GPS-Control Beacons for Wireless Device Policy Enforcement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern mobile devices lack effective options for restricting or modifying hardware and software features, especially in contexts where such restrictions are desired but not universally applied, such as in specific locations or during certain times.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of control beacons with GPS capabilities that can automatically configure themselves and send signals to modify mobile device functionality, enabling or disabling features based on predefined rules, such as restricting phone usage during meals or allowing only emergency calls, by using Bluetooth low energy signals and parsing preset sequences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If control beacons are implemented to restrict device functionality in specific locations, then device management control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A control beacon acts as an intermediary device that broadcasts location-based control signals to mobile devices. The beacon contains a processor that determines device modifications based on its location and transmits these control signals wirelessly, serving as a mediator between location context and device behavior without requiring complex software on the mobile device itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The control beacon is automatically configured by receiving location information and control signal parameters without manual setup. The system performs self-service by automatically associating control signals with specific locations, eliminating the need for administrators to manually configure each beacon's behavior and reducing setup complexity.
2Ease of operation
If automatic configuration of control beacons is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control beacon automatically configures itself by receiving location information from a server and automatically associating control signals with its location. The processor within the beacon autonomously processes this information and sets up the control signal associations without requiring manual configuration by administrators, thereby improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration actions by pre-associating control signals with locations before the beacon begins operation. The server provides the beacon with pre-determined control signal parameters and location data in advance, so that when the beacon operates, it is already configured to enforce policies without requiring real-time setup.
3Adaptability or versatility
If location-based device modification is implemented, then adaptability is improved, but loss of information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different control signals to mobile devices based on their specific location relative to control beacons. Each beacon enforces location-specific policies that modify device functionality appropriately for that context, such as restricting certain features in specific locations while allowing full functionality elsewhere, thereby adapting device behavior to local requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device dynamically modifies its functionality based on received control signals from nearby beacons. The device can enable or disable specific features, applications, or hardware components in real-time depending on its location, creating a dynamic adaptation of device capabilities rather than static restrictions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows for dynamic and context-dependent modification of mobile device features, enhancing user experience by enabling administrators to enforce policies without manual setup, reducing the need for multiple beacons and providing economic advantages by allowing customizable and location-specific device management.
Implementation Method 1
using Bluetooth low energy signals and parsing preset sequences
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for automatically modifying computing devices are provided. Various embodiments allow multiple control beacons (e.g., Bluetooth low energy beacons) with GPS to automatically pre-configure by discovering each other using location provided by the GPS in the beacons. These beacons can then be used to enforce multiple rules or policies on the computing device (e.g., restrict the activities/functionality of a mobile device). For example, a beacon can be installed at a family's dinner table and can be used as a trigger to restrict (or activate) phone features (e.g., allow only incoming calls while near this beacon during dinner times). In some embodiments, the GPS on the beacon can be used to notify administrators (e.g., parents) if the beacon is moved from its current location.