Prepaid Internet Connection Detection and Dynamic Billing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of prepaid internet connection services face limitations due to time-based charging models, which can lead to compromised experiences and unfair biases against those in low network connectivity areas, as they must rush to access and download content within budget and time constraints.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that detects prepaid internet connections, allowing access and caching of content without additional charges if the connection is prepaid, and charges based on a pay-per-action model, enabling users to access cached content freely and update it for a flat fee, while notifying users of charges before incurring them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If time-based charging model is used for prepaid internet service, then the service provider can generate revenue based on connection duration, but users in low network connectivity areas are unfairly penalized and experience compromised service quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the billing parameter from time-based charging to data-volume-based charging. The system detects the type of internet connection (prepaid vs. other) and applies different charging models accordingly. For prepaid connections, it charges based on the volume of data cached or synchronized, rather than the duration of connection, thereby eliminating the unfair penalty against users in low-connectivity areas who experience slower speeds regardless of time spent.
2Reliability
If users are charged for every minute of prepaid internet connection, then the service provider ensures revenue collection, but users face time constraints and rush to access content without adequate exploration time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the internet connection type before charging. It identifies whether the connection is a prepaid broadband service and then applies the appropriate billing model in advance. By detecting the connection type upfront and pre-configuring the pay-per-action model, the system ensures revenue collection while allowing users to access content without time-based pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic charging system that adapts the billing model based on the detected connection type. The system can switch between time-based charging and data-volume-based charging dynamically, depending on whether the user is on a prepaid connection or other internet connection. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by providing flexibility in revenue collection while eliminating time constraints for prepaid users.
3Reliability
If the system implements detection and differentiated charging for prepaid vs. other internet connections, then fair billing is achieved, but the system complexity increases due to connection type detection and multiple charging models
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service detection of the internet connection type. The computer device automatically detects whether it is connected via prepaid broadband service or other internet connections without requiring manual user input or complex external verification. This self-detection mechanism simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining accurate differentiated charging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal system that handles multiple connection types and charging models through a single integrated architecture. The internet connection type detector and the differentiated charging mechanism work together as a multi-functional system that can accommodate both prepaid and non-prepaid connections, reducing the need for separate systems and thereby managing complexity.
4Ease of operation
If users can cache content freely on prepaid connections, then user experience is improved and time constraints are alleviated, but the service provider may lose potential revenue from data usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the charging model into different components: free caching of content for prepaid users, but charged synchronization and updating of cached content. This segmentation allows users to cache content freely without time constraints, improving user experience, while the service provider still generates revenue from subsequent actions like synchronization and updates, thereby preventing revenue loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for detecting and charging for internet connection provided to a computer device, the computer device configured to detect any internet connection available comprising an internet access adjustment facilitator arranged to receive requests for prepaid internet connection access from the computer device; and capable of facilitating the linking of the computer device to a designated prepaid internet account for purposes of charging; wherein upon detection by the software that the internet connection is a prepaid internet connection, access and caching of any Internet content will be chargeable to a designated prepaid internet account from the at least one prepaid internet account; and upon detecting that the internet connection is any other type of internet connection, the computer device caches any Internet content accessed by the user for synchronization with other computer devices in the system linked to the designated prepaid account.