Personalized Tariff Information for Data Network Users
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of data transport networks, such as mobile radio networks, often incur unnecessary costs due to complex tariff structures and lack of awareness about alternative tariffs, leading to unintended expenditure or avoidance of data services.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that monitor usage variables against threshold values determined by user data, providing personalized information on terminal devices about alternative tariffs that are cheaper based on the user's usage behavior, allowing users to switch to more cost-effective options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If graduated tariffs with thresholds are offered to adapt to specific scopes of use, then tariff adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to complex tariff structures
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors usage variables and compares them against threshold values to determine when tariff changes would be beneficial. This feedback mechanism provides users with information about their current usage status and potential cost savings from switching tariffs, enabling them to make informed decisions despite the complexity of graduated tariff structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The network device acts as an intermediary between the complex tariff structure and the user. It automatically retrieves tariff information, calculates threshold exceedances, and presents simplified recommendations to users, thereby mediating the complexity and making the tariff system more manageable for end users.
2Loss of information
If users are provided with comprehensive tariff information, then loss of information is reduced, but device complexity increases due to information processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing all possible tariff information uniformly to all users, the system tailors information delivery to individual users based on their specific usage patterns and current tariff status. Each user receives customized information relevant to their situation, such as notifications about threshold exceedances and specific tariff recommendations, rather than overwhelming them with comprehensive but generic tariff data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively retrieves and processes tariff information before users need it, continuously monitoring usage variables and pre-calculating when threshold exceedances occur. This preliminary action ensures that relevant information is ready and waiting for users when they check their status, eliminating the need for users to manually process complex tariff structures.
3Productivity
If automated monitoring of usage variables is implemented, then productivity is improved through efficient information delivery, but device complexity increases due to additional network functions
Solution Approach 1:
The network device performs multiple functions: it monitors usage variables, retrieves tariff information from external sources, compares usage against thresholds, determines notification conditions, and delivers personalized information to users. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional network device, the system achieves efficient automated information delivery without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The method involves comparing a utilization size with a threshold value in a data link between a terminal (104) of a user and a data transport network. The utilization size is stand in connection with the data link. The threshold value is determined in dependence of user data of a user. The user data is stored in the data transport network. The information is provided for displaying at the terminal of the user. An independent claim is also included for a system for providing personalized information for a user of a data transmission network.