Wireless Account Switching Between Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for switching user account data and operations between mobile communication devices are time-consuming and require wired connections or third-party involvement, lacking secure and efficient means for transferring encryption keys and preserving device-specific settings.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves establishing a programming session between the source and target devices using short-range wireless transceivers to transfer user account data, including encryption keys, and utilizing removable memory cards for data synchronization, allowing end-users to switch accounts 'on-the-fly' without wired connections or third-party assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If full backup/restore operation via desktop manager on computer is used, then user account data can be transferred between devices, but the process is time-consuming and requires wired connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system (desktop manager via cable) with a wireless communication system. The base station and mobile devices exchange data wirelessly through radio frequency signals, eliminating the need for physical cable connections while maintaining complete data transfer capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the base station with user account data and encryption keys before the mobile device needs to switch accounts. When a switch is required, the base station already has the necessary data ready for immediate wireless transmission, reducing the switching time significantly compared to performing a full backup/restore operation.
2Reliability
If wired connection via desktop manager is used, then data transfer can be performed, but third-party involvement and wired connections are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling mobile devices to autonomously transfer user account data and encryption keys directly with the base station through wireless communication. The system eliminates the need for third-party desktop managers or computers, allowing users to perform account switching independently by simply carrying their mobile devices and initiating the switch through the wireless network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless communication system. Data transfer is performed through radio frequency signals between the base station and mobile devices, eliminating the need for physical cables and third-party computer systems while maintaining secure and reliable transfer capabilities.
3Reliability
If encryption keys are transferred through secure means, then data synchronization security is maintained, but the transfer process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the base station as an intermediary to facilitate secure encryption key transfer between mobile devices. The base station acts as a trusted mediator that stores user account data and encryption keys, and selectively transmits them to authorized mobile devices through secure wireless communication channels, simplifying the overall process while maintaining high security standards.
4Productivity
If device switching is performed quickly, then user convenience is improved, but secure transmission of encryption keys becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the base station with user account data and encryption keys before the mobile device needs to switch accounts. When a switch is required, the base station already has the necessary data ready for immediate wireless transmission, enabling both rapid switching and secure key transmission simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional secure key transfer methods (which require wired connections and take time) with wireless cryptographic communication protocols. This allows encryption keys to be transmitted securely and rapidly over the air interface between the base station and mobile devices, achieving both speed and security.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and apparatus for use in switching communications associated with a user account from a first ("source") mobile communication device to a second ("target") mobile communication device are disclosed. The source and target devices may be possessed and/or owned by the same end user. The source device is initially enabled to maintain data synchronization with a host server over a wireless communication network via a first wireless transceiver (e.g. a cellular transceiver) for user data of an application program (e.g. an e-mail application program) associated with the user account. To enable the target device for the communications associated with the user account, the source device is operative to establish a programming session with the target device via a second wireless transceiver (e.g. a short-range wireless transceiver). During the programming session, the source device causes user account data (e.g. at least one encryption/decryption key for the data-synchronized communications) for the user account to be transmitted to the target device via the second wireless transceiver. Preferably, the user account data is encrypted based on a passkey for the programming session. The user data associated with the application program may also be transferred from the source device to the target device during the programming session, over-the-air or via a removable memory card such as a secure digital (SD) card. With this data, the target device is thereby enabled to maintain data synchronization with the host server for the user data of the application program associated with the user account. Advantageously, most if not all of the account switching steps may be facilitated by the end user "on-the-fly" without third-party involvement.