Mobile Data Capacity Sharing via Transaction Service
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face limitations in accessing wireless wide area networks due to depleted data plans, lack of access, or high roaming costs, leading to unsatisfactory internet connections, and existing solutions do not provide a controlled or automated way to distribute data transfer capacity between mobile devices.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allows mobile devices to register as acquirers or providers of data transfer capacity, enabling detection and connection between nearby devices for tethering, using short-range communication to access wireless wide area networks, with a transaction service coordinating these transactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a user purchases additional mobile data from the network operator, then data transfer capacity is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables users to self-service by sharing data transfer capacity with nearby devices through automated detection and connection establishment, eliminating the need to purchase additional data from network operators
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines data transfer capacity from multiple provider devices to serve acquirer devices, creating a pooled resource system that increases available capacity without additional network operator costs
2Quantity of substance
If a user saves unused data portions, then data transfer capacity is preserved for future use, but the data is lost after a limited time period
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous availability of data transfer capacity through real-time sharing between devices, eliminating the expiration issue by allowing ongoing transfer of unused capacity from providers to acquirers
Solution Approach 2:
The transaction service acts as an intermediary that facilitates the transfer and sharing of data transfer capacity between devices, enabling extended utilization beyond individual device limits
3Ease of operation
If a user connects to a congested wireless local area network, then internet access is provided, but connection quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the data transfer capacity across multiple provider devices, distributing the connection load and avoiding congestion that occurs when multiple devices share a single network connection
4Extent of automation
If a transaction service coordinates data sharing between devices, then controlled distribution is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transaction service acts as an intermediary that manages the complexity of coordinating data sharing between multiple devices, providing automated detection, matching, and connection establishment while keeping individual device implementations relatively simple
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods enable distribution of data transfer capacity in a WWAN between mobile devices. The data transfer capacity is given by a data plan for the respective mobile device. The systems and methods register first and second mobile devices with a transaction service as acquirers and providers, respectively, of data transfer capacity. The systems and methods detect when a first mobile device indicates a desire to acquire data transfer capacity, identify one or more second mobile devices that are located within reach for short-range communication with the first mobile device, and connect the first mobile device by short-range communication to one of the second mobile devices such that the first mobile device is tethered to the WWAN by this second mobile device. The systems and methods may also distribute authentication data to enable the first mobile device to be authenticated by the second mobile device.