Task Identification via Semantic and Temporal Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Knowledge workers face challenges in managing fragmented tasks due to the use of different applications and interruptions, making it difficult to associate information objects with the appropriate tasks, especially when working on multiple tasks in rapid succession.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that analyzes computer events to identify desktop operations, knowledge actions, and tasks, combining temporally related tasks by grouping semantically related information objects and operations, and providing recommendations to users based on task analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If manual methods like post-its and paper to-do lists are used to track information objects, then users can remember transactions and organize work items, but the system complexity increases and productivity decreases due to manual tracking overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically tracks user interactions with information objects across applications without requiring manual input. The task identification system passively monitors and records desktop operations, knowledge actions, and task contexts, eliminating the need for users to manually log activities with post-its or paper lists.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking methods (writing on post-its, filling paper to-do lists) with an automated electronic system that uses software agents to capture and process task information digitally, transforming the mechanical manual process into an automated computational process.
2Productivity
If users work on multiple tasks in rapid succession across different applications, then productivity increases through parallel task handling, but the ability to associate information objects with correct tasks deteriorates due to task fragmentation and interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors user interactions and provides real-time feedback by identifying and associating information objects with the correct task context. The task identification system analyzes sequences of desktop operations and knowledge actions to dynamically determine which task a user is currently working on, ensuring accurate association even during rapid task switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of task contexts and information object relationships before users need to associate them. By pre-processing and organizing task data as users work, the system is prepared to quickly and accurately associate information objects with the correct tasks when interruptions or rapid switching occur.
3Productivity
If automated electronic techniques are used to keep track of information, then productivity improves through automation, but the system complexity increases requiring sophisticated tracking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The task identification system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it monitors desktop operations, identifies knowledge actions, determines task contexts, associates information objects with tasks, and provides task management capabilities. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate complex systems into a single unified solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple tracking and analysis functions into a single integrated task identification system. By merging desktop operation monitoring, knowledge action recognition, and task association capabilities into one system, the patent reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate specialized systems for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
The present description refers to a computer implemented method, computer program product, and computer system to receive a list of computer events, each of the events including a user interacting with a computer, determine one or more desktop operations, with each desktop operation including one or more computer events that are performed to accomplish the desktop operation, determine one or more knowledge actions, where each knowledge action includes a group of one or more desktop operations performed using a same application on a same information object, determine one or more tasks, with each task including a group of knowledge actions that include information objects that are semantically related, and combine two or more tasks that are temporally related.