Dynamic Operator Configuration for Client Applications
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of the mobile device market, with numerous device types and operator networks, requires each client application to be modified and configured with operator-specific settings, leading to fragmentation and increased complexity in system operation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for customizing client applications on devices by identifying network operators using information such as Mobile Country Code (MCC), Mobile Network Code (MNC), International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), and International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI), allowing for dynamic customization of application components, user interfaces, and settings based on operator and device-specific requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If client applications are configured with operator-specific settings for each network operator, then the application can be properly customized for each operator's requirements, but the system complexity increases and multiple variants must be separately built, tested, signed, and published
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the configuration data into separate operator-specific configuration files that are stored in a database. Each operator has their own configuration set (SMSC addresses, protocol settings, etc.), allowing the application to load only the relevant configuration for the detected operator rather than bundling all configurations into the application binary. This reduces application complexity while maintaining operator-specific adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a configuration server as an intermediary between the application and operator-specific settings. The server stores operator configuration data and provides it to the application at runtime based on operator identification. This mediator eliminates the need for multiple application variants, as the single application dynamically retrieves appropriate settings from the server.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate operator variants of the application are created, then each variant can be optimized for specific network operators, but the delivery and maintenance time increases due to separate building, testing, signing, and publishing processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal application binary that can operate with multiple network operators by dynamically loading operator-specific configuration data from a server. The application includes generic code that can handle any operator's settings, eliminating the need for separate compiled variants. This single application serves multiple operators, reducing delivery time while maintaining operator-specific optimization through configurable parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic configuration loading where the application determines the active operator at runtime and loads the corresponding configuration set from the server. This dynamic approach allows the same application binary to adapt to different operators without requiring separate builds, significantly reducing maintenance time as configuration changes can be updated on the server without republishing the application.
3Reliability
If the application is configured for one type of device, then it works optimally on that device, but it may not be optimally configured to work on other device types with different firmware versions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing device-specific configuration segments within the overall configuration structure. The configuration server stores different configuration sets for different device types and firmware versions, and the application loads the appropriate local configuration based on device identification. This allows optimal settings for each device type while maintaining a unified application structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically adjusting application parameters based on detected device characteristics. The configuration data includes device-specific parameters (firmware version, device type, capabilities) that modify application behavior. This allows the same application to adapt its parameters to different devices, achieving device-specific optimization without sacrificing versatility.
4Ease of operation
If operator-specific configuration data is stored locally in the application, then the application can operate independently, but the application size increases and updates require republishing the entire application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts operator-specific configuration data from the application binary and stores it externally on a configuration server. The application contains only minimal configuration data or configuration metadata, while the detailed operator-specific settings (SMSC addresses, protocol parameters, etc.) are retrieved from the server at runtime. This extraction reduces application size while maintaining independent operation capability through online configuration retrieval.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of customizing an application on a device, the method comprising: at a server, receiving a request message from the device, while the device is running the application, the request message comprising information identifying the application and further information relating to a network operator associated with the device; using the further information to identify the network operator associated with the device and to obtain network operator specific customization information relating to the application; and sending a response message to the device, the response message comprising the obtained network operator specific customization information, the network operator specific customization information usable by the device to customize any of: the application components, application user interface, and application settings.