Mobile Phone Activation via Scannable Code Provisioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing process of activating mobile phones is cumbersome, requiring manual installation of SIM cards and other information, which complicates the provisioning and activation process, especially in retail settings where efficiency and simplicity are desired.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a scannable code on the mobile phone package to retrieve and transmit necessary information to a wireless communication network for provisioning, allowing for automated activation without opening the package, using a point-of-sale terminal and provisioning station to streamline the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual installation of SIM cards and manual information entry are used, then the activation process can be completed, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (physically installing SIM cards, manually typing information) with automated electronic scanning and data retrieval systems. The scannable code on the package is read by an electronic scanning device, which automatically retrieves provisioning information from a data store and transmits it to the wireless communication network, eliminating the need for manual handling of SIM cards and information entry.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service activation where the provisioning information is automatically retrieved and transmitted without requiring manual intervention. The scannable code on the package serves as a self-contained identifier that triggers the automatic retrieval of all necessary provisioning data from the data store, allowing the activation process to proceed autonomously once the code is scanned.
2Productivity
If automated scanning and retrieval is implemented, then activation efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a provisioning system as an intermediary component that mediates between the electronic scanning device and the wireless communication network. This provisioning system includes a processor that automatically retrieves provisioning information from a data store based on the scannable code and transmits it to the network, simplifying the overall system architecture by centralizing the automated retrieval and transmission functions in a dedicated component.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of activating a mobile phone is provided. The method comprises scanning a code accessible from an exterior of a package by an electronic scanning device coupled to a first computer, the package containing the mobile phone and retrieving a plurality of information associated with the mobile phone from a data store based on the code, the retrieving performed by one of the first computer and a second computer. The method also comprises transmitting the plurality of information by the provisioning application to a wireless communication network to at least partly provision wireless communication service to the mobile phone, whereby the wireless communication network is triggered to activate the mobile phone, wherein the transmitting is performed by the same computer that retrieved the plurality of information.