Electronic Shopping List Automation for Asset Service Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face inconvenience in maintaining and servicing modern devices and assets, as they need to periodically replace consumables to extend equipment life, and existing methods lack efficient tracking and notification systems for service needs.

Innovation Solution

A mobile device-based system that automates service requests by periodically notifying users of service needs for devices and assets, integrating these requests into an electronic shopping list, using local wireless capabilities, and employing proxies for 'dumb' assets and adapters for non-compliant communication protocols.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If users manually track and update service needs for devices and assets, then they can maintain equipment, but it requires significant time and effort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice management efficiencyVSAvoidtime spent tracking service needs

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables devices and assets to self-report their service needs through automated status monitoring and notification mechanisms, eliminating the need for users to manually track service requirements. The shopping assistant application automatically detects when devices need service and adds items to the electronic shopping list without user intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by proactively identifying service needs before they become critical issues. The shopping assistant periodically checks device statuses and preemptively adds service items to the shopping list, allowing users to address maintenance needs before they arise rather than reacting to problems after they occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If users manually update electronic shopping lists, then they can track purchase needs, but it is time-consuming and prone to errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of shopping listVSAvoidtime spent updating shopping list

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic shopping list automatically updates itself based on service notifications received from devices and assets. The shopping assistant application monitors device statuses and autonomously adds or removes items from the shopping list without requiring manual user input, thereby eliminating errors and time consumption associated with manual updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback loops where device status information is automatically fed back to the shopping assistant application, which then updates the electronic shopping list in real-time. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures the shopping list always reflects current service needs accurately without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Extent of automation

If the system integrates service requests into electronic shopping lists, then it automates service management, but it requires complex system integration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of service requestsVSAvoidsystem integration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shopping assistant application serves multiple functions within a single integrated system: it monitors device statuses, receives service notifications, manages the electronic shopping list, and provides user notifications. By consolidating these functions into one universal application, the system achieves high automation without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The shopping assistant application acts as an intermediary layer between devices/assets and the user. It receives automated status information from devices, processes service requirements, and presents simplified shopping list updates to users. This intermediary function abstracts the complexity of device communication and system integration from the user perspective.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If the system provides automated notifications for service needs, then it reduces user inconvenience, but it requires continuous monitoring and communication

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenience in service managementVSAvoidenergy for continuous monitoring

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous monitoring, the system employs periodic status checks at predetermined intervals. The shopping assistant application checks device statuses at scheduled times rather than continuously, reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective service tracking. This periodic action approach balances user convenience with energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS8676657B2Automated service and support notices using electronic shopping lists

Publication Date: 2014.03.18 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

A method and system of updating an electronic shopping list (ESL) indicating items that may be purchased in response to detecting, by a wireless device having access to the ESL, a service request event corresponding to an asset. Upon detection of the service request event, a service request item may be inserted into the ESL. The asset may be queried from time to time to verify operation of the asset. The items listed in the ESL may be ordered according to a date the service request event was detected.