System and method for interacting with virtual maps
First Claim
1. A computerized map display system comprising:
- at least one processor;
at least one display device;
at least one input device; and
at least one memory device which stores a plurality of instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to operate with the at least one display device and the at least one input device to;
generate a map environment, wherein generating the map environment includes;
displaying a map display window, the map display window including a map;
displaying a plurality of different virtual map tools, the plurality of different virtual map tools configured to provide map manipulation functions, wherein each of the plurality of different virtual map tools;
(i) is configured perform a map-related user task,(ii) is displayed as a compact virtual gadget, and(iii) is user-moveable around the map display window, anddisplaying a virtual tool drawer, the virtual tool drawer configured to display a storing of the plurality of different virtual map tools, wherein the virtual tool drawer is positioned along a border of the map display window, wherein the virtual tool drawer includes a tool compartment containing a plurality of tool-shaped slots, and wherein the virtual tool drawer further includes a control panel;
update the map environment based on at least one user input, wherein updating the map environment includes;
(a) storing a user selection of at least one from a plurality of categories, at least one of the plurality of categories including a plurality of subcategories,(b) storing a user selection of at least one of the plurality of subcategories;
(c) receiving a user search string via at least one of the plurality of different virtual map tools;
(d) displaying at least one of the plurality of map elements that satisfies the user search string;
(e) determining at least one category or subcategory that is similar to but does not exactly match the user search string; and
(f) displaying at least one of the plurality of map elements having the determined similar category or subcategory that also satisfies the user search string.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The disclosed system provides a computerized map system with map elements represented by markers. The system arranges map elements by category and subcategory, with each type of marker corresponding to a category. The system may divide the geographic area based on neighborhood and city area. The system also provides the user with controls to search the objects, to display results in layers, to navigate the objects, and to quickly compare information about the objects using standardized positions for similar kinds of information. The system also enables users to memorialize searches and browsing by pinning map objects that the user is interested in. In an embodiment, a number of tiers of advertising are also provided, such that business owners as clients can pay for advertising content and customizability appropriate for their businesses.
95 Citations
19 Claims
-
1. A computerized map display system comprising:
-
at least one processor; at least one display device; at least one input device; and at least one memory device which stores a plurality of instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to operate with the at least one display device and the at least one input device to; generate a map environment, wherein generating the map environment includes; displaying a map display window, the map display window including a map; displaying a plurality of different virtual map tools, the plurality of different virtual map tools configured to provide map manipulation functions, wherein each of the plurality of different virtual map tools; (i) is configured perform a map-related user task, (ii) is displayed as a compact virtual gadget, and (iii) is user-moveable around the map display window, and displaying a virtual tool drawer, the virtual tool drawer configured to display a storing of the plurality of different virtual map tools, wherein the virtual tool drawer is positioned along a border of the map display window, wherein the virtual tool drawer includes a tool compartment containing a plurality of tool-shaped slots, and wherein the virtual tool drawer further includes a control panel; update the map environment based on at least one user input, wherein updating the map environment includes; (a) storing a user selection of at least one from a plurality of categories, at least one of the plurality of categories including a plurality of subcategories, (b) storing a user selection of at least one of the plurality of subcategories; (c) receiving a user search string via at least one of the plurality of different virtual map tools; (d) displaying at least one of the plurality of map elements that satisfies the user search string; (e) determining at least one category or subcategory that is similar to but does not exactly match the user search string; and (f) displaying at least one of the plurality of map elements having the determined similar category or subcategory that also satisfies the user search string. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
-
-
6. A computerized map display system comprising:
-
at least one processor; at least one display device; at least one input device; and at least one memory device storing a plurality of instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to operate with the at least one display device and the at least one input device to; display a map display window, the map display window including a map; display a plurality of different virtual map tools, the plurality of different virtual map tools configured to provide map manipulation functions, wherein each of the plurality of different virtual map tools; (i) is configured perform a map-related user task, (ii) is displayed as a compact-size virtual gadget, and (iii) is moveable around the map display window; and display a virtual tool drawer, the virtual tool drawer configured to display a storing of the plurality of different virtual map tools, wherein the virtual tool drawer is positioned along a border of the map display window, wherein the virtual tool drawer includes a tool compartment containing a plurality of tool-shaped slots, and wherein the virtual tool drawer further includes a control panel that includes; (a) an open/close control, configured to open and close the tool compartment upon user selection thereof, (b) an alignment control, configured to arrange the plurality of different virtual map tools along the border of the map display window upon user selection thereof, and (c) a show/hide control, configured to toggle visibility of any of the plurality of tools on the map display window, upon user selection thereof. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
-
Specification