Automated Task Assignment and Incentive Tracking System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Household task management systems require manual assignment and tracking of tasks and incentives, which is time-consuming and inefficient, especially in managing reward points for household members, as household heads need to research and manage relevant incentives and track progress manually.

Innovation Solution

A task management computing device and system architecture that automates task assignment and incentive tracking using virtual points, allowing household members to earn and redeem points for completed tasks, with a database to store task records and member profiles, and a reward portal to manage and redeem points, reducing manual management and increasing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual task assignment and incentive tracking is used, then household heads can directly communicate tasks and incentives, but it is time-consuming and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetask assignment processVSAvoidtime for managing tasks and incentives

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables household members to self-assign tasks and track their own incentive progress through automated notifications and progress tracking, eliminating the need for continuous parental intervention and manual tracking

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking methods with an automated electronic system that uses databases, processors, and communication interfaces to automatically assign tasks, track completion, and manage incentive distribution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If household heads manually research and judge incentive relevance, then incentives can be tailored to household members, but it places an additional burden on household heads

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveincentive relevanceVSAvoidmanagement burden

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces an intermediary automated platform that handles the complex task of matching incentives with household members' preferences and task completion status, reducing the direct management burden on parents while maintaining personalized relevance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of energy

If reward points are used to decrease task incentive costs, then costs can be reduced, but manual management and tracking are still required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecost associated with incentivesVSAvoidautomation of point tracking

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual reward point tracking with an automated electronic system that automatically accrues, tracks, and manages reward points based on task completion, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining cost efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10847050B2Database and system architecture for task assignment and incentive tracking

Publication Date: 2020.11.24 MASTERCARD INT INC

AI summary

In one aspect, a task management computing device is provided, including a processor in communication a memory and a database. The task management computing device is configured to receive a task request including a task description and a virtual point value, and store a task record in the database based on the task request. The task management computing device is further configured to receive a task update indicating the task has been completed, and update a household member profile stored in the database based on the task update including increasing a virtual point balance. The task management computing device is also configured to update the associated task record based on the task update, and store the updated household member profile and the updated task record in the database.