Docking Application Control Module for Portable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices are underutilized and insecure when docked, offering limited functionality and no protection against prying eyes due to primitive features and lack of management capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for managing docking applications on wireless devices, which includes executing a docking application control module when coupled to another device, retrieving user preferences, executing relevant applications, and terminating them when uncoupled, while ensuring secure content display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If portable devices are docked for synchronization and recharging, then the devices can be connected to power source and personal computer, but the devices have limited usefulness and primitive features while docked
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes device functionality based on docking state. When docked, the device transitions from limited functionality to enhanced functionality with multiple applications (alarm clock, picture frame, media player, etc.) that are specifically designed for the docked state, making the device adaptable to different usage scenarios
2Ease of operation
If portable devices are docked on desk within plain view, then the devices are easily accessible, but the devices are insecure and provide little or no protection against prying eyes
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different security characteristics to different applications and content types. Secure applications (e.g., messaging, email) are protected with password requirements, while non-secure applications (e.g., alarm clock, picture frame) are freely accessible. This allows the device to be both accessible and secure by applying appropriate security measures locally to each application
3Device complexity
If primitive features are provided for docked devices, then the device structure remains simple, but the features are difficult to manage and practical use is unfeasible
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically manages applications based on docking state. The docking application control module automatically starts appropriate applications when the device is docked and terminates them when undocked, without requiring user intervention. This self-service approach simplifies operation while providing comprehensive functionality
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method is provided for managing one or more docking applications running on a wireless device. The method displays to a user at least one docking application while the wireless device is coupled to another device. The method comprising the steps of: executing a docking application control module when the wireless device is first coupled with the other device; retrieving user preferences associated with the docking application control module; executing, based on the retrieved user preferences, at least one docking application for use on the wireless device while the wireless device remains coupled to the other device; and terminating the docking application when the wireless device ceases to be coupled to the other device.