Subscription Control System for Temporary Mobile Lending Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile telecommunications subscription systems face challenges in facilitating temporary lending of phones due to the need for SIM removal, potential cost barriers for borrowers, and inaccuracies in call charging calculations, which hinder the efficient and cost-effective management of prepaid subscriptions.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows phone owners to set temporary usage limits on a sub-account, restricting service usage when the limit is reached, and enabling refund or balance transfer from the sub-account to the main account, using in-band or out-band signaling to manage tariffs and service limitations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the SIM is removed to prevent borrower usage, then the lender's subscription is protected, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical SIM removal process with an electronic/software-based solution. The system uses the existing SIM but applies software control mechanisms (service restrictions, charging limits) to achieve subscription protection without physical SIM manipulation, thereby simplifying the lending process while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary charging system that acts as a mediator between the lender's SIM and the network services. This charging system monitors and controls service usage, allowing the SIM to remain in the device while still protecting the lender's subscription through automated charging restrictions
2Adaptability or versatility
If pre-paid subscriptions are used for borrowing, then usage can be controlled, but they are unsuitably expensive or inaccessible for borrowers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the charging control into two parts: the lender maintains their existing subscription account while the system creates a separate, temporary charging profile for the borrowing period. This allows usage control during the loan without requiring the borrower to purchase or manage a separate pre-paid subscription, making the service accessible and affordable
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes charging parameters (limits, restrictions, enabled services) based on the borrowing context. The system adjusts subscription parameters in real-time to match the borrower's needs and the lender's requirements, providing adaptability without requiring expensive pre-paid subscriptions from the borrower
3Adaptability or versatility
If AoC is used to control call costs, then call tariffs can be indicated to the phone, but calculation differences between phone and network lead to charging inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the network charging system continuously monitors actual service usage and compares it with the AoC calculations. The system receives feedback from the network about actual charges and adjusts or corrects the phone's internal calculations to ensure accuracy, resolving the discrepancy between phone-determined costs and actual network charges
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and corresponding equipment to enable a phone owner, who desires to lend a phone to a borrower, to define a temporary limit for the usage of the borrower, especially in a prepaid charging system. The charging system uses this temporary limit to restrict service usage such that when an amount corresponding to the temporary limit has been spent service is denied until such time as the limit has expired or been withdrawn, even if, for example, there is still a positive balance in the phone owner's own prepaid account.