Cloud-Based Contact Management System with Location-Based Search

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for storing and managing contact information are limited, as they do not provide access to a comprehensive range of contact details and require manual updating and searching, especially when users need to find contacts in new or unfamiliar locations.

Innovation Solution

A system that utilizes a shared database where multiple entities contribute contact information, allowing users to access and import additional contact data, and perform location-based searches to identify relevant contacts within their proximity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If software is installed on in-house computer systems, then organization can control and customize the software functionality, but installation and maintenance requires significant time and resources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesoftware customizationVSAvoidinstallation and maintenance time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a cloud-based software service as an intermediary between the organization and traditional on-premise software installation. Instead of installing software directly on in-house systems, the organization accesses a centralized cloud platform that provides customized software functionality without requiring local installation resources or maintenance time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical process of physical software installation and local maintenance with a virtualized cloud-based delivery mechanism. The system substitutes manual installation procedures with automated cloud provisioning and replaces local maintenance operations with remote cloud management, significantly reducing time and resource requirements.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If software is installed on multiple computer systems, then organization can deploy functionality across devices, but compatibility problems arise with frequent upgrading

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesoftware deployment scopeVSAvoidsoftware compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal cloud-based software platform that can be accessed from multiple computer systems and devices without requiring device-specific installations. The cloud platform provides a single unified interface that works across different operating systems and hardware configurations, eliminating compatibility issues that arise with frequent local software upgrades.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent separates the software functionality into two distinct segments: a centralized cloud-based core that handles all software logic and updates, and client-side access interfaces that are minimal and platform-independent. This segmentation allows the heavy lifting of compatibility management to occur in the cloud rather than on individual devices, ensuring consistent functionality across all access points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If manual contact information updating is performed, then organization can maintain accurate contact data, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact data accuracyVSAvoidcontact list update efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a system where contact information is automatically updated through location-based services and geofencing technology. Instead of manual updating, the system self-updates contact lists by detecting when contacts enter or leave predefined geographic areas, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining accurate and current contact data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes continuous feedback loops where location data from mobile devices automatically triggers contact list updates. The system monitors geographic conditions and feeds this information back into the contact management database, automatically adjusting contact lists based on real-time location changes rather than relying on manual updates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9064339B2Computer implemented systems and methods for providing a mobile social enterprise interface
Publication Date: 2015.06.23 SALESFORCE INC
  • US9064339B2 patent drawing
  • US9064339B2 patent drawing
  • US9064339B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed are systems, apparatus, and methods for updating and visualizing information stored in a database system. In various implementations, a request to search contact data is received, where the contact data provides contact information associated with at least one entity. Search parameters may be retrieved responsive to the search request, where the search parameters define the search and include a geographical location associated with a source of the request. In various implementations, a first contact is identified based on the retrieved search parameters, where the first contact is identified based at least in part on a geographical distance between the first contact and the source of the request. In some implementations, a geographical representation of the first contact is generated, where the geographical representation indicates a geographical location of the first contact, and where the geographical representation is capable of being displayed at a user interface of a computer system.