Virtual Hallway Collision System for Remote Work Spontaneity

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The loss of chance social encounters, or 'hallway collisions,' in remote work settings leads to innovation atrophy, reduced intellectual property development, and workforce isolation, as existing remote interaction tools require proactive initiation and lack the spontaneity of in-person interactions.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that identifies available users based on their schedules and statuses, sending invitations for communication sessions, allowing for spontaneous virtual interactions, which can include both known and random users, to recreate the experience of in-person hallway collisions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If employees work remotely, then workforce flexibility and remote work capability are improved, but chance social encounters are lost leading to innovation atrophy and workforce isolation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote work capabilityVSAvoidloss of chance social encounters

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates virtual copies of physical hallway collisions by using avatar-based virtual reality environments that replicate spontaneous face-to-face interactions. Avatars automatically navigate virtual spaces and can initiate conversations without requiring proactive user initiation, thus copying the spontaneous nature of in-person encounters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary system that includes automated invitation senders and virtual environment managers that facilitate interactions between employees. This intermediary layer removes the need for employees to proactively initiate conversations by automatically matching and connecting them in virtual spaces based on availability and compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If existing remote interaction tools are used, then remote communication capability is improved, but employee hesitation to initiate conversations increases due to lack of visual invitation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote interaction capabilityVSAvoidsocial initiation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service interactions where avatars automatically navigate virtual environments, seek out conversation opportunities, and initiate interactions without requiring employees to manually start conversations. The automated invitation system and virtual environment manager handle the complexity of social initiation autonomously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual conversation initiation with an automated digital system that uses algorithms to match employees, send invitations, and manage virtual interactions. This substitution eliminates the social friction and hesitation associated with proactive initiation while maintaining natural interaction flows.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If proactive initiation of remote conversations is required, then communication tool functionality is improved, but social reluctance and workforce isolation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication initiation efficiencyVSAvoidsocial reluctance and workforce isolation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system inverts the traditional communication model by having the system initiate interactions rather than employees initiating them. The automated invitation system and virtual environment manager actively reach out to employees and create interaction opportunities, reversing the direction of initiation from user-driven to system-driven.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary actions by pre-configuring virtual environments, pre-matching employees based on availability and compatibility, and pre-sending invitations before interactions occur. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for employees to perform complex social initiation in the moment, reducing social reluctance while maintaining high communication efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20230245070A1System and method supporting virtual hallway collision

Publication Date: 2023.08.03 RAYTHEON CO

AI summary

A method includes identifying, using at least one processing device, a time period in which a first user is online and available based on the first user's schedule. The method also includes identifying, using the at least one processing device, one or more second users who are online and available, where the one or more second users are remote from the first user. The method further includes sending, using the at least one processing device, invitations to the first and second users. In addition, the method includes, in response to at least two of the users accepting the invitations, initiating, using the at least one processing device, a communication session between the at least two users.