Detection and adaptation of unexpected device usage

Abstract

A system for detecting and adapting unexpected device usage and providing increased visibility and insight into unexpected usage patterns for compatible electronic devices is described. The usage analysis system applies a usage model to the device usage information. The usage model is also used to determine one or more device usage patterns for the electronic device. These device usage patterns are used to determine the unexpected device usage, and the system responds to the unexpected device usage with a number of suggested hardware and software solutions to prevent damage to the electronic device and / or enhance the design and development of the electronic device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the usage of electronic devices, and more specifically, to identifying and adapting to unexpected or harmful use of an electronic device by a user. Currently, hardware and software designers rely on extensive design tests and prototypes to manufacture electronic devices that are expected to withstand normal or assumed wear during device utilization. However, human users are often unpredictable and use electronic devices in unforeseen or out-of-specification ways relative to a given design parameter of the electronic device. Failure to adapt to the expectations of the user regarding the electronic device or its use can lead to accidental damage to the electronic device by the user, resulting in a shortened expected lifespan of the electronic device and a loss of consumer confidence in the electronic device.

Summary of the Invention

[0002] One or more computer systems can be configured to perform certain operations or actions by software, firmware, hardware, or combinations thereof installed on the system that cause the operations to be performed on the system during operation. One or more computer programs can be configured to perform certain operations or actions by including instructions that cause the operations to be performed when executed by a data processing device. One general embodiment includes a method. The method comprises the steps of: receiving device usage information from an electronic device in a usage analysis system; applying a usage model to the device usage information in the usage analysis system to determine at least one device usage pattern; and determining, from at least one device usage pattern and design parameters for the electronic device, an unexpected device usage of the electronic device that is not present in the design parameters. The method also comprises the step of using the unexpected device usage to determine one or more device optimization proposals, including at least one of software enhancements to be performed on the electronic device and hardware enhancements for the electronic device. The method also comprises the step of deploying one or more device optimization proposals to adapt the electronic device to the unexpected device usage of the electronic device. Other embodiments of this embodiment include a corresponding computer system, apparatus, and computer program recorded on one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the method.

[0003] One exemplary embodiment includes a computer program product comprising a computer-readable storage medium in which computer-readable program code is embodied, the computer-readable program code being executable by one or more computer processors to perform an operation. The operation comprises a procedure for receiving device usage information from an electronic device in a usage analysis system; a procedure for applying a usage model to the device usage information in the usage analysis system to determine at least one device usage pattern; and a procedure for determining an unexpected device usage of an electronic device that is not present in the design parameters, based on at least one device usage pattern and design parameters for the electronic device. The operation also comprises a procedure for determining one or more device optimization proposals, including at least one of software enhancements to be performed on the electronic device and hardware enhancements for the electronic device, using the unexpected device usage. The operation also comprises a procedure for deploying one or more device optimization proposals to adapt the electronic device to the unexpected device usage of the electronic device.

[0004] Another exemplary embodiment includes a system comprising one or more computer processors. The system also includes memory for housing programs that perform operations when executed by the computer processors. The operation comprises a procedure in a utilization analysis system for receiving device utilization information from an electronic device; a procedure in the utilization analysis system for applying a utilization model to the device utilization information to determine at least one device utilization pattern; and a procedure for determining, from at least one device utilization pattern and design parameters for the electronic device, an unexpected device utilization of the electronic device that is not present in the design parameters. The operation also comprises a procedure for determining one or more device optimization proposals using the unexpected device utilization, including at least one of software enhancements to be performed on the electronic device and hardware enhancements for the electronic device. The operation also comprises a procedure for deploying one or more device optimization proposals to adapt the electronic device to the unexpected device utilization of the electronic device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0005] Herein, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described only by reference to the following drawings.

[0006] [Figure 1] An exemplary electronic device and utilization analysis system according to one embodiment are shown.

[0007] [Figure 2] A block diagram of an exemplary electronic device according to one embodiment is shown.

[0008] [Figure 3] A flowchart for determining one or more device optimization proposals according to the embodiment is shown.

[0009] [Figure 4] A flowchart for determining one or more device optimization proposals according to the embodiment is shown.

[0010] [Figure 5] A block diagram of a utilization analysis system according to one embodiment is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Electronic devices are becoming an increasingly ubiquitous part of life, both in consumer and commercial settings. Humans use and rely on a wide range of devices, from personal consumer devices such as mobile phones, tablets, and other computing devices, to Internet of Things (IoT) devices, in both personal and industrial contexts. For example, users often have a mobile smartphone within easy reach, a smartwatch on their wrist, and at home, a variety of electronic devices ranging from smart TVs and computers to the many types of IoT devices that are increasingly making up smart homes.

[0012] In addition, commercial and industrial enterprises are incorporating various electronic devices into a wide range of retail, industrial, and other settings. For example, smart devices are used in a diverse range of commercial enterprises, including retail, industrial, and other settings, to assist workers and monitor the commercial environment. In both commercial and direct-to-consumer settings, these electronic devices are designed within specific parameters intended to provide durability for the electronic device. While these electronic device designs often take into account some extreme or harmful conditions, in some cases, the electronic device design cannot take into account all the uses that the electronic device may encounter during end-user use.

[0013] While some of these unintended device uses may not result in increased wear or damage to the device, many can cause functional problems and rapidly degrade the device. In other cases, unintended device uses may not cause any damage to the device, but discovering these uses can be beneficial for electronic device developers in further enhancing the electronic device for more advantageous use and other development.

[0014] The systems and methods described herein provide improved visibility and insight into unexpected usage patterns for electronic devices. The systems and methods include using a usage analysis system that applies a usage model to device usage information. The usage model is used to determine one or more device usage patterns for electronic devices. These device usage patterns are used to determine unexpected device usage, and the system responds to unexpected device usage with several hardware and software solution suggestions to prevent damage to electronic devices and / or enhance the design and development of electronic devices.

[0015] Figure 1 shows an exemplary electronic device and usage analysis system according to one embodiment. The environment 100 includes a user 101 who interacts with or uses the electronic device 105 (device 105), and device 105 communicates with the usage analysis system 150 (system 150). The user interacts with or otherwise operates device 105 via interaction 107. In some cases, interaction 107 may include various assumed device uses. For example, user 101 may use a smart speaker (e.g., device 105) in the user's home over an assumed / designed duration and in a context represented by context information 130. For example, the smart speaker may be in a typical location in the home, such as the living room.

[0016] In another example, user 101 may use the smart speaker in an unintended manner or location (e.g., not within the design parameters). For example, the smart speaker may be placed on a stovetop in a kitchen. In this example, the high temperature and humidity associated with cooking may cause use that degrades the device. For example, the speaker may appear to function normally for a period of time, but may be suffering increased wear and tear, thereby shortening the speaker's expected service life (e.g., 10 years under assumed use) to (e.g., 2 years under harmful use). To address interaction 107 and to adapt further hardware development to interaction 107, system 150 determines and deploys one or more device optimization proposals for device 105.

[0017] For example, System 150 leverages anticipated and unexpected / hidden consumer usage patterns for all durable consumer goods devices within a smart home system to derive insights and recommendations for enhancing software and hardware components.

[0018] In cases of software component upgrades or enhancements, the system may consider effective unexpected / hidden usage patterns of users, classify these patterns as usability module enhancements, security module enhancements, or tracking / power module / firmware enhancements, and alert the respective software development teams to optimized usage and better future releases for power generation.

[0019] In another example, regarding hardware component enhancements, System 150 considers usage patterns derived from various platforms, such as surveys / feedback provided on social, IoT-enabled devices, service centers, and / or other online platforms, as well as user feedback. This information is used to identify hardware enhancements or changes that end users expect, in addition to existing core functionality.

[0020] In some examples, device 105 may include any type of consumer, industrial, or other type of electronic device, including sensors that provide contextual information about the device. Illustrative devices may include mobile smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, computers, or other consumer devices. Additional devices may include IoT devices such as networked cameras, sensors, smart light bulbs, and smart locks. While this specification primarily describes consumer settings, device 105 may also be used in commercial settings such as retail environments, industrial settings, large-scale data centers, and other commercial settings.

[0021] In some examples, device 105 includes components that collect various usage and other device context data from onboard sensors and other devices in the network. For example, as shown in Figure 2, device 105 shown in configuration 200 includes a processor 205, memory 210, storage 220, an external network interface 230, sensor and usage hardware components, component 240, and a bus 250 connecting the previously listed components. In some examples, component 240 includes various monitoring and context sensors and other hardware that provide context and usage information about device 105. For example, usage information may include user interaction with the electronic device during use, collected via a gyroscope and other components that can detect user orientation and operation of the device.

[0022] Usage information may also include device context including at least the location during use of an electronic device collected via other location detection services provided by a global positioning system or component 240. Usage information may also include the time and duration of use of the electronic device, and interactions with external devices during use of the electronic device. For example, component 240 may detect interactions with devices external to device 105, such as device 275, and device 275 may also provide additional usage and context information. Device 105 also includes program module 215 including usage module 211, communication module 212, and software implementation module 213 that compiles device usage information as usage data 110 and provides usage data 110 to system 150 via network 270 and implements software enhancement 115 received from system 150.

[0023] Returning to FIG. 1, as discussed in connection with FIG. 2, additional device 275 may provide additional context or other usage information. These devices may include various electronic devices such as IoT devices 115a and 115b that provide usage information 106a and 106b to device 105, and user device 120 that provides usage information 108 to device 105. Usage information 106a - b and 108 may provide additional information regarding the usage and operation of the device by user 101 along with context information 130. For example, IoT devices 115a and 115b may include temperature sensors, cameras, location beacons, and other typical IoT devices that can collect and provide additional location and context information. For example, referring to the previous example of a smart speaker as device 105, IoT devices 115a and 115b may provide location data indicating that device 105 is near the stove in the kitchen, as well as heat and humidity data about the location surrounding device 105 to the smart speaker.

[0024] In some examples, user 101 may also provide device 105 with additional usage information representing the interaction 107, either directly or through a user interface on user device 120. For example, device 105 may include a smart device (e.g., a smart speaker) that requires interaction via another smart device, such as a smartphone (embodied as user device 120). In some examples, device 105 collects all relevant usage data itself and provides the usage data 110 directly to system 150. For example, user 101 may manually provide location and other usage data to device 105 and / or user device 120.

[0025] When device 105 collects and provides usage data 110, system 150 collects the usage data 110 from device 105 and also collects additional usage information 152 from other inputs and additional inputs from device developer 151. In some examples, the additional usage information 152 may include usage information provided by users of the electronic device (e.g., via user device 120, via a feedback system, etc.). In some examples, the additional usage information may include information compiled by a service system that represents usage by multiple different users. For example, a user may frequently indicate that they use device 105 in a particular context or in a particular manner in customer service interactions. In another example, usage information may also be provided by service forums; for example, a community source question / answer forum may also be used to determine typical usage information for devices similar to device 105.

[0026] System 150 applies a usage model to usage data 110 to determine at least one device usage pattern. In some examples, the usage model uses various parameters to determine various contexts and usage methods of device 105 based on usage data 110. In some examples, the usage patterns determined for a smart speaker can include various usage locations and device performance. For example, the usage pattern can indicate a frequent high-temperature / high-humidity usage method for the smart speaker.

[0027] System 150 also determines unexpected device usage of an electronic device that does not exist in the design parameters from the device usage pattern and design parameters for device 105, and then determines one or more device optimization proposals using the unexpected device usage. The device optimization proposals can include software enhancements for execution by the electronic device and hardware enhancements for the electronic device.

[0028] For example, the software enhancements can include any of an update to the device firmware to adapt the electronic device to unexpected device usage, a program update to directly monitor device usage information for unexpected device usage, and a user interaction update to provide user information for unexpected device usage. For example, a smart speaker can be updated to adapt its usage method when in a harmful condition to protect vulnerable components. In addition, the smart speaker can be updated to provide the user with a notification indicating that a certain usage method is harmful to the device, either via a direct notification or via user device 120.

[0029] In some cases, hardware enhancements may include additional hardware components to adapt electronic devices to unintended use, and hardware design changes to adapt future devices to unintended use. For example, hardware improvements for smart speakers may include proposals for speaker cases in harmful high-temperature and high-humidity conditions, and future updates to the speaker design to incorporate hardware designed to last longer under harmful conditions.

[0030] Other software enhancements may also include detailed user instructions that guide how to avoid harmful use of the device. For example, system 150 may also generate a virtual instruction tutorial 155 that demonstrates the optimal use of the electronic device, and system 150 may provide the virtual instruction tutorial 155 to a consumer such as user 101 to inform user 101 of unintended device use. In some examples, the virtual instruction tutorial 155 is provided via device 105 or user device 120, as described in more detail in relation to Figure 4.

[0031] System 150 deploys one or more device optimization proposals to adapt the electronic device to unintended device uses. For example, System 150 provides software enhancements 115 to device 105 to update the device's software. System 150 may also provide hardware enhancements to device developers 151 to further adapt the hardware for device 105. The operations described above will be explained in more detail in relation to Figure 3.

[0032] Figure 3 shows a flowchart for determining one or more device optimization proposals according to an embodiment. For the sake of clarity, the method described in Figure 3 refers to the examples and systems described in Figures 1 and 2. The method may also be performed by the system 150 described in Figures 1 and 5. Method 300 begins in block 302, in which the system 150 receives device usage information from an electronic device. For example, the system 150 receives usage data 110 from device 105, which includes various context and usage data from device 105. For example, usage data 110 may include user operations of the electronic device during use. For example, this may be how the user operates the device during use, collected by various components on device 105. Usage data 110 may also include device context, including at least location, during use of the electronic device. For example, location may be a global location (e.g., country, state, region) or a more specific location (e.g., home, retail environment, kitchen, conference room, etc.).

[0033] In some cases, the usage data 110 may also include the time and duration of use of the electronic device. For example, the usage data 110 may include a timestamp, as well as how long the user uses the device per day or per use. The usage data 110 may also include interactions with external devices during use of the electronic device. For example, any interaction between device 105 and user device 120 or devices 115a-b may also be included in the usage data 110.

[0034] In some cases, the usage data 110 received from device 105 may also be supplemented by additional information received from user device 120, additional usage information 152, and device developer 151. This information may include usage information directly provided by user 101, usage information compiled by the service system, and other forms of compiled usage data, such as usage information provided by the service forum.

[0035] In block 304, system 150 applies a usage model to device usage information to determine at least one device usage pattern. In some examples, the usage model correlates various factors in the usage information using machine learning or other methods to analyze a particular usage pattern. Referring again to the smart speaker example, the time and duration of use may correlate with other usage conditions such as high temperature / humidity, indicating that the speaker was used while preparing a meal and located near the cooking appliance. In some examples, the usage model may further use additional usage information 152 and additional information provided by the device developer 151 to identify frequently and / or rarely occurring edge cases of use and to identify a wide variety of uses.

[0036] In block 306, system 150 determines an unintended device use of an electronic device that is not present in the design parameters, based on at least one device usage pattern and design parameters for the electronic device. The design parameters may include a variety of assumed uses, including assumed harmful uses of the device. For example, a smart speaker may include typical operating conditions assumed for the device and assumed short-term harmful conditions for device 105. If one or more of the usage patterns identified in block 304 deviate from the design parameters (e.g., exceeding typical operating conditions), system 150 flags that usage pattern as an unintended device use.

[0037] For example, device 105 may include refrigerators, ovens, or other smart devices related to food storage. In some cases, usage (including food stored / cooked within the device) may affect the sensor, which may be immediately undetectable but could lead to increased damage over time. In another case, a smartwatch / mobile device disinfected with an alcohol-based disinfectant may have its long-term durability affected.

[0038] In some cases, unintended device use includes at least one of the following: user interaction with the electronic device while it is in use; device context, including at least its location, while the electronic device is in use; the time and duration of use of the electronic device; or interaction with external devices while the electronic device is in use. In some cases, unintended device use is degrading use of the electronic device, which results in at least accelerated degradation of the electronic device. Degrading use may include increased wear and tear due to incorrect, inappropriate, or by no means optimal use.

[0039] In some cases, unintended device use may include uses that do not cause damage to the device but are not intended uses. For example, a smart speaker may be used in a way that is not typically intended (e.g., as part of an intercom system) that does not cause increased wear and tear on the device. In some cases, unintended device use of an existing device with an external device may not be related to wear and tear, but instead may be a new usage pattern that enhances usability and, consequently, builds customer satisfaction. For example, a user watching cooking videos while the refrigerator is running may instruct the refrigerator manufacturer to enable this option on the smart screen on the refrigerator. In this case, system 150 identifies firmware upgrades, etc., and notifies the firmware manufacturer.

[0040] In block 308, system 150 uses unexpected device usage to determine one or more device optimization proposals. In some examples, the optimization proposals may include software enhancements to be performed on the electronic device and / or hardware enhancements to the electronic device. For example, the system uses unexpected device usage and device design to determine various optimization proposals.

[0041] In one example, method 300 proceeds to block 310 to determine a software enhancement for an electronic device. In several examples, the software enhancement includes determining various enhancements in blocks 312, 314, and 316. For example, in block 312, system 150 determines a firmware update to adapt the electronic device to unintended device use. The firmware update may include changes to the firmware of device 105 to protect the device during unintended device use. In examples where the device use is not harmful, the firmware update may further optimize or adapt the behavior of device 105 during unintended use.

[0042] In block 314, system 150 determines a program update to directly monitor device usage information for unexpected device usage. For example, a new program or program update may be initiated for device 105 to further monitor how the device is used during unexpected use. In some examples, the program update also protects device 105 during unexpected use. In other examples, the program provides enhanced monitoring capabilities to provide more focused or granular information about device 105 during unexpected use.

[0043] In block 316, system 150 determines a user interaction update that provides user information about unexpected device use. User interaction updates may include direct notification via device 105 or user device 120 about unexpected use and mitigation efforts to prevent any damage caused by device use. In some examples, a user interaction update may include a simple alert indicating that the use is causing damage (e.g., pressure, applied force, loaded weight, temperature, and / or location are causing damage). In other examples, a user interaction update may include more detailed information or a tutorial, such as a virtual instruction tutorial 155, which is described in more detail in relation to Figure 4.

[0044] Although shown as separate steps in Figure 3, one or more of blocks 312-316 may be executed simultaneously as separate or combined components of software enhancement. In addition, software enhancement may also be determined in conjunction with hardware enhancements described in relation to blocks 320-324.

[0045] In one example, method 300 proceeds to block 320 to determine hardware enhancements for the electronic device. In some examples, hardware enhancements include determining various enhancements in blocks 322 and 324. For example, in block 322, system 150 determines added hardware components to adapt the electronic device to an unintended device use. In some examples, added hardware components may include physical additions to device 105 to adapt the device to an unintended use.

[0046] In block 324, system 150 determines hardware design changes to adapt the device to unintended device uses in the future. For example, hardware design changes may include one or more changes to the configuration / components of device 105 to adapt the device to future design iterations of the device.

[0047] In block 340, system 150 deploys one or more device optimization proposals to adapt the electronic device to unintended device use. Regarding software enhancements, system 150 may provide user 101 with information to inform the user of unintended use and may install various firmware and software updates for device 105. Regarding hardware enhancements, system 150 may provide the user with information on hardware enhancements and may provide hardware enhancements to device developers in order to deploy any hardware modifications required to address unintended use.

[0048] Figure 4 shows a flowchart for determining one or more device optimization suggestions according to an embodiment. In some examples, the system 150 uses the user 101's hidden / unexpected usage patterns, as well as known current product / device usage or functions and user expectations, to generate a virtual instructional tutorial that may include virtual reality (VR) / augmented reality (AR) content for device 105 to be immediately presented to the user if it is used in an unoptimized manner.

[0049] For example, method 400 begins in block 402, where system 150 generates a virtual instructional tutorial that demonstrates the optimal use of an electronic device. In some examples, the virtual instructional tutorial 155 includes VR / AR components provided to the user via device 105 or via user device 120. The virtual instructional tutorial 155 may include various instructions to user 101 on how to use the device without causing damage to the device due to unintended usage patterns. In another example, the virtual instructional tutorial 155 may also include information on how to upgrade the hardware according to hardware enhancements generated by system 150. For example, if system 150 detects unintended harmful use of device 105 used in a retail environment, a tutorial is generated for employees in that retail environment to train them to avoid or adapt to unintended harmful use of the electronic device.

[0050] In addition, the virtual instruction tutorial 155 may also be provided to potential users of the device to instruct and teach them how to use the device properly. For example, potential users may access the virtual instruction tutorial 155 prior to purchasing the device 105 to determine whether their intended use is compliant with the device 105, or they may adapt their behavior to avoid harmful use of the device.

[0051] In block 404, system 150 provides consumers with a virtual instructional tutorial to inform device users of unintended device use. As described above, the virtual instructional tutorial 155 may be provided via device 105, devices 115a-115b, and user device 120, or any combination thereof, to instruct and notify user 101 and others about avoiding or conforming to any harmful unintended use of the device. For example, a potential customer may receive the virtual instructional tutorial 155 prior to purchasing device 105 to determine whether their intended use conforms to device 105, or they may adapt their behavior regarding whether or not to purchase the device in order to avoid harmful use of the device.

[0052] Figure 5 shows a block diagram of system 150 according to one embodiment. System 150 is shown in the form of a general-purpose computing device. The components of system 150 may include, but are not limited to, one or more processing units or processors 505, memory 510, storage system 520, network interface 530, and a bus 550 that connects various system components, including memory 510 and storage system 520, to the processor 505. In other embodiments, the arrangement 500 is distributed and includes a plurality of individual computing devices connected via wired or wireless networking.

[0053] Bus 550 (and Bus 250) represents one or more of several types of bus structures, including memory buses or memory controllers, peripheral buses, accelerated graphics ports, and processor or local buses using any of the various bus architectures. Examples of such architectures include, but are not limited to, the Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, the Microchannel Architecture (MCA) bus, the Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and the Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus.

[0054] System 150 typically includes various computer system-readable media. Such media can be any available media accessible by System 150, and include both volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media. Memory 510 (and memory 210) may include computer system-readable media in the form of volatile memory such as random access memory (RAM) and / or cache memory. System 150 may further include other removable / non-removable, volatile / non-volatile computer system storage media. For example, storage system 520 (and storage system 520) may be provided for reading from and writing to a non-removable non-volatile magnetic medium (not shown, typically referred to as a “hard drive”). Although not shown, a magnetic disk drive for reading from and writing to removable non-volatile magnetic disks (e.g., “floppy disks”) and an optical disk drive for reading from and writing to removable non-volatile optical disks such as CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, or other optical media may be provided. In such cases, each may be connected to the bus 550 by one or more data media interfaces. As will be further described below, the memory 510 may include at least one program product having a set of (e.g., at least one) program modules configured to perform the functions of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0055] System 150 may further include other removable / non-removable, volatile / non-volatile computer system storage media. In some examples, storage system 520 may be included as part of memory 510, and may typically provide non-volatile memory for networked computing devices, and may include one or more different storage elements such as flash memory, hard disk drives, solid-state drives, optical storage devices, and / or magnetic storage devices. For example, storage system 520 may be provided for reading from and writing to a non-removable non-volatile magnetic medium (not shown, typically referred to as a “hard drive”). Not shown, a magnetic disk drive may be provided for reading from and writing to a removable non-volatile magnetic disk (e.g., a “floppy disk”), and an optical disk drive may be provided for reading from and writing to a removable non-volatile optical disk such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or other optical medium. In such cases, each may be connected to bus 550 by one or more data medium interfaces. The storage system 520 can be updated and accessed by the program module 515 described herein.

[0056] In addition, System 150 may communicate with one or more networks, such as a local area network (LAN), a general wide area network (WAN), and / or a public network (e.g., the Internet), via the network interface 530. As depicted, the network interface 530 communicates with other components of System 150 via the bus 550. It should be understood that other hardware and / or software components, not shown in the illustration, may be used in conjunction with System 150. Examples include, but are not limited to, cloud computing systems, microcode, device drivers, redundant processing units, external disk drive arrays, RAID systems, tape drives, and data archive storage systems.

[0057] The descriptions of various embodiments of the present invention are presented for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be comprehensive or limitless to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the embodiments described. The terminology used herein has been selected to best describe the principles of the embodiments, their practical applications, or technical improvements to the art found in the market, or to enable other those skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0058] In the foregoing, the embodiments presented in this disclosure have been referred to. However, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described. Rather, any combination of features and elements is intended to implement and practice the intended embodiments, whether or not they relate to different embodiments. Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed herein may realize advantages over other possible solutions or over the prior art, but whether or not a particular advantage is realized by a given embodiment does not limit the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the aspects, features, embodiments and advantages discussed herein are merely illustrative and should not be considered elements or limitations of the appended claims unless expressly stated in the claims. Similarly, references to “the present invention” should not be interpreted as a generalization of any inventive subject matter disclosed herein and should not be considered elements or limitations of the appended claims unless expressly stated in the claims.

[0059] Aspects of the present invention may take the form of entirely hardware embodiments, entirely software embodiments (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or embodiments combining software and hardware embodiments, all of which may generally be referred to herein as “circuits,” “modules,” or “systems.”

[0060] The present invention may also be an integrated system, method, and / or computer program product at any possible level of technical detail. The computer program product may include a computer-readable storage medium (or a plurality of computer-readable storage media) having computer-readable program instructions for causing a processor to perform aspects of the present invention.

[0061] Computer-readable storage media can be tangible devices capable of holding and storing instructions for use by instruction-executing devices. Computer-readable storage media can be, but are not limited to, electronic storage devices, magnetic storage devices, optical storage devices, electromagnetic storage devices, semiconductor storage devices, or any suitable combination of the above. A non-exclusive list of more specific examples of computer-readable storage media is as follows: portable computer diskettes, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) or flash memory, static random access memory (SRAM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disk (DVD), memory sticks, floppy disks, mechanically encoded devices such as punched cards or grooved raised structures on which instructions are recorded, and any suitable combination of the above. As used herein, computer-readable storage media should not be construed as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through waveguides or other transmission media (e.g., light pulses passing through optical fiber cables), or transient signals themselves, such as electrical signals transmitted through wires.

[0062] The computer-readable program instructions described herein may be downloaded from a computer-readable storage medium to each computing / processing device, or to an external computer or external storage device via a network, such as the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network, and / or a wireless network. The network may include copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmissions, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers, and / or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface within each computing / processing device receives computer-readable program instructions from the network and transfers the computer-readable program instructions for storage in a computer-readable storage medium within each computing / processing device.

[0063] The computer-readable program instructions for performing the operation of the present invention may be assembler instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state setting data, configuration data for integrated circuits, or source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Smalltalk® or C++, and procedural programming languages ​​such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. The computer-readable program instructions may run as a standalone software package entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the internet using an Internet service provider). In some embodiments, to carry out aspects of the present invention, an electronic circuit including, for example, a programmable logic circuit, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a programmable logic array (PLA) may execute computer-readable program instructions for personalizing the electronic circuit by utilizing state information of computer-readable program instructions.

[0064] Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference to flowcharts and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the present invention. It will be understood that each block in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks within the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer-readable program instructions.

[0065] These computer-readable program instructions may be provided to the processor of a computer or other programmable data processing device to generate a machine, which is executed via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device, to create means for implementing functions / operations specified in one or more blocks of a flowchart and / or block diagram. These computer-readable program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can instruct a computer, programmable data processing device and / or other device to function in a particular manner, thereby comprising a product containing instructions that implement modes of functions / operations specified in one or more blocks of a flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0066] Computer-readable program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing device, or other device to generate a computer implementation process by executing a series of operational steps on the computer, other programmable device, or other device, thereby enabling the instructions executed on the computer, other programmable device, or other device to implement the functions / operations specified in one or more blocks of a flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0067] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of the system, method, and computer program product according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions containing one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. In some alternative implementations, the functions described within a block may occur in an order different from the order shown in the figure. For example, two consecutively shown blocks may actually be implemented as a single step, executed simultaneously, substantially simultaneously, partially or entirely, or in a manner that overlaps in time, or blocks may, in some cases, be executed in reverse order depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each block in the block diagram and / or flowchart, and combinations of blocks in the block diagram and / or flowchart, may be implemented by a dedicated hardware-based system that performs a specified function or operation, or executes a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0068] Embodiments of the present invention may be provided to end users through a cloud computing infrastructure. Cloud computing generally refers to the provisioning of scalable computing resources as a service over a network. More formally, cloud computing can be defined as computing capacity that provides abstraction between computing resources and their underlying technical architecture (e.g., servers, storage, networks), enabling convenient on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal administrative effort or interaction with service providers. Thus, cloud computing enables users to access virtual computing resources in the “cloud” (e.g., storage, data, applications, and even full virtualized computing systems) regardless of the underlying physical systems (or the location of those systems) used to provide the computing resources.

[0069] Typically, cloud computing resources are provided to users on a usage-based fee structure, where users are charged only for the computing resources they actually use (e.g., the amount of storage space consumed by the user, or the number of virtualization systems instantiated by the user). Users can access any of the resources residing in the cloud from any location at any time over the internet. In the context of the present invention, a user can access an application (e.g., system 150) or related data available within the cloud. For example, system 150 may run on a computing system within the cloud. In such a case, the system can determine unexpected device usage and optimization suggestions at storage locations within the cloud. This makes it possible for users to access this information from any computing system attached to a network connected to the cloud (e.g., the internet).

[0070] Although the foregoing describes embodiments of the present invention, other embodiments and further embodiments of the present invention can be devised without departing from the basic scope of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is determined by the following claims.

Claims

1. In a usage analysis system, the step of receiving device usage information from an electronic device, wherein the device usage information includes environmental condition information received from one or more sensors mounted on the electronic device; In the aforementioned usage analysis system, a step of determining at least one device usage pattern by applying a usage model to the device usage information; A step in which, from the at least one device usage pattern for the electronic device, the environmental condition information, and the design parameters, an unintended device use of the electronic device that is not present in the design parameters is determined, wherein the design parameters include a plurality of assumed device uses for the electronic device, the plurality of assumed device uses include at least one assumed use that degrades the electronic device, and the unintended device use includes a use that degrades the electronic device that is not included in the at least one assumed use that degrades the electronic device; Using the aforementioned unexpected device usage: Software enhancements performed on the aforementioned electronic device, or Hardware enhancements for the aforementioned electronic devices A step of determining one or more device optimization proposals, including at least one of the following; and By developing one or more of the above device optimization proposals, Installing the software enhancements on the electronic device via a network connection to the electronic device, and The step of adapting the electronic device to the unexpected device use by performing at least one of the following: providing the hardware enhancement indication to one or more users and developers of the electronic device via the network connection. A method that includes [a certain feature].

2. The aforementioned unintended use of the device leads to at least accelerated degradation of the electronic device, and the aforementioned unintended use of the device: User operation of the electronic device while the electronic device is in use, During use of the aforementioned electronic device, a device context including at least a location, The time and duration of use of the aforementioned electronic device, or Interaction with external devices during use of the aforementioned electronic device The method according to claim 1, comprising at least one of the following.

3. The aforementioned software enhancements include: A firmware update to adapt the aforementioned electronic device to the aforementioned unintended device use; A program update to directly monitor device usage information regarding the aforementioned unexpected device usage; or User interaction update that provides user information regarding the aforementioned unexpected device usage. The method according to claim 1, comprising at least one of the following.

4. The aforementioned hardware enhancements include: Additional hardware components for adapting the electronic device to the unintended device use; and Hardware design changes to adapt future devices to the aforementioned unforeseen device uses. The method according to claim 1, comprising at least one of the following.

5. A step of generating a virtual instructional tutorial that specifies at least one of the following: the optimal use of the electronic device and a method for avoiding harmful use of the electronic device; and The stage of providing the consumer with the aforementioned virtual instruction tutorial and informing the device user of the aforementioned unexpected device usage. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

6. The aforementioned device usage information is: Usage information provided by the user of the aforementioned electronic device; Usage information compiled by the service system; and Usage information provided by the service forum The method according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of the following.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the device usage information further includes context information provided by one or more context collection devices located outside the electronic device.

8. It comprises computer-readable program code, the computer-readable program code being: A procedure for receiving device usage information from an electronic device in a usage analysis system, wherein the device usage information includes environmental condition information received from one or more sensors mounted on the electronic device; A procedure in the aforementioned usage analysis system for determining at least one device usage pattern by applying a usage model to the device usage information; A procedure for determining an unexpected device use of the electronic device that is not present in the design parameters, based on the at least one device usage pattern for the electronic device, the environmental condition information, and the design parameters, wherein the design parameters include a plurality of assumed device uses for the electronic device, the plurality of assumed device uses include at least one assumed use that degrades the electronic device, and the unexpected device use includes a use that degrades the electronic device that is not included in the at least one assumed use that degrades the electronic device; Using the aforementioned unexpected device usage: Software enhancements performed on the aforementioned electronic device, and Hardware enhancements for the aforementioned electronic devices A procedure for determining one or more device optimization proposals, including at least one of the following; and By developing one or more of the above device optimization proposals, Installing the software enhancements on the electronic device via a network connection to the electronic device, and A procedure for adapting the electronic device to the unexpected device use by performing at least one of the following: providing the hardware enhancement indication to one or more users and developers of the electronic device via the network connection. A computer program that is executable by one or more computer processors to perform an action having the following characteristics.

9. The aforementioned unintended use of the device leads to at least accelerated degradation of the electronic device, and the aforementioned unintended use of the device: User operation of the electronic device while the electronic device is in use, During use of the aforementioned electronic device, a device context including at least a location, The time and duration of use of the aforementioned electronic device, or Interaction with external devices during use of the aforementioned electronic device The computer program according to claim 8, comprising at least one of the following.

10. The aforementioned software enhancements include: A firmware update to adapt the aforementioned electronic device to the aforementioned unintended device use; Program updates to directly monitor device usage information regarding the aforementioned unexpected device usage; and User interaction update that provides user information regarding the aforementioned unexpected device usage. The computer program according to claim 8, comprising one or more of the above.

11. The aforementioned hardware enhancements include: Additional hardware components for adapting the electronic device to the unintended device use; and Hardware design changes to adapt future devices to the aforementioned unforeseen device uses. The computer program according to claim 8, comprising one or more of the above.

12. The aforementioned operation is: A procedure for generating a virtual instructional tutorial that specifies at least one of the following: the optimal use of the electronic device and a method for avoiding harmful use of the electronic device; and A procedure to provide consumers with the aforementioned virtual instruction tutorial and to inform device users of the aforementioned unexpected device usage. The computer program according to claim 8, further comprising the above.

13. The aforementioned device usage information is: Usage information provided by the user of the aforementioned electronic device; Usage information compiled by the service system; and Usage information provided by the service forum The computer program according to claim 8, further comprising one or more of the above.

14. The computer program according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the device usage information further includes context information provided by one or more context collection devices located outside the electronic device.

15. One or more computer processors; and When executed by one or more of the aforementioned computer processors: A procedure for receiving device usage information from an electronic device in a usage analysis system, wherein the device usage information includes environmental condition information received from one or more sensors mounted on the electronic device; A procedure in the aforementioned usage analysis system for determining at least one device usage pattern by applying a usage model to the device usage information; A procedure for determining an unexpected device use of the electronic device that is not present in the design parameters, based on the at least one device usage pattern for the electronic device, the environmental condition information, and the design parameters, wherein the design parameters include a plurality of assumed device uses for the electronic device, the plurality of assumed device uses include at least one assumed use that degrades the electronic device, and the unexpected device use includes a use that degrades the electronic device that is not included in the at least one assumed use that degrades the electronic device; Using the aforementioned unexpected device usage: Software enhancements performed on the aforementioned electronic device, and Hardware enhancements for the aforementioned electronic devices A procedure for determining one or more device optimization proposals, including at least one of the following; and By developing one or more of the above device optimization proposals, Installing the software enhancements on the electronic device via a network connection to the electronic device, and A procedure for adapting the electronic device to the unexpected device use by performing at least one of the following: providing the hardware enhancement indication to one or more users and developers of the electronic device via the network connection. Memory containing a program that performs an operation having A system that includes these features.

16. The aforementioned unintended use of the device leads to at least accelerated degradation of the electronic device, and the aforementioned unintended use of the device: User operation of the electronic device while the electronic device is in use, During use of the aforementioned electronic device, a device context including at least a location, The time and duration of use of the aforementioned electronic device, or Interaction with external devices during use of the aforementioned electronic device The system according to claim 15, comprising at least one of the following.

17. The aforementioned software enhancements include: A firmware update to adapt the aforementioned electronic device to the aforementioned unintended device use; Program updates to directly monitor device usage information regarding the aforementioned unexpected device usage; and User interaction update that provides user information regarding the aforementioned unexpected device usage. The system according to claim 15, comprising one or more of the above.

18. The aforementioned hardware enhancements include: Additional hardware components for adapting the electronic device to the unintended device use; and Hardware design changes to adapt future devices to the aforementioned unforeseen device uses. The system according to claim 15, comprising one or more of the above.

19. The aforementioned operation is: A procedure for generating a virtual instructional tutorial that specifies at least one of the following: the optimal use of the electronic device and a method for avoiding harmful use of the electronic device; and A procedure to provide consumers with the aforementioned virtual instruction tutorial and to inform device users of the aforementioned unexpected device usage. The system according to claim 15, further comprising the above.

20. The aforementioned device usage information is: Usage information provided by the user of the aforementioned electronic device; Usage information compiled by the service system; and Usage information provided by the service forum The system according to any one of claims 15 to 19, further comprising one or more of the above.

Images