Subscription Module Assignment Managing Server

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face challenges in managing subscription modules for multiple communication devices, as existing methods require manual tracking of activation and deactivation, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to unnecessary subscriptions.

Innovation Solution

A system with a receiving unit and control unit that manages subscription module assignment between communication devices, determining if the upper bound is reached before assigning or releasing modules, allowing for automated management and cost optimization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If manual tracking of subscription module assignment is used, then users can monitor device subscription status, but the process becomes cumbersome and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesubscription assignment statusVSAvoidmanual tracking process

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic self-service management where the server autonomously tracks and manages subscription module assignments across devices without requiring manual user intervention. The server automatically detects device status changes and updates subscription assignments accordingly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements automated feedback mechanisms where the server continuously monitors device status and communicates subscription assignment changes back to users and devices. This feedback loop eliminates the need for manual tracking by providing real-time status updates automatically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If all communication devices are provisioned with subscription modules, then all devices can connect to the network, but the cost increases unnecessarily for devices that are not always in use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork connectivityVSAvoidsubscription cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically assigns and releases subscription modules based on real-time device usage status. When devices are actively used, they are automatically provisioned with subscription modules; when devices are inactive, the modules are released back to the pool, optimizing cost efficiency while maintaining connectivity reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the provisioning parameter of subscription modules dynamically - transitioning from a static state where all devices are permanently provisioned to a dynamic state where provisioning is adjusted based on device activity status, thereby reducing unnecessary costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of energy

If subscription modules are shared among a group of devices, then cost is reduced, but managing the assignment becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesubscription costVSAvoidassignment management system

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces a server as an intermediary that automatically manages subscription module assignments within device groups. The server handles the complexity of tracking which devices are active and need subscriptions, eliminating the need for users to manually manage the complex assignment process while still achieving cost savings through sharing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If automated management of subscription assignment is implemented, then user burden is reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesubscription managementVSAvoidmanagement system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The server implements a universal automated management system that handles multiple functions including device status monitoring, subscription module assignment, release, and cost optimization. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional system, the complexity is centralized and managed efficiently while users experience simplified operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9357380B2Subscription module assignment managing server and subscription module assignment managing method

Publication Date: 2016.05.31 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

There is provided an apparatus (134) for managing assignment of subscription modules (307) for a group (141) of communication devices (140a-140n). The apparatus includes a receiving unit (203) configured to receive a request for assigning a subscription module to a target communication device (140j) so that the target communication device can attach to a network managed by a network (110) operator; and a control unit (205) configured to identify a group which includes the target communication device, determine whether the number of subscription modules which are assigned to the communication devices in the identified group reaches the upper bound, and when the number of the subscription modules does not reach the upper bound, assign a subscription module to the target communication device.