Electronic Device Status Tracking via Automated Connection Analysis
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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, awaiting disposal, or at the end of its life, which is time-consuming and difficult to manage.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for tracking electronic devices that utilize a device tracking database and computer processors to automatically determine and update device statuses based on external information, preventing prohibited status 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 the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables devices to automatically report their own status information (location, connection state, operational status) without requiring employee intervention. The device tracking database autonomously collects and updates device data through automated queries and status determination processes, eliminating the need for employees to manually provide information while maintaining complete device visibility.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual tracking methods are used for device information, then implementation is simple, but tracking accuracy and real-time status determination deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated feedback loops where the device tracking database continuously queries device status information, determines current statuses based on connection states and timestamps, and updates the database accordingly. This automated feedback mechanism ensures high tracking accuracy and real-time status determination while maintaining implementation simplicity through standardized database operations.
3Loss of information
If comprehensive device tracking is implemented for all devices, then complete device visibility is achieved, but system complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the device tracking function into distinct operational components: querying connection states, determining device statuses based on predefined criteria, and updating the device tracking database. This segmentation allows comprehensive tracking of all devices through modular, manageable processes that reduce system complexity while maintaining complete device visibility across the entire fleet.
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.