Device Provisioning via URI Download and Limited Function Mode Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Organizations face challenges in quickly provisioning multiple computing devices with a specific set of functionality and locking them to prevent changes, as existing methods lack efficient mechanisms for restricting software applications and preventing removal or reconfiguration.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that involve receiving a URI and wireless access point information to download and execute a provisioning software application, configuring the device to operate in a limited function mode by restricting software applications and preventing removal, and locking the device to maintain this mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If computing devices are provisioned with full functionality and user freedom, then user adaptability and versatility are improved, but device security and functional consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments device functionality into two distinct modes: full functionality mode for initial setup and provisioning, and limited function mode for operational use. This segmentation allows the device to provide complete adaptability during provisioning while ensuring functional consistency and security during operation, resolving the contradiction between user freedom and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by performing all provisioning activities (application installation, configuration, updates) in full functionality mode before transitioning to limited function mode. This ensures that all necessary adaptations are made in advance, allowing the device to maintain functional consistency and security during operational use without restricting initial setup flexibility.
2Productivity
If computing devices are quickly provisioned with automated methods, then productivity is improved, but provisioning complexity and difficulty of control increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling computing devices to automatically download and execute provisioning software applications from specified URIs without requiring manual intervention. The devices autonomously complete provisioning tasks including application installation, configuration, and mode transition, significantly improving productivity while managing complexity through automated workflows.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent reduces provisioning complexity by performing all complex configuration tasks in advance during full functionality mode, including installing applications, configuring settings, and preparing the device for limited function mode. This preliminary action simplifies the overall provisioning process and makes it more manageable despite the automated nature of the operations.
3Ease of operation
If computing devices allow full software application freedom, then ease of operation is improved, but device security and functional control worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments software freedom into two phases: full software installation freedom during full functionality mode for ease of operation, and restricted software freedom during limited function mode for security. This segmentation allows users to freely install and configure applications initially, then ensures security and functional control during operational use by preventing unauthorized application installation or modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses security concerns by performing all software installation and configuration actions in advance during full functionality mode before transitioning to limited function mode. This preliminary action ensures that only authorized and vetted applications are installed, eliminating security risks associated with unauthorized software installation during operational use while maintaining ease of operation during the initial setup phase.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for provisioning a computing device are provided. An example method may include receiving, by a computing device, information indicating a uniform resource identifier (URI) and a wireless access point configured to allow the computing device to connect to a wireless network to enable the computing device to access the URI. The method may also include downloading, onto the computing device, a provisioning software application from the URI. The method may also include executing the provisioning software application on the computing device, wherein the provisioning software application is configured to provision the computing device such that the provisioned computing device is configured to operate in a limited function mode. The method may also include locking the provisioned computing device to prevent changes to the limited function mode.