Dual-Device Tutorial System Using Event Message Coordination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of personal electronic devices, such as mobile phones and wearable devices, face difficulties in understanding the devices' capabilities and operations due to the vast number of functionalities, leading to a need for effective tutorial systems that can provide explanatory information without obscuring the primary device's interface.

Innovation Solution

A dual-device tutorial system where a primary device, like a wearable device, interacts with a supporting device, like a tablet computer, to present explanatory information without disrupting the primary device's functionality, using event messages to coordinate interactions and provide real-time data, allowing users to learn through realistic interactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If explanatory information is presented on the primary device, then user learning is facilitated, but the primary device's interface becomes obscured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexplanatory information deliveryVSAvoidprimary device interface visibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the information presentation function into two separate devices: the primary device maintains its native interface for operation, while the supporting device displays all explanatory information. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by eliminating interface obscuration while preserving learning functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The supporting device acts as an intermediary that receives event messages from the primary device and translates them into explanatory information for the user. This mediator approach allows the primary device to focus on functionality while the supporting device handles education, preventing interface obstruction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a separate supporting device is used for tutorials, then interface obscuration is avoided, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface visibilityVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting device serves multiple functions: it acts as both a tutorial system and a companion device for the primary device. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing dual benefits - educational support and normal device pairing functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-guided learning where the user independently interacts with the primary device while the supporting device automatically provides relevant explanatory information based on detected events. This self-service approach reduces the need for complex instructor-led tutorial mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If the primary device operates in demo mode, then tutorial functionality is simplified, but realistic interaction experience is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetutorial system simplicityVSAvoidrealistic interaction experience

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting device serves as an intermediary that captures event messages from the primary device's normal operations and translates them into tutorial explanations. This allows the primary device to run in its full functionality mode rather than demo mode, preserving realistic interaction while the mediator handles the educational translation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Loss of information

If comprehensive explanatory information is provided, then user learning is enhanced, but information overload occurs on small displays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexplanatory information completenessVSAvoiddisplay area

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the display function between two devices: the primary device's small display shows only essential operational elements, while the supporting device's larger display presents comprehensive explanatory information including detailed descriptions, multiple screenshots, and step-by-step instructions without spatial constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10257286B2Emulating a wireless connection using a wired connection

Publication Date: 2019.04.09 APPLE INC

AI summary

A dual-device tutorial system can facilitate user learning about a “primary” device by providing explanatory information on a “supporting” device while the user interacts with the primary device. The primary and supporting devices can be devices of different types. From a user perspective, the primary device can operate exactly as it would in normal (non-tutorial) use and can send event messages and/or other signals to the supporting device. Based on the event messages and/or other signals, the supporting device can provide explanatory information responsive to user interactions with the primary device.