Mobile Device Out-of-Coverage Message Host System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices are unable to send or receive messages when they are out of coverage, as they rely on wireless base stations or Wi-Fi hotspots for communication, and existing solutions do not effectively manage message delivery in such scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a first mobile device can act as a host for another mobile device out of coverage by using short-range communication protocols to store and forward messages when it regains coverage, ensuring messages are not duplicated and sent only when the host device is back in range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mobile device relies on wireless base stations or Wi-Fi hotspots for message communication, then message delivery can be achieved when in coverage, but the device becomes unable to send or receive messages when out of coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces another mobile device as an intermediary carrier to transfer messages from the out-of-coverage device to the network infrastructure. When device A is out of coverage, it transfers the message to device B (which is in coverage), and device B delivers it to the network. This intermediary mechanism allows message sending capability to extend beyond traditional coverage areas, resolving the contradiction between maintaining message delivery reliability and enabling operation in out-of-coverage scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary actions by having the out-of-coverage device perform message transfer to an intermediary device before losing the opportunity to send through normal channels. The system also performs preliminary verification by checking whether the message has already been delivered via the intermediary, preventing duplicate transmissions. This preliminary action ensures message delivery is attempted through alternative paths before conventional methods fail completely.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile device transfers messages to another device via short-range communication when out of coverage, then message delivery is enabled, but message duplicates may occur if both devices are later in coverage simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system checks the delivery status of messages transferred through intermediaries. When device A transfers a message to device B, the system monitors whether device B successfully delivers it to the network. If delivery is confirmed, device A is notified and can remove the message from its queue, preventing duplicate transmissions. This feedback loop eliminates message duplication while maintaining the ability to send messages out of coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a reference or indicator of the message in the intermediary device rather than duplicating the full message content. The system tracks message delivery status through these copies/references, allowing verification of whether the original message has been successfully transmitted through the intermediary channel, thereby preventing duplicates without requiring redundant full message storage.
3Loss of time
If a mobile device stores hosted messages in a local cache, then messages can be retained for later transmission, but device memory resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential message data and metadata needed for later transmission, storing them in a compact format in local cache. When the device regains coverage, the system retrieves and transmits these stored messages. By extracting and storing only necessary information rather than full message copies, the system achieves message delivery flexibility while minimizing memory consumption.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method are provided that enable a mobile device when out-of-coverage and thus unable to send or receive messages to rely on other mobile devices which are also out-of-coverage as "hosts" for their outgoing messages such that when one of the hosts comes back into coverage the host mobile device (HMD) can send the outgoing messages on behalf of the originating or "source" mobile device (SMD). The system and method may comprise a pairing procedure to determine the suitability of a mobile device being an HMD according to criteria such as battery power, memory availability and whether the device is also out of coverage. When coming back into coverage, information is obtained from the data communication system to determine whether others have already sent messages that have been provided to host mobile devices.