Contextual Information Usage in Accessory Device Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems that include mobile devices and accessory devices, such as smartwatches, face challenges in providing seamless and efficient interactions without user intervention, as accessory devices often lack computing power and connectivity, limiting their ability to display relevant information or activate applications based on contextual data.

Innovation Solution

The system utilizes contextual information from both mobile devices and accessory devices, leveraging sensors and wireless communication to automatically activate relevant applications or display information on the accessory device, such as a smartwatch, based on user actions and environmental data, without requiring user input, and uses feedback to refine its responses for improved user experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If accessory devices are made more capable of processing contextual information and activating applications, then their computing power and connectivity requirements increase, but this increases device complexity and power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to display relevant information and activate applicationsVSAvoidcomputing power and connectivity requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides computational tasks between the mobile device and accessory device. The mobile device performs complex contextual information processing and application activation decisions, while the accessory device handles simpler display and interaction tasks. This segmentation allows the accessory device to provide enhanced functionality without requiring high computing power locally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile device acts as an intermediary between the accessory device and the user. It receives contextual information, processes it, determines what information to display on the accessory device, and manages application activation. This intermediary role enables the accessory device to be adaptable without needing complex local processing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the system automatically activates applications and displays information based on contextual data, then user experience is enhanced, but the system requires more processing power and energy consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic application activation and information displayVSAvoidenergy consumption for contextual processing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary processing of contextual information on the mobile device before transmitting results to the accessory device. By pre-processing contextual data, determining relevance, and preparing display content in advance, the system reduces the energy required for real-time processing on the accessory device, enabling automatic activation with lower overall energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system processes only the necessary portion of contextual information required for application activation and information display decisions. Rather than analyzing all available contextual data, it focuses on key parameters that trigger application activation or information display, reducing computational overhead and energy consumption while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Device complexity

If accessory devices have limited computing power, then device complexity is reduced, but their ability to provide seamless interactions without user intervention is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomputing power limitationsVSAvoidseamless interactions without user intervention

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the computational capabilities of the mobile device with the display and interaction capabilities of the accessory device. By combining these functions into a unified system where the mobile device handles complex processing and the accessory device handles presentation and user interaction, the system achieves seamless automated interactions despite the accessory device's limited computing power.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile device serves multiple functions: it processes contextual information, activates applications, manages connectivity, and controls the accessory device. This multi-functionality compensates for the accessory device's limited computing power, enabling seamless automated interactions through the mobile device's universal capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11856481B2Contextual information usage in systems that include accessory devices

Publication Date: 2023.12.26 FITBIT INC

AI summary

Techniques are disclosed for using contextual information to determine an appropriate response in a system that includes a device paired with an accessory device. The contextual information can be sourced from local sensors, received communications, and information stored on a device within the system. Stored parameters in the system allow flexibility and configurability in evaluating the contextual information. Using feedback obtained after actions taken based on the contextual information allows the system to adapt to better meet the needs of the user.