed by the query
tool in the map area. The query tool will further designate a
boundary on the map, whereby each of the entities in the subset of
entities resides in the boundary and other entities that satisfy
the search query reside outside the boundary. Thus, the boundary is
defined to only encompass the entities in the subset. The number of
entities in the subset may also be displayed on the map inside or
adjacent to the boundary. In exemplary embodiment, the boundary may
be further defined as a circle having a center positioned on the
map at or near the geographic location of interest and a
circumference aligned with an entity in the subset that is located
furthest from the geographic location of interest amongst the
entities in the subset. The query tool may optionally display an
indicia on the map at the location where each entity in the subset
resides on the map.
[0028] FIG. 3B illustrates a boundary having an amorphous shape.
For example, the boundary may be defined by taking into account
changes in elevation from the point of interest. Given the
two-dimensional distance to the entity located furthest from the
geographic location of interest, the boundary can be defined using
the elevation change in any given direction from the geographic
location of interest. Thus, a direction having a large amount of
elevation change will have a closer boundary than a direction
having nominal amount of elevation change. In another example, the
boundary may be defined by taking into account the amount of time
is takes to drive from the point of interest. Given the time to
reach the entity located furthest from the geographic location of
interest, remainder of the boundary can be defined at a distance
requiring the amount of drive time. Drive time metrics can be
obtained from various sources as is known in the art. Other shapes
for the boundary as well as other means for computing such shapes
are also contemplated by this disclosure.
[0029] With reference to FIG. 2, this methodology for visualizing
query results as implemented by the query tool is summarized as
follows. First, a geographic location of interest around which
query results are to be clustered is received or otherwise
specified at 21 to the query tool. The geographic location of
interest provides at least a portion of a search query constructed
by the query tool. The query tool will in turn query the content
database or some other data source at 22 using the search query.
Entities satisfying the search query are constrained at 23 to form
a subset of entities having a predefined number of entities that
are geographically proximate to the specified location of interest.
Indicia for each of the entities in the subset of entities are
displayed at 24 in a content area of a display. In addition, a map
is displayed at 25, where the displayed geographic area includes
the specified location of interest. A boundary is designated at 26
on the map whereby each of the entities in the first subset of
entities reside in the boundary and other entities that satisfy the
search query reside outside the boundary. It is to be understood
that only the relevant steps of the methodology are discussed in
relation to FIG. 2, but that other software-implemented
instructions may be needed to control and manage the overall
operation of the system.
[0030] Presented with search results, it may be desirable for the
user to adjust the number of entities presented in the content
area. With reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the query tool may receive
input from the user to decrease or increase the number of entities
presented. In FIG. 4A, the user elects to reduce the number of
entities presented from 10 to 3; whereas, in FIG. 4B, the user
elects to increase the number of entities presented from 10 to 21.
In an exemplary embodiment, the user may adjust the number of
entities with a touch gesture captured by a touchscreen of the
computing device. Alternatively, the user may input a desired
radius (e.g., 20 miles) from the specified location of interest.
The query tool will in turn determine the number of entities that
fall within the desired radius and adjust the display accordingly.
As noted above, the query tool select the entities closest to the
location of interest to form the subset of entities displayed in
the content area. In addition to changing the number of entities
displayed in the content area, the boundary on the map is resized
to illustrate the area that encompasses the entities displayed in
the content area.
[0031] In a similar manner, the query tool may receive input from
the user to decrease or increase the area encompassed by the
boundary on the map as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. In FIG. 5A, the
user elects to decrease the area; whereas, in FIG. 5B, the user
elects to increase the area. In an exemplary embodiment, the user
may adjust the area size with a touch gesture captured by a
touchscreen of the computing device. Alternatively, the user may
input a desired radius (e.g., 20 miles) for the boundary on the
map. In either case, the query tool will in turn determine the
number of entities that fall within the desired area and adjust the
display accordingly. In addition to resizing the boundary on the
map, the number of entities displayed in the content area is
changed to match the number of entities encompassed by the boundary
on the map.
[0032] With reference to FIG. 6A-6C, the entities in the content
area may be presented in a scrollable listing. In this example, the
ten entities closest to the geographic location of interest are
presented in the content area. A boundary encompassing each of the
entities is designated on the map as discussed above in relation to
FIG. 3A. However, the boundary on the map may be modified as the
user scrolls through the listing of entities. For example, upon
scrolling down the listing, the next ten entities (i.e., entities
11-20) closest to the geographic location of interest may be
presented in the content area as shown in FIG. 6B. In one
embodiment, the boundary on the map is resized to encompass the
twenty entities closest to the geographic location of interest (not
shown). The number twenty may be displayed on the map inside or
adjacent to the boundary. In another embodiment, the boundary
encompassing the first ten entities remains on the map but a second
boundary is added to the map as shown in FIG. 6B, where the second
boundary encompasses the first twenty entities. The number ten may
be displayed on the map inside or adjacent to the second boundary
to signify the number of entities encompassed inside the second
boundary but outside of the first boundary.
[0033] Upon further scrolling, the boundaries on the map may be
further modified. For example, the user may scroll down further in
the listing to present the next ten entities (i.e., entities
21-30). In this scenario, a third boundary encompassing the
entirety of the thirty entities may be added to the map as shown in
FIG. 6C. The number ten may be displayed on the map inside or
adjacent to the third boundary to signify the number of entities
encompassed inside the third boundary but outside of the second
boundary. Additionally, the first boundary and/or second may be
removed from the map.
[0034] Presented with search results, it may be desirable for the
user to change the specified geographic location of interest. With
reference to FIG. 7, the query tool may receive input from the user
to change the specified geographic location of interest. In an
exemplary embodiment, the user begins by touching a touchscreen of
the computing device to designate a geographic location of
interest. For example, the user may touch a point in the state of
Washington as indicated at 71 to obtain search results centered
around this location of interest. The query tool will in turn
determine a predefined number of entities (e.g., 10) located
closest to this point of interest and display these entities in the
manner described above in relation to FIG. 3A.
[0035] For comparison purposes, the user may then touch another
point on the map. In this example, the user touches a point in the
state of Oklahoma as indicated at 72. The query tool will determine
the predefined number of entities located closest to this new point
of interest and then display these entities on the display. More
specifically, indicia for the entities closest to the new point of
interest are presented in the content area and a boundary
encompassing these entities is presented on the map. Of note, the
boundary encompassing the entities at the first location is
retained on the map so that user may compare the size of the two
areas. Likewise, the user may identify a third point of interest as
indicated at 73 and the query tool will modify the display
accordingly. To identify points of interest, the user may elect to
slide a finger on the map. In this case, the size of the boundary
could be dynamically adjusted to signify the number of entities at
a given location. Other techniques for inputting geographic
location of interest are also contemplated.
[0036] Rather than illustrate a single boundary for a given
location of interest, it is understood that graduated boundaries
may be presented at each location of interest as shown in FIG. 8.
For example, a first boundary encompassing the first twenty five
entities (i.e., 1-25), a second boundary encompassing the next
twenty five entities (i.e., 26-50), a third boundary encompassing
the next twenty five entities (i.e., 51-75), etc. It is readily
understood that each boundary may encapsulate increments other than
twenty five.
[0037] Another embodiment that enables the user to change the
geographic location of interest is depicted in FIGS. 9A-9C. In the
exemplary embodiment, the user designates a geographic location of
interest by touching the touchscreen. Likewise, the user may touch
a point in the state of Washington as indicated at 91 of FIG. 9A.
The query tool will in turn determine a predefined number of
entities (e.g., 10) located closest to this point of interest and
display these entities. With reference to FIG. 9B, the user may
change the point of interest as indicated at 92. In this
embodiment, the user applies gesture motions to the touchscreen to
move the map while maintaining the position of the circle on the
display. Alternatively, the positioning of the map may be changed
using arrow inputs as indicated at 93. At each given location, the
size of the circle boundary can be dynamically adjusted to signify
the area encompassing the predefined number of entities as seen at
94 in FIG. 9C.
[0038] FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate a related embodiment that
enables the user to change the geographic location of interest. In
this embodiment, user again designates a geographic location of
interest, for example, by touching the touchscreen. For example,
the user may touch a point in the state of Washington as indicated
at 91 of FIG. 10A. The query tool will in turn determine a
predefined number of entities (e.g., 10) located closest to this
point of interest and display these entities. Next, the user
specifies another geographic location of interest. The second
geographic location of interest may be changed by moving the point
of interest (as described in relation to FIG. 7), moving the
position of the map (as described in relation to FIGS. 9A-9C), or
some other means for specifying the location of interest. In any
case, the size of the boundary (i.e., circle) remains the same
between the two points of interest. Rather, the scale of the map
changes between the two views. In this instance, the second
location of interest is more densely populated than the first
location of interest. Thus, the scale of the map decreases so that
the circle encompasses a smaller geographic area as best seen in
FIG. 10B.
[0039] FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate another feature supported by
the query tool. There may be some desire to coordinate
visualization of multiple areas. The user would first specify two
locations of interest, for example, by touching the touchscreen.
For example, the user may be interested in entities located in both
Atlanta and Denver. The query tool will in turn determine a
predefined number of entities (e.g., 50) located closest to each
point of interest and display a corresponding boundary that
encompasses the entities on the map. The display may exclude the
content area 32 as shown or may include a content area for each
area of interest. It is noted that the size of the circles may vary
between the two locations. While only two locations of interest are
described, it is understood that the query tool may support
visualization for three or more locations of interest.
[0040] Presented with two or more areas of interest, the user may
modify one or more area for comparison. In one exemplary
embodiment, the total number of entities encompassed by the two
areas remains fixed (e.g., 100). As the user resizes one of the
areas of interest, the size of the other area of interest is
adjusted accordingly as shown in FIG. 11B. In this example, when
the user decreases the area associated with Denver to include 30
entities, the area associated with Atlanta is increased to
encompass 70 entities, thereby maintaining total number of entities
displayed at one hundred.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 12, the computer programming used to
implement embodiments of the query tool and its method will now be
discussed. Specifically, this figure shows the software components
and manner of programming to effect content searching and
visualization of query results in the manner discussed above. The
software components may be loaded into memory and are then acted
upon by CPU to produce the above-described behaviors. These
components may be incorporated into or associated with the
operating system of the computing device.
[0042] Functional block 100 provides the content searching and
visualization of query results functions. This functional block 100
includes a search user interface 102 that supports interactions
with the user of the system. The search user interface 102 receives
search criteria, including a geographic area of interest, from the
user and performs queries of the content database and the map
database in accordance with the search query. The search user
interface 102 in turn interfaces with a display of the computing
device to output the results of the search query. Other types of
interactions between the user and system are also supported by the
search user interface 102.
[0043] Ongoing user interactions with the display are also handled
by this functional block. When a user interacts with the map, these
interactions are passed on to the on-map operation detecting module
103 for subsequent processing. For example, the changeable area
determining module 104 determines when a user is resizing the
bounded area on the map (as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B). Upon
detecting an area change, the in-area contents situation
determining module 107 can determine the content entities that fall
within the new boundary. In another example, the on-map movable
current position detecting module 105 determines when the user is
changing the specific geographic location of interest (e.g., as
shown in FIG. 7). When the location of interest changes, the
center-based contents search module 106 performs a new query of the
contents database using the new location of interest. Search result
from the center-based contents search module 106 are passed along
to the in-area contents situation determining module 107 whose
function is again to determine content needed for the content area
based on the number of entities presently shown in the content
area. In either example, given the output from the in-area contents
situation determining module 107, the dynamic area visualizing
module 108 adjusts the map displayed in the map area; whereas, the
dynamic contents situation interfacing 110 adjusts the content
displayed in the content area. The on-map operation detecting
module 103 may also handle more conventional map interactions such
as zooming in or out the displayed map.
[0044] When a user interacts with the content area, these
interactions are passed on to the in-view operation detecting
module 112 for subsequent processing. For example, the changeable
content size determining module 114 determines when a user is
adjusting the number of content entities presented in the content
area (as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B). Upon detecting a change, the
displayable contents counting module 116 determines the number of
content entities to present in the content area. In another
example, the scroll position determining module 118 determines when
a user is scrolling through a listing of content entities (as shown
in FIGS. 6A-6C). In either example, the displayable contents
situation determining module 120 determines the content needed to
update the content area. Given the output from the displayable
contents situation determining module 120, the in-view contents
displaying module 122 updates the content area; whereas, the
dynamic contents situation interfacing 110 adjusts the map
accordingly.
[0045] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been
provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not
intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual
elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not
limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are
interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if
not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in
many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure
from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be
included within the scope of the disclosure.
[0046] Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure
will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are
skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as
examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a
thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It
will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details
need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in
many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit
the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments,
well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known
technologies are not described in detail.
[0047] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be
limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the"
may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises,"
"comprising," "including," and "having," are inclusive and
therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps,
operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the
presence or addition of one or more other features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The
method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to
be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the
particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically
identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood
that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
* * * * *