Adaptive Question Interval Control for Learning Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Learning support systems face challenges in maintaining learner motivation due to a backlog of questions when studying is resumed after a break, leading to a significant decrease in motivation.

Innovation Solution

A learning support system that includes a question storage unit, question interval determination unit, question frequency adjustment unit, and question submission unit to manage question intervals and frequency based on Ebbinghaus' forgetting curve and learner performance, adjusting intervals and priorities to maintain motivation and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the learning support device submits questions based on retention levels without frequency control, then learning effectiveness is improved through timely review, but the number of questions per day increases excessively causing learner demotivation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelearning effectivenessVSAvoidnumber of questions per day
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the question submission frequency by changing the time interval parameter between question submissions. When the calculated number of questions per day exceeds the upper limit, the system extends the time interval for low-priority questions to reduce the daily volume while maintaining learning effectiveness for high-priority questions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the system adjusts question intervals to maintain motivation by limiting daily questions, then learner motivation is maintained, but learning coverage may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelearner motivationVSAvoidlearning coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different question interval adjustment strategies to different questions based on their priority levels. High-priority questions (those with higher retention levels or greater importance) maintain their original submission intervals to ensure learning coverage, while low-priority questions have extended intervals to control the overall daily volume and maintain motivation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If questions are submitted according to Ebbinghaus' forgetting curve intervals, then knowledge retention is improved, but the question backlog increases significantly when learning is interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveknowledge retentionVSAvoidquestion backlog
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts question submission intervals based on current learning progress and interruption status. When interruptions occur causing backlog accumulation, the system flexibly extends intervals for lower-priority questions while maintaining intervals for high-priority questions, allowing the schedule to adapt to real-world usage patterns rather than rigidly following theoretical forgetting curves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4718423A1Learning assistance system
Publication Date: 2026.04.01 UMELABO CO LTD
  • EP4718423A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4718423A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4718423A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

[Problem] To provide a learning assistance system that makes it possible to continue learning and maintaining motivation for learning. [Solution] This learning assistance system 10 comprises: a question storage unit 12 in which a plurality of questions are registered for a learner 4 to acquire knowledge and answers respectively corresponding to the plurality of questions; a question-asking interval determination unit 14 that, when determining a question-asking date and time of each question of the plurality of questions, determines a question-asking interval such that the learning effect of the learner 4 is enhanced; a question-asking unit 18 that, on the basis of the question-asking interval determined by the question-asking interval determination unit 14, asks the learner 4 the respective questions; and a question-asking frequency adjustment unit 16 that, if the number of questions per day to be asked by the question-asking unit 18 exceeds a predetermined upper limit, increases the question-asking interval and postpones asking a question.