Mobile Device Configuration via External Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile computing devices face issues with volatile memory leading to data loss, lack of authentication and encryption functions, and costly customization processes, which result in inefficient configuration and security management.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a mobile computing device connected to an external storage medium with preconfigured security and user information, utilizing a card customization server and device security verification modules to manage authentication, encryption, and configuration, ensuring secure network access and automatic device wiping if conditions are not met.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If volatile memory is used as persistent storage in mobile computing devices, then the device can operate with simpler storage architecture, but data loss occurs when device power is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage architectureVSAvoiddata persistence
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the storage system into two distinct segments: volatile memory for active operations and a separate non-volatile storage medium (such as a removable memory card) for persistent data storage. This segmentation allows the device to maintain simplicity in the main storage architecture while ensuring data persistence through the separate non-volatile component that retains data without power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If authentication and encryption functions are programmed at the application layer, then the operating system can remain simple, but these functions are expensive to implement and may be lost when power is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating system structureVSAvoidauthentication and encryption functions
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements authentication and encryption functions in advance by programming them directly into the operating system kernel rather than at the application layer. This preliminary action ensures that these critical security functions are permanently embedded in the system, cannot be lost when power is lost, and are always available before any application executes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If customization and configuration are performed through provisioning and re-provisioning, then the device can be adapted to different uses, but the process is time-consuming and requires frequent interventions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice customizationVSAvoidconfiguration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the mobile computing device to perform self-configuration by automatically detecting the type of removable storage medium inserted and loading the appropriate configuration parameters and authentication data from the medium itself. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual provisioning and re-provisioning, allowing the device to adapt to different uses automatically without user intervention or time-consuming configuration processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP1811416B1Systems and methods for configuration of mobile computing devices
Publication Date: 2017.04.19 MORGAN STANLEY & CO INC
  • EP1811416B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1811416B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1811416B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system including a handheld mobile computing device and an external storage medium in communication with the mobile computing device, the storage medium having stored thereon preconfigured user information and security information.