Beacon-Based Mobile Application Restart Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile applications configured to run constantly, such as security applications, may cease to function properly if they stop running due to user intervention or system resource conservation, leading to a loss of monitoring data and potential false alerts for parents.

Innovation Solution

Employing beacon messages using a primary mobile device to restart a secondary mobile application by determining the likelihood of proximity based on historical location data and activating a Bluetooth Low Energy beacon publisher to send a message that restarts the secondary application, thereby reestablishing communication with a server.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mobile application runs constantly to maintain monitoring functionality, then the reliability of monitoring is improved, but the application may cease to run due to system resource conservation or user intervention, leading to loss of monitoring data

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring functionalityVSAvoidapplication runtime

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by establishing beacon subscriptions and proximity determination mechanisms in advance. When the monitored device approaches the monitoring device, the beacon message is automatically sent to restart the application before complete cessation occurs, preventing loss of monitoring data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses location data feedback to determine proximity between devices. When the monitored device is detected to be within range via beacon communication, this feedback triggers automatic application restart, creating a closed-loop system that maintains monitoring reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the application is restarted automatically using beacon messages, then continuous monitoring is maintained, but additional devices and communication protocols are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication continuityVSAvoidsystem configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The beacon communication system serves multiple functions: it acts as a proximity detection mechanism, a trigger signal for application restart, and a coordination protocol between devices. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated restart infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The monitored device autonomously determines its own proximity to the monitoring device using beacon communication and automatically triggers its own application restart when conditions are met, eliminating the need for external manual intervention or complex centralized control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If beacon communication is used to trigger application restart, then automatic recovery is achieved, but energy is consumed for continuous beacon publishing and location determination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication recoveryVSAvoiddevice energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous beacon publishing, the system uses periodic location determination and triggers beacon communication only when the monitored device enters the proximity range. This periodic activation significantly reduces energy consumption compared to continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-establishes beacon subscriptions and proximity thresholds in advance, so that when the monitored device enters the range, the restart signal is immediately available without requiring continuous active communication, reducing overall energy expenditure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Ensures continuous functionality of mobile applications by automatically restarting them when they cease to run, reducing false positive alerts and maintaining regular data logging, thus enhancing the reliability of monitoring systems.

Implementation Method 1

activating a Bluetooth Low Energy beacon publisher to send a message

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11218868B1Employing beacon messages to restart an application on a mobile device

Publication Date: 2022.01.04 GEN DIGITAL INC

AI summary

Employing beacon messages to restart an application on a mobile device. In some embodiments, a method may include subscribing, at the secondary mobile device, to a beacon publisher of the primary mobile device. The method may also include determining, based on historical location data, that the primary mobile device is likely within range of the secondary mobile device for beacon communication therebetween. The method may further include activating, at the primary mobile device, the beacon publisher. The method may also include publishing, at the primary mobile device, a beacon message configured to cause a secondary mobile application on the secondary mobile device to restart. The method may further include receiving, at the secondary mobile device, the beacon message. The method may also include, in response to receiving the beacon message, restarting, at the secondary mobile device, the secondary mobile application of the secondary mobile device.