Device Control Program Local Search and Server Fallback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face inefficiencies in obtaining necessary information for troubleshooting and device usage, as existing help functions often fail to provide relevant information, leading to increased communication traffic and potential data charges, especially when using mobile networks.
Innovation Solution
A device controlling program that executes on an information processing apparatus, which first searches local function information and, if no results are found, supplements the search with device and application-related keywords to request information from an external server, optimizing data communication by determining the appropriate server for the search based on relevance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the device controlling application directly requests information from an external server for any user input, then the user can obtain comprehensive information, but data communication volume increases and data charges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the information retrieval process into two stages: first searching local function information (FAQs) stored in the device, and only if that fails, then querying an external server. This segmentation reduces unnecessary data communication while ensuring comprehensive information is eventually provided.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-storing frequently asked questions and their answers (FAQs) in the device's local storage. When a user queries, the system first checks this pre-prepared local database before attempting external communication, thereby avoiding redundant data transmission.
2Loss of energy
If the device controlling application searches local function information first before querying external servers, then data communication is reduced, but the time to obtain information may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the search process into sequential segments: local FAQ search first, then external server search only if needed. Although segmented, this approach actually optimizes time by quickly resolving common queries locally without waiting for external server responses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs a partial search action locally first (checking FAQs) before committing to the more time-consuming external search. This partial action filters out many common queries that would otherwise require full external search, reducing overall time loss.
3Measurement precision
If the system automatically adds device and application names to search keywords, then the accuracy of obtained information improves, but the complexity of the search process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically extracting and adding relevant device and application identifiers to user search keywords. This self-enhancement of search queries improves accuracy without requiring user intervention or manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-identifying and attaching relevant device/application metadata to search keywords before the actual search executes. This preparation step ensures accurate results without adding complexity during the search execution phase.
Data Source
AI summary
A device controlling program causes, when executed, a processor to perform: receiving input of an input word; searching function information stored in a memory and obtaining a first search result relating to the input word, the first search result being included in the function information, the function information including at least one of a function of the device controlling program and a function of the device; in response to obtaining no first search result relating to the input word as a result of the search process, determining a search word including the input word and a related word identifying at least one of the device controlling program and the device, and transmitting a search request to the server for a second search result, the search request including the search word; and in response to receiving the second search result from the server, displaying the second search result on a display.