Network Service Exchange System for Dynamic Provider Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Communication devices face challenges in selecting optimal network service providers due to network congestion, high costs associated with high-bandwidth networks, and dynamic bandwidth availability, especially for IoT devices that generate large amounts of data, leading to potential data loss and inefficient resource allocation.

Innovation Solution

A network service exchange system that uses a reverse auction mechanism to select the best service provider based on service parameters such as bandwidth requirements, cost, and quality of service, allowing devices to dynamically switch between service providers while ensuring secure and encrypted communication using SIM cards or eSIM technology, preventing service providers from manipulating bids.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a high-bandwidth network is selected to increase data throughput, then data transmission capacity is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata throughputVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic network selection where devices can switch between different network types (e.g., Wi-Fi, cellular, Bluetooth) based on real-time conditions such as data requirements, cost considerations, and network availability. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize for throughput when necessary while reducing costs during normal operations, rather than statically committing to expensive high-bandwidth networks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by selecting different network types and bandwidth allocations based on device needs. For example, IoT devices with small data payloads use low-bandwidth networks to minimize cost, while devices requiring large data transfers dynamically switch to high-bandwidth networks, thus adapting the bandwidth parameter to match actual requirements rather than always using maximum bandwidth.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If devices dynamically switch between service providers, then service quality and cost optimization are improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice provider selection flexibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a service provider selection system that acts as an intermediary between devices and multiple network service providers. This intermediary manages the complexity of evaluating and switching between providers by implementing automated criteria based on service quality metrics, cost parameters, and device requirements, thereby enabling flexible provider selection without requiring devices to directly manage the complexity of multiple provider interactions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service mechanisms where devices automatically evaluate available service providers and switch between them based on predefined criteria and real-time conditions. The automated selection process uses algorithms that assess service quality, cost, and compatibility, allowing devices to independently make optimal provider selections without manual intervention, thus reducing the perceived complexity for users while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If reverse auction mechanism is used to select service providers, then cost optimization and service quality are improved, but communication overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecost efficiencyVSAvoidcommunication overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-establishing service profiles and bid evaluation criteria before the reverse auction process begins. Service providers submit bids in advance based on predefined service parameters, and the system pre-processes these bids against device requirements. This preliminary preparation reduces the communication overhead during actual service selection, as the auction mechanism can quickly match pre-evaluated bids with device needs rather than conducting full evaluations in real-time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3614644B1Over-the-air provisioning of network services based on a reverse auction
Publication Date: 2023.02.01 THE BOEING CO
  • EP3614644B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3614644B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3614644B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method includes receiving, at a network service exchange system, a request from a device. The request indicates one or more service parameters. The method includes, in response to receiving the request, validating the device and the one or more service parameters. A reverse auction is performed to select a service provider from among a plurality of candidate service providers. The service provider is selected based on the one or more service parameters. The method further includes, after selecting the service provider, performing an over-the-air provisioning process to enable the device to communicate using a network associated with the service provider.