Display Processor Stacking State Messages for Keyboard Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of portable personal computers face difficulties in identifying whether the operational environment has been successfully changed when using function keys, as the state transitions are not clearly indicated.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with a state change controller and a display processor that displays messages indicating the current and past states of the operational environment, allowing users to easily understand state transitions by stacking messages in the informing area of the display screen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If only the current state message is displayed, then the display is simple, but the user cannot understand state transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a temporal dimension to the message display by showing both current and past state messages simultaneously in the informing area. This dimensional expansion allows users to perceive state transitions over time without increasing physical display complexity, as the additional information is layered temporally rather than spatially.
Solution Approach 2:
The system preliminarily displays the current state message before the user can understand the transition, ensuring that when the past state message appears, both messages are visible together. This preliminary display of current state information prepares the user for the upcoming transition notification.
2Loss of information
If multiple messages are displayed simultaneously, then state transitions are clear, but the informing area becomes crowded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the temporal dimension to display multiple messages without occupying additional spatial area. By layering current and past state messages in time rather than spreading them across more physical space, the informing area remains efficiently utilized while still providing clear transition information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically manages message display by automatically fading out messages after a predetermined time period. This dynamic behavior allows the informing area to be reused for new messages, preventing permanent crowding while maintaining clarity during the transition period.
3Loss of time
If messages are displayed for a long duration, then users have time to read, but the messages remain on screen too long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic message display with automatic fading out after a predetermined time. This periodic action ensures messages are visible long enough for users to read and understand state transitions, while automatically removing them after a set duration to make room for new information and prevent unnecessary time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to users about state transitions through timed message display. The predetermined time duration acts as a feedback mechanism that balances sufficient reading time with the need to clear old messages, creating an optimal information delivery cycle.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes a state change controller and a display processor. When a first key of a keyboard is pressed, the state change controller changes a state of a first operational environment. The display processor displays a first message indicative of a current state of the first operational environment in an informing area of a display screen for a first duration of time. When a second message indicative of a past state of the first operational environment is displayed by the display processor for the first duration of time in the informing area, the display processor display the first message in the informing area together with the second message.