MDM Policy Controls for Mobile Device Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile device management systems, particularly for iOS devices, lack the ability to selectively disable certain applications while allowing them to run in the background, posing a risk for distracted driving and other scenarios where application access needs to be restricted.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize sensory data from MDM devices to dynamically push temporary policy controls from an MDM server, hiding selected application tiles from the home screen when specific states are detected, such as motion or location within a vehicle, while allowing these applications to operate in the background.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If iOS devices enable Autonomous Single App Mode to limit access to selected functions, then application access control is improved, but device functionality and user flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments application access control into different modes: ASAM mode for complete control and selective disabling mode for partial control. This allows the system to provide different levels of access control based on specific needs, resolving the contradiction between strong control and functional flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic policy controls that can be pushed remotely by the MDM server to change application visibility and access rights in real-time. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to adapt access control to different scenarios (e.g., driving conditions, work hours) without requiring permanent configuration changes, thus maintaining both control reliability and operational flexibility.
2Reliability
If Android devices use third-party software to control home screen access, then application selection control is improved, but system complexity and compatibility requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal solution that works across both iOS and Android platforms through a single MDM framework. The selective disabling mode provides a unified approach to application control that leverages existing OS capabilities without requiring platform-specific third-party applications, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable application selection control.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If MDM systems disable certain applications completely to prevent distracted driving, then safety is improved, but application functionality and user experience worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful function (application accessibility) while preserving the beneficial function (background operation). By removing only the visible home screen access to certain applications during driving conditions while allowing them to continue running in the background, the system reduces distracted driving risk without completely disabling application functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different quality levels of control to different applications and contexts. Critical safety functions (messaging, social media) are restricted during driving, while essential functions (calls, navigation) remain accessible. This localized differentiation of control quality allows the system to address safety concerns without unnecessarily impacting overall application functionality and user experience.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for wireless policy enforcement of an MDM device according to the detection of a preselected state is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a software application for execution by the MDM device, such that the MDM device determines whether or not the preselected state is present. If the preselected state is present, the software application is further operable to notify an MDM server, which then pushes temporary policy controls to the MDM device. The temporary policy controls overwrite existing policy controls and remove non-whitelisted application tiles from the MDM device home screen. Non-whitelisted application tiles can be selected by the MDM administrator and can include texting functions, social media applications, and internet browsers. The preselected state can include the presence or absence of motion, a minimum speed, location, date and time, proximity to a signal source, internet connectivity, Bluetooth connectivity, and combinations of the foregoing.