Time Converter for Document Operation Timestamp Accuracy

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing information processing systems fail to accurately display and manage the timing of operations performed on additional objects, such as notes, added to documents, leading to confusion about when these objects were selected and confirmed, especially when there is a time difference between the operation and confirmation.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus with a converter that adjusts the display of operation times based on the location where the operation was performed and where the document is displayed, using a display controller to show the adjusted time information alongside the additional object, and an updating unit that updates the time information to reflect the actual execution time of operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the original operation time is displayed without conversion, then the display is simple and quick, but the time information is inaccurate for users in different time zones

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime information accuracyVSAvoidtime conversion mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary time zone detection and conversion setup before the user needs the time information. The converter stores the conversion relationship between the first time zone (where operation occurred) and second time zone (user's location) in advance, so that when time information is displayed, the accurate converted time is already prepared without requiring complex real-time calculation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a time converter as an intermediary component between the operation logging system and the display system. This converter acts as a mediator that receives original time information, performs zone conversion based on stored relationships, and outputs accurate displayed time. This intermediary approach separates the complexity of time conversion from both the operation recording and display functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If time zone conversion is performed for all operations, then time information accuracy is improved, but the processing time and system overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime information accuracyVSAvoidtime conversion processing

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary time zone detection and conversion setup before the user needs the time information. The converter stores the conversion relationship between the first time zone (where operation occurred) and second time zone (user's location) in advance, so that when time information is displayed, the accurate converted time is already prepared without requiring complex real-time calculation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a copied version of the time information that has been pre-converted to the target time zone. Instead of performing conversion every time time information is displayed, the system generates a copy of the time data in the converted format and stores it alongside the original time information. This copying approach eliminates repeated conversion processing while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Loss of information

If the system tracks detailed operation times for additional objects, then record-keeping completeness is improved, but the complexity of time management increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation timing informationVSAvoidtime tracking and conversion system

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the time information management into distinct components: (1) operation time recording module that captures when operations occur, (2) time converter module that handles zone conversion, and (3) display controller that presents the information. This segmentation allows each component to focus on a specific function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining complete time tracking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a time converter as an intermediary component between the operation logging system and the display system. This converter acts as a mediator that receives original time information, performs zone conversion based on stored relationships, and outputs accurate displayed time. This intermediary approach separates the complexity of time conversion from both the operation recording and display functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11216611B2Information processing apparatus and non-transitory computer readable medium

Publication Date: 2022.01.04 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes a converter that converts a time of execution of an operation on an additional object added to a document in a first place on a basis of the first place that is a place of execution of the operation on the additional object and a second place where the document is displayed; and a display controller that causes information indicative of a converted time to be displayed on a display in association with the additional object.