Crowded-Area Content Distribution for Relieving User Discomfort

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies fail to address negative emotions experienced by users in crowded spaces where they are forced to wait, such as long lines or packed trains, by providing suitable content to alleviate these unpleasant circumstances.

Innovation Solution

An information processing system that utilizes user terminals, sensors, and a server to detect crowded areas and distribute special content, such as AR images or music, to users experiencing negative emotions, enhancing their experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If content is distributed according to user circumstances (such as being with family or friends), then positive feelings are fostered, but negative emotions in crowded spaces are not addressed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontent distribution adaptabilityVSAvoidnegative emotions in crowded areas
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of only distributing content to foster positive feelings as in prior art, this invention inverts the approach by specifically targeting and addressing negative emotions in crowded spaces. The system detects crowded areas and distributes content designed to alleviate discomfort, transforming the conventional positive-only approach into a dual approach that actively counteracts negative experiences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the harmful effect of crowded spaces causing negative emotions into a beneficial outcome by distributing special content. The system detects when users are in crowded areas experiencing negative feelings and provides content that transforms this unpleasant situation into an enjoyable experience, effectively converting harm into benefit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If special content is distributed to users in crowded areas, then negative emotions are relieved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenegative emotionsVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces an intermediary component - a server - that mediates between the complex tasks of detecting crowded areas and distributing appropriate content. The server acts as a central coordinator that receives data from multiple sources, processes it, and manages content distribution, thereby reducing the complexity burden on individual user terminals and making the overall system more manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs self-service mechanisms where user terminals automatically detect their own location, determine if they are in crowded areas, and receive appropriate content without manual intervention. The server automatically processes location data and distributes content based on pre-established criteria, reducing the need for complex user-side processing and decision-making logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3660688B1Distributing special content to users in areas that make them feel unpleasant
Publication Date: 2025.07.23 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3660688B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3660688B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3660688B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

To provide an information processing system, an information processing device, an information processing method, and a recording medium capable of distributing special content for relieving a user's negative circumstances. According to the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing system including: a communication unit configured to receive at least current position information regarding a user; and a control unit configured to cause the communication unit, if the control unit determines that a predetermined area containing a position indicated by the current position information is an area that makes people staying in the predetermined area feel unpleasant, to distribute specific content to the user.