Trajectory Display on Small Screens Without Map Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional positioning systems face difficulties in displaying easy-to-read trajectories on devices with small screens, such as mobile devices, as they require map data for visualization.

Innovation Solution

A communication system that includes a user position management server and user terminals with GPS, which display travel routes, friend locations, and game program information in a user-friendly format without showing maps, using touch screens to efficiently display significant travel routes and user interactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If map data is used to display positioning trajectories, then the trajectory can be visualized, but the device requires map data storage and processing capability which increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrajectory visualizationVSAvoidmap data storage and processing
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential positioning information (coordinates, timestamps, speed) from the complete map data structure. Instead of storing and processing full map datasets, the system selectively captures and stores only the trajectory points needed for reconstruction, significantly reducing data storage requirements while maintaining visualization capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates simplified copies of positioning data that contain only the necessary elements for trajectory display. Rather than using original map data structures, it generates condensed trajectory records with coordinates and metadata, enabling visualization without the complexity of full map data processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Loss of information

If maps are displayed on devices with small screens, then positioning information can be shown, but the map readability and user experience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning information displayVSAvoidmap readability on small screen
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the trajectory into discrete position points with associated metadata (coordinates, timestamps, speed, acceleration). This segmentation allows the information to be displayed in a structured, non-overlapping format that is easier to read on small screens compared to continuous map overlays

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional map display to a tabular or list-based representation that utilizes vertical space more effectively. By organizing trajectory data as sequential records with multiple attributes per row, the system optimizes information density and readability for small screen dimensions

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

3Loss of information

If complete trajectory data is stored for analysis, then comprehensive travel history is available, but the data storage requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetravel history completenessVSAvoiddata storage volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by storing different types of information at appropriate granularity levels. Critical trajectory points with detailed metadata (coordinates, timestamps, speed, acceleration) are stored precisely, while less critical segments may use compressed representations, optimizing storage efficiency while maintaining analytical completeness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter representation by storing derived parameters (speed, acceleration) directly alongside position and timestamp data. This parameter transformation enables comprehensive travel history analysis without storing redundant raw sensor data, reducing overall storage requirements while maintaining analytical capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2590133B1Information processing device, method of controlling display, program and information storage medium
Publication Date: 2019.07.24 SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT LLC
  • EP2590133B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2590133B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2590133B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Provided is an information processing device that provides a user with a trajectory of positions calculated by positioning unit in a user-friendly way without displaying a map. The device includes a positioning section (60) repeatedly calculates a position, a position coordinate storage section (62) that stores a plurality of positions calculated by the positioning section, and an other-user information providing section (70) that displays letter strings indicating the positions stored in the position coordinate storage section (62) in an order that the positions are calculated. The positioning section (60) stores, in a case where a newly calculated position is at a given distance or more from the position last stored in the position coordinate storage section (62), the newly calculated position into the position coordinate storage section (62).