Visualization of Query Results in Relation to a Map
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.
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The present disclosure relates to visualization of query results in relation to a map.
BACKGROUNDTechnology 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.
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.
SUMMARYA 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.
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.
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 DESCRIPTIONWith reference to
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.
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
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
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.
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.
With reference to
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
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
With reference to
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
Presented with search results, it may be desirable for the user to change the specified geographic location of interest. With reference to
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.
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
Another embodiment that enables the user to change the geographic location of interest is depicted in
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
Referring to
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 22, 2011
Publication Date: Oct 25, 2012
Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION (Osaka)
Inventors: Keiji Icho (Osaka), Yuichi Kobayakawa (Osaka), Ryota Tsukidate (Osaka)
Application Number: 13/092,609
International Classification: G09G 5/00 (20060101); G06F 3/041 (20060101); G06F 17/30 (20060101);