Portable Computer Location-Based Configuration Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of portable computers face repetitive configuration challenges when moving between different locations, such as switching networks, which hinders ease of portability and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method that dynamically configures a portable computer based on its location using GPS, local network detection, and personal area network connectivity, allowing or disallowing network access to specific programs and adjusting settings such as screen resolution, power management, and application associations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual configuration is performed at each location, then network connectivity and printing functionality are achieved, but user time and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork connectivityVSAvoidconfiguration time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting location changes and pre-configuring network settings, printer connections, and application associations before the user needs to use the computer at that location. This eliminates the need for manual configuration at each new location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The computer system serves itself by automatically detecting its location through GPS or network detection, retrieving stored configuration profiles for that location, and applying the appropriate settings without user intervention. The system monitors its own state and autonomously adjusts configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual reconfiguration is performed when moving locations, then location-specific settings are applied, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation-specific configurationVSAvoidportability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts configurations based on real-time location detection. As the user moves between locations, the system continuously monitors position data and automatically transitions between different configuration profiles, making the adaptation seamless and maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides universal location-based configuration management that works across multiple locations and different types of settings (network, printing, applications, display). A single automated system handles diverse configuration needs, eliminating the need for separate manual configuration processes for each function.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If configuration settings are manually adjusted, then specific network and application preferences are established, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidconfiguration management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The configuration system is segmented into distinct location profiles, each containing specific settings for network, printing, applications, and display. This segmentation allows the system to manage complexity by organizing configurations into discrete, manageable units that can be independently stored and retrieved based on location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10015047B2Autonomic computer configuration based on location
Publication Date: 2018.07.03 LENOVO SWITZERLAND INTERNATIONAL GMBH
  • US10015047B2 patent drawing
  • US10015047B2 patent drawing
  • US10015047B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system and apparatus for noticing and creating relational settings, actions, profiles, and tasks by tying resources to a location based on user behavior.