Mode-Adaptive Event Notification in Information Processing Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Information processing devices face challenges in notifying users of events effectively across different operation modes, as existing methods struggle to adapt notification patterns based on the device's current mode of operation.

Innovation Solution

The device operates in multiple modes, using event information receiving and notification means to adapt notification methods, such as changing screen display or using light-emitting bodies, depending on the mode, and includes list display functionality to show past event information, ensuring user awareness without interrupting primary screen content.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the device uses a single notification method for all operation modes, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different operation modes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenotification adaptabilityVSAvoidnotification system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The notification system dynamically adapts its behavior based on the current operation mode. The control unit determines whether the device is in first mode (notification by screen display change) or second mode (notification by light emission), and switches notification methods accordingly. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the notification system flexible without requiring separate dedicated systems for each mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The notification system serves multiple functions by implementing both screen display change capability and light emission capability within a single integrated system. The control unit manages both notification methods and selects the appropriate one based on operation mode, achieving multi-functionality without requiring completely separate notification systems for each mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of information

If the device notifies users of events by changing screen display, then user awareness of events is improved, but the primary screen content may be disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveevent information deliveryVSAvoidscreen content disruption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The notification system segments the notification function from the primary display function. By using light emission as a separate notification channel (particularly in second mode), the system delivers event information without requiring changes to the primary screen content, thus avoiding disruption while ensuring event awareness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The light-emitting body acts as an intermediary notification channel that conveys event information without interfering with the primary screen display. Instead of modifying the screen content directly, the system uses light emission as an intermediate means to alert users to events, particularly when in second mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the device interrupts primary content to notify events, then event notification effectiveness is improved, but the productivity of primary task deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveevent notification reliabilityVSAvoidprimary task continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The notification system uses periodic or intermittent light emission rather than continuous interruption. The light-emitting body can blink or emit light at specific intervals to convey event information, allowing users to perceive notifications without requiring sustained interruption of primary task attention, thus maintaining productivity while ensuring notification reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions notification from the two-dimensional screen space to a different dimension by using light emission from the light-emitting body. This dimensional shift allows notification to occur in a separate perceptual channel, enabling event awareness without blocking the primary content display or requiring task interruption.

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

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution enables effective event notification across various operation modes by tailoring the notification method to the current mode of operation, ensuring user awareness without disrupting primary screen content, and providing a comprehensive history of events for user reference.

Implementation Method 1

the event notification means performs the notification by causing a light-emitting body to emit light in the case of during the operation in the first mode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP2669762B1Information processing device
Publication Date: 2018.03.28 SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT LLC
  • EP2669762B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2669762B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2669762B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Provided is an information processing device capable of issuing a notification of an occurrence of an event depending on a current operation mode in a case where the information processing device operates in a plurality of operation modes. An information processing device operates in a plurality of operation modes including at least a first mode and a second mode, receives event information output by an event output program, and notifies a user that the event information has been received, and the information processing device changes a pattern of notification between a case where the event information is received during the operation in the first mode and a case where the event information is received during the operation in the second mode.