Mobile Device Activation via Remote Server GUI

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for activating mobile devices are time-consuming and inconvenient, requiring manual setup at retail establishments or service centers, and involve complex registration processes with wireless networks.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that allows users to activate mobile devices using a computer connected to a remotely located activation server, facilitating the setup of wireless network services through a graphical user interface that guides users through device information input, service plan selection, billing, and account activation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mobile phone setup is performed at retail establishments or service centers, then the wireless network can be properly configured, but the process becomes time-consuming and restrictive to consumers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork configuration reliabilityVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables consumers to activate and configure their mobile devices themselves through automated systems. The device automatically communicates with the wireless network infrastructure to complete setup without requiring assistance from retail staff or service center technicians, thus eliminating the time loss while maintaining reliable network configuration through automated provisioning protocols

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If mobile phone setup is performed manually at retail establishments, then proper network configuration can be achieved, but the process becomes complex and restrictive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactivation reliabilityVSAvoidsetup convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of retail staff configuring devices with an automated electronic system. The mobile device automatically establishes communication with the wireless network infrastructure through electronic protocols, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining activation reliability through automated authentication and provisioning processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an automated activation system as an intermediary between the mobile device and the wireless network infrastructure. This intermediary system handles the complex configuration processes automatically, simplifying the user experience while ensuring reliable network setup through standardized communication protocols

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If location update is triggered on power-up for initial phone setup, then the mobile phone can register with the wireless network, but the person configuring the phone must power-off and then power-on the mobile phone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork registration reliabilityVSAvoidactivation convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs network registration and location update procedures in advance during the device activation process, before the device is handed to the consumer. This preliminary action ensures that when the user powers on the device, the network registration is already complete, eliminating the need for users to perform power-cycling operations to complete setup

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10205833B2Graphical user interface and method for mobile device activation
Publication Date: 2019.02.12 APPLE INC
  • US10205833B2 patent drawing
  • US10205833B2 patent drawing
  • US10205833B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods, systems and graphical user interfaces that facilitate activation of mobile devices, such as communication devices or multi-function devices, via computers are disclosed. According to one embodiment, activation of a mobile device with respect to a wireless service provider can be performed by users through use of a computer (e.g., personal computer) that communicate with a remotely located activation server. According to another embodiment, graphical user interfaces can be presented to users so as to enable end users to easily activate mobile devices.