Vending Machine Website for Mobile Software Provisioning

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems lack the capability to efficiently vend feature-provisioning software to mobile wireless communication devices in complex infrastructures involving multiple hardware vendors, wireless network service providers, and communication data relay service providers, making it difficult to provide software solutions as aftermarket add-ons to consumers.

Innovation Solution

A vending machine website system that allows third-party hardware vendors to develop and automatically provision software using licensed service provider software via an API, enabling users to download software directly to their devices through a simplified process, involving authentication, payment, and installation procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a complex infrastructure involving multiple hardware vendors, wireless network service providers, and communication data relay service providers is used to vend feature-provisioning software, then the system can support diverse devices and services, but the system complexity and difficulty of implementation increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with multiple hardware vendors and service providersVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a centralized vending machine website as an intermediary platform that mediates between multiple hardware vendors, wireless network service providers, and communication data relay service providers. This single interface handles authentication, software distribution, and provisioning across the entire complex infrastructure, shielding end users from the underlying complexity while maintaining broad compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The vending machine website is designed as a universal platform that can vend feature-provisioning software to devices from any hardware vendor and work with any wireless network service provider. The system implements a unified authentication mechanism and standardized software distribution process that operates across diverse infrastructure components, making the complex multi-vendor system behave as a single coherent service.

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

2Reliability

If users must visit multiple websites to install applications, then each service provider can maintain control over their software distribution, but the user experience becomes complicated and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice provider controlVSAvoiduser experience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple service provider websites and software distribution channels into a single vending machine website interface. Users interact with one unified platform that aggregates software from multiple providers, eliminating the need to visit multiple websites. The system maintains service provider control through backend integration while presenting a simplified single-point interface to users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments the software distribution function from the service provider infrastructure, creating a separate vending machine layer that handles user interaction, authentication, and software delivery. This segmentation allows service providers to maintain control over their software and services while users experience a simplified single-interface process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If feature-provisioning software is vended through traditional distribution channels, then existing processes can be used, but the ability to provide aftermarket add-ons to third-party devices is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistribution processVSAvoidaftermarket add-on capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The vending machine website implements a dynamic software distribution system that can adapt to third-party devices and provide aftermarket add-ons. The platform uses device identification and authentication mechanisms to determine compatibility, then dynamically provisions appropriate feature-provisioning software. This dynamic approach enables the system to extend beyond pre-planned distribution channels and support emerging device platforms and aftermarket modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS7917133B2Method and apparatus for after-market vending of feature-provisioning software to third party mobile wireless communication devices
Publication Date: 2011.03.29 MALIKIE INNOVATIONS LTD
  • US7917133B2 patent drawing
  • US7917133B2 patent drawing
  • US7917133B2 patent drawing

AI summary

After market vending of feature-provisioning software to qualified third party mobile wireless communication devices is facilitated by providing a joint software vending machine website capable of authenticating the device and wireless service provider and downloading and activating only software appropriate to that particular user device and wireless network service provider. The exemplary system provides device/user qualification and/or authentication as well as device provisioning for mobile wireless communication devices that may be manufactured by different vendors for different purposes and serviced by different wireless network service providers via a wireless infrastructure which includes a communication data relay service provider.