Wireless Device Temporary Unlocking via Location and Time Parameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for unlocking wireless devices are inconvenient and inflexible, particularly for users who need temporary access to modify assets or functions, leading to increased support burdens for network providers and limited user experience.
Innovation Solution
A wireless device system that includes a processor, memory, and a transceiver to execute an unlocking application, allowing users to input information and unlock specific features or assets based on location or time, enabling temporary unlocking and subsequent locking, with encoded information for region and duration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is implemented to restrict wireless device access, then network provider control and security are improved, but user flexibility and convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic unlocking where the lock mechanism transitions from a static locked state to a temporary unlocked state based on specific conditions. The system dynamically adjusts the device state by evaluating location data, time parameters, and carrier information to grant temporary access without permanently disabling the locking mechanism, thus maintaining provider control while enabling user flexibility when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the lock mechanism by introducing time-based and location-based conditions. Instead of a simple locked/unlocked binary state, the system modifies the locking behavior based on multiple parameters including geographic location, time of day, and carrier network identification, allowing the device to unlock temporarily under specific parameter combinations while maintaining overall security.
2Reliability
If traditional unlocking methods are used, then security is maintained, but user convenience and support efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service unlocking by allowing the wireless device to automatically evaluate its own state against predefined criteria without requiring manual intervention from network providers. The device autonomously determines whether it meets the conditions for temporary unlocking by checking its location, time, and carrier information, and executes the unlock operation independently, eliminating the need for users to contact support services.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the device continuously monitors its operational context (location, time, carrier status) and uses this feedback to automatically determine when unlocking is appropriate. The system processes feedback from sensors and system state to make real-time decisions about lock status, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to changing conditions without external intervention.
3Adaptability or versatility
If permanent unlocking is allowed, then user access flexibility is improved, but network provider control and customer retention deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic locking where the device is temporarily unlocked for a defined period and then automatically relocked. The unlock operation is not permanent but occurs in periodic cycles based on time parameters such as duration of day, specific time windows, or after a set number of hours. This periodic action allows users to access the device when needed while ensuring the provider maintains control after the temporary period expires.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary evaluation of unlocking conditions before granting access. By pre-defining the criteria for temporary unlocking (location, time, carrier) and evaluating these conditions in advance, the system determines whether unlocking should occur before actually changing the lock state. This preliminary action ensures that provider control rules are verified before any flexibility is granted to the user.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless device configured to temporarily unlock includes a processor configured to execute an unlocking application and a lock mechanism. The processor implementing the unlocking application to control the lock mechanism to unlock based on one of the following: the location provided by a location determination device or based on a time and date provided from the transceiver and/or the processor. A process to temporarily unlock a wireless device is also disclosed.