Hybrid Computing State Synchronization for Seamless Experience Continuity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current tablet and laptop computers have distinct advantages and disadvantages, with users needing a device that combines the mobility and ease of use of tablets with the processing power and keyboard functionality of laptops, while also maintaining a seamless user experience across connected and disconnected states without relying on complex synchronization mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid computing system comprising a base device with a clamshell laptop circuitry and a detachable display device, where the base device controls peripherals when connected, and the display device operates independently when detached, with synchronization modules managing state information and application continuity through communication links and databases.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If users switch between tablet and laptop computers, then they can access different advantages (mobility vs processing power), but they lose their open files and applications requiring manual transfer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice flexibilityVSAvoidopen files and applications
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a copy of the state information (open files, applications, window positions) from the first device and transfers it to the second device. This allows the user to continue working on the same files and applications on the second device without manual transfer, effectively copying the computational state across devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system proactively transfers state information before the user explicitly needs it. When the first device detects that a second device is available and compatible, it automatically begins transferring open files and application states, so the user experiences seamless continuity without having to manually initiate the transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If users manually transfer files and manage applications between devices, then they can maintain continuity, but the complexity of file transfer and application management increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexperience continuityVSAvoidsynchronization mechanisms
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic synchronization of state information between devices without requiring user intervention. The first device automatically detects the second device, transfers relevant state information (open files, applications, settings), and maintains continuity seamlessly, eliminating the need for complex manual file transfer and application management procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If a hybrid device combines tablet and laptop components, then it can provide both mobility and processing power, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional combinationVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the computing functionality into separate devices (tablet and laptop) that can operate independently but also synchronize their state information. This segmentation allows each device to maintain its own optimized structure while the synchronization mechanism provides the combined functionality of a hybrid device, avoiding the need to physically integrate conflicting components into a single device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9594711B2Systems and methods for achieving continuation of experience between components in a hybrid environment
Publication Date: 2017.03.14 LENOVO SWITZERLAND INTERNATIONAL GMBH
  • US9594711B2 patent drawing
  • US9594711B2 patent drawing
  • US9594711B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods described herein provide for a process for managing continuity of experience between operation of a hybrid computer system in the connected state and the slate component independently in the disconnected state. Embodiments further provide for the continuity of experience for devices operating under multiple processors or multiple platforms. According to embodiments, one or more states and conditions of the connected hybrid computer system may be synchronized with the slate component when the slate component is disconnected from the hybrid computer system. Alternatively, embodiments provide for the synchronization of one or more states and conditions of the independent slate component with the hybrid computer system responsive to connecting the slate component to the hybrid computer system. Non-limiting examples of states and conditions according to embodiments are web pages, applications, documents, lists of recently opened files and web pages, and web browser active tabs.