Envoy Device Proximity Transaction Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Interacting with diverse embedded devices in a user's environment is complicated due to different protocols and access methods, discouraging users from utilizing these devices.

Innovation Solution

An envoy device that automatically initiates transactions with nearby devices upon proximity, using communication circuitry and a display to present likely next actions, simplifying user interaction and maintaining security without requiring additional user input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If automatic transaction initiation based on proximity is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interaction simplicityVSAvoidtransaction management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting device proximity and initiating transactions before the user explicitly requests them. The envoy device monitors the environment for nearby devices and pre-prepares transaction initiation, eliminating the need for users to manually search for or select devices, thereby improving ease of operation while managing complexity through automated workflows

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple transaction options are automatically presented to the user, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransaction option flexibilityVSAvoidinterface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial action by selectively presenting only the most relevant transaction options to the user rather than all possible actions. The envoy device analyzes the context and proximity-based relationships to filter and prioritize transaction options, providing sufficient versatility for common scenarios while avoiding interface complexity by omitting less relevant options

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Productivity

If automatic transaction completion is enabled, then productivity is improved, but reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransaction completion speedVSAvoidtransaction security

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the envoy device continuously monitors transaction status and provides real-time information to the user. Automatic transaction completion is enabled with feedback loops that allow users to review transaction details and intervene if necessary, thereby maintaining productivity through automation while preserving reliability through user awareness and control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10249115B2Interacting with embedded devices within a user's environment

Publication Date: 2019.04.02 ARM IP

AI summary

An envoy device configured to perform a transaction with a further device. The envoy device comprises: a data store; a processor; communication circuitry for communicating with the further device; and a display. The envoy device is configured to respond to detection of the further device being within a predetermined physical proximity to trigger initiation of a transaction between the devices; and to respond to the transaction completing to display an object related to the transaction that it is determined the user may wish to select to initiate a subsequent action.