Wristwatch Web Access via Periodic Caching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable devices like wristwatches face challenges in providing immediate access to updated content without continuous network connectivity due to power management constraints and the need for user intervention in updating stored content.

Innovation Solution

A wristwatch with a customizable power management scheme and remote processing capabilities allows for periodic updates of selected web pages, using a cellular network for data transfer and caching content locally, enabling immediate access without constant connectivity and minimizing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the Network Module remains powered up continuously to maintain network connection, then immediate access to updated content is achieved, but power consumption increases beyond the capacity of the small battery

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimmediate access to updated contentVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The Network Module operates periodically rather than continuously. The system checks for new content at predetermined time intervals (e.g., every 10 minutes) by activating the Network Module temporarily, downloading updates if needed, and then entering sleep mode. This periodic operation allows the watch to maintain network connectivity capability without consuming excessive power, resolving the contradiction between immediate content access and power consumption constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-loads and caches content locally in the watch memory before the user needs it. By periodically updating the cache in advance and storing content locally, the watch can provide immediate access to updated information when the user views it, without requiring the Network Module to be active at the moment of access. This preliminary action eliminates the need for continuous network connection while ensuring content availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Use of energy by moving object

If the user manually connects to the network and requests content updates, then power consumption is reduced, but user convenience deteriorates due to required intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs content updates without requiring user intervention. The Network Module is activated autonomously at predetermined intervals to check for and download new content, and the cache is updated automatically. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for users to manually connect to the network or request updates, maintaining low power consumption while significantly improving user convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback loop where the Network Module periodically checks for content updates, downloads them if available, and updates the local cache. This automated feedback mechanism ensures content remains current without requiring user action, resolving the contradiction between power saving and user convenience by making the system self-maintaining.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If the watch stores more content locally to reduce network dependency, then accessibility improves, but storage capacity requirements increase beyond what is feasible in a small device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontent accessibilityVSAvoidstorage capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system stores only the essential content needed for immediate access rather than attempting to store all possible content. By selectively caching only the most relevant and frequently accessed information, the watch maintains good content accessibility while using minimal storage capacity. This partial action approach allows the small footprint device to provide useful functionality without requiring large storage space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The content storage is segmented into a cache memory for frequently accessed content and the network for less frequently needed information. By dividing content into different storage locations based on access patterns, the system optimizes accessibility for critical content while minimizing overall storage requirements. This segmentation allows the watch to provide immediate access to essential information without needing to store everything locally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9146542B2Method for managing web access from a small footprint portable device

Publication Date: 2015.09.29 TULI RAJA SINGH

AI summary

The invention discloses a wrist watch that offers immediate access to regularly updated content of a previously selected group of web pages without requiring it to keep continually connected to the network. The concept takes advantage of the portability and convenience of a wrist watch and aggregates to it a customizable web browsing capability. A carefully designed power management scheme harmonizes the need of frequent data update with the small footprint of the watch. The update schedule is user-customizable and once connected to the network, the watch behaves exactly like a typical portable web-browsing device.