Context-Aware Data Item Reordering for Intelligent Assistants

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional systems fail to effectively surface relevant data items to users based on changing device context, such as breaking news or weather events, and do not provide a user interface for navigating through these items.

Innovation Solution

A digital assistant system that includes a client-server model, where the client-side portion processes user inputs and outputs, and the server-side portion performs task execution and communicates with external services, dynamically updating the order of data items based on changing context and user interactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional systems display data items in a fixed order, then the system structure is simple, but the system cannot adapt to changing device context such as breaking news or weather events

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to changing device contextVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic reordering of data items based on changing device context. The system continuously monitors context information (location, time, device state) and dynamically adjusts the display order of data items using confidence values that reflect current relevance. This allows the interface to adapt to breaking news, weather events, and other time-sensitive situations without requiring a complete system redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of data item ordering from static to dynamic by introducing confidence values that are continuously updated based on device context. Each data item is assigned a confidence value that reflects its current relevance, and the display order is automatically adjusted based on these changing parameters. This approach enables adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple underlying system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of information

If the system continuously updates data item ordering based on context, then information relevance is improved, but processing time and computational resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation relevanceVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating and storing confidence values for data items based on their inherent properties and historical performance. When device context changes, the system only needs to adjust the ordering based on updated context factors rather than completely re-evaluating all data items. This preliminary preparation reduces the computational burden and processing time required for continuous updates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where confidence values are continuously updated based on user interactions and changing device context. The feedback loop allows the system to learn from user behavior patterns and refine its ordering decisions, improving information relevance over time while optimizing processing efficiency through iterative adjustments rather than complete re-calculations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If the system displays multiple data items with dynamic reordering, then user access to relevant information is improved, but the user interface complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser access to informationVSAvoiduser interface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides self-service by automatically managing the complexity of data item ordering and presentation. The intelligent automated assistant handles the reordering and selection of data items based on device context without requiring user intervention. This allows the interface to remain simple and user-friendly while the system independently manages the complexity of adapting to changing contexts and optimizing information presentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4283495B1Providing relevant data items based on context
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 APPLE INC
  • EP4283495B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4283495B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4283495B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

Systems and processes for operating an intelligent automated assistant are provided. In one example, a plurality of data items selected by a user are received, wherein a plurality of confidence values corresponding to the plurality of data items are identified. The plurality of data items is ordered. The first data item is displayed, and updated context information associated with the electronic device is received. An update to the plurality of confidence values is detected, wherein the updated plurality of confidence values includes a third confidence value associated with a third data item of the plurality of ordered data items. In accordance with a determination that the third confidence value is higher than a first confidence value of the first data item, an order of the plurality of ordered data items is modified, and the third data item of the plurality of ordered data items is displayed.