Web-Based Mobile Form Customization via Template

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile data collection solutions for field workers rely on paper-based forms, which are inefficient and costly, and existing electronic forms solutions are not optimized for mobile devices or intermittently connected wireless networks, lacking mechanisms for multi-tenant hosting and sophisticated routing and tracking.

Innovation Solution

A web-based interface for customizing mobile-form applications using a customizable template, allowing users to create and distribute customized mobile-form applications to mobile devices without programming, enabling efficient data collection and exchange.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If paper-based forms are used for data collection in the field, then data can be captured manually, but the process becomes slow and inefficient with high costs for paper, duplicate data entry, and manual updating

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata collection efficiencyVSAvoidtime for manual data entry and processing
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical paper-based form system with an electronic form system that runs on mobile devices. Electronic forms eliminate the need for physical paper handling, manual data entry, and postal delivery of forms. Data is captured directly in digital format on mobile devices and can be automatically transmitted when connectivity is available, dramatically improving productivity and eliminating time losses associated with manual processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If electronic forms solutions are used, then data collection becomes digital, but existing solutions are PC-centric and LAN-oriented, not optimized for mobile devices and wireless networks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with mobile devices and wireless networksVSAvoidoptimization for mobile use
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a dynamic form system that adapts to mobile device characteristics and wireless network conditions. The electronic forms are specifically designed to work on mobile devices with touch interfaces, optimized display layouts, and adapted for intermittent connectivity. The system dynamically adjusts data synchronization based on network availability, making it truly mobile-optimized rather than merely porting PC-based forms to mobile screens.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If custom mobile applications are developed for data collection, then functionality can be tailored to specific needs, but development costs and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomization capabilityVSAvoidapplication development complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal electronic form system that can be customized for different data collection needs without requiring separate application development. The same core platform supports multiple form types, data fields, and submission protocols. Organizations can customize forms through configuration rather than coding, allowing tailored functionality while maintaining a single, manageable system architecture that reduces overall complexity.

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

4Loss of energy

If multi-tenant hosting is implemented, then resource utilization improves and costs decrease, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidhosting infrastructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multi-tenant hosting that segments different organizations or departments into separate virtual environments while sharing common infrastructure resources. Each tenant has isolated data and configuration spaces, ensuring security and customization needs are met, while the underlying server, storage, and network resources are shared efficiently. This segmentation approach optimizes resource utilization without requiring each organization to maintain separate physical systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11886808B2Method and system for customizing a mobile application using a web-based interface
Publication Date: 2024.01.30 TRUECONTEXT INC
  • US11886808B2 patent drawing
  • US11886808B2 patent drawing
  • US11886808B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system and method for customizing mobile-form applications via a web-based interface for distribution to a mobile device are disclosed. An example method includes providing a customizable mobile-form application template. A web-based interface is provided allowing creation of a customized mobile-form application from the customizable mobile-form application template by selecting a data field for inclusion on the customizable mobile-form application template. The customized mobile-form application may then be distributed to the mobile device.