Mobile Device Data Usage Notification via Bearer Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems lack real-time notifications for mobile devices when data or voice usage limits are reached, leading to unnecessary network overhead and battery consumption, as existing SMS-based notifications are unreliable and do not prevent devices from continuously attempting to connect once limits are exceeded.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that sends real-time notification messages through existing bearer channels in wireless packet data communication networks, allowing mobile devices to configure themselves to prevent automatic network access and allowing user-initiated access, thereby reducing network resource usage and battery consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If SMS-based notifications are used to inform users of usage limits, then users can be notified of reaching limits, but the notifications are unreliable and devices cannot confirm receipt
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the mobile device sends an acknowledgment message back to the network entity when it receives a usage limit notification. This closed-loop feedback system ensures reliable delivery confirmation, resolving the issue of unconfirmed SMS notifications by providing explicit acknowledgment that the device has received and processed the usage limit information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by routing notifications through existing reliable data communication channels (such as HTTP/HTTPS or other application layer protocols) rather than relying directly on SMS. This intermediary communication path leverages the reliability of data sessions already established between the device and network, providing more dependable notification delivery than direct SMS implementation.
2Loss of information
If the network continuously monitors and sends SMS notifications for usage limits, then users can be kept informed, but network overhead and battery consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by having the mobile device autonomously monitor its own usage against predefined limits and only initiate communication with the network when usage thresholds are approached or exceeded. This eliminates continuous monitoring and notification traffic, reducing both network overhead and device battery consumption while still ensuring users are informed of their usage status.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the mobile device to autonomously determine when usage limits are reached and self-manage the notification process by sending requests only when necessary. This shifts the monitoring burden from continuous network-driven checks to device-driven event-based monitoring, significantly reducing unnecessary network transactions and energy consumption.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the network allows devices to continue accessing the network after limits are reached, then service continuity is maintained, but unnecessary network overhead and resource consumption occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by notifying the user in advance when usage approaches predefined limits, allowing the user to take action (such as purchasing additional data or changing settings) before the limit is exceeded. This prevents unnecessary network resource consumption that would occur if devices continued accessing the network beyond limits, while still maintaining service continuity during the grace period before limit enforcement.
Data Source
AI summary
Network status information is provided to a mobile device. The data usage of the mobile device is tracked. A data usage criterion is determined from an account for the mobile device. The account information is stored on at least one server. The data usage is compared with the data usage criterion. Based on the comparison, it is determined whether the data usage meets the data usage criterion. Upon determining that the data usage meets the data usage criterion, a notification message is sent to the mobile device in real time through an information element field within an existing message in a bearer channel of the wireless packet data communication network. The notification message may instruct the mobile device to prevent generation and/or transmission of automatic network access requests while allowing user-initiated network access requests.