Mobile Device Management via Software Security and Media Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current security and management systems for mobile devices in retail environments lack efficient solutions for securing, protecting, and managing devices while reducing costs and environmental impact, and require hardware investments, with limitations in scalability, customization, and false alarm reduction.

Innovation Solution

A device management system that establishes a two-way wireless communication link between manager and display devices, enabling customizable security features, media management, and data collection, using proprietary and third-party hardware without additional hardware, and allowing for peer-to-peer communication across various device types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional security systems with hardware sensors and mechanical locking claws are used, then device security is improved, but device complexity and hardware investment requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice securityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical locking claws and physical security sensors with software-based security mechanisms implemented through mobile applications. The system uses digital authentication, virtual locking, and software-controlled security policies to protect devices, eliminating the need for mechanical hardware components while maintaining security functionality.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a centralized management server as an intermediary between devices and users. This server coordinates security operations, distributes security policies, and manages authentication credentials, thereby simplifying the complexity at the device level while maintaining comprehensive security control across the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate systems are deployed for security, monitoring, and digital media capabilities, then functional completeness is improved, but environmental impact and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional completenessVSAvoidenvironmental impact
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines security management, device monitoring, and digital media capabilities into a single integrated mobile application platform. This unified system executes multiple functions simultaneously on mobile devices, eliminating the need for separate hardware systems and reducing electronic waste while maintaining comprehensive functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal mobile application that performs multiple functions including security enforcement, device monitoring, media playback, and communication. This multi-functional approach allows a single software platform to replace multiple specialized hardware systems, reducing environmental impact while maintaining adaptability.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If customizable security features and media management are added, then system versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomization capabilityVSAvoidsoftware complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality by allowing different security policies and media management configurations to be applied to different devices or user groups. The system enables granular customization where specific security rules, authentication methods, and media preferences can be tailored to individual devices, locations, or user roles without complicating the core system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS9858777B2System, method and computer readable medium for managing mobile devices
Publication Date: 2018.01.02 SENSORMEDIA INC
  • US9858777B2 patent drawing
  • US9858777B2 patent drawing
  • US9858777B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system, method and computer readable medium are for managing display devices using manager devices. A communication link is established between display subsystems and manager subsystems. Alarm conditions are detected and reported, and alarm events are triggered within the display devices. The display devices have restricted access to applications, settings, or networks. User-generated media is deleted from the display devices. When idle or when user activity is detected, audiovisual media is presented from the display devices. Powering of the display devices is regulated. Metrics and data associated with the display devices is collected.