Work Visit Detection Using Movement State Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile computing devices face challenges in effectively utilizing movement-related signals to detect work-related visits in a resource-efficient manner, as existing systems lack precision and efficiency in identifying and categorizing such visits.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented technique that utilizes movement-sensing mechanisms and state machines to detect work-related visits by analyzing location and motion data, determining visit commencements and endings, and employing a context-determining component to classify visits as work-related, with features like user interface presentations, power management, and data sharing options.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If movement-sensing mechanisms continuously track location and motion data to detect work-related visits, then detection accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisit detection accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic sampling of movement data at defined intervals rather than continuous tracking, allowing the device to monitor for visit conditions while consuming less power. The state machine transitions between active monitoring and lower-power states based on detected movement patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts monitoring intensity based on detected conditions. When movement patterns suggest a potential visit (e.g., arrival at a location followed by stationary period), the system increases monitoring accuracy. During non-visit periods, monitoring is reduced to conserve power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If the state machine continuously monitors movement data with high accuracy, then visit detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisit detection precisionVSAvoidstate machine complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring system is divided into discrete states (e.g., idle, traveling, arrived, visiting, departed) with clear transition conditions. Each state has specific monitoring requirements, allowing complex detection logic to be managed through modular state definitions rather than a monolithic complex system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The state machine acts as an intermediary layer between raw movement data and visit detection logic. It processes and filters movement data through defined states, simplifying the overall system architecture by separating data processing from decision-making about visit detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If the system collects and processes detailed movement data to classify visits, then detection accuracy is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclassification accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-defines visit characteristics and classification criteria before monitoring begins. Movement patterns associated with work-related visits are identified in advance, allowing the state machine to quickly match observed patterns against predefined templates rather than performing complex analysis in real-time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces complex real-time analytical processing with pattern-matching logic based on pre-defined movement signatures. By substituting detailed continuous analysis with predefined pattern recognition, the system achieves accurate classification with reduced processing overhead.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3874438B1Computer-implemented detection of a work-related visit based on data from movement-sensing mechanism(s)
Publication Date: 2023.10.18 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP3874438B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3874438B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3874438B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A computer-implemented technique is described herein for detecting work-related visits. The technique includes receiving movement data from one or more movement-sensing mechanisms associated with a local computing device carried by a user. The technique further includes: determining, using a state machine, and based on the movement data, that a user has commenced a candidate visit, the candidate visit being described by visit data; determining, using the state machine, and based on the movement data, that the user has completed the candidate visit; and determining, using a context-determining component, and based on the visit data, whether the candidate visit corresponds to a work-related visit for which work has been completed. The technique further includes mechanisms that allow the user to add a content item to the visit data of an ongoing visit, prevent private data from leaving the local computing device, and efficiently consume power of the local computing device.