Policy Platform Aggregating Wireless Carrier Usage Data

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for tracking wireless device usage across multiple carriers are inefficient and costly due to reliance on third-party vendors and disparate data collection methods, making it difficult for service providers to manage usage effectively.

Innovation Solution

A policy management platform that receives and aggregates usage data from multiple wireless carriers, determines if usage thresholds are exceeded, and notifies carriers or devices to terminate service, allowing for centralized management and real-time decision-making.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a policy management platform is used to aggregate usage data from multiple carriers, then usage tracking efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveusage tracking efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments usage tracking by creating separate usage records for each carrier network while maintaining a centralized policy management platform. Each carrier's usage data is processed independently through standardized interfaces, allowing efficient aggregation without requiring complex integration of disparate carrier systems. The platform divides the tracking function into modular components that can operate autonomously yet contribute to unified account-level usage management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If real-time usage monitoring is implemented across multiple networks, then service management quality is improved, but operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice management qualityVSAvoidoperational costs
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The policy management platform enables carriers to self-report usage data through standardized collection interfaces at their own gateway support nodes. This self-service approach eliminates the need for expensive third-party monitoring infrastructure, as each carrier's existing network elements automatically provide usage information. The system leverages carrier-owned resources to perform monitoring functions that would otherwise require dedicated external investment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of information

If usage data is collected from multiple carriers through existing carrier systems, then data collection coverage is improved, but third-party vendor dependency increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata collection coverageVSAvoidvendor dependency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts the usage data collection function from third-party vendor systems and relocates it to the carriers' own network infrastructure. By utilizing existing carrier gateway support nodes and network elements, the solution removes dependency on external vendors while maintaining comprehensive data collection across all carrier networks. The policy management platform communicates directly with carrier systems through standardized protocols, eliminating the intermediary vendor layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS11323856B2System, process, and device for multiple network usage tracking
Publication Date: 2022.05.03 VERIZON PATENT & LICENSING INC
  • US11323856B2 patent drawing
  • US11323856B2 patent drawing
  • US11323856B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system for multiple network usage tracking, the system having a policy management platform having one or more processors able to receive and to calculate account usage data associated with an account profile, the policy management platform arranged externally from a network of at least one wireless carrier.