Wireless Mobile Device Activation Server

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for activating mobile communication devices over wireless networks face challenges in efficiently transmitting a substantial amount of configuration and data information, particularly when activating a new or replacement device, especially when not on the user's home network, leading to difficulties and increased costs, especially during travel.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that allow users to selectively activate only the necessary services and data sources initially, with an activation server sending a summary of available services and data, enabling users to choose which to download, and applying administrative rules for proper activation, while allowing less urgent services and data to be provided later.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If all services and data sources are downloaded during initial activation, then the device is fully functional with complete service capability, but the amount of data transmitted increases substantially causing difficulties and increased costs especially when traveling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice completenessVSAvoiddata transmission volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The activation process is segmented into multiple phases: initial lightweight activation that provides core functionality with minimal data, followed by optional subsequent downloads of additional services and data sources. This allows the device to become operational immediately while deferring large data transfers to when the user is on their home network or has better connectivity conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Essential configuration information and routing data are provided during initial activation before the user completes the setup process. This preliminary action enables the device to function immediately with critical services, while non-essential services and large data sets are made available for later download when network conditions are more favorable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If configuration information and data are downloaded during initial activation, then the device is ready for immediate use, but the activation process becomes time-consuming and resource-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice readinessVSAvoidactivation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The activation process is divided into an essential phase that completes quickly and provides core functionality, and an optional enhancement phase that allows users to download additional services and data at their convenience. This segmentation reduces initial activation time from potentially hours to minutes, while still providing a path to full functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of downloading all possible services and data sources during initial activation, the system provides just enough configuration information and routing data to enable essential services. This partial action approach gets the device operational quickly, with the option to add more services later based on user needs and network conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Adaptability or versatility

If selective service activation is implemented, then data transmission is reduced and user flexibility increases, but the system complexity increases due to multiple activation phases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser choice flexibilityVSAvoidactivation process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides users with self-service control over which services and data sources to activate. Through a user-friendly interface, users can independently select which services they want to download and when, without requiring complex administrative configuration. The system adapts to user preferences automatically, reducing perceived complexity while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2391148B1System and method for performing a light weight, wireless activation of a mobile communication device
Publication Date: 2016.07.20 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2391148B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2391148B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2391148B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method, mobile device and activation server for wirelessly activating a mobile communication device at an activation server sends an activation summary to the mobile communication device in response to receiving a request for activation. The activation summary provides notification of a number of services that can be activated on the mobile communication device. Responsive to receiving a selection of at least one of the services, the method downloads at least one of configuration information and routing information for the selected service to the mobile communication device.