Time-Based Device Functionality Restrictions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solutions fail to effectively restrict device functionality based on time constraints, often resulting in complete device restriction during certain periods, leading to revenue loss and compliance issues for businesses.
Innovation Solution
Implementing time-based functionality restrictions through periodic scans to identify and authorize or deny device functionality requests based on defined time constraints, using software applications on device management servers and agents, which permit or block functions according to compliance rules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional solutions restrict device functionality during certain time periods, then compliance with legislative penalties is improved, but device usability and productivity deteriorate due to complete device restriction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments device functionality into multiple independent functional categories (e.g., communication, browsing, media playback, applications) rather than treating the device as a single unit. This allows selective restriction of specific functions during non-work hours while permitting other functions to remain accessible, thereby maintaining productivity and usability while ensuring compliance with legislative requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different access policies to different functional areas of the device based on local quality principles. Each function can have its own time-based access rules, allowing the system to permit certain functions (e.g., emergency communication) during restricted periods while blocking others (e.g., personal browsing), thus optimizing both compliance and usability on a function-by-function basis.
2Reliability
If device functionality is completely restricted during non-work hours, then compliance with business policies is improved, but revenue loss increases due to inability to access business resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic access control that adapts to different time periods, user roles, and function types. Rather than static complete restriction, the system dynamically evaluates each function request against configured policies, allowing employees to access necessary business resources during non-work hours while maintaining policy compliance, thus preventing revenue loss while ensuring adherence to business rules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of access control from binary (completely restricted or completely permitted) to a multi-dimensional parameter system that considers time of day, day of week, user role, function type, and policy configuration. This allows fine-grained control where employees can access specific business functions during non-work hours based on their roles and organizational policies, maintaining compliance while enabling necessary business continuity.
3Reliability
If time-based functionality restrictions are implemented, then compliance with legislative penalties is improved, but device complexity increases due to periodic scans and rule evaluations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring time-based access policies and rules before they are needed. Administrative users can define time periods, functional categories, and access permissions in advance. The system then automatically applies these pre-established rules during operation without requiring complex real-time decision-making, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service functionality where the system automatically performs periodic scans, evaluates function requests against configured policies, and enforces restrictions without requiring manual intervention. The device autonomously manages time-based access control, reducing the complexity burden on users and administrators while ensuring consistent compliance with legislative and organizational requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Time-based functionality restrictions may be provided. Periodic scans may be performed to identify requests to perform functions on user devices, to determine whether the functions are compliant with compliance rules associated with the user devices that specify time periods during which the user devices are authorized to perform the functions, and to perform remedial actions if the functions are not compliant with the compliance rules.