External Event Association for Computer Resource Search
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computer search systems are limited in their ability to search for resources based on associations with external events, as they primarily operate within the computer system and do not extend to events occurring in external devices or systems, making it difficult for users to recall and search for resources using relevant external information.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that associate events from external devices, such as mobile phones and printers, with tasks or objects a user is working on, allowing for the creation of an association that enables searching across peripheral devices, using a relational database or object-oriented data model to store and retrieve this information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional computer search systems search for files and folders based on file name, file extension, specific phrase or keyword inside the file, time last modified, and size, then the search can be performed using detailed criteria, but the search is limited to objects or events within the computer system and cannot extend to external system events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines internal computer system events with external system events into a unified incident log. The system merges data from multiple sources including file system events, application events, and external device events (such as mobile phone calls, messages, and printer status) into a single searchable database, allowing users to search across both internal and external events using the same interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The incident log system is designed to universally capture and store multiple types of events from diverse sources. It can record file operations, application activities, external device events, and user actions in a unified structure, making the search system multi-functional and adaptable to various event types without requiring separate search mechanisms for each source.
2Ease of operation
If users search for resources using file names or date/time information, then the search can be performed with specific criteria, but users may not recall such details and would like to search based on easier-to-remember information
Solution Approach 1:
The incident log acts as an intermediary between the user's memory and the computer's file system. Instead of requiring users to directly recall file names or precise dates, the system provides intermediate search criteria such as application names, event types, and contextual information that are easier to remember. The incident log bridges the gap between vague user recollections and precise file identification.
3Reliability
If the system records incident logs for events happening within the system, then internal events can be tracked, but the incident information does not extend to key events happening in other systems or to external system events
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments event collection into distinct modules that can independently capture events from different sources. There are separate event handlers for file system events, application events, and external device events. Each segment maintains its own event capture logic but all feed into the unified incident log, allowing the system to reliably track internal events while also adapting to capture external events from multiple device types.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a method and system for searching based on association of system resources a user was working on with external devices such as user's PDA, mobile phone, or printer and the system's interaction with such external devices. In one embodiment of the invention, a method is provided comprising a person using a resource on the computer and, during said using, engaging in another event; sending data to the computer related to said another event; and the computer creating an association between said another event and said resource. This embodiment also comprises sending a request to the computer to identify the resource that was being used by said person at the time of said another event; and the computer, acting in response to said request, using said association to identify said resource.