Methods and systems for decluttering icons representing points of interest on a map

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

p-0002This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/978,102, filed Oct. 5, 2007, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference to its entirety.

BACKGROUND

p-00031. Technical Field

p-0004The present invention generally relates to electronic displays and to techniques for graphically representing information on a display. More particularly, and without limitation, the invention relates to methods and systems for decluttering icons representing, for example, points-of-interest on a map, graphically presented on a display.

p-00052. Background Information

p-0006We live today in an information rich society. Information is conveyed to users in various formats and through different mediums. By way of example, electronic displays are a common way to convey information to users. Such displays are provided as part of many commercially available devices, such as personal computers, mobile telephones, personal digital assistants, portable navigation devices, and digital media players.

p-0007With electrical displays, information is typically conveyed using text and/or graphics. When provided in combination, the text may compliment the graphics, or vice versa. In addition, with certain devices, the text and/or graphics generated on an electrical display may be supplemented with audio signals (e.g., instructions, commands, and/or statements). In such cases, information is conveyed to a user both visually and audibly.

p-0008The scope of information that can be conveyed using an electronic display is limitless. Today, many electronic displays have move beyond displaying simple text information to rendering more complex displays, integrating both text and graphics. These complex displays provide a versatile and efficient way to convey information, enabling users to search web sites, as well as receive navigational and/or other information via map displays.

p-0009Map displays often convey information concerning roads, walkways, buildings, etc. related to a geographic location. Map displays can also include interactive features that allow users to, for example, zoom, pan, select, and/or search displayed information. In addition, some map displays allow users to select or control the level of information that is conveyed through the display. For example, a user may be permitted to turn on or off the display of certain information, such as street names or a point of interest (POI).

p-0010With a map display, the location of a POI may be conveyed to a user through a graphical object, such as an icon. A POI may be a specific location or attraction that may be useful or interesting to an individual or a group of individuals. By way of example, POIs on a map display might relate to gas stations, hotels, museums, or historical sites in a specific geographic area. A POI may also correspond to movie theatres showing a particular film, or restaurants that serve a specific type of food, such as pizza. Typically, with electronic displays providing POIs, the system or source providing the POI information decides how and where icons or other graphical objects are placed on a map display. In other words, a user has little control over repositioning POI icons and typically can not alter the display of such information, other than possibly turning the display of POI icons on and off.

p-0011Examples of devices that provide graphical map displays with POI information include portable navigational devices, mobile phones, and personal digital assistants. There are many drawbacks to such devices when displaying POI icons or similar information on a map display. For example, such conventional devices often have a limited display area, making it difficult to convey POI information along with other information to a user. Many times, a map with icons representing POIs may be cluttered and not easily interpreted when viewed by a user. Further, icons on a map display may overlap each other, making it impossible for the user to distinguish or identify a desired icon. As a result, these and other drawbacks may hinder a user's ability to access needed information. Furthermore, as noted above, conventional devices do not allow a user to reposition icons or isolate certain POIs, thus compounding the problem and restricting the user's ability to easily obtain desired information.

p-0012In view of the foregoing, there is a need for improved systems and methods for graphically displaying icons on a map. Preferably, such systems and methods should include the ability to declutter and/or reposition icons, so as to overcome the drawbacks with conventional displays. For example, there is need for systems and methods that declutter icons so that POI and other information may be more effectively conveyed to a user. There is also a need for systems and methods that allow users to change how icons are presented on a map display.

SUMMARY

p-0013Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods for decluttering icons representing, for example, points-of-interest on a map graphically presented on a display. As further disclosed herein, embodiments of the invention may overcome one or more of the disadvantages associated with conventional devices, including with respect to icon cluttering and overlap on map displays.

p-0014According to one embodiment, there is provided a method for decluttering icons representing points-of-interest on a map graphically presented on a display. The method may include determining whether icons in a map view are overlapping and grouping the icons which are determined to overlap into at least one icon group. The method may also include repositioning the icons in each icon group into a decluttered icon pattern, wherein the repositioning includes repositioning the icons at a minimum distance from a common focal point.

p-0015In accordance with one aspect, the method may also include adjusting the repositioned icons to a different position in the map view when the repositioned icons overlap. Additionally, or alternatively, the method may include repositioning an icon in at least one decluttered icon pattern to a new position in the map view based on input from a user.

p-0016Consistent with embodiments of the present invention, there is also provided a method for arranging decluttered icons on a map display. Each of the icons may include a leader line extending between the icon and a position on the map. The method may include receiving input from a user to reposition at least one decluttered icon to a new position on the map. In addition, the method may include repositioning the decluttered icon to a new position on the map, while hiding a leader line to the at least one decluttered icon. The method may further include redrawing the leader line to the repositioned icon after the at least one decluttered icon is repositioned to the new position.

p-0017According to another embodiment, a method is provided for decluttering icons on a map graphically presented on display, the icons representing points-of-interest on the map. The method may include determining whether the icons overlap in a map view and grouping the icons which are determined to overlap into at least one icon group. The method may also include repositioning the icons in each icon group in the map view, wherein the repositioning comprises stacking the icons in each icon group into an icon stack. Each icon stack may have a predetermined height and width.

p-0018In accordance with an aspect of the method, the method may further include providing, when a user rolls over a stacked icon, a secondary icon in the map view to indicate the original position of the icon. Additionally, the method may include adjusting icon stacks to a different position in the map view when the icon stacks overlap. The method may also include repositioning an icon stack to a new position in the map view based on input from a user.

p-0019Consistent with embodiments of the present invention, there is also provided a system for decluttering icons on a map graphically presented on a display, the icons representing, for example, points-of-interest on the map. The system may include means for determining whether the icons overlap in a map view and means for grouping the icons which are determined to overlap into at least one icon group. In addition, the system may include means for repositioning the icons in each icon group into a decluttered icon pattern, such that the icons are repositioned at a minimum distance from a common focal point.

p-0020Consistent with an aspect of the invention, the system may also include means for adjusting the repositioned icons to a different position in the map view when the repositioned icons overlap. Additionally, or alternatively, the system may include means for repositioning an icon in at least one decluttered icon pattern to a new position in the map view based on input from a user.

p-0021Embodiments of the present invention also relate to instructions created, stored, accessed, or modified by processors using computer-readable storage media and/or computer-readable memory.

p-0022It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention. Further embodiments and aspects of the invention are described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification.

p-0023These and other embodiments are further explained below with respect to the following figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

p-0024The following figures are described in the detailed description below:

p-0025<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a diagram illustrating components of an exemplary system environment for implementing embodiments of the present invention;

p-0026<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a flowchart of an exemplary method for decluftering icons on a map graphically presented on a display, consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention;

p-0027<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a flowchart of an exemplary method for arranging decluttered icons on a map graphically presented on a display, consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention;

p-0028<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a flowchart of an exemplary method for arranging decluttered icons on a map graphically presented on a display, each of the icons including a leader line that extends between the icon and a position on the map, consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention;

p-0029<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a diagram illustrating an example of cluttered icons on a map graphically presented on a display;

p-0030<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a diagram illustrating an example of decluttered icons on a map graphically presented on a display, consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention;

p-0031<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a diagram illustrating an example of decluttered icons on a map after repositioning an icon to a new position on the map based on input from a user, consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention;

p-0032<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a diagram illustrating another exemplary map view in which the appearance of the icons in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> have been customized based on a user's input, consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention;

p-0033<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a diagram illustrating, by way of example, the decluttered icons of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> from a zoomed-out scale, consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention; and

p-0034<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a diagram illustrating another example of decluttered icons on a map, consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

p-0035Reference will now be made in detail to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

p-0036<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is an exemplary system environment for implementing embodiments of the present invention. In the exemplary system <b>100</b> of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, client <b>120</b> may display icons representing, for example, points-of-interest on a map graphically presented on a display (not shown). Client <b>120</b> may receive point of interest information and, more specifically, map data from server <b>110</b>. However, as will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art, the sending device is not limited to a server, and the receiving device is not limited to a client. For example, peer-to-peer and other relationships may be implemented.

p-0037With respect to client <b>120</b> and server <b>110</b>, the receiving and sending devices may be any type of electronic device or component. By way of non-limiting examples, the receiving device (client <b>120</b>) may comprise a personal computer, a personal digital assistant, a portable navigation device, or a mobile phone. The sending device (server <b>110</b>) may comprise a server or a collection of servers, alone or in combination with other components such as a global positioning system (GPS). Further, as will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art, the arrangement in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is exemplary and any type and/or number of sending and receiving devices may be utilized to implement embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, devices other than server <b>110</b> and client <b>120</b> may be implemented and the functions provided by one or more devices of system <b>100</b> may be combined. For example, the functionality of any one or more devices of system <b>100</b> may be implemented by any appropriate computing platform or environment.

p-0038As shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, server <b>110</b> and client <b>120</b> may be connected to and communicate data via a network <b>130</b>. Network <b>130</b> provides communications between the various devices in system <b>100</b>, such as server <b>110</b> and client <b>120</b>. In addition, server <b>110</b> may access legacy systems (not shown) via network <b>130</b>, or may directly access legacy systems, databases, or other network applications. Network <b>130</b> may be a shared, public, or private network, may encompass a wide area or local area, and may be implemented through any suitable combination of wired and/or wireless communication networks. Furthermore, network <b>130</b> may comprise a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), an intranet, or the Internet.

p-0039In accordance with certain embodiments, server <b>110</b> comprises a computer (e.g., a personal computer, network computer, server, or mainframe computer) having one or more processors (not shown) that may be selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program. Furthermore, server <b>110</b> may distribute data for parallel processing by one or more additional servers (not shown). Server <b>110</b> may also be implemented in a distributed network. Alternatively, server <b>110</b> may be specially constructed for carrying-out methods consistent with the embodiments disclosed herein.

p-0040As shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, server <b>110</b> may include a memory <b>112</b>. Memory <b>112</b> may store, for example, map data and points of interest data. Memory <b>112</b> may also store software or components comprising programmed instructions for implementing embodiments consistent with the present invention. Memory <b>112</b> may be implemented using conventional hardware such as, for example, one or more of RAM, ROM, magnetic storage, or optical storage.

p-0041Client <b>120</b> may include a memory <b>122</b> for storing program modules that, when executed by a processor (not shown), perform one or more processes such as one or more processes that declutter and/or reposition icons representing points of interest on a map. Memory <b>122</b> may comprise one or more memory devices that store data as well as software and may also comprise, for example, one or more of RAM, ROM, magnetic storage, or optical storage.

p-0042The program modules stored in memory <b>122</b> may be implemented using any form of programming instructions for execution by a processor (not shown). For example, the program modules may be implemented using applets, plug-ins, and/or any other form of software components. In embodiments where server <b>110</b> performs processes for icon decluttering and repositioning, program modules and/or other software components may be stored in memory <b>112</b>.

p-0043<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a flowchart <b>200</b> of an exemplary method for decluttering icons on a map graphically presented on a display, consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention. By way of example, the exemplary method of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> may be implemented with client <b>120</b>. In one embodiment, the method described in connection with <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is implemented by, for example, program modules or instructions stored in memory <b>122</b> of client <b>120</b>. Client <b>120</b> may declufter and reposition icons using data provided from server <b>110</b>. In other embodiments, server <b>110</b> performs the exemplary method of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> by communicating data and sending instructions to client <b>120</b> (i.e., to declutter or adjust icons graphically presented on a display, to receive user input, etc.). As will be appreciated, the method of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> may be adapted for any type of electronic displays, and is not limited to map displays. For instance, other types displays which may make use of embodiments of the invention include schematic diagrams, photographs, blueprints, and scale diagrams.

p-0044At step <b>202</b> in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, client <b>120</b> may determine whether icons presented in a map view overlap. A map view is a portion of the map that is to be graphically presented to a user via a display (i.e., the portion of the map that is displayed and viewable to the user). Icons may be determined to overlap when a graphical representation of an icon in a map view is at least partly covering the graphical representation of at least one other icon in the map view. In one embodiment, client <b>120</b> analyzes map and icon data from server <b>110</b> to identify all icons that overlap in the map view. By way of example, <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> illustrates a map view with an exemplary set of icons. The icons may represent points-of-interest or other information to be conveyed to the user. As is evident from the drawing, certain icons overlap in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> due to their proximity to one another on the displayed map.

p-0045Next, in step <b>204</b>, the client <b>120</b> groups icons which are determined to overlap with one another into icon groups. Each group of icons may be created whenever two or more icons overlap in a map view. For any given map view, there may be one or more icon groups, depending on the number and arrangement of icons. In accordance with one embodiment, each icon group includes a set of icons wherein each icon overlaps with at least one other icon in the set of icons.

p-0046In step <b>206</b>, client <b>120</b> may reposition the icons in each icon group into a decluttered icon pattern. The decluttered icon pattern may be any predetermined pattern for decluttering icons. In accordance with one embodiment, the decluttered icon pattern is a pattern that repositions the icons at a predetermined distance from a common focal point. The predetermined distance may be equal to a minimum distance required to place the icons in the icon group in a non-overlapping pattern (e.g., an arc, a circle, etc.) with a common focal point. The common focal point of an icon group may be calculated by client <b>120</b> by determining the centroid of a bounding box of the icons in the icon group. The bounding box may define a minimal rectangular domain including all the icons. The distance for the icons to be placed from the common focal point may then be determined by calculating the minimum distance required to place the icons at a equal distance from the focal point without overlapping. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the focal point of an icon group may be determined by calculating an average of the latitudinal and longitudinal values of all the icons in an icon group.

p-0047The exemplary method of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> may end at step <b>206</b>, with the icons in each icon group being repositioned into a decluttered pattern. If the repositioned icons overlap with any icon in the map view, then client <b>120</b> may adjust the repositioned icons to a different position in the map view (see step <b>208</b>, described below). As discussed below, this may cause the icon decluttering to be performed in an iterative manner. In addition, or alternatively, client <b>120</b> may reposition one or more icons (including icons in a decluttered pattern) to a different position in the map view based on input from a user (see step <b>210</b>, described below).

p-0048Consistent with certain embodiments of the invention, client <b>120</b> may perform the icon decluttering in an iterative manner. In such a case, client <b>120</b> may perform several icon decluttering loops. In an exemplary embodiment, client <b>120</b> may perform a maximum number of icon decluttering loops (e.g., up to three decluttering loops). Client <b>120</b> may perform each icon decluttering loop on all icon groups contained in a map view.

p-0049For purposes of illustration, exemplary embodiments will be described for performing several decluttering loops. In the first loop, client <b>120</b> may calculate an angle theta and a line length factor. In accordance with an embodiment, the angle theta may be the angle of spacing between leader lines. The angle theta may be determined based on the number of icons to be decluttered. For example, the value of angle theta, in degrees, may be determined by the following formula:

p-0050<br />theta=360/(number of icons in icon group)

p-0051The distance between the repositioned icon and the focal point of the icon group may be defined as the line length factor. The line length factor is a default line length. Client <b>120</b> may calculate the line length factor by using the calculated value of theta. Theta and the line length factor may be inversely proportional. In an exemplary embodiment, client <b>120</b> may optimize the decluttering by using the following formula:

p-0052<br />theta*line length factor=1350

p-0053The above formula may be used when the icon size is 20×19 pixels. The value of 1350 pixels may be adjusted according to the icon size. In cases where all of the icons in a map view are in a single icon group, client <b>120</b> may declutter them using a predetermined pattern, such as an arc or a circle. An example of a single icon group placed in a decluttered, circle pattern is illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>.

p-0054In an exemplary embodiment, client <b>120</b> may position icons in terms of polar coordinates. Polar coordinate define a radius r and an angle theta. In an embodiment consistent with the invention, the center of the polar coordinates may be the focal point of the icon group. The client may then place the decluttered icons at a point (r, theta) from the focal point of the icon group.

p-0055In an exemplary embodiment containing a group of n icons, the first icon may be placed at an angle of 135 degrees and a radial distance of the line length factor from the focal point. The next icon may be placed at an angular distance of 135−theta degrees a radial distance of the line length factor from the focal point. Client <b>120</b> may continue placing the icons in this manner at a distance of the line length factor from the focal point with an angular separation of theta.

p-0056In certain embodiments consistent with the present invention, client <b>120</b> may reposition decluttered icons in such a way that prevents overlap with any non-decluttered icons located in the vicinity of an icon group. In such embodiments, when the calculated position for an icon is overlapping with a non-decluttered icon in the vicinity of the icon group, the calculated position may be skipped by client <b>120</b>. The icon may instead be placed at the next available position.

p-0057Consistent with certain embodiments of the invention, client <b>120</b> may generate a leader line that is graphically presented as a line drawn from the original icon position to the decluttered icon position in the map view. The leader line may be used to indicate the original position of the icon or underlying information (such as a POI) in relation to the repositioned icon. When all of the icons in the icon group have been repositioned to polar coordinates, client <b>120</b> may reposition the icons to the edge of a corresponding leader line. The repositioning of an icon to the edge of a corresponding leader line may dependent upon the shape of the graphical object representing the icon. Icon shapes may include, for example, circles, square, diamonds, stars, or callout balloons. In the example of a circular icon, proper placement may comprise placing the center of the icon on the end of the leader line. In this case of a callout balloon icon, proper placement may comprise positioning the icon so that the leader line is at the tail of the callout balloon.

p-0058Client <b>120</b> may then determine whether the icons are positioned entirely within the map view on the display. This determination may take into account the size of the icon to verify that the icon is entirely within the map view of the display. When an icon is not entirely within the map view, client <b>120</b> may adjust the position of the icon. When it is determined that an icon in the icon group is still cluttered, the icon will retain the decluttered icon position and can be repositioned at the end of the leader line. This may conclude the first icon decluttering loop.

p-0059If after the first icon decluttering loop, it is determined that any of the repositioned icons overlap with another icon, then client <b>120</b> may enter a second and/or additional icon decluttering loops to adjust the repositioned icons (step <b>208</b>). As part of this step, client <b>120</b> may adjust any repositioned icons which are determined to overlap with other icons. If there are no overlapping icons after the first icon decluttering loop, then client <b>120</b> may skip step <b>208</b>. In such as case, client <b>120</b> may proceed to a leader line decluttering process, as further discussed below.

p-0060In one embodiment, client <b>120</b> may perform the second decluttering loop only on icons which overlap with other icons. At the start of the second decluttering loop, client <b>120</b> may calculate the angular distance between the position of each still-overlapping icon and the first decluttered icon placed at 135 degrees from the focal point. This is angle may be referred to as alpha_n. After alpha_nis calculated for each still-overlapping icon in an icon group, then the overlapping icons may be repositioned. In an exemplary embodiment, each icon may be repositioned at a radial distance of the line length factor and at angle alpha_nfrom the focal point of the icon group. After the overlapping icons are repositioned, leader lines from the original icon position to the new decluttered icon positions may be drawn by client <b>120</b>. Client <b>120</b> may then reposition each icon at the edge of a corresponding leader line, as discussed above. This may also include determining that the positions of the adjusted icons are entirely included within the map view of the display. Client <b>120</b> then may determine whether any of the adjusted icons overlap any other icons in the map view. When client <b>120</b> determines that an overlap still occurs with icons in a icon group and another icon, the icon will not be repositioned at the end of the leader line. Instead, client <b>120</b> will conclude the second icon decluttering loop and initiate a third icon decluttering loop. If there are no icons overlapping after the second icon decluttering loop is concluded, client <b>120</b> may proceed to the leader line decluttering method, discussed below.

p-0061If it is determined that any icons overlap after the second icon decluttering loop is completed, client <b>120</b> may perform a third icon decluttering loop on the overlapping icons. At the start of the third icon decluttering loop, client <b>120</b> may increment the line length factor for each of the overlapping icons. Client <b>120</b> may then reposition the overlapping icons at a radial distance of the incremented line length and at angle alpha_n. In one embodiment, the incremented line length may be equal to the original line length factor multiplied by two. After the icons are repositioned, client <b>120</b> may determine whether the repositioned icons are entirely within the map view. When client <b>120</b> determines the new icon position is not within the map view of the display, client <b>120</b> may reposition the icons. In one embodiment consistent with the present invention, icon repositioning may be skipped by client <b>120</b> if the repositioning of the icon will place the icon outside of the map view. This may conclude the third decluttering loop. Client <b>120</b> may then perform the leader line decluttering method.

p-0062Consistent with certain embodiments of the invention, adjusting step <b>208</b> may be implemented by client <b>120</b> to also analyze and ensure that leader lines for the repositioned icons do not overlap with other leader lines or icons. As with the icon decluttering process, client <b>120</b> may perform up to three loops of the leader line decluttering process. Client <b>120</b> may perform this process on each icon in an icon group.

p-0063As part of the leader line decluttering process, client <b>120</b> may first check for any possible intersections between the leader lines which extend from the focal point of the icon group to each icon in the icon group. Client <b>120</b> may skip the previous step when the decluttered icon form a full circle pattern (i.e., because in this case there is no overlap between leader lines of icons associated with the same icon group). When an icon is not a part of an icon group that is being currently decluttered, client <b>120</b> may determine if the icon overlaps any other icon or any leader lines. In the case that a leader line is found to overlap any other icon or leader line in the map view, client <b>120</b> may place the icon slightly above the original decluttered icon position. In one embodiment, the icon may adjusted by moving the decluttered icon up a distance equal to the height of the icon. When client <b>120</b> determines that an overlap still occurs between a leader line and another icon or leader line, client <b>120</b> will conclude the first leader line decluttering loop and initiate a second icon decluttering loop. If there is no overlap between the leader lines and other icons or leader lines after the first icon decluttering loop, then client <b>120</b> has concluded the icon and leader line decluttering process and no further decluterring loops are executed.

p-0064If leader line overlap still occurs, client <b>120</b> may continue to a second loop of the leader line decluttering process. As part of this second leader line decluttering loop, client <b>120</b> may adjust any repositioned icon where the accompanying leader line has been determined to overlap with other icons or leader lines. In the case that a leader line is found to overlap any other icon or leader line in the map view, client <b>120</b> will place the icon slightly below the original decluttered icon position. In one embodiment, the icon may be moved below the decluttered icon position by moving the icon down a distance equal to the height of the icon. When client <b>120</b> determines that an overlap still occurs between a leader line and another icon or leader line, client <b>120</b> will conclude the second leader line decluttering loop and initiate a third icon decluttering loop. If there is no overlap between the leader lines and other icons or leader lines after the second icon decluttering loop is concluded, client <b>120</b> has concluded the icon and leader line decluttering process and no further decluterring loops are executed.

p-0065If it is determined overlap still exists between at least one icon and any other icon or leader lines, client <b>120</b> will continue to a third leader line decluttering loop. As part of this third leader line decluttering loop, client <b>120</b> may again adjust any repositioned icon where the accompanying leader line has been determined to overlap with other icons or leader lines. In the case that a leader line is found to overlap any other icon or leader line in the map view, client <b>120</b> will place the icon further below the original decluttered icon position. In one embodiment, the icon may be moved below the decluttered icon position by moving the icon down a distance equal to twice the height of the icon. If there is no overlap between the leader lines and other icons and leader lines after the second icon decluttering loop is concluded, client <b>120</b> has concluded the icon and leader line decluttering process. This may conclude the third leader line decluttering loop.

p-0066In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the overlapping of leader lines and icons is avoided whenever possible. When a decluttered icon cannot be placed without overlapping leader lines or other icons, this rule may be relaxed. That is, if leader line decluttering has been completed, and there are outstanding icons to be decluttered, then the leader lines may overlap non-decluttered icons. In such a case, client <b>120</b> may display the icon on top of the leader line in the map display.

p-0067After the leader lines of all of the icons have been decluttered or the leader line declutter method has performed all three loops, client <b>120</b> may save the original position and the current decluttered position for all of the icons in memory <b>122</b>.

p-0068Referring again to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, as part of decluttering and repositioning icons, client <b>120</b> may also enable a user to reposition icons based on input provided from the user. The repositioning of icons based on user input, may occur at any time. In the exemplary embodiment of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, the repositioning of icons based on user input (step <b>210</b>) is shown as occurring after steps <b>202</b>-<b>208</b>. However, as will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art, the exemplary method <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is not limited to any precise order and the illustrated steps of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> may be performed in alternative ways (e.g., step <b>210</b> before step <b>202</b> or <b>208</b>).

p-0069In step <b>210</b>, an icon may be repositioned to a new position in the map view based on input from a user. User input may include, for example, re-sizing the map view, or selecting an icon and dragging the icon to a new position in the map view. In the case of a user dragging an icon to a new position, client <b>120</b> may hide the leader line when the user selects an icon and then redraw the leader line when the user drops the icon in a new position. User input may also include selecting the number of icons to be displayed, or turning on or off the display of all icons or only certain categories of icons. In one embodiment, re-sizing the map view may include zooming in, to decrease the area of the map presented in the map view, or zooming out, to increase the area of the map presented in the map view. The repositioning of the icons based on user input may be performed by one or more processors (not shown) of client <b>120</b>. A user may provide input to client <b>120</b> using any conventional device or combination of devices (e.g., mouse, keyboard, menu screen, etc).

p-0070Referring again to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, step <b>210</b> may be repeated any number of times. For example, user input may first include a user selecting an icon and dragging the icon to a new position in the map view. Following this input, a user may then re-size the map view. Consistent with aspects of the present invention, the icons may again be de-cluttered in the re-sized map view. In one embodiment, the icon positioning determined by a user selecting and dragging the icon may be overridden by the subsequent decluttering.

p-0071<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a flowchart <b>300</b> of an exemplary method for arranging decluttered icons on a map graphically presented on a display, consistent with embodiments of the present invention. The exemplary method of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> may be performed as part of, for example, step <b>210</b> of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> or step <b>410</b> of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>. Further, the exemplary method of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> may be implemented with client <b>120</b> and/or server <b>110</b>. In the following description, <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is described for purposes of illustration with reference to client <b>120</b>. As will be appreciated, the method of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> may be adapted for other types of electronic displays, and is not limited to map displays.

p-0072At the start, in step <b>302</b>, client <b>120</b> may reposition at least one decluttered icon to a new position on the map based upon input received from a user. As noted above, user input may include re-sizing the map view, or selecting an icon and dragging the icon to a new position in the map view. Re-sizing the map view may include zooming in, to decrease the area of the map presented in the map view, or zooming out, to increase the area of the map presented in the map view.

p-0073Next, in step <b>304</b>, client <b>120</b> may reposition the at least one decluttered icon to a new position on the map based on the input received from the user. The leader lines that extend from the decluttered icon to the original icon position may be hidden and not graphically presented on the display during the icon repositioning.

p-0074In step <b>306</b>, client <b>120</b> may redraw the leader lines. The redrawing may occur after the decluttered icon is repositioned to a new position. The redrawing of leader lines may follow the techniques described above in connection leader line decluttering and icon placement at the edge of a corresponding leader line.

p-0075<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a flowchart <b>400</b> of another exemplary method for decluttering icons presented on a display, consistent with embodiments of the present invention. In this exemplary method, icons are decluttered using reposition the icons into stacks. The exemplary method of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> may be implemented by client <b>120</b>. While the following description of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is made with reference to client <b>120</b>, it is also possible to perform the exemplary method of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> using server <b>110</b>. In such as case, server <b>110</b> performs the exemplary method by communicating data and sending instructions to client <b>120</b> (i.e., to declutter or adjust icons graphically presented on a display, to receive user input, etc.). Further, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the method of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> may be adapted for other types of electronic displays, and is not limited to map displays.

p-0076In step <b>402</b>, client <b>120</b> may determine whether the icons presented in a map view overlap. Icons may be determined to overlap when a graphical representation of an icon is at least partly covering the graphical representation of at least one other icon. In one embodiment, client <b>120</b> analyzes map and icon data from server <b>110</b> to identify all icons that overlap in the map view. By way of example, <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> illustrates a map view with an exemplary set of icons, some of which overlap.

p-0077Next, in step <b>404</b>, client <b>120</b> may group the icons which are determined to overlap in the map display into icon groups. Each group of icons may be created whenever two or more icons overlap in a map view. For any given map view, there may be one or more icon groups, depending on the number and arrangement of icons. In accordance with one embodiment, each icon group includes a set of icons, wherein each icon overlaps with at least one other icon in the set of icons.

p-0078In step <b>406</b>, client <b>120</b> may reposition the icons from each icon group into an icons stack. Consistent with certain embodiments, icon groups may have a predetermined height and width. By way of example, each icon stack may be set to a height of one and a width of three (see, e.g., <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>). As will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art, the dimension of each icon stack may be set to other dimensions and is purely a matter of design choice that may depend on the application, environment, etc. in which embodiments of the invention are implemented.

p-0079Embodiments of the invention may enable a user to paginate or search through icon stacks. Such features may be useful where the dimension of the icon stack is smaller than the total number of icons in the icon group that were decluttered into the icon stack. In other words, there may be cases where the icon stack presented in the map view includes graphical objects that are less than the total number of decluttered icons. Assume, for example, an icon stack has a height of one and a width of three. In such a case, only three icons can be graphically represented in the icon stack at any given instant (see, e.g., <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>). If more than three icons belong to the icon stack, then a user may be permitted to paginate or search through the icon stack by clicking and interacting with the icon stack displayed in the map view.

p-0080In accordance with one embodiment, if the number of icons is greater than the number of icons that can be displayed in a icon stack, a symbol such as an arrow may be displayed above or adjacent to one or more dimensions of the icon stack. Each arrow may allow a user to scroll through the icons along a column or a row, depending on the total number of icons decluttered in the icon stack. Additionally, or alternatively, a user may roll over a stacked icon to view a secondary icon on the map illustrating the icon's original position. Further embodiments and aspects of the invention concerning icon stacks is presented below with reference to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>.

p-0081Optionally, in step <b>408</b>, client <b>120</b> may adjust repositioned icons in an icon stack to avoid overlapping in a map view. Specifically, repositioning may be performed when icon stacks overlap. Icon stacks may be determined to be overlapping when a graphical representation of an icon in one stack is at least partly covering a graphical representation of at least one icon in another stack. The repositioned icon stacks may be moved to a new position that is not overlapping with over icon stacks or other icons in a map view. Consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention, the decluttering of icon stacks may be performed in an iterative manner to adjust the icon stacks and reduce icon overlap. The loops may be limited (e.g., up to three times) and follow the decluttering techniques disclosed herein for avoiding overlap.

p-0082Additionally, or alternatively, in step <b>410</b> of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> an icon stack may be repositioned to a new position on the map based on input from a user. As noted above, user input may include re-sizing the map view, or selecting an icon stack and dragging the icon stack to a new position in the map view. The repositioning of the icon stack based on the user input may be performed by a processor of client <b>120</b>.

p-0083In one embodiment, repositioning of an icon stack based on user input may be limited (i.e., stacked icons may be essentially static), such that only limited repositioning operations are provided to the user. For example, the user may be permitted to re-size a map, but not reposition an icon stack via a dragging operation.

p-0084Referring now to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5-10</figref>, examples will be provided to further illustrate the various aspects and embodiments of the invention. <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is an exemplary representation of a map view with cluttered icons on a map graphically presented on a display. Client <b>120</b> may determine the whether icons Pol_<b>1</b> to Pol_<b>10</b> overlap. Based on the example of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, client <b>120</b> may determine Pol_<b>3</b> and Pol_<b>7</b> overlap and Pol_<b>9</b> and Pol_<b>10</b> overlap, and Pol_<b>5</b> and Pol_<b>6</b> overlap. By way of example, this determination step may performed as part of step <b>202</b> of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>. The overlapping icons are grouped, creating three icon groups: Icon_Group <b>1</b> (Pol_<b>3</b> and Pol_<b>7</b>); Icon_Group <b>2</b> (Pol_<b>9</b> and Pol_<b>10</b>); and Icon_Group <b>3</b> (Pol_<b>5</b> and Pol_<b>6</b>). This grouping step may be performed as part of step <b>204</b> of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>.

p-0085<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is an exemplary representation of a map view with decluttered icons Pol <b>1</b>-<b>10</b>. In the example of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, the icon shape is changed for each icon that has been repositioned, consistent with an embodiment of the invention. In this example, client <b>120</b> has repositioned the icons in each icon group to form decluttered icon patterns. Icons Pol_<b>3</b> and Pol_<b>7</b> are repositioned at a minimum required distance from a common focal point. Further, in the example of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, leader lines are drawn that extend from each icon (Pol_<b>3</b> and Pol_<b>7</b>) to its original position on the map (see original positions in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>). The repositioning and drawing of leader lines is also performed with respect to the other icon groups, including repositioned icons Pol_<b>9</b> and Pol_<b>10</b>, and repositioned icons Pol_<b>5</b> and Pol_<b>6</b>. This repositioning may be performed by client <b>120</b> as part of step <b>206</b> of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>.

p-0086<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is an exemplary representation of a map view in which the position of an icon has been adjusted according to a user's input. Consistent with embodiments of the invention, an icon may be moved to a new position in a map view based on input from a user. The user input may include, for example, a user selecting an icon in the map view, and dragging the icon to a new position in the map view. In the example of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, icon Pol_<b>8</b> is repositioned after it has been dragged to a new location by a user. Further, in this example, a leader line is drawn extending from repositioned icon Pol_<b>8</b> to its original position on the map (see original position of icon Pol_<b>8</b> in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>).

p-0087<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> illustrates another exemplary map view in which the appearance of icons have been customized based on a user's input. In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, a user may be permitted to customize the images or graphical objects used to represent an icon, such as a point-of-interest icon. A menu, drop-down window or similar input device at client <b>120</b> may allow a user to select or enter a variety of icon shapes, colors, and/or sizes. In the example of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, the icon for Pol_<b>8</b> has been customized to a graphical object representing a house. In addition, the icons corresponding to Pol_<b>3</b>, Pol_<b>5</b>, Pol_<b>6</b>, Pol_<b>7</b>, Pol_<b>9</b>, and Pol_<b>10</b> have been changed to taijitu or “ying-yang” symbols. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a user may set a rule to change all repositioned icons to a different icon by creating a rule for repositioned icons. In such an embodiment, a user may also set a rule that a specific category of icons (such as a particular type or category of POIs) will to always have a special icon, such as the house representing Pol_<b>8</b> in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>. In an exemplary embodiment, a user could also adjust the color of the leader lines or the icons. These color adjustments may be performed according to a rule, for example, all leader lines leading from house icons are blue. Alternatively, color adjustments could be set individually.

p-0088<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> illustrates a map view with an exemplary set of icons that are presented in a decluttered pattern. Consistent with certain embodiments of the invention, when all icons in a map view are group into a single icon group, the icons may be decluttered into a predetermined pattern, such as an arc or a circle. In one embodiment, when a map view is presented from a highly zoomed-out scale, all icons are decluttered into a circle pattern with a common focal point. In the example of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>, client <b>120</b> has zoomed-out the map on the display based on user input to increase the area of the map presented in the map view. By changing the map view, client <b>120</b> not only has updated the map view, but also initiated a new process of determining overlapping icons and repositioning overlapping icons to eliminate clutter. Consistent with certain embodiments of the invention, these steps may be performed by client <b>120</b> every time user input is received. In the example of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>, prior to the decluttering, icons Pols_<b>1</b>-<b>10</b> would have all overlapped in the zoomed-out, map view. Because the icons now form a single icon group, they have a common focal point and are arranged in a circle around the focal point. By way of example, icons could also be placed in other patterns, such as squares, stars, diamonds, or arcs.

p-0089<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> illustrates a map view with an exemplary set of icons that are presented in decluttered icon stacks. Consistent with certain embodiments of the invention, when icons in a map view are determined to be overlapping and grouped into icon groups, each icons group may be decluttered into an icon stack (see, e.g., <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>). Each icon stack may have a predetermined height and width, such that the number of icons in a icon stack that are displayed to a user is equal to the height multiplied by the width of the stack. In the example of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>, two icon stacks (Icon Stack #<b>1</b>, Icon Stack #<b>2</b>) are illustrated, with each icon stack being of a height of one and a width of three. Therefore, the number of stacked icons displayed in the map view is limited to three. Further, in Icon Stacks #<b>1</b> and #<b>2</b>, the decluttered icons that are viewable are graphically represented as circular buttons. Each circular button may correspond to one icon (e.g., a POI icon). As will be appreciated y persons skilled in the art, other types and forms of graphical objects may be utilized for representing icons in an icon stack.

p-0090Consistent with certain aspects of the present invention, each icon stack may be placed adjacent to a common focal point of the icon group corresponding to the icon stack. The common focal point of an icon group may be calculated by client <b>120</b> by determining the centroid of a bounding box of the icons in the icon group, wherein the bounding box defines a minimal rectangular domain including all the icons. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the focal point of an icon group may be determined by calculating the average of the latitudinal and longitudinal values of all the icons in an icon group.

p-0091Referring again to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>, because the height and width of Icon Stack #<b>1</b> and Icon Stack #<b>2</b> is set to a relatively low number (i.e., height=1; width=3), each icon stack may represent a larger number of icons than actually displayed to the user. In other words, certain icons in the stack may be hidden in the map view. By way of example, Icon Stack #<b>2</b> may represent a group of six decluttered icons, but only displays three stacked icons at a time. To access stacked icons that are not displayed in the map view, a user may use the arrow that appears above Icon Stack #<b>2</b> in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>. The arrow may appear above the icon stack when a user rolls over an icon in Icon Stack #<b>2</b>. The arrow may graphically indicate the progress of paging or searching through the stacked icons. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, where an icon stack has a height of two or more, and an additional arrow may appear on the side of the icon stack to further allow a user to page up or down through the icon stack.

p-0092When a user pages through an icon stack the attributes of the arrow may change. For example, in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>, when a user rolls over an icon in the Icon Stack #<b>2</b>, a right arrow may appear above the icon stack indicating more icons are available to a user to the right of the icon stack. When the user reaches the furthest right icon in Icon Stack #<b>2</b>, a left facing arrow may appear (not shown). This left facing arrow may indicate more icons are available to the left of the icon stack and can be searched by the user. The attributes of the arrow above the icon stack may indicate the number of stacked icons that are not displayed in the map view. In the example of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>, the broken arrow above the middle icon in Icon Stack #<b>2</b> indicates more than two icons are available to the right of the icon stack. In another embodiment of the present invention, when more icons are available on both the left and the right side of the displayed icon stack, client <b>120</b> may present the user with a double sided arrow to allow a user to page to both the left and the right of the icon stack.

p-0093When a user rolls over a stacked icon in an icon stack, client <b>120</b> may provide a secondary icon in the map view to indicate the original position of the icon. By way of example, icon Pol_<b>9</b> in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a secondary icon that appears when a user rolls over the stacked icon representing Pol_<b>9</b>. In this case, secondary icon Pol_<b>9</b> will only appear when a user rolls over or selects the stacked icon corresponding to Pol_<b>9</b> in Icon Stack #<b>2</b>.

p-0094Consistent with certain aspects of the present invention, the icons in the icon stacks may be represented by any combination of icon shapes and/or colors. The icon shapes and colors may be selected according to user input. The icons may all be represented by the same shape or may each be represented by different shapes. The original icon position in the map view may be represented by an icon of a different shape or color than when the icon is represented in the icon stack. Icon shapes may include, for example, circles, square, diamonds, stars, or callout balloons.

p-0095Other embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of one or more embodiments of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

p-0096In the preceding specification, various embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto, and additional embodiments may be implemented, without departing from the broader scope of the invention as set forth in the claims that follow. The specification and drawings are accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.