3D Virtual Route Control for Intuitive Drone Path Setting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for controlling the movement of three-dimensional moving bodies, such as drones, on a two-dimensional map are not intuitive, making it difficult to set and adjust movement routes effectively.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus and method that allows users to intuitively generate movement information for moving bodies by using a user terminal to create and adjust virtual routes and waypoints in a three-dimensional space, displayed on a screen for real-time manipulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a two-dimensional map is used to control three-dimensional moving body movement, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidroute setting intuitiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from a two-dimensional map interface to a three-dimensional virtual space representation. Users can now set routes and waypoints in 3D space, which naturally corresponds to the three-dimensional movement environment of drones and other flying objects. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining simple device operation while improving route setting intuitiveness through spatial visualization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If a two-dimensional map interface is used for route setting, then the device complexity is simplified, but the manufacturing precision of route accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterface complexityVSAvoidroute positioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By enabling route setting in three-dimensional space rather than on a flat two-dimensional map, the system achieves more accurate positioning and routing for three-dimensional moving bodies. The 3D virtual space allows precise specification of altitude, lateral position, and longitudinal position, directly improving route positioning accuracy while keeping the user interface relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If traditional two-dimensional map methods are used, then the ease of operation is maintained at basic levels, but the productivity of route setting deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidroute setting efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The three-dimensional virtual space interface dramatically improves route setting efficiency by allowing users to visually and intuitively configure complex three-dimensional routes. Instead of manually calculating and inputting coordinate data on a 2D map, users can directly manipulate routes in 3D space, making the route setting process both easier and more productive.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3950492B1Information processing device, information processing method, and program
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3950492B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3950492B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3950492B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is an information processing apparatus including: a display control unit that controls a display of a virtual object on a display screen, the virtual object being based on an object existing in a real space; and a movement information generation unit that generates movement information for controlling a movement of a moving body. As a result, it possible to intuitively generate information for moving the moving body.