Supervisory Portal for Mobile Device Application Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a lack of comprehensive oversight and control in the process of managing and deploying applications on mobile devices, particularly in enterprise and personal settings, as existing platforms do not provide sufficient tools for entities to manage and monitor mobile devices effectively, leading to concerns about security and content distribution.

Innovation Solution

A managed services platform that includes a device monitoring subsystem, a device management subsystem, and a user interface, allowing entities to deploy, manage, and monitor networks of devices, with features such as customizable application sets and graphical user interface layouts, enabling centralized control over device configurations and content distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple companies offer app download services without centralized oversight, then users have access to diverse applications, but supervisory authorities lose control over device security and content distribution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to diverse applicationsVSAvoidcontrol over device security

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a supervisory portal system as an intermediary between app developers and end-user devices. This portal acts as a trusted mediator that approves applications before distribution, enabling diverse app access while maintaining security control through centralized oversight of the distribution chain

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments the app distribution process into distinct stages: developer submission, supervisory approval, and controlled distribution. This segmentation allows each entity to perform its function independently while maintaining overall system security and control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If employers allow employees to access app download services, then employees gain access to useful applications, but employers cannot control what applications are installed on work devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemployee access to applicationsVSAvoidcontrol mechanisms for device management

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The supervisory portal performs preliminary approval of applications before they are made available for distribution. This preliminary action ensures that only vetted applications reach employees, simplifying employer control while maintaining ease of access for authorized apps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes feedback loops where the supervisory portal monitors and controls application distribution to employee devices. This feedback mechanism allows employers to maintain control without complicating the employee access process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If parents allow children to use app download services, then children can download applications, but parents have no control over their children's activities in this area

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechildren's ability to download applicationsVSAvoidparental oversight of child's activities

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The supervisory portal serves as a trusted intermediary that parents can configure to oversee their children's app downloads. This mediator enables children to access applications while maintaining parental visibility and control over download activities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If a centralized supervisory portal system is implemented to control device management, then supervisory authorities regain control over security and content distribution, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol over device securityVSAvoidcentralized platform structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The supervisory portal is designed as a universal platform that handles multiple functions: application approval, distribution control, security monitoring, and device management. This multi-functionality consolidates control mechanisms into a single system, reducing overall complexity while maintaining comprehensive security oversight

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8856322B2Supervisory portal systems and methods of operation of same

Publication Date: 2014.10.07 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A managed services platform and method of operation of same are described herein. The platform can include a device management service (DMS) server in which the DMS server can act as a gateway for communications with one or more computing devices, and the computing devices are associated with a first entity. The platform can also include an application service (AS) server in which the AS server is communicatively coupled with the DMS server. When a first computing device contacts the DMS server, the DMS server is operable to provide a bundle to the first computing device. As an example, the bundle contains content that at least includes one or more configuration messages and an application set that contains one or more predefined applications. The content of the bundle can be determined at least in part by the first entity.