Transient Mobile Application Access via Captive Portal Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in accessing and installing mobile applications on their devices, especially when they are needed temporarily, due to complex search processes and potential network limitations, which also poses challenges for service providers trying to increase app adoption rates.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows mobile devices to access transient mobile applications within restricted areas by automatically connecting to a network through NFC or QR code handover, using a captive portal server to redirect the device to a web-based application, providing a standardized user experience without the need for app store access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users download and install mobile applications from app stores, then they can access the applications, but the process is complex and time-consuming, especially for temporary use
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-provisions application packages on the network infrastructure (captive portal server or application server) before users need them. When users enter the restricted area, the application is already prepared and can be instantly deployed to their devices without requiring them to search app stores or wait for downloads from external sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a captive portal server or application server as an intermediary between the app store ecosystem and the user's device. This intermediary hosts the application locally within the restricted area's network infrastructure, enabling direct deployment to devices without requiring users to interact with external app stores, thereby simplifying access and reducing time.
2Productivity
If service providers promote application installation in advance, then more customers will have the app installed, but this requires costly promotion especially for location-specific services
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring users to install applications before visiting a location, the system makes applications available for instant deployment upon arrival at the restricted area. This eliminates the need for advance promotion and user education about pre-installation, as the application becomes available automatically when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic application deployment to user devices without requiring user initiation or manual installation steps. The captive portal detects user devices in the restricted area and automatically pushes the application package, reducing the need for promotional campaigns and user education about installation processes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If applications are made accessible worldwide through app stores, then global reach is achieved, but this is unnecessary for location-specific services and increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements local application hosting within the restricted area's network infrastructure rather than relying on global app store distribution. The application package is stored on the captive portal server or application server locally, enabling targeted delivery only to devices within the specific geographic boundary of the restricted area, thereby eliminating unnecessary global accessibility infrastructure.
4Ease of operation
If users access applications without installation through web-based delivery, then ease of access is improved, but the user experience may be standardized and less optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the application delivery format based on device capabilities and user context. The application package can be deployed as a native application if the device supports it, providing optimized performance and user experience, or as a web-based application if native installation is not feasible, thus maintaining ease of access while adapting to different scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure include a system that may allow a mobile device to access a transient mobile application while the user is in a restricted area. The system may include a mobile device, a handover device, a network, a captive portal server, and an application server. The mobile device may interact with a handover device to automatically connect to the network. Once connected to the network, the captive portal server may connect the mobile device to a captive portal. The mobile device may then automatically launch a browser and be redirected to a web address of a transient mobile application. The user may interact with the application while the user is connected to the network and within a restricted area. Once the user leaves the restricted area, he/she may no longer have access to the transient mobile application.