Mobile Data Usage Control via Foreground Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current solutions for managing mobile data usage on smartphones are either inflexible, requiring users to navigate through data restriction features or applications, or they restrict all non-selected applications from accessing the network, failing to cater to individual user needs and resulting in poor network performance and increased expenses.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that allow users to manage data usage by displaying a user-interface for controlling data usage, identifying and allowing data usage for selected applications while restricting it for others, using a predefined list to prioritize foreground and background activities, and providing a quick access panel for easy configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If data restriction features are implemented through central server monitoring or pre-installed applications, then data usage control capability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to navigation requirements and administrative overhead

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata usage control capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically identifies and classifies applications into foreground and background sets without requiring user navigation through complex interfaces or administrative configuration. The electronic device self-manages data usage control by autonomously determining which applications should be allowed or restricted based on their operational state

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The application portfolio is segmented into two distinct sets: foreground applications (currently active and user-interaction requiring) and background applications (inactive or non-critical). This segmentation enables differentiated data usage policies where foreground applications receive unrestricted access while background applications are restricted, simplifying the control mechanism while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of energy

If complete restriction is applied to non-selected applications, then data expense reduction is improved, but network performance and user experience deteriorate due to overly aggressive blocking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata expenseVSAvoidnetwork performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The data usage control policy is dynamic rather than static. Applications can transition between foreground and background sets based on their operational state, allowing the system to adapt data usage restrictions in real-time. Currently active applications automatically receive higher priority and unrestricted access, while inactive applications are restricted, creating a flexible balance between cost savings and performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different data usage policies are applied to different application sets based on their specific needs and operational context. Foreground applications receive permissive data access policies to ensure optimal user experience, while background applications receive restrictive policies to reduce data consumption, allowing each application group to operate under appropriate quality conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Speed

If entire network bandwidth is allocated to single foreground application, then network performance for that application is improved, but overall system adaptability deteriorates as other applications are deprived of bandwidth

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork bandwidth allocationVSAvoidsystem flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments applications into foreground and background sets and applies differentiated bandwidth allocation policies. Foreground applications receive priority access to network resources when needed, while background applications are restricted. This segmentation enables the system to provide high-speed performance to active applications without completely depriving other applications of future access potential

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Bandwidth allocation is dynamically adjusted based on application state rather than being statically assigned. When applications transition between foreground and background states, their bandwidth allocation rights adjust accordingly, maintaining system flexibility while ensuring active applications receive sufficient network resources for optimal performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10601979B2Method and apparatus for managing application data usage

Publication Date: 2020.03.24 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A method for operating an electronic device includes displaying a user-interface for a mode for controlling data usage on a display of the electronic device, in response to detecting an input for the user-interface, activating the mode, in the mode, identifying a first set of applications among a plurality of applications installed in the electronic device based on a predefined list, allowing first data usage for a first set of applications, and restricting second data usage for a second set of applications among the plurality of applications other than the first set of applications.