Card-Based Processing Operation Generation for Error-Resistant Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing service composition tools, such as IFTTT and SmartThings, require technical knowledge and are prone to automation errors due to complex textual or visual list creation, making them difficult for novice users and risky for experienced users.

Innovation Solution

A generator of second processing operations that uses selectable virtual or physical cards with logic connectors, allowing users to create simplified second processing operations through a user interface, reducing the risk of errors by facilitating card selection and scheduling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If textual or visual lists are used for service composition, then service generation capability is provided, but user complexity increases and error risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice generation capabilityVSAvoidlist creation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the service composition process into discrete visual blocks representing different service components. Each block can be independently selected, dragged, and connected, transforming the complex textual list creation into a modular visual assembly process that reduces cognitive load and error rates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a visual block-based intermediary layer between the user and the underlying service composition system. These visual blocks serve as mediators that translate user intentions into correct service commands, eliminating the need for users to directly manipulate complex textual configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If textual or visual lists are used for service composition, then service generation capability is provided, but automation errors increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice generation capabilityVSAvoidautomation error rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates visual feedback mechanisms where selected service blocks automatically display their associated parameters and validation status. This real-time visual feedback allows users to verify correctness before execution, preventing automation errors before they occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary validation of service block parameters and connections before the automation executes. Invalid configurations are highlighted or rejected in advance, ensuring that only correct service compositions are deployed, thereby eliminating automation errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If complex processing operations are generated, then service functionality increases, but user learning difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing operation functionalityVSAvoiduser learning difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments complex processing operations into simple, atomic visual blocks that represent individual service actions. Users can combine these simple blocks to create complex functionality, learning through composition rather than memorizing complex syntax, thereby reducing learning difficulty while maintaining high functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from textual (1D linear) or visual list (2D sequential) representations to a spatial arrangement of visual blocks with explicit connection interfaces. This dimensional change allows users to understand complex operations through spatial relationships and visual connections, making the system more intuitive and easier to learn.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS12353851B2Generator and method for generating second processing operations, and service provision device using same

Publication Date: 2025.07.08 ORANGE SA

AI summary

A generator of second processing operations providing second services, the second processing operation including at least one command for an electronic device. The command triggers an action from the electronic device from among the following actions: execution of a step of a method for a first processing operation providing a first service, and controlling the electronic device. The generator generates commands as a function of multiple first cards and of multiple second cards selected from among a set of first cards and a set of second cards, respectively, each first card being associated with a logic connector able to be executed during the execution of a second processing operation and each second card being associated with one element from among the following elements: a first service and an electronic device connected to a controller able to implement the second processing operation.