Hosted Server Mobile Device Management via SMS Intermediary

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current messaging services for mobile devices lack efficient mechanisms for managing actions and results, especially in scenarios where voice or data connectivity is unreliable, and there is a need for secure and seamless provisioning of new devices with minimal user input.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus utilizing a hosted server to determine actions for mobile devices, generate messages, transmit them, and receive result messages, incorporating SMS for functionality even without connectivity, with security features like encrypted system IDs and device authentication to manage device provisioning and administration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If messaging services rely on traditional connectivity-based mechanisms, then device management can be performed, but reliability deteriorates when voice or data connectivity is unreliable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice management reliabilityVSAvoidconnectivity dependency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces SMS as an intermediary communication channel between the messaging server and mobile device. This mediator enables device management actions to be transmitted and executed even when traditional voice or data connectivity is unavailable, directly resolving the reliability issue under poor connectivity conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system integrates multiple communication mechanisms (SMS, voice, data) into a unified device management platform. By making the system multi-functional and capable of operating through different channels, it ensures reliable device management regardless of which connectivity type is available, reducing dependency on any single channel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If comprehensive device management features are implemented, then functionality is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to required user input during provisioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice management functionalityVSAvoidprovisioning user input

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service provisioning where the mobile device automatically receives configuration parameters, authentication tokens, and management instructions via SMS without requiring manual user input. The device autonomously configures itself and executes management actions, eliminating the burden of user input during provisioning while maintaining comprehensive functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring device parameters, security settings, and management protocols before the actual device deployment. Authentication tokens and configuration data are prepared in advance and transmitted via SMS, allowing the device to be fully provisioned without requiring user intervention during the setup process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If security features like encrypted system IDs are implemented, then security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunauthorized accessVSAvoidsecurity implementation

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs disposable security tokens and single-use authentication mechanisms that are generated, used, and discarded in a controlled manner. These temporary security elements provide strong protection against unauthorized access while keeping the overall system complexity manageable, as they don't require complex long-term security infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements security through parameter transformations and encryption of identification data rather than complex cryptographic protocols. By changing the representation of system IDs and authentication parameters in encrypted forms during transmission and storage, the system achieves security without significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10686775B2Method and apparatus of providing messaging service and callback feature to mobile stations

Publication Date: 2020.06.16 KASEYA INT

AI summary

Disclosed are an apparatus and method of performing automated administrative operations on a mobile device. One example method may include determining via a hosted server that an action needs to be performed by a mobile device under management. The method may further include generating a message via the hosted server, the message includes the action, and transmitting the message to the mobile device under management, and receiving a result message from the mobile device under management responsive to the transmitted message, the result message indicating that the action has been satisfied.