Token Provider for Mobile Application Installation Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling application installation on mobile devices lack robust and flexible mechanisms for tracking usage and agreements between mobile network operators and application developers, leading to inaccurate revenue sharing and lack of information on active installations.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a token-based system where a token provider, integrated into the mobile device's firmware, manages tokens from a token server to indicate supported applications, allowing the network provider to specify supported apps and enabling the application to verify support, with tokens stored locally for offline access and encrypted for security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If applications are installed from a global marketplace, then users can access a wide variety of applications, but the network provider cannot recognize which devices are provided with which applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a token provider as an intermediary component that mediates between the global marketplace and the network provider. This token provider issues unique tokens for each application installation, which are then communicated to the network provider's server. The token acts as a mediator that carries installation information without requiring direct communication between the marketplace and network provider, thus resolving the information loss while maintaining application availability.
2Ease of operation
If applications are preinstalled by the provider, then the provider can control which applications are on devices, but there are no mechanisms to track usage and verify agreements with application developers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the token provider on the mobile device sends installation and usage information to the network provider's server. The server processes this information and can send back responses to verify agreements and track usage. This closed-loop feedback system allows the provider to maintain control over preinstalled applications while simultaneously tracking usage to verify agreements with application developers.
3Ease of operation
If token information is stored locally on the mobile device, then offline access to token information is enabled, but security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing different security measures for different locations within the system. Local storage of token information on the mobile device uses encryption and secure storage mechanisms specific to the device level, while the network provider's server uses centralized security protocols. This differentiated approach to security based on location enables offline access while mitigating security risks through location-appropriate protective measures.
Data Source
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AI summary
The method involves downloading token from a token server through a token provider, where the token is specific for a mobile terminal. The token is stored in a token memory space in the terminal, and application is started, where the application queries the token over an interface in the provider. A notification is transmitted to an application server when the token is provided based on information e.g. SIM-information, terminal type and operating system type, where the application is configured based on the received token. The token and application servers are accessed over an IP-network. An independent claim is also included for a system for controlling installation of applications on a mobile terminal.