Remote Mobile Device Management via Intermediary Server
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack an efficient method for users and administrators to remotely secure, locate, and manage lost or stolen mobile devices, leading to potential financial and information losses due to delayed remediation and complex management processes across heterogeneous device types.
Innovation Solution
A system that enables remote access to mobile devices through a server-client architecture, allowing users and administrators to securely locate, lock, backup, and wipe devices, using cross-platform software and various communication protocols to manage multiple device types, with features like location tracking, sound activation, and data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users call the mobile device's phone number to locate it, then the device may be found if within close proximity, but the user cannot locate or secure the device if it is not within close proximity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote access server as an intermediary between the user and the mobile device. The server receives location requests from users, queries the database for the device's current location, and returns the information to the user. This intermediary system enables location capability without requiring the user to be in close proximity to the device, resolving the contradiction by extending the effective range of location queries while maintaining ease of operation.
2Productivity
If the mobile device is not found, then the user must deactivate the account and transfer to a new device, but this process is complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service functionality where users can independently initiate remote access to their devices through a user-friendly interface. The system automatically handles device location, status checking, and security actions without requiring user interaction with complex administrative systems. This eliminates the need for users to manually deactivate accounts or transfer devices, reducing both the complexity of the process and the time required for recovery.
3Adaptability or versatility
If administrators manage multiple mobile devices through separate management systems, then each device type can be managed, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal remote access server that can manage multiple types of mobile devices through a single integrated system. The server maintains a database that stores information about different device types and uses a standardized protocol to communicate with various devices. This universal approach allows administrators to manage diverse device fleets through one consistent interface, eliminating the need for separate management systems for each device type while maintaining adaptability to different platforms.
4Reliability
If end users contact administrators to secure a missing device, then security actions can be initiated, but there is a delay of several days between loss and security actions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action through automatic security measures that can be initiated immediately upon device loss reporting. The system allows users to report lost devices and triggers automatic location tracking, status monitoring, and security actions such as remote locking or data encryption without waiting for administrator intervention. This preliminary response reduces the time delay between device loss and security protection, enhancing both reliability of security measures and speed of response.
Data Source
AI summary
GPS receivers are included in many mobile communications devices; however, there are circumstances where GPS is unavailable or undesirable to use. In an implementation, a device identifies nearby wireless signals, such as Wi-Fi access points and cell towers, and compares them to a database of known signals to determine an approximate location for the device. Because such a database can be large and change rapidly, it may not be appropriate to store the database entirely on a device. Instead, a server may store the database. In an implementation, to minimize the time required to determine a device's location, the device may first transmit location-related information to a server and receive a subset of the database corresponding to an area near the device so that future locations nearby can be determined without needing to communicate with the server.