Automatic map zoom-level adaptation

Abstract

A method is provided for dynamically determining a zoom-level to display to a user of a mapping application executing on a mobile device. The method comprises the following steps. The zoom-level is determined in accordance with at least one predefined parameter. The at least one predefined parameter is monitored for detecting a change. A new zoom-level corresponding with the detected change is determined. Lastly, the zoom-level of the mapping application is changed to the new zoom-level. A mobile device and computer-readable medium configured to implement the method are also provided.

1 . A method of dynamically determining a zoom-level for display within an application executing on a mobile device, the method comprising:
 determining a plurality of zoom-levels associated with a detected change in respective ones of a plurality of monitored parameters; and   mediating conflicts between the respective zoom levels to determine a mediated zoom-level, the mediation at least partly based on detecting a change in operational mode of the mobile device.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the conflicts are mediated by assigning priority levels to each of the plurality of monitored parameters. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the conflicts are mediated by compromising between the zoom-levels of each of the plurality of monitored parameters. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising determining the position of the mobile device. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein one of the monitored parameters comprises an area boundary and the change is detected when the position of the mobile device crosses the area boundary. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein one of the parameters comprises a location of the mobile device, the location having a predefined class, and the change is detected when the position of the mobile device results in a change of the location class. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein one of the parameters comprises a point of interest within an area about the position of the mobile device, the point of interest having a predefined class, and the change is detected when a change in the point of interest within the area results in a change of the class. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein one of the parameters comprises a parameter density and the change is detected when the parameter density increases above an upper threshold or falls below a lower threshold. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising determining the speed of the mobile device. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein one of the parameters comprises the speed of the mobile device and the change is detected when the speed increases above an upper threshold or falls below a lower threshold. 
     
     
         11 . A mobile device configured to provide a mapping application, the mobile device comprising:
 a memory including instructions for:   determining a plurality of zoom-levels associated with a detected change in respective ones of a plurality of monitored parameters; and   mediating conflicts between the respective zoom levels to determine a mediated zoom level, the mediation at least partly based on detecting a change in operational mode of the mobile device; and   a processor configured to execute the instructions for dynamically determining the mediated zoom-level for display of the mapping application.   
     
     
         12 . The mobile device of  claim 11  further comprising a positioning device for determining a position of the mobile device. 
     
     
         13 . The mobile device of  claim 12 , wherein the positioning device is a global navigation satellite system receiver. 
     
     
         14 . The mobile device of  claim 12  further comprising a speed module configured to determine the speed of the mobile device. 
     
     
         15 . A computer readable memory comprising instructions which, when executed on a mobile device, cause the mobile device to dynamically determine a mediated zoom-level for display within a mapping application executing on the mobile device, the instructions causing the mobile device to:
 determine a plurality of zoom-levels associated with a detected change in respective ones of a plurality of monitored parameters; and   mediate conflicts between the respective zoom levels to determine a mediated zoom level, the mediation at least partly based on detecting a change in operational mode of the mobile device.