Interface Component for Tracking Unsupported Functionality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated tracking and billing systems for service providers often struggle to handle unexpected or unsupported functionalities, leading to delayed access for customers to new device features, as they require time-consuming and costly updates to support new functionalities.
Innovation Solution
An interface component that receives tracking measures from devices and generates modified tracking measures, allowing unsupported functionalities to be categorized within supported categories, enabling their use and billing without updating the automated tracking system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the automated tracking system is updated to support new functionalities, then the system can accurately track and bill for these functionalities, but the update process is time-consuming and costly, delaying customer access to new features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component that sits between the device and the automated tracking system. This intermediary translates tracking measures for unsupported functionalities into formats compatible with existing supported categories, enabling immediate tracking without system updates. The intermediary acts as a mediator that bridges the gap between new device capabilities and legacy tracking infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the tracking functionality into two independent paths: one for supported functionalities that use the existing automated tracking system, and another for unsupported functionalities that use an alternative tracking mechanism. This segmentation allows new functionalities to be tracked immediately while the automated system is updated in the background, eliminating the delay.
2Reliability
If the automated tracking system is updated to support new functionalities, then accurate tracking and billing can be achieved, but the update process is costly
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary component provides a cost-effective solution by handling the translation of tracking measures without requiring expensive updates to the core automated tracking system. This approach maintains tracking accuracy for new functionalities while avoiding the high costs associated with system-wide updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy or representation of the tracking functionality through the intermediary, which mimics the behavior of the automated tracking system for unsupported functionalities. This copying approach allows accurate tracking to be achieved through software translation rather than expensive hardware or system updates.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the service provider waits to update the tracking system before enabling new functionalities, then system stability is maintained, but customer access to new features is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the tracking functionality into supported and unsupported paths, the patent allows new functionalities to be deployed immediately through the alternative tracking mechanism while the automated system continues to operate stably for supported functionalities. This segmentation enables parallel operation without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediary component is pre-configured with translation rules and mappings that enable it to immediately handle tracking measures for new functionalities without waiting for system updates. This preliminary preparation allows instant deployment of new features while maintaining system stability.
Data Source
AI summary
Example tracking measures for a first functionality category may be used to generate a modified tracking measure if it is determined that the first functionality category is unsupported by an automated functionality tracking component. The modified tracking measure may be transmitted for categorization in a second functionality category, wherein the second functionality category is different from the first functionality category.