Activity Tracking System for Multi-Device Time Entry Synchronization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing time entry systems require extensive user input, leading to errors and inefficiencies, and lack real-time synchronization across multiple devices, resulting in delayed and imprecise time entry processes.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for capturing and synchronizing activity data across multiple devices using user devices equipped with wireless communication components, GPS receivers, sensors, and processors, which automatically track and process activity data to generate time entries with minimal user input and provide real-time synchronization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If existing time entry systems are used with manual data entry, then user input is required to generate time entries, but this leads to errors and inaccuracies in time entries

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime entry accuracyVSAvoiduser input requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically tracks activity data using sensors and device activity monitoring without requiring user input. The time entry system serves itself by capturing data through GPS location tracking, device usage monitoring, and automated activity detection, eliminating manual data entry while maintaining high accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual data entry process with automated electronic sensing and tracking systems. Sensors, GPS receivers, and device activity monitors automatically capture and transmit activity data, substituting human input with automated detection mechanisms that improve accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If manual time entry process is used, then user can enter time data, but the process is laborious and time-intensive leading to delayed time entry

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime entry efficiencyVSAvoidtime entry delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously tracks and captures activity data in the background before time entry is needed. Activity data is collected continuously through sensors and device monitoring, so when time entry is required, the data is already captured and ready for immediate use, eliminating delays

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous tracking of activity data through ongoing sensor monitoring, GPS location updates, and device activity detection. This continuous data collection ensures that time entry information is always available without interruption or delay, maintaining productive flow

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Adaptability or versatility

If existing time entry systems are used, then time entries can be created, but they are not designed to synchronize across multiple computing devices in real-time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-device synchronizationVSAvoidsynchronization reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system is designed to operate across multiple device types including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and wearables. The activity tracking and time entry functionality is universal across all devices, allowing seamless synchronization and access from any device in the ecosystem

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements real-time feedback mechanisms where activity data captured on one device is immediately synchronized to the cloud and reflected on other devices. This continuous feedback loop ensures all devices display consistent, up-to-date information, maintaining synchronization reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Speed

If current synchronization techniques are used, then data can be synchronized across devices, but a large amount of processing time is required resulting in synchronization delays

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization speedVSAvoidprocessing power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic synchronization intervals where data is transferred and updated at optimized time points rather than continuously. Activity data is batched and synchronized periodically, reducing processing overhead and power consumption while maintaining acceptable synchronization speed for user needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3507719B1Method and apparatus for tracking, capturing, and synchronizing activity data across multiple devices
Publication Date: 2023.10.04 FULCRUM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES INC
  • EP3507719B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3507719B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3507719B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods and apparatuses, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for capturing tracked activity data and synchronizing the tracked activity data across multiple devices. One of the methods includes, a controller, in communication with a plurality of user devices, receiving identification of activities to be tracked from a first user device of a group of user devices associated with a single user identification. Thereafter, the controller receives the tracked activity data from any user device of the group of user devices, and sends the tracked activity data to the other user devices of the group of user devices. The method includes generating a user interface based on the identified activities, the tracked activity data, and the additional tracked activity data from other user devices. The method includes generating a time entry by populating a time entry template based on the selected activity data.