Dynamic Carrier Selection via MVNO Server Bidding

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile communication systems are limited in dynamically selecting the most cost-effective and service-quality-optimal network operator for mobile devices, especially when roaming, as they rely on preprogrammed preferences that do not account for real-time bids and location-specific rates from multiple network operators.

Innovation Solution

A mobile device can store a network address for a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) server, which provides dynamic updates on network operator preferences based on bids from multiple operators, allowing selection based on rates, location, and quality of service, enabling the device to automatically or manually choose the best operator for communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If preprogrammed carrier preferences are used in mobile devices, then device simplicity and ease of operation are maintained, but the system cannot dynamically adapt to real-time bidding and location-specific rates from multiple network operators

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic carrier selectionVSAvoidcarrier selection mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a server as an intermediary that stores and manages carrier preference data, bid information, and rate data. The mobile device communicates with this server to dynamically obtain updated carrier preferences without needing complex local decision-making logic. The server acts as a centralized repository that processes bidding information from multiple carriers and provides optimized preference data to devices based on their locations and service requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static preprogrammed carrier preferences to dynamic preferences that are continuously updated based on real-time bidding data, location information, and service quality metrics. Carrier preference data can be modified in response to changing conditions, allowing the system to adapt to fluctuating rates and network conditions without requiring device reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of information

If real-time bidding data from multiple network operators is collected and processed, then optimal carrier selection based on cost and service quality is achieved, but information processing complexity and data management requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverate information accuracyVSAvoiddata processing system
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The server serves as an intermediary that collects, validates, and processes bidding data from multiple carriers, then provides processed preference data to mobile devices. This centralizes the complex data processing tasks away from individual devices, reducing their information processing requirements while ensuring accurate and comprehensive rate information is available for carrier selection decisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary processing of bidding data and carrier preference calculations on the server before the data reaches mobile devices. By pre-processing the raw bidding information into structured preference data with associated rates and quality metrics, the system reduces the processing burden on devices and ensures that only refined, actionable information is transmitted to end users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If mobile devices continuously update carrier preferences based on real-time bids, then service quality and cost-effectiveness are optimized, but communication overhead and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork selection optimalityVSAvoiddevice energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous real-time updates, the system implements periodic updates where carrier preference data is refreshed at predetermined intervals or when triggered by specific events such as location changes or battery level thresholds. This periodic approach maintains service quality by ensuring devices have reasonably current preference information while significantly reducing the frequency of communication transactions and associated energy consumption compared to continuous updates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the server monitors device usage patterns, location changes, and battery status to intelligently determine when preference updates are necessary. This feedback-driven update strategy ensures that devices receive carrier preference updates only when conditions warrant a change, optimizing the balance between maintaining reliable network selection and minimizing unnecessary communication overhead and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8843132B2Dynamic carrier selection
Publication Date: 2014.09.23 APPLE INC
  • US8843132B2 patent drawing
  • US8843132B2 patent drawing
  • US8843132B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems, methods, computer software for providing access to wireless communication services are provided. The invention, in one embodiment, can involve storing a network address on a mobile device and sending a request for network operator data from the mobile device to a mobile virtual network operator server associated with the network address. In response, network operator data is received, and, based on the received network operator data, a network operator is selected. Communications are thereafter conducted using the selected network operator. In some situations, bids are received from multiple network operators for rates at which communication services using each network operator can be obtained. Preferences among the network operators are identified using the received bids, and the preferences are used to select the network operator for the mobile device to use in conducting communications.