Wireless Network Geographic Feature Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems require physical hardware and additional software to control wireless device features in specific geographic areas, making it impractical to prevent inappropriate use of device features without physical means.

Innovation Solution

A method and system where a wireless network defines geographic areas and sends messages to wireless devices to control features, allowing devices to determine their location and apply feature controls automatically upon entering or exiting these areas, using existing network infrastructure without additional hardware.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If physical hardware (local transmitter or Bluetooth beacon) is installed at the site to control wireless device features, then feature control capability is achieved, but device complexity and installation cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeature control capabilityVSAvoidhardware requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical hardware transmitters and Bluetooth beacons with wireless network-based control mechanisms. The network sends control messages to devices based on their geographic location, eliminating the need for local physical transmitters while maintaining feature control capability through software-based location detection and message delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the existing wireless network infrastructure to perform multiple functions: not only providing communication services but also delivering geographic-based feature control messages. This eliminates the need for dedicated control hardware by making the communication network itself the control mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If additional hardware and software are installed on wireless devices to interface with on-site hardware, then feature control is received, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeature control receptionVSAvoidinterface hardware and software

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces additional interface hardware and specialized software with standard wireless communication and location detection capabilities already present in modern devices. Devices use their existing GPS receivers and wireless interfaces to receive control messages, eliminating the need for proprietary interface hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent leverages the device's own built-in capabilities (GPS receiver, wireless interface) to perform the control function. The device uses its existing location determination and message reception abilities to automatically apply feature controls without requiring additional specialized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If after market voluntary installation is required for feature control systems, then system deployment is possible, but productivity and adoption rate decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem deploymentVSAvoidadoption rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes feature control automatic and transparent to users. Devices automatically receive and apply control messages based on their location without requiring user action or voluntary installation. The system operates autonomously using existing network infrastructure, enabling universal deployment without user participation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the existing wireless network infrastructure for dual purposes: standard communication and geographic feature control. This eliminates the need for separate deployment processes or user installation, as the control capability is inherently provided by the network service itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If capital outlay is required for feature control hardware, then control functionality is achieved, but ease of manufacture and accessibility worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol functionalityVSAvoidcapital investment requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive physical control hardware with software-based control delivered through existing network infrastructure. The network delivers control messages using standard communication channels, eliminating the need for capital investment in local transmitters, beacons, or specialized equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the existing wireless network to provide feature control functionality alongside standard communication services. This eliminates the need for separate control infrastructure and associated capital outlay, as the control capability is delivered through the already-deployed network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7653398B2Geographical network initiated wireless device feature control

Publication Date: 2010.01.26 GOOGLE TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

A method, apparatus and system for applying feature controls to features on a wireless device while the mobile is in a geographic area is provided. The wireless device receives instructions from a wireless network indicating which feature controls to apply. The wireless device determines that its position is within the geographic area and applies the feature controls.