Threshold-Based Task Notification System for Remote Progress Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in being notified about the progress of tasks running on electronic devices, especially when they are away from the device, as existing progress indicators lack mechanisms to inform users of completion or specific progress milestones without their presence.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows users to define a progress indicator on a digital processing device and set threshold values for notifications via user input, enabling alerts through SMS, email, or other methods when the task reaches those thresholds, even if the user is not present.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a progress bar is displayed to show task progress, then the user can see how much work has been done, but the user cannot be notified when the task reaches a specific threshold if they are away from the device
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by sending notifications to users when task progress reaches predetermined thresholds. The notification system provides information about task completion status to users who are away from the device, resolving the information loss problem while enabling users to continue other activities during waiting periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary notification system that acts as a mediator between the task execution process and the user. This intermediary captures task progress information and delivers it to users through alternative channels (such as mobile devices or email), allowing users to stay informed without being physically present at the computing device.
2Loss of information
If the user stays at the computer to monitor task completion, then the user can see the progress indicator, but the user cannot perform other tasks or activities
Solution Approach 1:
The notification system provides automated feedback about task progress thresholds to users, enabling them to remain informed about task status while engaging in other productive activities. This resolves the contradiction by decoupling information receipt from physical presence at the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically monitoring task progress and sending notifications without requiring user attention or presence. The automated threshold monitoring and notification delivery enable users to multitask while the system independently manages information delivery.
3Loss of information
If a notification system is added to alert users about task progress, then the user can be notified when away from the device, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The notification system is designed to be universal and multi-functional, serving multiple purposes: monitoring task progress, detecting threshold crossings, and delivering notifications through various channels. This consolidation reduces overall system complexity by combining multiple functions into a single integrated subsystem.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses parameter changes (specifically, monitoring progress threshold parameters) to trigger notifications. By focusing on simple threshold comparisons rather than complex analysis, the notification mechanism maintains low complexity while effectively communicating task status changes to users.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, implementing and using techniques for providing a notification to a user about the progress of a task running on a digital processing device. A user input identifying a progress indicator for the task running on the digital processing device is received. A user input selecting a threshold value is received. The threshold value indicates a point on the progress indicator at which the user is to be notified about the progress of the task. A notification is provided to the user when the threshold value is reached.