Parent-Child Mobile Device Remote Function Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Providers face challenges in controlling the usage of mobile communication devices provided to recipients, such as children or employees, as these devices are often used for purposes unrelated to the provider's intentions, leading to additional costs and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A system where a 'parent' mobile station with a control module can remotely lock or unlock various capabilities of a 'child' mobile station through authenticated communication links, using SMS or SIP messages, allowing for selective blocking of functions like calls, text messaging, and Internet access, and overriding ringer settings with alerts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a provider gives a recipient full access to mobile communication device capabilities, then the recipient can use the device freely for various purposes, but the provider loses control over device usage leading to additional costs and safety concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts device capabilities by allowing the provider to remotely enable or disable specific functions (calling, texting, internet access) based on changing requirements. The mobile communication device transitions between different operational states (locked/unlocked) for different capabilities, providing both freedom when needed and control when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The device capabilities are segmented into individually controllable functions. Instead of controlling the entire device as a single unit, the system divides control into separate capabilities (voice calls, text messaging, internet access, camera) that can be independently enabled or disabled by the provider through authenticated commands.
2Reliability
If a provider remotely locks device capabilities to maintain control, then provider control is improved, but the device complexity increases due to authentication mechanisms and control modules
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses an intermediary authentication mechanism where a parent mobile station and child mobile station exchange authenticated commands through a standardized protocol. This intermediary layer provides secure control without requiring complex embedded authentication hardware in the device itself, as the authentication is handled through the communication protocol between devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication and control system uses universal messaging protocols (SMS, SIP) that are already widely supported by mobile devices. This allows the control mechanism to work across different device types and manufacturers without requiring device-specific proprietary protocols or additional specialized hardware components.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a provider blocks all communication functions to ensure safety, then safety is improved, but the recipient loses ability to make emergency calls or contact others
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different control qualities to different functions. Instead of uniformly blocking all communication capabilities, the provider can selectively lock or unlock specific functions (e.g., lock texting and internet access while leaving voice calling enabled). This allows safety control over harmful uses while preserving essential emergency communication capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system preemptively blocks potentially harmful functions (unauthorized calls, text messaging, internet access) before they can cause safety issues or costs, while maintaining the ability to make necessary emergency calls. The selective locking mechanism prevents harmful actions while preserving legitimate emergency communication needs.
4Loss of energy
If a provider implements selective function blocking, then cost control is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to manual unlocking requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows recipients to request unlocking of locked functions by initiating a call or message to the provider. The device then automatically unlocks the requested capability without requiring the recipient to manually contact the provider through other means. This self-service mechanism reduces the operational burden on recipients while maintaining cost control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to recipients when functions are locked and guides them through the unlocking process. When a recipient attempts to use a locked function, the system notifies them and provides instructions on how to request unlocking, creating a feedback loop that maintains cost control while preserving ease of operation for legitimate needs.
Data Source
AI summary
A parent mobile station (100) may establish a communication link (106) via a wireless network (104) using any appropriate technology. The parent mobile station (100) may send a control message over the communication link (106) which causes the child mobile station (101) to take various actions including being forced to call back the parent mobile station (100) upon any detected user action on a user interface of the child mobile station (101). For example, the child mobile station (101) may be locked such that no calls may be placed. Other actions of the child mobile station (101) may also be blocked such as, but not limited to, text messaging and Internet access. The command message may be a Short Message Service (SMS) message, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) message or any other appropriate message.