Map Display Control for Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing map-based services do not efficiently allow users to switch between different maps associated with a selected spot, placing a burden on users to find and display relevant map information.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus and method that enables easy display of a second map associated with a selected spot on a first map, using a navigation apparatus with components like an operation detection unit, communication unit, position information acquiring unit, display unit, storage unit, and control unit to detect operations, communicate, acquire position info, display maps, and control the display of second maps for specific spots, such as indoor maps for buildings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a user manually finds and displays map information from storage sources, then the map information can be acquired and displayed, but the user burden and operation complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemap information displayVSAvoiduser burden
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The navigation device automatically detects whether a second map exists for the selected spot and displays it without requiring user intervention to search or configure. The system serves itself by autonomously managing the map display switching based on position information and stored map data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Map data for multiple spots including indoor maps are pre-stored in the navigation device before the user needs them. The system prepares map information in advance so that when a spot is selected, the corresponding second map can be immediately displayed without requiring the user to manually locate or acquire the data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple maps are stored and managed for different spots, then comprehensive map information is available, but the device complexity and data management burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemap information coverageVSAvoiddata management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The navigation device's map display function is enhanced to handle multiple types of maps (standard maps and indoor maps) through a unified system. The same display mechanism and control logic accommodate both outdoor and indoor map data, allowing the device to serve multiple map display needs without requiring separate specialized systems for each map type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2843366B1Information processing device, information processing method and program
Publication Date: 2019.12.04 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP2843366B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2843366B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2843366B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is an information processing apparatus including a display control unit configured to display a first map, and an operation detection unit configured to detect a first operation of selecting a first spot on the first map. The display control unit displays a second map associated with the selected first spot instead of the first map when the first operation is detected.