Patent for API integration technology with MDM utilizing geofencing
This patent (JP WO2009/096561 A1) provides “technology that allows companies to easily manage their employees’ smartphone and computer apps,
perform remote operations, and impose usage restrictions.”
It includes “functions to centrally manage app installation and settings, impose usage restrictions based on time and location, and
control the display or hiding of app icons.” It also describes a feature that uses geofencing technology to
restrict app usage to specific areas.
① App Usage Restrictions Using Geofencing
A feature that enables app execution only when the mobile device is within a specific area using location information.
This technology allows apps to be used only in specific locations (such as offices or factories)
and automatically disable it in other locations.
For example,
• Enabling business apps to be used only when in an office or factory
• Automatically disabling apps handling confidential information when outside the company or at home
• Enabling store management apps to be launched only when within the store’s designated area
such use cases are possible.
② Geo-fencing-based icon display/hide control
A feature that displays or hides app icons based on the location of mobile devices.
This means that app icons are automatically displayed when entering a specific area and disappear when leaving the area.
For example,
• Displaying business app icons when entering the company office and hiding them when exiting
• Displaying apps used in specific factories only when within the factory premises
• Displaying event venue apps only while within the venue
• Display an app used at an event venue only while inside the venue
Such settings are possible.
【 Specific usage examples described in the patent 】
1. Centralized management of mobile devices for employees
When distributing devices to new employees or those who have transferred, if the target apps to be installed are selected in advance on the server,
the devices are immediately ready for use upon receipt. Even in cases of device replacement or malfunction,
the same settings and data can be redistributed from the server, significantly reducing the hassle of re-configuration for both users and administrators.
*BizMobile Go! Option: App Catalog
2. Security management utilizing location information
In locations such as factories and research laboratories where strict security settings are required for each area,
when devices are authenticated using GPS or reader/writers installed at entrance gates,
the server can automatically switch off the camera function or restrict calls and email transmission. In the event of loss or theft,
immediately stop access to important data on the device in question from the server side, contributing to enhanced information leakage countermeasures.
※BizMobile Go! Option: Geofencing
3. App launch control by time of day
Within the company, you can set “business expense reimbursement apps to be usable only during business hours” while keeping “team communication tools active” after work hours,
allowing you to switch between apps based on the time of day.
If you want to minimize operations during late nights or holidays, you can easily set up automatic bulk restrictions.
※BizMobile Go! Option: Time-based Management/Work Time
By combining device location information (such as GPS or building entrance authentication using a reader/writer) with time-based information,
you can implement advanced rule settings such as “disabling camera functionality only at worksites” or “hiding specific apps during late nights.”