Mobile Operator Identification via Remote Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile computing devices face challenges in identifying and utilizing the mobile network operator they are connected to, especially when switching between subscriber identities or roaming, which affects service charges and branding information display.
Innovation Solution
A mobile computing device sends a request to a remote mobile operator identification server with data from its SIM card or other smart cards, allowing the server to determine the operator and provide configuration information for discounts, branding, and billing settings based on business relationships between the device provider and the operator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the mobile device relies on local SIM card information and device location to determine network operator, then the device can operate independently without constant server communication, but the device cannot accurately identify operators when roaming or switching between multiple subscriber identities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote operator identification server as an intermediary between the mobile device and the network operator identification process. The server receives device information (IMEI, SIM card details, location) and returns the identified operator, enabling accurate operator detection without requiring complex local identification logic in the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by collecting and storing device information (IMEI, SIM card details, location capabilities) before the actual operator identification is needed. This preparation enables the device to quickly communicate with the identification server when operator detection is required, rather than performing complex analysis in real-time.
2Measurement precision
If the device continuously communicates with the identification server to maintain accurate operator information, then the operator identification remains up-to-date, but the device consumes additional energy and network resources
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous communication, the system uses periodic action by triggering identification requests only at specific events: when the device is first powered on, when a SIM card is inserted or changed, when location changes indicate roaming, or when network services are activated. This reduces energy consumption while maintaining identification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The device autonomously determines when operator identification is needed based on local conditions (SIM card changes, location updates, network state changes) and initiates identification requests only when necessary, rather than relying on continuous server-pushed updates. This self-service approach minimizes unnecessary energy consumption.
3Productivity
If the device stores and processes multiple operator configurations locally, then the device can quickly switch between operators, but the device memory and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the operator identification and configuration management functionality from the mobile device and relocates it to a remote server. The device only stores minimal identification information and retrieves full operator configurations from the server when needed, significantly reducing local storage requirements while maintaining switching capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the system implements comprehensive operator identification and configuration delivery, then users can access operator-specific services and discounts, but the system complexity and implementation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The remote operator identification server is designed as a universal platform that handles multiple functions: identifying operators based on various device parameters, managing operator configuration databases, delivering branding information, and coordinating with multiple different mobile operators. This multi-functional design simplifies implementation compared to creating separate identification systems for each operator.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile device can send a mobile operator identification request to a mobile operator identification server to determine the mobile network operator for a mobile device. The request comprises mobile operator identifier data, which can include data stored at mobile device smart cards and in mobile device memory. The identification server comprises an identification engine that determines whether the identifier data satisfies one of a plurality of mobile operator rules. If a rule is satisfied, mobile operator identification data is sent to and stored at the mobile device. The mobile device can share the mobile operator identification data with mobile device provider online marketplaces to take advantage of business relationships between the mobile operator and the mobile device provider. Identification of the mobile operator is also useful for determining the appropriate billing methods and ensuring the proper mobile operator branding information is presented at the mobile device.