Automated User Account Setup via Cellular Identifier

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Solution Overview

Problem

Setting up and synchronizing user accounts in IP networks for message services, such as email and chat, using cellular networks is often time-consuming and complex, especially for inexperienced users, as it requires entering extensive access data.

Innovation Solution

Utilizing a unique identifier, such as MSISDN or IMSI, from the cellular network's Home Location Register to automatically set up user accounts without requiring users to enter complex access data, with a client on the cellular terminal reading and transmitting this identifier to a device for account management in the IP network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual user account setup is used in IP networks, then user account creation is possible, but the process is time-consuming and complex for users

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser account setup processVSAvoidtime for account setup
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by automatically generating user credentials and configuring account settings without requiring manual user input. The server autonomously creates usernames, passwords, and email addresses based on subscriber data, eliminating the need for users to manually enter complex access data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-generating authentication credentials and account configurations before the user needs them. The server proactively creates user accounts and sends welcome emails with access information, so users find everything already prepared when they first log in.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If automated account setup using unique identifier is implemented, then setup time is reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccount setup speedVSAvoidautomation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The server performs multiple functions using a single integrated process: it retrieves subscriber data from the HLR, generates usernames and passwords, creates email addresses, configures account settings, and sends welcome emails. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into one unified automated process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the unique identifier (MSISDN or IMSI) as an intermediary key to connect the cellular network's subscriber database with the IP network's account management system. This single identifier mediates between different networks and systems, enabling automatic data retrieval and account creation without complex integration protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If user credentials are automatically generated and stored, then user input is minimized, but security requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecredential entry processVSAvoidauthentication security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual credential creation and storage with automated electronic processes. Instead of users manually setting passwords that might be weak or insecure, the server automatically generates cryptographically secure random passwords and stores them in a structured database format, ensuring both security and consistency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback loops for security validation: it verifies that generated passwords meet security criteria before storage, confirms successful account creation to the user, and provides mechanisms for users to retrieve or reset credentials. This feedback ensures both security requirements are met and users can verify the process worked correctly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2107743B1Method and device for setting up a user account
Publication Date: 2017.08.16 VODAFONE HOLDING GMBH
  • EP2107743B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for the at least semi-automatic setup of a user account (14 or 14') of a subscriber (1) in an IP network (7) for the use of at least one messaging service of the IP network (7), comprising the following method steps: - Establishing a communication connection between a device (8) for setting up and/or managing user accounts (14 or 14', 15, 16) of subscribers in the IP network (7) and a subscriber (1) via a mobile network (4), in particular according to a GSM, GPRS and/or UMTS radio network standard; - Transmitting a unique identifier assigned to the subscriber (1) by the mobile network (4) from the subscriber (1) to the device (8) for setting up and/or managing user accounts (14 or 14', 15, 16) of subscribers in the IP network (7) using the communication connection in the mobile network (4); and - Generating a user account (14 or 14', 15, 16) of the subscriber (1) in the IP network (7).14') for the subscriber (1) using the unique identifier of the subscriber (1) in the mobile network (4) by the device (8) for setting up and/or managing user accounts (14 or 14',15,16) of subscribers in the IP network (7).