Network-Based User Identifier Retrieval for OTT App Verification

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing over-the-top (OTT) applications require manual input of a phone number for user identification, which is cumbersome and less user-friendly, posing a challenge when integrated with native video calling services.

Innovation Solution

Integrate OTT applications with a communication network to automatically retrieve a unique user equipment identifier, such as MSISDN, by establishing an API between the application and the network, allowing seamless verification and authentication without manual input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual phone number input is required for user verification, then user identification security is maintained, but user experience and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiduser identification security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic retrieval of the unique identifier (phone number) by the OTT application through network integration. The network infrastructure automatically provides the MSISDN to the application without requiring manual user input, while still maintaining security through authenticated communication channels between the application and network elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the communication network acts as a mediator between the user and the OTT application. The network automatically retrieves and provides the unique identifier through API interfaces, eliminating the need for direct manual input by the user while maintaining security through controlled information disclosure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If OTT applications are integrated with native network services, then seamless connectivity and user experience are achieved, but device complexity and integration requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseamless connectivityVSAvoidintegration requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal integration framework where the OTT application can access network services through standardized API interfaces. The system enables multi-functionality by allowing the application to retrieve unique identifiers and perform verification operations through the same network interface used by native applications, providing seamless connectivity without requiring application-specific integration complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If automatic retrieval of unique identifier is implemented, then productivity and service speed are improved, but system complexity and infrastructure requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice speedVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing API interfaces and authentication mechanisms between the OTT application and network elements before the actual verification process. The unique identifier is automatically retrieved and prepared in advance, enabling rapid service delivery without requiring complex real-time processing during the verification moment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20260040052A1Storage and retrieval of a unique identifier of a user equipment
Publication Date: 2026.02.05 T MOBILE INNOVATIONS LLC
  • US20260040052A1 patent drawing
  • US20260040052A1 patent drawing
  • US20260040052A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to systems and methods for storing a unique identifier of a user equipment on a communication network and retrieving the unique identifier for use by an application on the user equipment. In this way, operators can utilize non-native applications similarly to native applications, which can be beneficial for verification purposes without user intervention, enhancing the user experience and making the service more seamless and attractive.