User-Selectable Roaming Partner Storage for GPRS Data Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of wireless communication devices face challenges in selecting and managing roaming partners, particularly when they need data connectivity, as devices often automatically switch to voice-only partners or require frequent manual selection across different locations.
Innovation Solution
Allow users to select and store preferred roaming partners capable of data communication, displaying available options and allowing automatic or manual selection based on user preferences, ensuring data connectivity in different regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the device automatically switches to a pre-set roaming partner, then the device can quickly register to a roaming partner, but the user cannot select a roaming partner that offers data connectivity or lower costs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically registering the device with a pre-configured roaming partner when entering a roaming area. This initial automatic connection is established before the user has a chance to make a selection, ensuring immediate service availability while allowing subsequent user intervention if desired.
Solution Approach 2:
The roaming partner selection mechanism is made dynamic by allowing the system to switch between automatic and manual selection modes. The user can intervene to manually select a different roaming partner from available options, and the system adapts by displaying available partners and accepting user input, thus combining the benefits of both automatic speed and manual flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device displays all available roaming partners for user selection, then the user can choose a preferred partner, but the user cannot discern which partners offer data connectivity and must make selection every time
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by differentiating the display presentation of roaming partners based on their capabilities. Partners that offer data connectivity are visually distinguished from voice-only partners through specific indicators or markings in the display, allowing users to quickly identify suitable options without needing to understand technical specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system stores a copy of the user's selected roaming partner preference in memory. When the device enters a roaming area, it retrieves this stored preference and automatically selects the previously chosen partner, eliminating the need for the user to repeatedly make the same selection and reducing the complexity of frequent manual interventions.
3Ease of operation
If the device automatically selects a roaming partner, then the registration process is simple, but the selected partner may be voice-only and unable to establish data connection
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by providing the user with information about the capabilities of available roaming partners through the display interface. The display shows indicators that inform users which partners support data connectivity, allowing users to make informed selections. This feedback loop ensures that automatic or manual selection results in a partner that meets the user's data connectivity requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for supporting data connectivity with a roaming partner when a communication device is outside a service provider's range of coverage is provided. In one aspect, a user can select and store a roaming partner that is capable of data communication. While roaming, the communication device will display the data-roaming partners that are currently available within the communication range of the device and the user can choose one of these data-roaming partners and store the data-roaming partner information in memory. Upon re-entering the region within communication range of that roaming partner, the device can communicate with the roaming partner of choice rather than the roaming partner ordinarily selected by the device as a default.