Group Activity Suggestion System Using Proxy Device Scanning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems fail to effectively generate suggestions for group activities considering diverse preferences of multiple users, leading to a daunting selection process due to the ever-expanding number of applications and services providing different information.

Innovation Solution

A system where one device acts as a proxy to scan other group devices via wireless communication, transmitting information to a remote resource to compile group criteria from registered and unregistered devices' profiles, using this data along with internet resources to generate and provide activity suggestions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If multiple applications and services provide different information about candidates, then information completeness is improved, but user complexity and difficulty of selection worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation completenessVSAvoiduser complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges information from multiple applications and services into a single unified interface. The system aggregates candidate information (establishments, availability, reviews, special offers) from various sources and presents it through one consolidated application, eliminating the need for users to navigate multiple separate services while maintaining complete information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs multiple functions within a single application: it searches for candidates, aggregates information from various sources, filters based on user criteria, sorts results, and provides recommendations. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for multiple separate applications while maintaining comprehensive capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If group criteria are considered for selecting establishments, then group preferences are satisfied, but selection complexity and time required worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegroup preferences satisfactionVSAvoidselection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-aggregating group criteria and pre-filtering candidates based on group preferences before the user makes a selection. The system proactively processes group requirements (dietary restrictions, facilities, discounts) and prepares filtered, sorted candidate lists in advance, reducing the time needed for final selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system acts as an intermediary between multiple group members with different preferences and the available establishments. It mediates by collecting criteria from all group members, processing these conflicting or varied requirements through automated filtering and sorting, and presenting compromised or optimized solutions that satisfy the group as a whole.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If comprehensive filtering and sorting options are provided, then selection precision is improved, but system complexity and processing requirements worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselection precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the complex filtering and sorting process into distinct, modular components: criterion collection, candidate filtering, multi-criteria sorting, and result presentation. Each component handles a specific aspect of the selection process independently, making the overall complex system manageable and maintainable while providing precise selection capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9813849B2Suggestions based on group criteria
Publication Date: 2017.11.07 INTEL CORP
  • US9813849B2 patent drawing
  • US9813849B2 patent drawing
  • US9813849B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods for generating suggestions based on group criteria. A device may act as a proxy for a group and scan information from other devices in the group. The proxy device may then transmit the scanned information to a remote resource. The remote resource may obtain preference information based on profile information, for devices that are determined to be registered with a service, and based on inquiry responses for unregistered devices. The preference information may be compiled into group criteria that may be employed in making one or more suggestions to the group. If the group selects one of the suggestions then the remote resource may make arrangements based on the selection. Otherwise, additional suggestions may be provided to the group. The remote resource may also monitor the group and continue to make suggestions accordingly.