Location-Based Mobile Device Configuration Engine

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile computing devices face challenges in automatically configuring hardware settings to comply with location-specific restrictions and network protocols as users travel, requiring manual intervention to switch between different wireless networks and adjust device behaviors according to geographic zones.

Innovation Solution

A system that includes a software-rendered map of geographic regions, location handlers, and a location handling engine to automatically execute and terminate settings changes when a device enters or exits defined zones, allowing for seamless switching between wireless networks and adjusting device behaviors such as radio transmission, multimedia properties, and power settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual configuration is used to switch between wireless networks and adjust device settings, then device complexity and user burden increase, but automatic location-based configuration improves ease of operation and reduces user intervention requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by automatically detecting device location and executing appropriate configuration actions without user intervention. The location-based automatic configuration system monitors geographic position and autonomously switches between wireless networks, adjusts device settings, and complies with location-specific regulations, eliminating the need for manual user configuration while managing device complexity internally

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring location-based rules and policies before the device reaches those locations. The system maintains a database of location-specific configurations and proactively executes them when entering designated geographic areas, ensuring seamless transitions and compliance without requiring real-time user decisions or manual setup

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Extent of automation

If automatic location-based configuration is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases due to additional software components and processing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextent of automationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system achieves universality by implementing a multi-functional location-based automatic configuration system that handles multiple tasks simultaneously: monitoring device location, determining geographic zone, switching between wireless networks, adjusting device settings, and ensuring regulatory compliance. This consolidated approach consolidates multiple functions into a single integrated system rather than requiring separate solutions for each function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses an intermediary approach by introducing a location-based automatic configuration system that acts as a mediator between the device's location services and various configuration components. This intermediary layer coordinates location data with network switching, setting adjustments, and compliance checks, simplifying the overall system architecture while enabling high automation across multiple functions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If manual network switching is required, then device complexity remains low, but loss of time occurs during network transitions and connectivity disruptions

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoidloss of time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system eliminates time loss by performing preliminary action through pre-configured location-based network switching rules. Before the device reaches a new geographic zone, the system has prepared and pre-determined the appropriate network configuration, enabling instantaneous or near-instantaneous switching without manual intervention or connectivity disruptions, thus maintaining continuous productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring device location and comparing it against configured geographic zones to trigger automatic network switching. This real-time feedback loop ensures the device seamlessly transitions between networks based on actual location data, minimizing downtime and maintaining continuous connectivity that supports uninterrupted productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2044794B1Location based, software control of mobile devices
Publication Date: 2021.08.04 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP2044794B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2044794B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2044794B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Methods are disclosed for controlling mobile computing devices such as laptops, PDAs and cellular telephones, based on their location. A mobile computing device may include a software-rendered map of defined geographic regions, location handlers for defining behavior of a mobile device in a given geographic region, and a location handling engine for determining when a new geographic zone has been entered and exited, and for executing and terminating location handlers accordingly.