Data Interface Integrating Temporal and Geographic Information
A user interface (e.g. to a mobile device) integrates temporal and geographic information in an intimate and flexible manner. A view engine presents views of geographic information (such as points of origin, destinations, preferred/alternative routes) closely linked with associated time information (such as scheduled delivery times, current actual time, estimated transit times etc.). As a user manipulates an input (e.g. a timebar) to move forward and backward in time, the interface adjusts correspondingly to display geographic information relevant to the selected time. Conversely, as a user manipulates geographic information (e.g. a map), the interface may adjust correspondingly to display relevant temporal information. Time information may be afforded by the interface to the user through the use of color and/or movement of displayed items. As an aid to use, the interface may further include an input dedicated to returning the user to the present time and geographical location display.
1 . A computer-implemented method comprising:
causing an engine to receive temporal data from a source of time information;
causing the engine to receive geographic data from a source of geographic information;
causing the engine to provide an interface comprising a map view synchronized with a list view according to a time; and
causing the engine to change the interface according to a user input, such that synchronization between the map view and the list view is maintained.
2 . A method as in claim 1 wherein the user input is provided to a timebar.
3 . A method as in claim 2 wherein the user input comprises interacting with the timebar moveable within a lens portion.
4 . A method as in claim 2 wherein the user input comprises interacting with the timebar comprising a playable frame portion.
5 . A method as in claim 1 wherein the user input comprises a current location according to a global positioning system (GPS) signal, or comprises a past, present, or future location.
6 . A method as in claim 1 wherein the user input comprises a current time according to pervasive time signal, or comprises a user-selected past, present, or future time.
7 . A method as in claim 1 wherein the time is indicated by an affordance comprising color.
8 . A non-transitory computer readable storage medium embodying a computer program for performing a method, said method comprising:
causing an engine to receive temporal data from a source of time information;
causing the engine to receive geographic data from a source of geographic information;
causing the engine to provide an interface comprising a map view synchronized with a list view according to a time; and
causing the engine to change the interface according to a user input, such that synchronization between the map view and the list view is maintained.
9 . A non-transitory computer readable storage medium as in claim 8 wherein the user input is provided to a timebar.
10 . A non-transitory computer readable storage medium as in claim 9 wherein the user input comprises interacting with the timebar moveable within a lens portion.
11 . A non-transitory computer readable storage medium as in claim 9 wherein the user input comprises interacting with the timebar comprising a playable frame portion.
12 . A non-transitory computer readable storage medium as in claim 8 wherein the user input comprises a current location according to a global positioning system (GPS) signal, or comprises a past, present, or future location.
13 . A non-transitory computer readable storage medium as in claim 8 wherein the user input comprises a current time according to pervasive time signal, or comprises a user-selected past, present, or future time.
14 . A non-transitory computer readable storage medium as in claim 8 wherein the time is indicated by an affordance comprising color.
15 . A computer system comprising:
one or more processors;
a software program, executable on said computer system, the software program configured to:
cause an engine to receive temporal data from a source of time information;
cause the engine to receive geographic data from a source of geographic information;
cause the engine to provide an interface comprising a map view synchronized with a list view according to a time; and
cause the engine to change the interface according to a user input, such that synchronization between the map view and the list view is maintained.
16 . A computer system as in claim 15 wherein the user input is provided to a timebar.
17 . A computer system as in claim 16 wherein the user input comprises interacting with the timebar moveable within a lens portion.
18 . A computer system as in claim 16 wherein the user input comprises interacting with the timebar comprising a playable frame portion.
19 . A computer system as in claim 15 wherein the user input comprises a current location according to a global positioning system (GPS) signal, or comprises a past, present, or future location.
20 . A computer system as in claim 15 wherein the user input comprises a current time according to pervasive time signal, or comprises a user-selected past, present, or future time.