Display Terminal Map Selection for Wide-Field Landmark Viewing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wide-field images, such as 360-degree images, are challenging to view due to curvature and inconsistent sizing of landmarks in moving images, making it difficult for users to identify desired objects.

Innovation Solution

A display terminal and method that displays a moving image and a map indicating the imaging position, allowing selection of an object on the map, and showing a partial area of the captured image based on distance to enhance visibility of the object.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a wide-field image is displayed on a display terminal, then the entire surrounding area can be captured, but the image becomes curved and users have difficulty viewing it

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefield of viewVSAvoidviewing comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the wide-field image into multiple predetermined areas and displays them as separate thumbnail images. This segmentation allows users to view specific regions of interest without dealing with the curvature issue of the entire wide-field image, thus maintaining the broad field of view while improving viewing comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary interface (the map with thumbnail images) between the wide-field image and the user. This intermediary allows users to select and view specific areas of interest in a more comfortable format, mediating between the curved wide-field image and the user's viewing needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of time

If a landmark is displayed in a moving image for 10 seconds, then the user can search for the main part, but the landmark size varies due to imaging device movement making it difficult to see

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesearch timeVSAvoidlandmark visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies visual emphasis (analogous to color changes in TRIZ) by displaying thumbnail images that highlight landmarks with visual markers. This allows users to quickly identify landmarks regardless of their size in the original moving image, reducing search time while maintaining consistent visibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from displaying the landmark in its original varying size within the moving image to displaying it as a thumbnail image on a map interface. This dimensional change allows the landmark to be viewed at a consistent, selectable size independent of the imaging device's movement, improving visibility while maintaining the time-efficient search capability.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4611384A1Display terminal, display method, and carrier means
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP4611384A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP4611384A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4611384A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

A display terminal (9) displays a moving image previously obtained through imaging performed by an imaging device (10) and a map indicating a position related to the imaging. The display terminal (9) includes a reception unit (501, 92) to receive selection of an image identifying an object on the map. The display terminal (9) includes a display control unit (501, 94) to display, on a display (507), at least a partial area of a captured image corresponding to an elapsed playback time of the moving image obtained at an imaging position, based on a distance to the image identifying the object. The imaging position is one of a plurality of imaging positions on a past movement path of the imaging device performing the imaging.