Wireless Service Activation via Peer-to-Peer Device Linking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless service activation methods are inefficient and error-prone, requiring manual entry of complex codes and relying on backend systems, which can lead to delays and security vulnerabilities, especially in providing convenient and secure activation of services at various locations.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a peer-to-peer protocol to connect wireless devices with point-of-sale terminals, enabling secure and expedited activation of wireless services through a unique identifier, allowing for transactions and service activation without the need for airtime cards, and supporting features like device upgrades, number changes, and service additions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual entry of complex activation codes is used, then security against unauthorized activation is improved, but activation time and user convenience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity against unauthorized activationVSAvoidactivation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of scratching off and entering codes with an automated optical scanning system. The point-of-sale terminal uses an optical scanner to read the activation code from the card, automatically transmitting it to the backend system for processing, thereby eliminating manual entry while maintaining code security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service activation where the customer simply presents the activation card to the terminal, and the system automatically completes the activation process without requiring customer intervention for code entry or verification, reducing both time and potential errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If backend systems process all activation requests, then centralized control and security are improved, but processing speed and system load capacity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecentralized controlVSAvoidactivation processing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the activation process into two parts: local validation at the point-of-sale terminal and centralized registration at the backend system. The terminal performs initial code verification and service activation locally, then communicates the activation status to the backend system, distributing the processing load while maintaining centralized control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The point-of-sale terminal performs preliminary validation of the activation code before submitting it to the backend system. This pre-processing step verifies code format, checks for basic validity, and prepares the activation request in advance, reducing the processing burden on the backend system and accelerating overall activation speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If activation cards with obscured codes are used, then prevention of unauthorized use is improved, but ease of activation and customer experience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of unauthorized useVSAvoidease of activation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual scratching and typing process with automated optical scanning. The point-of-sale terminal's scanner automatically reads the code from the activation card, eliminating the need for customers to manually scratch off and enter codes, thereby improving ease of operation while the obscured code design maintains security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The point-of-sale terminal acts as an intermediary between the activation card and the backend system. It captures the code through optical scanning, validates it locally, and transmits it securely to the backend, simplifying the customer's interaction to just presenting the card while maintaining security controls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If long and complex activation codes are used, then security against code misuse is improved, but error rate in manual entry and system processing deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity against code misuseVSAvoiderror rate in code entry

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual code entry with automated optical scanning. The point-of-sale terminal's scanner accurately reads the complex activation code directly from the card, eliminating human typing errors while maintaining the code's complexity for security purposes. The system processes the code automatically without requiring customer input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10255592B2Wireless service provider system and method for activating and selling a wireless service on a wireless device

Publication Date: 2019.04.09 VERIZON PATENT & LICENSING INC

AI summary

A wireless service provider system and associated methods of using the system for the sale and/or activation of wireless services is disclosed. The system includes a communication interface for a wireless device having a unique identifier. A backend system computer of the wireless service provider system can receive a unique identifier corresponding to the wireless device; authorize the activation of the wireless service corresponding to the unique identifier of the wireless device; and record, in a database, the authorized unique identifier to improve a user's experience and ease of activation/provisioning of services for the wireless device.