(12)
`
`United States Patent
`Rasmussen
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 7.620,496 B2
`Nov. 17, 2009
`
`USOO7620496 B2
`
`(54) COMBINED MAPSCALE AND MEASURING
`TOOL
`
`(75) Inventor: Jens Eilstrup Rasmussen, San
`Francisco, CA (US)
`r ar.
`(73) Assignee: Google Inc., Mountain View, CA (US)
`(*) Notice:
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 681 days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 11/181,016
`
`ale Cal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
`
`- - w
`
`7/1997 Motamed et al.
`5,646,751 A
`6/1998 Migdalet al.
`5,760,783 A
`9, 1998 DeLorime et al.
`5,802,492 A
`E. al.
`2.93. A ck
`6,002,809 A 12/1999 Feig et al.
`6,031,963 A
`2/2000 Kitamura et al.
`6,054,990 A
`4/2000 Tran
`(Continued)
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`2169421
`11, 1996
`
`CA
`
`7O1, 50
`
`(22) Filed:
`(65)
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`Canadian Office Action, Canadian Patent Application No. 2,560.560,
`Feb. 5, 2008, 3 pages.
`
`(Continued)
`Primary Examiner Richard M. Camby
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm Fenwick & West LLP
`
`Jul. 12, 2005
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2006/0206264 A1
`Sep. 14, 2006
`O
`O
`Related U.S. Application Data
`(63) Continuation-in-part of application No. 11/051,534,
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`filed on Feb. 5, 2005, now Pat. No. 7,158,878.
`(60) Provisional application No. 60 567.946, filed on May A combined map scale and measuring tool can be used in
`3, 2004, provisional application No. 60/555,501, filed
`digital mapping systems. In the scale mode, the scale indi
`on Mar. 23, 2004.
`cates the correct scale, for example, at the center of the map.
`It can be updated with every pan, Zoom or resize operation the
`user performs, and can further update to compensate for map
`(51) Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`GOIC 2L/30
`distortion caused by the map projection. The tool mode is
`(52) U.S. Cl. ................... 701/212: 701/208; 340/995.14
`entered once the user drags one or both of the scale endpoints
`(58) Field of Classification Search ......... 701/200 213;
`onto the map. The distance between two endpoints of the tool
`34O7995.1 995.28
`can be displayed. A new point can be added each time the user
`See application file for complete search history.
`drags a line between existing endpoints of the tool. Info
`References Cited
`windows can be opened that include relevant information
`about the endpoints (e.g., latitude/longitude, geo code), and
`provide option to convert the tool segments to driving direc
`tions. A drag and drop location marker is also provided.
`
`(56)
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`5,051,928 A
`9, 1991 Gruters
`5,559,707 A
`9, 1996 DeLorime et al.
`5,613,051 A
`3, 1997 Iodice et al.
`
`65 Claims, 9 Drawing Sheets
`
`Receive information that influences the scale
`behavior, including information about at least
`one of scale position on the map and zoom level
`50s
`
`Determine the width of one pixel of the map
`51
`
`raw the scale so each unit is a correct number
`of pixels wide, based on scale information (e.g.,
`desired scale units and scale distance)
`sis
`
`draw the scale so each unit is a correct
`distance, based on map projection used and
`scale location on the digital map
`520
`
`Add the scale distance to the scale as text
`525
`
`Allow user to specify units of measure for the scale
`530
`
`Provide the user with information regarding
`measuring tool mode where the scale can be
`used to measure distances on the map
`535
`
`
`
`Petitioner Apple Inc. - Ex. 1025, p. 1
`
`

`

`US 7,620.496 B2
`Page 2
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
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`6,202,026 B1
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`5/2003 Kaasila et al.
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`7/2004 Taoka et al.
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`12/2005 Angelhag
`2005/0286493 A1
`2006, OO17562 A1
`1/2006 Bachelder
`2006,0041375 A1
`2/2006 Witmer et al.
`2006, OO75442 A1
`4/2006 Meadow
`2006/0200383 A1
`9/2006 Arutunian et al.
`2006/0241859 A1
`10, 2006 Kimchi et al.
`11/2006 Rosenberg
`2006/0271286 A1
`1/2007 Snyder
`2007.0011145 A1
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`2007. O1981.82 A1
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`Canadian Office Action, Canadian Patent Application No. 2,560,386,
`Oct. 29, 2007, 3 pages.
`Indian Office Action, Indian Patent Application No. 1237/MUMNP/
`2006, Nov. 13, 2007, 2 pages.
`Indian Office Action, Indian Patent Application No. 1247/MUMNP/
`2006, Nov. 8, 2007, 2 pages.
`PCT International Search Report and Written Opinion, PCT/US05/
`09538, Sep. 20, 2007, 7 pages.
`Cosman, M., “Global Terrain Texture: Lowering the Cost.” Proceed
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`Crawford, C., et al., Fast 3D Visualization of Large Image Datasets in
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`
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`ESRIVideo Clips Demos What is GIS2, ESRIGIS and Mapping
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`Retrieved from the InternetURL:http://gis2.esri.com/esriclips/clip.
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`Gleicher, M. et al., “Through-the-Lens Camera Control.” Proceed
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`Montalbano, E., Microsoft Takes on Google with Virtual Earth, IDG
`News Service, Jul. 25, 2005, online), retrieved on Aug. 1, 2005).
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`MSN Maps & Directions, online), retrieved on Aug. 1, 2005).
`Retrieved from the Internet <URL: http://maps.msn.com/
`(ogXuearj4ya5au55fogcdzbt)/Home.aspx.
`MSNVirtual Earth—Microsoft Internet Explorer, online), retrieved
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`MSN Virtual Earth To Take on Google Earth, online), retrieved on
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`searchenginewatch.com/blog/050523-125208>, pp. 1-4.
`MultiMap.com—Online Maps Everywhere, online), retrieved on
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`CO>.
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`from the Internet <URL:http://worldwind...arc.nasa.gov/>, pp. 1-2.
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`Visualization 97 Conference, Oct. 19-24, 1997, pp. 95-102, Phoe
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`TerraServer-USA, online), retrieved on Aug. 1, 2005). Retrieved
`from the Internet <URL: http://terraserver homeadvisor.msn.com/>.
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`1, 2005). Retrieved from the Internet <URL: http://www.whereis.
`com/whereis/home.jsp>.
`Yahoo! Maps, Driving Directions, and Traffic, online), retrieved on
`Aug. 1, 2005). Retrieved from the Internet <URL: http://maps.yahoo.
`CO>.
`Supplemental European Search Report, European Patent Application
`No. 05726046.5, Nov. 6, 2008, 3 Pages.
`* cited by examiner
`
`Petitioner Apple Inc. - Ex. 1025, p. 2
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 17, 2009
`Nov. 17, 2009
`
`Sheet 1 of 9
`Sheet 1 of 9
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`US 7.620.496 B2
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`Petitioner Apple Inc. - Ex. 1025, p. 3
`
`Petitioner Apple Inc. - Ex. 1025, p. 3
`
`
`
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`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 17, 2009
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`Sheet 2 of 9
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`US 7.620.496 B2
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`Petitioner Apple Inc. - Ex. 1025, p. 4
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
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`Nov. 17, 2009
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`Sheet 3 of 9
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`Petitioner Apple Inc. - Ex. 1025, p. 5
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 17, 2009
`Nov. 17, 2009
`
`Sheet 4 of 9
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`Petitioner Apple Inc. - Ex. 1025, p. 6
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
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`Nov. 17, 2009
`
`Sheet 5 of 9
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`US 7.620.496 B2
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`Petitioner Apple Inc. - Ex. 1025, p. 7
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 17, 2009
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`US 7.620,496 B2
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`Petitioner Apple Inc. - Ex. 1025, p. 8
`
`Petitioner Apple Inc. - Ex. 1025, p. 8
`
`
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`US 7.620.496 B2
`
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`Petitioner Apple Inc. - Ex. 1025, p. 9
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 17, 2009
`
`Sheet 8 of 9
`
`US 7.620.496 B2
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`GStart)
`Receive information that influences the scale
`behavior, including information about at least
`one of Scale position on the map and zoom level
`505
`
`Determine the width of one pixel of the map
`510
`
`Draw the Scale So each unit is a correct number
`of pixels wide, based on Scale information (e.g.,
`desired Scale units and Scale distance)
`515
`
`Draw the scale so each unit is a Correct
`distance, based on map projection used and
`scale location on the digital map
`52O
`
`
`
`Add the scale distance to the Scale as text
`525
`
`Allow user to specify units of measure for the Scale
`530
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Provide the user with information regarding
`measuring tool mode where the scale can be
`used to measure distances on the map
`535
`
`Fig. 5
`
`Petitioner Apple Inc. - Ex. 1025, p. 10
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 17, 2009
`
`Sheet 9 of 9
`
`US 7.620.496 B2
`
`GStart)
`In response to the scale being moved
`on the digital map, switch from a scale
`mode to a measuring tool mode
`605
`
`
`
`Change graphical look of the scale to
`indicate measuring tool mode is active
`610
`
`Draw scale to reflect its movement as endpoints
`are moved to locations on the digital map
`615
`
`Draw an additional endpoint each time user
`drags line between two endpoints to a location
`on the map, thereby providing multisegment line
`620
`
`Display distance between locations marked by
`endpoints of scale, the distance in units of scale
`625
`
`Allow user to request driving directions for travel
`between locations marked by endpoints of scale
`630
`
`Provide the driving directions
`635
`
`In response to a user Selecting scale, show user
`information about points marked by scale
`640
`
`
`
`
`
`Petitioner Apple Inc. - Ex. 1025, p. 11
`
`

`

`1.
`COMBINED MAP SCALE AND MEASURING
`TOOL
`
`US 7,620,496 B2
`
`RELATED APPLICATIONS
`
`This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. applica
`tion Ser. No. 117051,534, filed Feb. 5, 2005 now U.S. Pat. No.
`7,158,878, titled “A Digital Mapping System”, which claims
`the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 60/567,946,
`filed May 3, 2004, and 60/555,501, filed Mar. 23, 2004. In
`addition, this application is related to U.S. application Ser.
`No. 11/088,542, filed Mar. 23, 2005, titled “Generating and
`Serving Tiles in a Digital Mapping System’. Each of these
`applications is hereinincorporated in its entirety by reference.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`The invention relates to digital mapping systems, and more
`particularly, to techniques that provide more accurate and
`useful map scales.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`Computerized mapping systems have been developed to
`search for, identify, and discover information about geo
`graphic locations. One form of Such computerized mapping
`systems includes travel-planning Internet websites. With an
`excess of 50 million unique monthly users, such map sites are
`a very popular offering. Examples of Such sites include
`AOL's MapQuest, Yahoo’s Telcontar-based maps, and
`Microsoft's Mappoint.net suite. Such sites all work along the
`lines of a common model, as will now be described.
`Whena Web user asks for a new map view (e.g., by entering
`a postal address, or by clicking a navigation link next to a
`current map view), the user's Web browser sends to a Web
`server a request indicating the boundaries of the new map
`view. The Web server in turn extracts the corresponding vec
`tor-based map data from a database, and draws a bitmap
`image of the map. The server then converts the bitmap to an
`image format supported by the user's Web browser and
`returns the image, sometimes embedded in HTML, to the
`user's Web browser so that it can be displayed. Other map
`Web sites, such as Britain's MultiMaps or Australia's Wher
`els utilize a raster-based map database instead. In these cases,
`45
`it is not necessary to extract vectors and draw a map image.
`Rather, these functions are replaced by simply extracting the
`appropriate part of a larger, pre-rendered image.
`Whether vector-based or raster-based, such existing map
`systems typically have a scale either on or next to the map
`image. A map scale generally indicates the relationship
`between a certain distance on the map and the corresponding
`distance on the ground, and can be used to help the user of the
`map approximate actual distances covered by the map. The
`scale is normally generated on the server side, and is embed
`ded in the map image served to the client. In this way, the scale
`is updated when a new map image is loaded.
`A scale is typically provided in one of two ways: a written
`scale or a graphic scale. A written scale gives a description of
`scale in words (e.g., "one inch equals one mile”). Note that
`such a scale would be ineffective, however, if the map is
`Zoomed or otherwise reproduced at a size different than the
`original map size to which the written scale was directed.
`Thus, if a user attempts to measure an inch on a modified
`version of the map, incorrect distance information will be
`obtained. Moreover, users are required to provide their own
`device for measuring distances on the map.
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`2
`A graphic scale generally solves some of the problems
`associated with written scales. A graphical scale is usually
`depicted as a horizontal line and a corresponding distance
`(e.g., miles, yards, feet) which that line represents on the map.
`The corresponding distance can be placed in the middle of the
`line, or at the end of the line. Some maps provide multiple
`lines to provide scales in more than one unit of distance. Such
`as one line for miles and another line for kilometers. However,
`Such conventional graphic map scales are also associated with
`a number of problems.
`For instance, some graphical scales are not always updated
`with panning and Zoom or resize operations performed by the
`user. This is of particular concern when the scale image is
`separate from the map image. Moreover, note that at various
`Zoomed out levels, the scale ratio of the top portion of the
`shown map can be different than the scale ratio of the bottom
`portion of the shown map, depending on the map projection
`used. In addition, conventional graphical scales require a user
`to provide his/her own device for measuring distances on the
`map, and relating that device to the distances shown on the
`graphical scale.
`What is needed, therefore, are digital mapping techniques
`that provide more accurate and useful map scales.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`One embodiment of the present invention provides a com
`puter implemented method for adjusting and using a graphi
`cal map scale of a digital map provided by a digital mapping
`system. In response to the digital map being moved or
`Zoomed, the method includes updating the scale as necessary.
`In response to the scale being moved on the digital map, the
`method includes Switching from a scale mode to a measuring
`tool mode. The method may further include the preliminary
`step of receiving information that influences the scale behav
`ior, including information about at least one of scale position
`on the map and Zoom level. The information that influences
`the scale behavior may identify a map projection used in
`making the digital map. The information that influences the
`scale behavior may include information about user prefer
`ences, including at least one of desired scale units and desired
`scale distance. Updating the scale as necessary may include
`drawing the scale so each unit is a correct number of pixels
`wide (e.g., based on scale units and Scale distance), and add
`ing the scale distance to the scale as text. Updating the scale
`as necessary may include drawing the scale so each unit is a
`correct distance (e.g., based on map projection used and scale
`location on the digital map), and adding the distance to the
`scale as text. Switching from Scale mode to measuring tool
`mode may include, for example, changing a graphical look of
`the scale to indicate measuring tool mode is active. The digital
`mapping system may include, for instance, a client side that
`requests map data from a server side, and the method is
`carried out on the client side.
`In the scale mode, the method may include generating a
`tool tip in response to a user moving a cursor over the scale,
`thereby communicating availability of the measuring tool
`mode. In Scale mode, the method may include at least one of
`opening an information window in response to a user select
`ing the scale, thereby allowing the user to specify units of
`measure for the scale, and opening an information window in
`response to a user selecting the scale, thereby showing the
`user information describing how to use the scale as a measur
`ing tool to measure distances on the map. In the measuring
`tool mode, the method may include indicating a home posi
`tion for the scale on or proximate the digital map. In response
`to a user selecting the home position, the method may further
`
`Petitioner Apple Inc. - Ex. 1025, p. 12
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`3
`include returning from measuring tool mode to scale mode,
`and returning the scale to the home position. In the measuring
`tool mode, the method may include displaying a distance
`between locations marked by endpoints of the scale, the dis
`tance in units of the scale. In measuring tool mode, the
`method may include opening an information window in
`response to a user selecting the scale, thereby allowing the
`user to request driving directions for travel between locations
`marked by endpoints of the scale. The method may further
`include providing the driving directions. In measuring tool
`mode, the method may include opening an information win
`dow in response to a user selecting the scale, thereby showing
`the user information about points marked by the scale (such as
`latitude/longitude, geocode).
`Another embodiment of the present invention provides a
`computer implemented method for adjusting and using a
`graphical map scale of a digital map provided by a digital
`mapping system. In response to the scale being moved on the
`digital map, this embodiment includes switching from a scale
`mode to a measuring tool mode, and displaying a distance
`between locations marked by endpoints of the scale, the dis
`tance in units of the scale. Switching from scale mode to
`measuring tool mode may include changing a graphical look
`of the scale to indicate measuring tool mode is active. The
`Scale includes, for example, a line between two endpoints,
`and in measuring tool mode, the method includes drawing the
`scale to reflect its movement as the endpoints are moved to
`locations on the digital map. In one such case, drawing the
`Scale to reflect its movement includes changing a graphical
`look of at least one of the endpoints of the scale to indicate its
`movement, and changing the graphical look of the at least one
`endpoint to indicate it has been released from movement. In
`another case where the scale includes a line between two
`endpoints, and in measuring tool mode, the method includes
`drawing an additional endpoint each time a user drags the line
`between two endpoints to a location on the map, thereby
`providing a multisegment line. In such a case, the method
`may include converting the multisegment line into at least one
`of written and graphical driving directions.
`Another embodiment of the present invention provides a
`computer implemented method for adjusting and using a
`graphical map scale of a digital map provided by a digital
`mapping system. In response to the scale being moved on the
`digital map, this embodiment includes switching from a scale
`mode to a measuring tool mode, and drawing the scale to
`reflect its movement on the digital map, the scale including a
`line between two endpoints. The method further includes
`changing the graphical look of the scale to indicate it is no
`longer moving, and displaying a distance between locations
`marked by the endpoints of the scale, the distance in units of
`50
`the scale. In measuring tool mode, the method may include
`opening an information window in response to a user select
`ing the scale, thereby allowing the user to request driving
`directions for travel between locations marked by endpoints
`of the scale. The method may further include providing the
`driving directions. In the measuring tool mode, the method
`may include drawing an additional endpoint each time a user
`drags the line between two endpoints to a location on the map.
`thereby providing a multisegment line. This multisegment
`line can, for example, trace a desired route. The method may
`further include opening an information window in response to
`a user selecting the scale, thereby showing the user informa
`tion about points marked by the scale.
`The features and advantages described herein are not all
`inclusive and, in particular, many additional features and
`advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art
`in view of the figures and description. Moreover, it should be
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`noted that the language used in the specification has been
`principally selected for readability and instructional pur
`poses, and not to limit the scope of the inventive subject
`matter.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIGS. 1a and 1b illustrate a combined scale and measuring
`tool that is currently in scale mode, in accordance with one
`embodiment of the present invention.
`FIG. 2 illustrates a combined scale and measuring tool that
`is currently in tool mode and measuring the distance between
`two user selected points, in accordance with one embodiment
`of the present invention.
`FIGS. 3a through 3c illustrate a combined scale and mea
`Suring tool that is currently in tool mode and measuring the
`distance between three user selected points, in accordance
`with one embodiment of the present invention.
`FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a digital mapping system that
`employs a combined scale and measuring tool, in accordance
`with one embodiment of the present invention.
`FIG. 5 illustrates a method for dynamically updating, in
`response to map changes, a combined scale and measuring
`tool operating in scale mode, in accordance with one embodi
`ment of the present invention.
`FIG. 6 illustrates a method for dynamically updating, in
`response to user input, a combined scale and measuring tool
`operating in tool mode, in accordance with one embodiment
`of the present invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`
`A combined map scale and measuring tool is disclosed
`herein that can be used in a digital mapping system. To pro
`vide added functionality to the scale without incurring unde
`sirable processing delay, the scale is drawn on the client side.
`Thus, it can be quickly updated with every pan, Zoom or resize
`operation the user performs. The user can also manipulate the
`Scale to, for example, set its units and use it as a distance
`measuring tool. However, it is possible that the same func
`tionality could be provided from the server side, but with
`processing delay.
`Overview
`The combined map scale and measuring tool has two gen
`eral modes of operation: scale mode and tool mode: In the
`scale mode, the scale indicates the correct scale, for instance,
`at the center of the map, or at the position on the map that the
`Scale occupies. In more detail, the scale varies at different
`points on the map view, depending on the map projection
`used. Thus, a tool tip can be used to indicate where the scale
`shown is valid (e.g., “Scale at center of map). The user can
`determine where the scale is valid, if so desired (e.g., using a
`'set scale' configuration parameter). In any case, the scale is
`updated with every pan, Zoom or resize operation the user
`performs. At Zoomed out levels (e.g., showing map image of
`North America), the scale of the top and bottom of the shown
`map can vary greatly (depending on the map projection used)
`and is adjusted accordingly. The scale can be drawn, for
`example, as a line with one or more segments of different
`color, with text indicating the length of each segment, be it 1
`mile, 100 feet or any other measure of distance. The scale can
`be configurable as well. For instance, if the user clicks on or
`otherwise selects the scale, a dialog box appears that allows
`the user to specify the desired scale units.
`In addition, an element (e.g. colored circle) is added to each
`end of the line making up the scale. A tool tip can be used to
`show the user that these endpoints are dragable, and that the
`
`Petitioner Apple Inc. - Ex. 1025, p. 13
`
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`US 7,620,496 B2
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`5
`scale can be used as a measuring tool. The tool mode is
`entered once the user drags one of the scale endpoints. In one
`particular embodiment, once the user drags the endpoints, the
`look of the endpoints can be converted, for instance, to have
`the look of location markers (e.g., such as those shown in the
`previously incorporated U.S. application Ser. No. 11/051,
`534). The line between the two endpoints of the measuring
`tool can be drawn at the client to look similar to the scale
`segments shown when in scale mode, if so desired. Alterna
`tively, the line between the tool endpoints can be just a plain
`line.
`The distance on the map between the two endpoints of the
`tool can be displayed (e.g., in a dialog box near one of the
`markers or in the middle of the line). The user can drag each
`endpoint repeatedly, to take multiple measurements between
`positions on the map. When the user clicks one of the tool
`endpoints, an info window can be opened that includes rel
`evant information about the point (e.g., latitude/longitude,
`geo code) and distance information, as well as a link or button
`that allows the user to convert the straight line to driving
`directions. When the user select this option, driving directions
`are generated between the two endpoints. The directions can
`be shown, for example, instead of the measuring line.
`When the combined scale and measuring tool is in tool
`mode, a default or home position of the scale (e.g., lower left
`corner of map) can be marked, for instance, using a dark or
`shaded outline. If the user clicks this outline, then the
`deployed measuring tool is returned to its home position and
`Switched back to Scale mode (including the associated look of
`the scale). This Switch from tool mode to scale mode can also
`be done, for instance, if the user navigates too far from the
`location of the measuring tool, or after a preset time.
`If the user drags a point on the line between the endpoints
`of the measuring tool (instead of the endpoints), then a new
`point can be added. For instance, assume the measuring tool
`currently has one straight line between two endpoints. If the
`user drags a point on the line between the endpoints, then a
`new point is added and the measuring tool now shows three
`points, and the two lines between them. An info window (or
`windows) can be used to show all distances. A new point can
`be added each time the user drags a point on the line instead
`of an endpoint of the tool. The user can then convert these
`multi-segment lines into driving directions, with directions
`through all the points. If the user drags an endpoint of the tool
`on top of an existing location marker, then that location
`marker can be highlighted (e.g., color change) to indicate that
`the tool endpoint is actually co-located with the location
`marker, without having to actually cover the marker with the
`endpoint. For instance, if an adjacent location marker is
`green, then the nearby tool endpoint is actually at the location
`marker position.
`Scale Mode
`FIGS. 1a and 1b illustrate a combined scale and measuring
`tool configured in accordance with one embodiment of the
`present invention. As can be seen, a user has accessed a
`remote server of a digital mapping system through use of a
`browser, and requested a digital map for a specific address by
`typing that address into the location request entry field 120,
`and then clicking search. The requested map is displayed in
`the user's browser, and has a number of digital map features,
`including directional map control objects 115, Zoom control
`objects 110, a location marker 125 (to highlight the requested
`address), and a combined map scale and measuring tool 105
`(which is currently in Scale mode).
`Functionality and implementation details associated with
`the combined map scale and measuring tool 105 are discussed
`herein. Other features and functionality of the map, such as
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`the Zoom control objects 110, directional map control objects
`115, location request entry field 120, location marker 125
`(and associated information windows), high resolution print
`ing, and the satellite imagery option are discussed in detail in
`the previously incorporated U.S. appli