Mobile Station Memory Erasure via Network Signalling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for secure erasure of information from mobile equipment are inefficient as they require a separate device server and may not reach the mobile station when it is not connected to the network, making it difficult to ensure secure deletion of memory content, especially in cases of theft or loss.
Innovation Solution
A method where the mobile communication network checks the unique equipment identity of a mobile station against an equipment register, sending an erasure message through the signalling protocol only when the station is connected, allowing for automatic and secure deletion of memory content without the need for a specific server system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate device server is used to send erasure commands, then the erasure function can be implemented, but the system complexity increases and the command may not reach the mobile station when it is not connected to the network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the erasure command transmission function with the existing mobile communication network infrastructure. Instead of using a separate device server, the erasure commands are transmitted through the existing signalling protocol messages (such as CM SERVICE REJECT, LOCATION UPDATING REJECT, or UPDATE LOCATION ACCEPT) that are already part of the mobile network's normal operation. This eliminates the need for additional server infrastructure while ensuring reliable delivery whenever the mobile station connects to the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the existing mobile network signalling messages serve multiple functions: their original function for connection management and location updating, plus an additional function for transmitting erasure commands. By embedding erasure instructions within these universal signalling messages, the system achieves reliable command delivery without requiring dedicated erasure infrastructure, as the same network paths used for normal operations are utilized.
2Reliability
If the mobile station is not connected to the network when erasure is needed, then security protection is compromised, but continuous network connection is not practical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the mobile station with the capability to process erasure commands embedded in signalling messages. The mobile station is equipped with software that monitors incoming signalling messages for specific indicators (such as reject clauses or information elements) that trigger the erasure process. This preparation ensures that as soon as the mobile station reconnects to the network after being stolen or lost, the erasure command can be immediately executed without requiring continuous connection or special timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where the mobile station's connection status to the network continuously triggers identity checking and potential erasure command transmission. When the mobile station attempts to register or update its location, the network checks its equipment identity, and if barred, sends the erasure command through the signalling protocol. This feedback loop ensures that erasure is automatically triggered upon reconnection, making the system reliable without requiring the device to remain continuously connected.
3Reliability
If equipment identity checking is performed for every network connection, then stolen devices can be detected, but the network signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing equipment identity checking selectively rather than for every single signalling message. The checking is triggered by specific events such as mobile station registration, location updates, or when reject clauses are present in incoming messages. This selective approach provides sufficient security coverage to detect stolen devices while avoiding the excessive energy consumption and network overhead that would result from checking every single signalling interaction.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a
Figure 3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for an at least partial erasure of the memory content of a mobile station in a mobile communication system. The starting of the erasure of the mobile station memory content is arranged to be responsive to the checking of a unique equipment identity of the mobile station performed in the mobile communication network on the basis of the unique equipment identities included in an equipment register. If a network element providing mobile communication services receives from an equipment register element the information, according to which the mobile station that has contacted the mobile communication network is defined as barred in the equipment register, a message to be sent from the mobile communication network to the mobile station is formed for erasing the memory content of the mobile station. This message is transmitted from the mobile communication network to the mobile station, and the mobile station detects a need for an at least partial erasure of the memory content in response to the reception of said message.