Device Group Usage Allocation for Shared Curfew Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile wireless communication device service plans are limited in sharing capabilities, requiring direct service provider involvement, lacking device control, and not allowing diverse device types to share a single account, leading to inefficiencies in billing and resource allocation.
Innovation Solution
A system and method enabling subscribers to create and manage device groups without provider intervention, allowing service plan sharing and control among multiple devices, including device management and usage monitoring through a device agent and network elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If service providers manage shared service plans for multiple devices, then service plan sharing is enabled, but service provider involvement and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables device users to autonomously create device groups, add devices, and manage service plan allocations without service provider involvement. The master device automatically provisions the device group and manages service plan sharing among member devices through peer-to-peer communication and automated provisioning protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a device group as an intermediary layer between the service provider and individual devices. This device group acts as a local management entity that handles service plan allocation and device coordination, reducing the need for direct service provider involvement in device-level operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional service management systems are used, then service plans can be shared, but control over device usage and customization options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically allocates service plan resources among device group members based on configurable parameters. The master device can adjust service plan allocations, add or remove devices from the group, and modify usage policies in real-time without requiring service provider intervention, enabling flexible and adaptive resource management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables different service plan allocations and usage policies for different devices within the same device group. Each device can have customized service plan assignments, time-based restrictions, and usage limits tailored to specific device needs while maintaining overall group coordination.
3Device complexity
If only similar device types are associated with a master service account, then account management is simplified, but device group versatility and utility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device group functionality is designed to be universal, supporting multiple device types including mobile devices, tablets, laptops, and other wireless communication devices. The system abstracts device-specific details through standardized device profiles and communication protocols, enabling heterogeneous device integration while maintaining simplified account management through the master device architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprising obtaining, from a master user, a device usage allocation applicable to two or more devices, the two or more devices being associated with another user, the another user being different from the master user, obtaining an aggregate measure of device usage associated with the two or more devices, if the aggregate measure of device usage associated with the two or more devices satisfies a condition relative to the device usage allocation, managing an activity of the two or more devices, and sending a notification to at least one of the two or more devices, the notification for presentation to the another user through a user interface of the at least one of the two or more devices.