Unified Data Capture Application for Multi-Source Information Management

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional computer systems require users to perform multiple searches across different data sources, including internet services and local storage, leading to inefficiencies and potential errors in data compilation, as users lack a simple and intuitive way to gather and organize data from various sources.

Innovation Solution

A system that automatically captures and categorizes data as it is viewed, allowing users to combine and annotate information in a single application, such as a spreadsheet or database, which can include notes and personalization, enabling efficient data management and retrieval.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If users perform manual data collection and compilation from multiple sources, then data can be organized, but the process is time-consuming and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata accuracyVSAvoidtime for data compilation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic data collection, capture, and categorization without requiring manual user intervention. The application monitors user activities, automatically captures data from multiple sources, and organizes it into structured formats, eliminating the need for manual compilation while maintaining high accuracy through automated processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system proactively collects and organizes data in advance before the user needs it. By continuously monitoring user activities and pre-processing information from multiple sources, the system prepares structured data ready for immediate use, saving the user time when they need to access or analyze the collected information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of information

If users run multiple searches across different data sources, then comprehensive data can be retrieved, but the complexity of managing multiple searches increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of data retrievalVSAvoidnumber of searches required
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges multiple data sources and search operations into a single unified application. It simultaneously collects data from Internet services, local storage, and other sources through one integrated interface, consolidating what would otherwise require multiple separate searches into a single comprehensive data retrieval process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The application serves multiple functions within a single tool: it acts as a web browser, data collector, organizer, and database simultaneously. This multi-functional design allows users to perform comprehensive data retrieval from diverse sources without needing to switch between different applications or manage multiple separate search processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If manual compilation of data is performed, then data can be organized, but errors can result due to incorrect entry

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of data organizationVSAvoiderror rate in data entry
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical data entry with automated electronic data capture and processing. By using software-based automatic collection and organization mechanisms, the system eliminates human errors associated with manual typing and data input, while maintaining ease of data organization through automated structuring and categorization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Loss of information

If separate searches are run for Internet services and local storage, then data from all sources can be retrieved, but the user may forget to search relevant data sources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of data retrievalVSAvoidsimplicity of search process
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system combines Internet service searches and local storage searches into a single unified operation. It automatically queries multiple data sources simultaneously through one search process, ensuring that data from all relevant sources is retrieved without requiring the user to manually initiate separate searches for each source.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8620913B2Information management through a single application
Publication Date: 2013.12.31 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • US8620913B2 patent drawing
  • US8620913B2 patent drawing
  • US8620913B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Automatic capturing and recording of data in a single application is provided. The data can be obtained from multiple sources and over a short time or over an extended time. Personalized notations can be annotated with the data to provide a user with more personal information relating to why the particular data was captured and recorded. Selection of the single application can be a function of a type of the data, a user preference, or combinations thereof.