Custom Application Launcher for Tiered Network Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile communication devices without a custom application launcher are restricted from accessing data networks, and users may face limited access or need to pay a surcharge for full access, posing challenges for wireless service providers in revenue generation and user experience.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where mobile devices can install a custom application launcher, which manages tiered access to data networks by comparing device identities to a white list, allowing full access upon installation or enabling payment options for surcharge-based access, thereby enhancing revenue opportunities for service providers and user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mobile devices are restricted from accessing data networks without a custom application launcher, then network access control is improved, but user convenience and device functionality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a custom application launcher as an intermediary component that mediates between the mobile device and the data network. The launcher contains network access control logic that communicates with the network infrastructure, enabling centralized control policies to be enforced without requiring direct intervention in device operations or user workflows. This resolves the contradiction by providing reliable network access control through the launcher intermediary while maintaining ease of operation for users.
2Productivity
If tiered access management is implemented based on application launcher installation, then revenue generation opportunities are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The custom application launcher is designed as a universal platform that performs multiple functions: it serves as the primary application launcher for device operations, acts as a network access control client, and enables tiered service management. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional component, the system achieves revenue generation capabilities through tiered access while avoiding the complexity of separate dedicated systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The application launcher implements self-service capabilities by automatically managing network access credentials, handling authentication with network infrastructure, and enforcing access policies without requiring manual user configuration. This self-service approach enables complex tiered access management and revenue generation mechanisms while keeping the user experience simple and the system manageable.
3Reliability
If full network access is provided only upon custom application launcher installation, then service quality control is improved, but user freedom and device functionality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic access control where network service quality adjusts based on the presence and configuration of the custom application launcher. Users without the launcher receive basic or restricted service, while those with the launcher receive enhanced service quality. This dynamic approach allows service quality control to be enforced adaptively rather than through rigid restrictions, maintaining user freedom to choose whether to install the launcher while providing quality differentiation.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile communication device. The device comprises a cellular radio transceiver, a processor, a memory, and a custom application launcher stored in the memory. When executed by the processor, the custom application launcher periodically sends a message to an application server, wherein the message informs the application server that the custom application launcher is installed on the mobile communication device and, responsive to initiation of a process of removing the custom application launcher, sends a removal message to the application server, wherein the removal message informs the application server that the custom application launcher is being removed from the mobile communication device.