Wireless Device Notification Override via Authenticated Message
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for locating misplaced wireless devices, such as cell phones or PDAs, are inadequate when the device is configured not to ring, as calling the device does not help the user find it.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a computing device sends a message through a wireless network to a wireless device with notification settings that override its configuration, triggering user notifications such as audible ringing, flashing lights, or vibrations, even if the device is set not to ring, using a password to authenticate and authorize the notification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the wireless device is configured to not ring to reduce notifications, then the device can avoid unnecessary disturbances, but the user cannot locate the misplaced device when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The notification setting is made dynamic rather than static. The system allows the notification state to change based on the authentication result. When authenticated, the device temporarily overrides the silent setting and activates notifications; when unauthenticated, the silent setting remains active. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing context-dependent notification behavior.
Solution Approach 2:
The notification parameter (ringing state) is changed based on authentication status. The system receives authentication information, verifies it against stored credentials, and accordingly changes the notification parameter from suppressed to active state. This parameter change enables the device to be located when needed while maintaining the quiet state during normal operation.
2Ease of operation
If the device always rings to help locate it, then the user can easily find misplaced devices, but the user experiences unnecessary disturbances during normal use
Solution Approach 1:
The notification setting transitions from a static always-on state to a dynamic state controlled by authentication. The system evaluates authentication information in real-time and adjusts the notification state accordingly, enabling location capability when needed while avoiding unnecessary disturbances during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The notification parameter is dynamically changed based on authentication verification. When valid authentication information is received, the system changes the notification parameter from suppressed to active, allowing the device to ring for location. This selective parameter change eliminates constant disturbances while preserving location capability.
3Ease of operation
If the device accepts any notification command to enable location, then the device can be found easily, but unauthorized users can trigger notifications or access device functions
Solution Approach 1:
Authentication information serves as an intermediary between the notification command and the device's response. The system introduces this verification layer that mediates whether the notification command should be executed. This intermediary mechanism ensures that only authorized users can trigger notifications, preventing unauthorized access while maintaining location capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-verification of authentication information before executing notification commands. By comparing received authentication data against stored credentials, the device autonomously determines whether to honor the notification request. This self-service authentication mechanism ensures reliable authorization without requiring external verification systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of initiating user notification for a wireless device is provided for allowing a user to locate the wireless device when it has been accidentally misplaced. Notification settings of a wireless device indicate whether incoming communication triggers user notification. If the wireless device has been configured to not ring, then calling the wireless device will not help the user to locate the wireless device. A message (e.g. email, SMS) configured for prompting user notification notwithstanding the notification settings is sent to the wireless device. The message is routed through a wireless network and received by the wireless device. In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, in response to the message, the wireless device executes a user notification notwithstanding the notification settings. In some implementations, the user notification includes audible ringing, which might help the user to locate the wireless device based on the audible ringing.