Context-Driven Application Information Access System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of software applications often face difficulties in resolving issues due to cryptic error messages and inadequate documentation, leading to time-consuming efforts in seeking information from online resources or customer support.
Innovation Solution
A system with a client-server architecture that provides access to context-driven application information by utilizing context information to retrieve relevant information from databases and user interactions, allowing users to query and receive answers while continuing to use the application, and facilitating crowd-sourced problem-solving through a social network environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If users consult online resources or customer support to resolve application issues, then they can find helpful information, but it requires significant time and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system (the application information access system) that mediates between the user and existing application information. This system automatically retrieves, processes, and presents relevant information from multiple sources (documentation, error logs, user communities) without requiring users to manually search through extensive resources, thereby reducing time and effort while maintaining comprehensive information access
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by automatically gathering and processing information needed to resolve application issues. The application information access system autonomously queries databases, retrieves documentation, analyzes error messages, and synthesizes helpful responses without requiring users to manually navigate complex information sources, thus reducing the time and effort burden on users
2Reliability
If users seek help from customer support representatives, then they can receive guided assistance, but it requires significant time and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling users to automatically retrieve and process information needed to resolve application issues. The system autonomously queries documentation databases, analyzes error messages, and synthesizes solutions without requiring users to wait for customer support representatives, thereby maintaining reliable problem resolution while significantly reducing time investment
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where users can provide context information about their application environment, and the system uses this feedback to dynamically retrieve and present the most relevant information. This feedback loop enables reliable problem resolution by tailoring information retrieval to specific user needs while reducing overall time required compared to traditional support models
3Measurement precision
If users provide detailed context information for queries, then the retrieved information is more relevant and accurate, but it requires additional user input and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the system to automatically gather and process context information from the application environment before the user needs to query for help. The system proactively collects relevant data (error messages, application state, user actions) and prepares it for information retrieval operations, thereby achieving high information relevance without burdening users with manual context provision
Solution Approach 2:
The application information access system serves as an intermediary that handles the complexity of context information processing. It automatically retrieves, filters, and processes relevant context data from multiple sources, presenting only the necessary information to users. This intermediary approach maintains high information relevance by thoroughly processing context while shielding users from the underlying system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Example systems and methods of context-driven information access are presented. In one example, a request for information concerning an application is received from a user device employing the application. Also received from the user device is context information related to execution of the application. Based on the request and the context information, information concerning the application is retrieved. The information concerning the application is then transmitted to the user device while the user device is employing the application. In some examples, this information may also be shared among other user devices.