Numeric Value Conversion Apparatus for Human-Scale Relatability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods struggle to convey unfamiliar numeric values, such as large or small distances, sizes, or weights, in a way that is easily understandable, especially when comparing abstract or fictional objects, as they often rely on individual life logs or country comparisons that are not universally applicable.
Innovation Solution
A conversion apparatus that determines the appropriate conversion method based on the type and size of the numeric value, using methods like 'multiple', 'action time', 'perspective conversion', and 'projection' to relate the value to human-scale references, allowing for the generation of relatable expressions through a program that utilizes databases and user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If numeric values are converted using conventional methods (country comparisons or individual life logs), then specific contexts can be understood, but universal applicability and ease of understanding for all users are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a conversion system that works for any numeric value across different contexts (distance, size, weight) using a unified set of conversion methods. The determination unit automatically selects appropriate conversion methods based on the numeric value's characteristics, making the system universally applicable without requiring context-specific customization for each user scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters by dynamically selecting different conversion methods based on the numeric value's magnitude and type. The determination unit adjusts the conversion approach (e.g., using human body parts for small values, astronomical objects for large values) according to the input parameters, enabling the system to adapt to various contexts while maintaining ease of understanding through standardized reference frameworks.
2Ease of operation
If conversion methods are specialized for individual life logs, then personalized understanding is improved, but general applicability across different users and contexts is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by replacing individual life log-based conversions with a system that uses universally recognized references (human body parts, common objects, astronomical bodies). The determination unit selects conversion methods that work across all users regardless of their personal experiences, while still providing intuitive understanding through familiar references that everyone can relate to.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary conversion methods as mediators between the numeric value and the user's understanding. Instead of directly relating to individual life logs, the system uses intermediate references (e.g., comparing distance to human height, comparing weight to common objects) that serve as universal mediators for comprehension across different users and contexts.
3Productivity
If numeric values are converted using abstract comparisons, then conversion is achieved, but the ability to convey scale and magnitude is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of reference selection based on the numeric value's magnitude. For small values, it uses human body parts as references; for medium values, it uses common objects; for large values, it uses astronomical bodies. This parameter change ensures that the conversion always produces a result that conveys intuitive sense of scale, avoiding abstract comparisons that lack contextual meaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating analogical relationships between the target numeric value and familiar references. Instead of directly presenting the abstract number, the system creates a copied representation in terms of familiar objects or human-scale measurements, allowing users to intuitively grasp the scale and magnitude through the copied familiar reference framework.
Data Source
AI summary
A conversion apparatus includes: a determination unit configured to, using a numeric value of an amount of a given type as input, determine a conversion method to be applied to the numeric value among multiple conversion methods based on the type of the amount and the size of the numeric value; a conversion unit configured to convert the numeric value into a relative value obtained based on a predetermined reference, using the conversion method determined by the determination unit; and an output unit configured to output a result of applying the value to a predetermined template, and thereby the conversion apparatus generates an expression that is easy to understand.