Multi-Operator Resource Exchange via Cooperation Index
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for multi-operator collaboration in communication services are inefficient due to the need for monetary exchanges and do not effectively handle circular collaboration scenarios where resources are exchanged among multiple operators without direct reciprocity.
Innovation Solution
A method that calculates a cooperation index based on previous resource exchanges and determines a cooperation flow to optimize resource provision among multiple operators, minimizing pecuniary exchanges and promoting mutual benefit without requiring direct reciprocity between all operators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If monetary exchanges are used to compensate for resource asymmetry between operators, then resource exchange can be facilitated, but operators must go through intermediaries in the value chain which increases complexity and reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the intermediary function from the resource exchange process by implementing direct peer-to-peer resource sharing between operators. The collaboration graph and automated negotiation mechanism eliminate the need for intermediaries to match operators with complementary resources, allowing operators to directly exchange resources based on their own collaboration graphs and needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new type of intermediary - an automated negotiation system based on collaboration graphs and algorithms - that facilitates resource exchange without requiring traditional monetary intermediaries. This automated mediator enables direct resource sharing by computing optimal exchanges based on pre-established collaboration relationships, reducing both complexity and the need for financial intermediation.
2Reliability
If traditional bilateral tit-for-tat collaboration is used between operators, then direct reciprocity is ensured, but circular collaboration scenarios where resources flow through multiple operators cannot be handled effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from bilateral (2-operator) collaboration to multilateral (N-operator) collaboration by introducing collaboration graphs that represent relationships among multiple operators simultaneously. This dimensional expansion allows the system to handle circular collaboration scenarios where resources flow through multiple operators in a cycle, enabling A→B→C→A resource exchanges that were impossible in strict bilateral frameworks.
Solution Approach 2:
The collaboration graph framework provides a universal mechanism that handles both bilateral and multilateral collaboration scenarios within a single system. The same graph-based representation and negotiation algorithm work for direct operator pairs as well as for complex circular collaborations involving multiple operators, making the system universally applicable to different collaboration topologies without requiring separate mechanisms.
3Productivity
If operators collaborate to share resources, then resource utilization is improved, but tracking and managing resource exchanges among multiple operators increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing collaboration graphs that encode relationships, trust levels, and resource capabilities between operators before actual resource exchanges occur. These pre-computed collaboration graphs enable rapid negotiation and automatic matching during runtime, eliminating the need for complex real-time tracking and negotiation protocols, thus simplifying the exchange management system while maintaining high resource utilization.
4Ease of operation
If resource exchanges are optimized for direct bilateral pairs, then negotiation simplicity is maintained, but overall system-wide resource optimization is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the overall resource optimization problem into two levels: local collaboration graphs between individual operator pairs (maintaining negotiation simplicity) and global collaboration graphs that capture system-wide relationships (enabling overall optimization). The segmentation allows each operator to negotiate using simple local rules while the aggregated effect achieves system-wide resource optimization through the interplay of multiple local optimizations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method allowing collaboration between a plurality of (at least 3) operators that limits the need for monetary exchanges is proposed. The method includes provisioning a first communication resource by a management entity of a first operator to a management entity of a second operator in an infrastructure (Infra) including at least a third operator. The method is implemented by the management entity of the first operator and includes receiving a cooperation index relating to a previous instance of provision of a resource, the determination of a cooperation flow depending on the received cooperation index and on a datum relating to a provided resource and provision of the first resource to the management entity of the second operator depending on the determined cooperation flow.