GUI-Based Mobile Device Provisioning for Sequential Content Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual provisioning of mobile devices with electronic content is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and prone to human error, especially when dealing with large numbers of devices, and existing software development tools like ADB require specialized knowledge and are not user-friendly.
Innovation Solution
A provisioning module with a graphical user interface (GUI) that automates the provisioning process for multiple mobile devices via wired or wireless communication, allowing users to select and transfer electronic content or content collections efficiently, while interfacing with ADB for command execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual provisioning is used to transfer application files and data files to mobile devices, then users can have control over the provisioning process, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive especially when dealing with large numbers of devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service provisioning where the computing device automatically queries for connected mobile devices and performs content transfer without requiring manual intervention for each device. The automated workflow allows the system to serve itself by identifying devices and provisioning them sequentially, eliminating the need for users to manually connect and provision each device individually while maintaining the ability to review and control the process through the GUI.
Solution Approach 2:
The provisioning process is segmented into distinct automated stages: querying for connected devices, presenting device options in the GUI, receiving user selection, and sequentially transferring content to each selected device. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple devices systematically through automated workflows while preserving user oversight at key decision points.
2Extent of automation
If existing software development tools like ADB are used for provisioning, then automated provisioning can be achieved, but specialized knowledge is required and the tools are not user-friendly
Solution Approach 1:
A graphical user interface acts as an intermediary layer between the user and the underlying ADB automation commands. The GUI presents a user-friendly interface where users can select devices and content through visual elements, while the system translates these selections into automated ADB commands in the background. This intermediary layer shields users from the complexity of command-line tools while preserving automated provisioning capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical command-line interface of ADB with a graphical user interface that uses visual elements, buttons, and dropdown menus. This substitution transforms the interaction model from text-based command entry to point-and-click automation, making the tool accessible to users without specialized knowledge while maintaining the automated provisioning functionality.
3Reliability
If manual provisioning is performed for each device individually, then errors can be detected and corrected, but the process becomes inefficient when provisioning dozens or hundreds of devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the GUI displays the list of queried mobile devices, allowing users to review and verify device identities before provisioning. The system also provides feedback during the sequential provisioning process, enabling users to monitor progress and detect potential errors. This feedback loop maintains reliability by allowing error detection at review points while the automated sequential processing ensures efficiency across multiple devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by querying and displaying the complete list of connected devices before the actual provisioning begins. Users can review and select which devices to provision in advance, allowing for error detection and correction before content transfer starts. This preliminary review step prevents errors while maintaining efficiency by establishing the provisioning plan before committing resources to the actual transfer process.
Data Source
AI summary
A computing device and method for provisioning mobile devices with electronic content is provided. The method includes determining a set of content identifiers which identify multiple pieces of electronic content, generating a GUI that presents the set of content identifiers, and receiving a provisioning request associated with a selected piece of electronic content or associated with a content collection. The method further includes querying an operating system or a peripheral device management module of the computing device for a list of mobile devices connected to the computing device, and provisioning the list of mobile devices with the selected piece of electronic content or the content collection by provisioning a first mobile device in the list, determining whether the list has remaining mobile devices which have not been provisioned, and sequentially provisioning the remaining mobile devices.