Mobile Device Function Control via Supervisory Communication Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling mobile communications devices lack efficiency and responsiveness in disabling and enabling functions, particularly in enforcing restrictions on users, as they often require time-consuming processes to re-enable services after suspension.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow remote disabling and enabling of mobile device functions based on communications with a supervisory source, including detecting failures to respond to communications, enabling functions upon successful re-establishment of communication, and using location verification and confirmation codes to manage function status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If services are suspended by discontinuing network carrier payment or disabling device functions, then restrictions are enforced on the mobile device user, but re-enabling services becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures automatic re-enabling conditions and monitoring mechanisms before service suspension occurs. When a user fails to respond to communications within a predetermined time period, the system automatically detects this failure and initiates service re-enabling without requiring manual intervention from customer support, thus resolving the time loss issue while maintaining restriction enforcement
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where the mobile device automatically responds to communications from the supervisory entity. This feedback mechanism allows the system to monitor user compliance in real-time and automatically adjust service status (suspend or re-enable) based on whether the user meets predetermined response criteria, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual re-enabling processes
2Reliability
If the supervisory entity takes back the mobile communications device to enforce restrictions, then control is maintained, but device availability and user convenience are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an automated control mechanism as an intermediary between the supervisory entity and the mobile device. This intermediary monitors device usage, detects failures to respond to communications, and automatically enforces restrictions by suspending services or disabling functions. This eliminates the need for the supervisory entity to physically take back the device while maintaining effective control and preserving user convenience
3Reliability
If traditional service suspension methods are used, then restrictions are imposed on the mobile device, but the process to resume services is complex and requires multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the mobile device automatically monitors its own compliance status by detecting whether it has responded to communications within the predetermined time period. When compliance is achieved, the device automatically triggers service re-enabling through pre-configured mechanisms, eliminating the need for users to contact customer support or follow complex multi-step procedures to resume services
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage medium are disclosed to control a mobile device. A disable event module detects a failure to respond to a communication. The communication is sent to a mobile communications device from a supervisory source. A function disable module disables one or more functions of the mobile communications device in response to detecting the failure to respond to the communication. An enable event module detects a second communication between the mobile communications device and the supervisory source. A function enable module enables the one or more functions in response to detecting the second communication.