Mobile Device Service Search Subsidy Model
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile communication devices capable of locating and contacting service providers are costly for users due to sophisticated hardware and software requirements, and high service charges, which deter cost-conscious users from participating in service search services.
Innovation Solution
Subsidizing the cost of mobile communication devices and service charges by providers of solicited services, allowing users to access recommendations and communication sessions at reduced or no cost, with charges redirected to the service providers based on usage, such as per impression or click-through.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mobile communication devices are equipped with sophisticated hardware and software (GPS receiver, mapping hardware, high-quality display, robust processor, memory, Internet communications infrastructure, web browser), then the device can provide service location and communication capabilities, but the device cost becomes too expensive for some users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the service search functionality into a dedicated application layer that operates on top of existing mobile device infrastructure. Rather than requiring complete sophisticated hardware suites, the invention uses a lightweight service search application that leverages basic device components (display, processor, communication interfaces) already present in standard mobile devices, thereby reducing the need for expensive specialized hardware while maintaining service search capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes mobile devices more affordable by leveraging universal, multi-functional components already present in standard mobile devices. The service search application utilizes existing hardware (display, processor, communication interfaces) for multiple purposes, eliminating the need for dedicated expensive components and reducing overall device cost while maintaining functionality
2Productivity
If mobile communication devices are equipped with sophisticated hardware and software for service search, then the device can locate and contact providers effectively, but the service charges (metered data plan costs) become too expensive for many users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by providing service search functionality that uses metered data plans only when necessary for provider communication, rather than requiring continuous or excessive data consumption. The system allows users to search for services using minimal data resources and only establishes full communication sessions when users actively select providers, thereby reducing overall service charge consumption while maintaining search effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The service search application enables users to perform self-service by independently searching for and selecting providers using their existing metered data plans, without requiring expensive subsidized service packages. The system automatically manages data consumption by only activating full communication services when users actively initiate provider contact, allowing cost-conscious users to control their own service charge expenditure
3Device complexity
If mobile communication devices are configured to communicate only with providers of solicited services, then the device can be simpler and less expensive, but the device lacks a general-purpose communication interface accessible to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by making the mobile device's existing general-purpose communication interfaces (display, processor, communication hardware) accessible to the service search application. The system leverages these universal components to enable both provider-specific communication and general user access, eliminating the need for separate dedicated communication hardware while maintaining both simplicity and versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The service search application acts as an intermediary layer that bridges the user and provider communication through existing device interfaces. Rather than requiring direct specialized communication hardware, the application mediates between user input and provider contact using standard device components, thereby maintaining device simplicity while enabling versatile communication access
Data Source
AI summary
Mobile communication devices, such as mobile phones, may be capable of recommending to a user various providers of one or more solicited services, e.g., by identifying a user location and identifying providers near the user location that provide the services, and by initiating a call between the user and a selected provider. However, the equipment and service costs of such devices may be prohibitive, particularly for mid-range mobile communication devices that may appeal to cost-conscious users. The prohibitive costs may be diminished by redirecting part or all of the cost of providing the recommendation service from the providers, e.g., by charging the provider a service cost upon initiating a call from the user to the provider, or upon representing the provider in a provider database. In one such embodiment, all service costs may be borne by providers, providing to the user a free recommendation service via the mobile communication device.