Docking Application Control Module for Wireless Device Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable electronic devices are underutilized and insecure when docked, as they typically offer primitive features and lack effective management capabilities, making them impractical for use while connected to a computer or power source.

Innovation Solution

A wireless device with a microprocessor, input device, serial port, display, communications subsystem, and memory, configured to execute docking control software that manages and secures docking applications, providing enhanced functionality and security when docked.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If portable devices are docked for synchronization and recharging, then power supply and data transfer are enabled, but the devices have limited usefulness and primitive features that are difficult to manage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supplyVSAvoidusability while docked
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The docking station is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: power supply through power contacts, data synchronization through data contacts, and security management through the docking application. This multi-functional approach transforms the docked device from a passive charging unit into an active computing platform that maintains full functionality while connected.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

A docking application acts as an intermediary layer between the portable device and the host computer system. This software mediator manages the docking state, controls feature access, handles security policies, and coordinates operations between the device and computer, making the complex interactions transparent and easy to manage for the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If portable devices are docked on a desk within plain view, then accessibility is improved, but security against prying eyes is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The docking application dynamically adjusts security policies based on the docking state. When docked, the system can implement screen locking, content encryption, and access control measures that are automatically activated or deactivated according to the docking context, allowing the device to be both accessible and secure simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different security measures are applied to different types of content and functions while docked. The system can allow open access to certain non-sensitive features while maintaining restricted access to sensitive data, creating localized security zones within the docked device environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If docking applications provide enhanced functionality, then usability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctionality while dockedVSAvoidmanagement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The docking application serves as a software intermediary that abstracts the complexity of docking management from the user. It automatically handles feature negotiation, resource allocation, and coordination between the portable device and host computer, presenting a simplified interface while managing complex backend operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The docking application implements self-service mechanisms by automatically detecting the docking state, configuring appropriate settings, and managing features without requiring manual user intervention. The system autonomously handles the complexity of docking operations while providing enhanced functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2026205B1System and method for managing docking applications for portable electronic device
Publication Date: 2011.01.19 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2026205B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2026205B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2026205B1 patent drawingFigure 3

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.