Generic Mobile Device Customization via OMA DM
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and cost associated with customizing mobile devices for different service providers lead to increased inventory management, distribution, and testing overheads, as each distinct product often requires separate stock keeping unit numbers and extensive customization efforts.
Innovation Solution
A method for over-the-air customization using the Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) device management protocol, where a generic mobile device is pre-configured to support multiple service features, and a server sends OMA service objects to enable or disable functions based on the selected service provider, allowing for dynamic customization without the need for unique product configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mobile devices are customized for each service provider with unique configurations, then service provider-specific features are supported, but inventory management complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal device platform that can serve multiple service providers through a single generic configuration. The device includes multiple service feature profiles stored in memory, each corresponding to a different service provider, allowing the same hardware to be customized for various providers without requiring separate physical devices or complex inventory management for each customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically configures the device at activation time based on the selected service provider. The configuration data is stored in a modifiable manner, allowing the device to transition between different service provider profiles without physical reconfiguration. This dynamic approach eliminates the need for static pre-customization for each service provider, simplifying inventory while maintaining adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple customizations are created for different service providers, then specific service features are enabled, but manufacturing and distribution overheads increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is pre-configured with multiple service feature profiles and associated configuration data during manufacturing, but these profiles remain inactive until activation. This preliminary preparation allows the device to be manufactured once with all potential customizations built-in, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing processes for each service provider while still enabling specific features when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses software-based configuration profiles that can be copied and applied to the device at activation time. Instead of manufacturing physically different devices for each service provider, the same hardware template is used with different software configurations copied into the device's memory, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining service provider-specific functionality.
3Reliability
If extensive customization is performed for each service provider, then service-specific functionality is optimized, but testing requirements and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple service provider customizations into a single integrated device platform. By combining all service feature profiles into one device, the system enables centralized testing of the universal platform rather than requiring separate testing for each customized device variant. This reduces overall testing time while maintaining reliability through comprehensive profile validation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for open mobile alliance (OMA) device management (DM) and over-the-air customization of a generic mobile device is disclosed. The method comprises receiving an activation message from the generic mobile device to register with a service provider, wherein the generic mobile device is pre-configured to support a plurality of functions. The method also comprises associating the generic mobile device with a service provider from the service providers as indicated by the activation message. The method further comprises sending one or more OMA service objects to customize the generic mobile device according to the service provider, wherein the one or more OMA service objects enable or disable each of the pre-configured functions on the generic mobile device to support one or more service features available by the service provider.