Sponsored Data Delivery Evaluation System

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Solution Overview

Problem

The high costs associated with data transmission in mobile networks, particularly for users accessing search engine results via cellular or non-cellular networks, deter users from accessing data due to metered data delivery, which is not addressed by existing technologies.

Innovation Solution

A distributed system that allows content providers to specify delivery criteria and sponsor data delivery costs, using a content broker to evaluate and store delivery parameters, enabling them to select network operators and plans that minimize costs, thereby making data access more affordable for users.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If data transmission is metered in mobile networks, then cost control for network operators is improved, but user accessibility to data is worsened due to high costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission costVSAvoiduser accessibility to data
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces content providers as intermediary entities that act as sponsors between network operators and users. These content providers pay the network operators for data delivery, thereby mediating the cost burden away from individual users and enabling affordable access to sponsored content in mobile networks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the economic parameters of data delivery by introducing sponsored delivery models where content providers assume the cost burden. This transforms the traditional user-pay model into a sponsor-pay model, altering the cost parameter from user perspective while maintaining network operator revenue models

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If content providers sponsor data delivery, then user accessibility to data is improved, but system complexity increases due to delivery parameter evaluation requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser accessibility to dataVSAvoiddelivery parameter evaluation system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The content providers perform self-evaluation of delivery parameters through the system interface. They input their delivery criteria and budget constraints, and the system automatically evaluates and matches appropriate network operators and delivery plans, reducing the need for complex manual configuration and system intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary evaluation and selection of network operators and delivery plans before actual data delivery occurs. Content providers pre-specify their criteria and budget, and the system pre-determines the optimal delivery configuration, simplifying the actual delivery process and reducing real-time system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP1978669B1Data delivery evaluation system for involving content providers as sponsors
Publication Date: 2013.01.02 APPLE INC
  • EP1978669B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1978669B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1978669B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates generally to a method of identifying data delivery parameters relating to delivery of data accessible from a network location via a communications service provider; embodiments of the invention are particularly well suited to identifying delivery parameters when the delivery of data is metered, such as when data are delivered to terminals connected to mobile networks. Accordingly embodiments of the invention provide a method of identifying data delivery parameters relating to delivery of data accessible from a network location via a communications service provider, wherein the communications service provider has a delivery rate associated therewith, said delivery rate being applicable in respect of said delivery of data, the method comprising: receiving first data indicative of an amount of data that can be downloaded in respect of a request for data access from the network location; receiving second data indicative of a quantity of resource to be allocated in respect of delivery of data accessed from the network location; using the delivery rate and the second data so as to identify a number of individual access requests relating to the first data that can be offset by the allocated quantity of resource, whereby to identify a said delivery parameter; and outputting data indicative of the identified number of individual access requests.