Remote Administrator Control for Mobile Device Troubleshooting

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing complexity of mobile devices leads to higher needs for technical support, but existing mobile device operating systems often do not allow for effective remote troubleshooting, especially since administrators may not always be able to physically interact with the devices in need of assistance.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for remote interaction with electronic devices, where an administrator device can establish remote control of a first electronic device to view, indicate, and perform functions on a second electronic device in need of technical support, using camera and lighting functions for visualization and input devices like keyboards for action propagation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If mobile devices provide greater functionality, then device capabilities improve, but device complexity increases making troubleshooting more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidtroubleshooting complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a remote administrator device and a remote control application that mediates between the administrator and the mobile device. This intermediary enables remote viewing through camera integration and provides remote control capabilities, allowing the administrator to troubleshoot complex device functions without physical presence at the device location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If administrators cannot physically interact with devices, then mobility and accessibility improve, but troubleshooting capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice accessibilityVSAvoidtroubleshooting capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical requirement of physical presence and manual interaction with an electronic remote control system. The administrator device uses camera functions to visually inspect the mobile device, and through the remote control application, can send commands to control various device functions, eliminating the need for physical access while maintaining troubleshooting capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If remote control is enabled on mobile devices, then troubleshooting efficiency improves, but device security and control rights are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetroubleshooting efficiencyVSAvoiddevice security
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary authentication and authorization actions before enabling remote control. The system requires verifying the administrator's identity and obtaining explicit permission from the mobile device user before allowing remote viewing or control operations. This preliminary action ensures that only authorized administrators can access the device, maintaining security while enabling efficient remote troubleshooting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9071485B2Remote interaction with electronic devices
Publication Date: 2015.06.30 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • US9071485B2 patent drawing
  • US9071485B2 patent drawing
  • US9071485B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An approach for providing remote interaction (e.g., technical support) with electronic devices (e.g., mobile devices such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops, etc.) is provided. Specifically, remote control of a first electronic device may be obtained by an administrator device or the like. The first electronic device may then be remotely operated by the administrator device to view, indicate, and/or perform features/functions of a second electronic device needing technical support.