Connection-State Device Tracking for Real-Time Status Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Companies face challenges in efficiently tracking and determining the status of thousands of electronic devices, including which employee has each device, whether it is in use, its physical location, and whether it is being repaired, at end of life, or awaiting disposal, which is time-consuming and difficult to manage.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for tracking multiple electronic devices by accessing external information to determine their status, using a device tracking database with computer processors to automatically update statuses based on connection states and external data, preventing prohibited changes, and providing real-time status updates to clients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If employees are requested to provide information regarding device use, then device status information can be obtained, but productivity is reduced and results are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by having devices automatically report their own status information (location, connection state, activity timestamps) without requiring employee intervention. The device tracking database automatically receives and processes this data, eliminating the need for employees to manually provide device usage information while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of employees providing device information with an automated electronic system. Devices automatically transmit status data through communication interfaces to the tracking database, substituting human action with automated technological processes that continuously collect and update device information without impacting employee productivity.
2Loss of information
If manual tracking methods are used to determine device locations and statuses, then device information can be collected, but the process is difficult and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous tracking by automatically collecting device status information in real-time through communication interfaces. The device tracking database continuously receives updates on device locations, connection states, and activity timestamps without interruption, eliminating the time-consuming periodic manual tracking process and providing up-to-date information continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a communication interface as an intermediary between devices and the tracking database. This intermediary automatically transmits device status information to the database, serving as a mediator that eliminates the need for direct manual intervention while enabling continuous, real-time collection of device location and status data without time loss.
3Ease of operation
If device status changes are allowed without validation, then the system is simple to operate, but inaccurate status information may be recorded
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by automatically validating device status changes against predefined rules and prohibited status changes. The processor receives status updates, compares them against validation criteria, and only accepts changes that meet the specified conditions. This automated feedback loop maintains data accuracy while keeping the system easy to operate, as validation occurs automatically without requiring complex manual review processes.
4Loss of information
If comprehensive device tracking is implemented for thousands of devices, then complete device status information is obtained, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal device tracking database that handles multiple device types and status parameters through a single integrated system. The database structure and processor are designed to accommodate various device categories, location types, and status conditions uniformly, enabling comprehensive tracking of thousands of devices without increasing operational complexity. The system performs multiple functions (tracking location, status, activity timestamps) through a unified multi-functional platform.
Data Source
AI summary
An example method of tracking multiple electronic devices is described herein that can include accessing first information regarding the multiple electronic devices with the first information including a connection state for a first plurality of electronic devices of the multiple electronic devices representative of a most recent timestamp that each of the first plurality of electronic devices was active and concurrently determining a first status for each applicable electronic device of the multiple electronic devices dependent upon the first information. The method can further include assigning the first status as a current status for each of the multiple devices in a device tracking database, accessing second information regarding the multiple electronic devices with the second information including the connection state for a second plurality of electronic devices of the multiple electronic devices, and concurrently determining a second status for each of the multiple electronic devices dependent upon the second information.