Auxiliary Device Notification Filtering for Locked Primary Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in accessing important communications when their computer is powered off or locked by a screen saver, as they need to manually log in to check for incoming communications, which is inefficient and requires active interaction with the computer.
Innovation Solution
An auxiliary device is used to receive notifications of incoming communications for a primary device, independent of the primary device's power state or lock status, allowing users to view notifications without logging into the primary device, with filtering criteria specified to selectively display important communications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the computer is powered off or locked via screen saver to save energy and secure the system, then energy consumption is reduced and security is improved, but the user cannot access communications without manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the communication notification function from the main computer system by using a separate auxiliary device (mobile phone) to receive and display notifications. This allows the computer to remain in a low-power or locked state while the auxiliary device independently provides communication access, resolving the contradiction between energy savings and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary component (auxiliary device receiving notifications from the email server) is introduced between the user and the computer system. The auxiliary device receives communication notifications and relays them to the user, enabling access without requiring the user to manually log into the computer, thus maintaining both energy efficiency and accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If the user manually logs into the computer to check for communications, then complete access to the computer system is achieved, but time is lost and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by having the auxiliary device receive and display communication notifications before the user needs to access them. The notification is prepared and made available on the mobile phone in advance, so when the user needs to check communications, the information is already there, eliminating the time required to manually log in and check for new messages.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary device acts as an intermediary that provides quick access to communication notifications without requiring full system authentication. This mediator layer allows users to check for important communications rapidly, and only log into the full system when necessary, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining ease of access.
3Loss of information
If all communications are displayed on the auxiliary device, then complete information access is provided, but information overload occurs and important communications are difficult to identify
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by providing different information displays for different purposes: the auxiliary device displays only essential notification information (sender, subject, timestamp) to maintain simplicity, while the full computer system provides complete communication details when accessed. This differentiated information presentation resolves the contradiction between complete information access and avoiding information overload.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary device implements partial action by displaying only the most critical portions of communication information (notification-level details) rather than complete messages. This partial display provides sufficient information for users to identify and prioritize important communications without presenting the full complexity of all communication data, thereby reducing perceived device complexity while maintaining information accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are provided for notification regarding communications. An incoming communication for a user of a primary device is received. An auxiliary device is provided for the primary device. Filter criteria for the auxiliary device is provided. A determination is made as to whether information regarding the incoming communication is sent to the auxiliary device in accordance with the filter criteria.