Mobile Device Status Propagation for Enterprise Directory Updates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems for mobile devices lack efficient management of status information, particularly when SIM cards are changed, leading to outdated or inaccurate communication information, which affects connectivity and routing decisions within enterprises.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that automatically propagate status information from mobile communication devices to an enterprise-based server, updating dynamic network identifiers like telephone numbers and IP addresses, and integrating with PBX systems to ensure seamless communication management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a user changes the SIM card in a mobile communication device to enable roaming or use a different network, then the device can access different wireless networks, but the telephone number assigned to the device changes, causing communication attempts to fail and directory information to become outdated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork access capabilityVSAvoidcommunication information accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements automatic feedback mechanisms where the mobile device reports its current status (including SIM card changes and associated telephone number changes) to the directory server. This feedback loop ensures that directory information is continuously updated without manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between network adaptability and information accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile device autonomously detects SIM card changes and automatically updates its own directory information through integrated status reporting functionality. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual directory updates by users, ensuring communication information remains accurate while maintaining network flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of information

If manual directory updates are used to track SIM card changes, then communication information can be kept current, but user burden increases and updates may still be delayed or missed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication information accuracyVSAvoiduser burden
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system transfers the burden of directory updates from the user to the device itself. The mobile device automatically detects SIM card changes and reports status information to the directory server without requiring user action, thereby maintaining information accuracy while eliminating user burden.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The status reporting system acts as an intermediary between the mobile device and the directory server, automatically transmitting communication information changes. This intermediary mechanism eliminates the need for direct user intervention in updating directory information, reducing user burden while ensuring accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If status information is not automatically reported, then device complexity is reduced, but communication management efficiency deteriorates and routing decisions become inaccurate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication management efficiencyVSAvoidstatus reporting system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile device utilizes its existing communication and processing capabilities to perform status reporting functions. By leveraging universal device functionalities (processor, communication interface, memory) rather than adding dedicated specialized hardware, the system achieves improved communication management efficiency without significantly increasing device complexity.

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

Data Source

PatentEP1863305B1System and method for management of mobile device communication
Publication Date: 2013.05.08 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP1863305B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1863305B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1863305B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system and method for managing mobile device communication in an enterprise includes a device management agent and a synchronization agent in the mobile device. Information about the status of the mobile device is collected by the device management agent and the synchronization agent communicates the status information to the enterprise with which the mobile device is associated. A synchronization server at the enterprise collects device information and updates records at the enterprise. Information such as device telephone number is propagated to the enterprise directory and potentially to a PBX to ensure connectivity with the mobile device.