Provisioning Server for Depreciated Mobile Device Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices that are no longer supported by their manufacturers due to depreciation often fail to receive updates, leading to reduced functionality, particularly in features like MMS, which results in poor user experience and increased customer care costs for MVNOs.
Innovation Solution
A provisioning server system that identifies depreciated mobile devices by their IMEI, obtains a unique key including APN settings, and transmits it to the device to direct traffic to the manufacturer's server, enabling updates and restoring functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile device is sold for use with a secondary or tertiary network operator after being used with a primary network operator, then the device can be used on different networks, but the device may not have full access to network services due to lack of manufacturer support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary provisioning system that acts as a mediator between the mobile device and the manufacturer's update server. This system obtains update profiles from the manufacturer and delivers them to devices on secondary/tertiary networks, enabling service functionality without direct manufacturer support. The intermediary resolves the contradiction by bridging the gap between devices needing manufacturer updates and networks lacking manufacturer agreements.
2Ease of manufacture
If manufacturer updates are blocked for depreciated devices, then the device can be controlled by the manufacturer, but the device becomes less functional and renders applications nonfunctional
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by proactively obtaining and storing update profiles for depreciated devices before they become completely obsolete. The provisioning system maintains a repository of update profiles that can be delivered to devices when needed, preventing complete functionality loss. This allows the system to act in advance to preserve application functionality even when manufacturers block updates.
3Ease of operation
If manual SIM card swapping and APN changing is performed, then the device can be configured for MVNO use, but the process has only mixed success and MMS remains nonfunctional
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling devices to automatically receive and apply update profiles through the provisioning system. Instead of requiring manual SIM swapping and APN configuration by users, the system automatically delivers the appropriate update profile to the device based on its IMEI, enabling full functionality including MMS without user intervention. This eliminates the inconsistency and failure modes of manual configuration.
4Adaptability or versatility
If users jailbreak devices to remove software restrictions, then full functionality can be achieved, but the process requires technical aptitude and poses risks of rendering the device inoperable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a safe intermediary provisioning system that delivers update profiles through authorized channels, eliminating the need for jailbreaking. This intermediary approach provides the same end result (full functionality) without the risks and complexity of removing software restrictions. Users simply receive updates through the normal provisioning process, making the solution user-friendly while achieving adaptability.
5Ease of operation
If over-the-top MMS applications are used to provide MMS capabilities, then messaging functionality is restored, but the applications are not seamlessly integrated into the mobile device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by delivering update profiles that contain copied configuration data from the original manufacturer-supported setup. These profiles replicate the necessary network parameters and application configurations, allowing the device to function as if it were still under manufacturer support. This copying approach restores seamless integration without requiring third-party over-the-top applications.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed which can allow a mobile device, which is no longer being updated by the device manufacturer, to receive updates from the manufacturer. In an implementation, an international mobile equipment identity (IMEI) is received from the mobile device that identifies a model of the mobile device. The mobile device can have at least one application that is unable to communicate with a server of the mobile device's manufacturer. A provisioning server may determine that the mobile device is depreciated based upon the IMEI, and obtain a key unique to the mobile device. The key and at least one Access Point Name may be transmitted to the mobile device, which can allow the mobile device to direct its data traffic to the server of the manufacturer.