Partial Information Throttle for Compliance-Based Device Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack the ability to partially throttle electronic devices or control information flow based on compliance with agreements or events, such as school grades, weather conditions, or location, offering only complete on or off functionality, which fails to adapt to varying usage scenarios effectively.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that uses an agreement database, activity database, and information throttle to monitor and adjust the functionality of electronic devices, allowing for partial throttling of devices and information flow based on compliance with predefined conditions, such as reducing screen resolution or audio quality, or limiting access to specific content based on schedule, location, or events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If complete on/off functionality is used for electronic devices, then control simplicity is improved, but adaptability to varying usage scenarios deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic throttling that adjusts device functionality in real-time based on compliance with agreements. Instead of static on/off control, the system continuously monitors agreement performance and dynamically modifies device capabilities, allowing adaptation to varying usage scenarios while maintaining operational simplicity through automated rule-based control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes functional parameters of electronic devices by applying different throttling levels (e.g., reducing screen resolution, lowering audio quality, limiting processing speed) rather than simply turning devices on or off. This allows nuanced control where devices remain operational but with adjusted performance characteristics based on agreement compliance.
2Reliability
If complete blocking of electronic device functionality is applied, then compliance enforcement is improved, but device usability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial throttling actions rather than complete blocking. Instead of fully disabling device functionality, the system applies proportional restrictions that partially limit capabilities while maintaining core usability. This ensures compliance enforcement through meaningful constraints without completely removing device utility, keeping devices usable while enforcing agreement terms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If partial throttling of device functionality is implemented, then adaptability to compliance levels is improved, but system complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments device functionality into multiple throttleable components (display, audio, processing, network access) that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows the system to apply targeted restrictions to specific functions rather than managing complex overall device states, reducing system complexity while maintaining adaptability to different compliance levels through modular control of individual functional segments.
Data Source
AI summary
Partially reduces performance or features of a user's electronic device if the user does not comply with an agreement. An agreement may specify tasks or activities to be performed, such as homework or chores, or required results such as grades. Partial throttling of the device when the user is not in compliance with the agreement may include for example disabling a subset of the apps or services on the device, slowing down the device or selected applications, denying access to selected information sources, limiting audio volume or display resolution, or limiting time on activities such as web browsing. The device may remain usable, but with reduced features or performance. Throttling actions may also be based on location, schedule, or environmental conditions. The system may reward compliance with the agreement by increasing performance, by re-enabling previously disabled applications, or by providing direct rewards such as money or credits.