Widget-Based Information Display for Multi-Device State Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing application programs struggle to manage multiple devices within a system effectively, leading to difficulties in managing the entire system as the number of devices increases.
Innovation Solution
An information display apparatus and method that integrates multiple sub-widgets into a main widget, allowing users to set conditions and relationships between sub- and main widgets, enabling comprehensive management of devices and functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a smartphone is used as both terminal device and wearable device, then device versatility is improved, but device complexity increases and specific functions for each device type cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the functionality by separating the terminal device (smartphone) from the wearable device (watch). The terminal device runs the application and processes complex operations, while the wearable device provides specialized functions like notifications and sensors. This segmentation allows each device to be optimized for its specific purpose without compromising overall system versatility.
2Ease of operation
If information is displayed in a list format on the wearable device, then ease of operation is improved, but information density and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adapting the display format to the specific context and device capabilities. The wearable device uses a list format with icons for easy scanning and quick interaction, while the terminal device can display more detailed information in grid or other formats. Each device optimizes its local display quality for its specific use case and screen characteristics.
3Ease of operation
If icons are displayed at a size suitable for wearable devices, then ease of operation is improved, but the number of icons that can be displayed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic display where the icon size, layout, and arrangement adapt based on the device type, available screen space, and user interaction patterns. The wearable device dynamically adjusts to show fewer, larger icons for touch interaction, while the terminal device can display more icons in smaller spaces using pointer-based interaction. This dynamic adaptation optimizes both ease of operation and display area utilization for each device.
Data Source
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AI summary
An information display apparatus includes a display portion and a control portion. The display portion displays widgets that include a main widget and a plurality of sub-widgets that indicate states of devices or states of functions installed on the devices. The control portion executes: a process of placing a plurality of sub-widgets against the main widget; a process of setting the device or the function that is associated with each of the plurality of sub-widgets; a process of setting a condition for the device or a condition for the function that is associated with each of the plurality of sub-widgets; and a process of setting a relationship between conditions set for the plurality of sub-widgets and a condition set for the main widget.