Instant Messaging via USSD Gateway for Roaming Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current over-the-top (OTT) instant messaging services are costly for pre-paid and roaming subscribers, particularly overseas foreign workers, due to the need for active internet connections, which are often expensive or unavailable, making them less accessible and more expensive for international roaming data.
Innovation Solution
An instant messaging system that routes messages through the mobile network operator's Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) service code over the USSD gateway, allowing messaging without an active internet connection, with an automated syntax generation function to simplify the process and charge a flat daily fee or fixed costs, reducing the complexity and cost for subscribers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If OTT instant messaging services are used, then messaging functionality is provided, but cost increases for pre-paid and roaming subscribers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces USSD as an intermediary communication protocol between the mobile device and the messaging service. Instead of requiring direct Internet connectivity, messages are transmitted through the USSD gateway using the mobile network's existing infrastructure, thereby eliminating the need for expensive data plans while maintaining messaging functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the communication parameter from Internet-based data transmission to USSD-based signaling transmission. By altering the protocol parameter from TCP/IP to USSD, the system leverages the mobile operator's existing signaling network which is included in basic service packages, thus reducing cost for pre-paid and roaming subscribers
2Ease of operation
If Internet connection is required for messaging, then messaging service is available, but availability decreases for roaming subscribers
Solution Approach 1:
The USSD gateway acts as an intermediary that enables messaging through the mobile network's signaling channel instead of requiring Internet connectivity. This intermediary approach allows messages to be sent even when Internet is unavailable, such as when roaming internationally or in areas with poor Internet coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The system makes the messaging service universal by supporting multiple transmission paths: Internet-based OTT messaging when available, and USSD-based messaging when Internet is unavailable. This multi-functionality ensures continuous availability across different network conditions and roaming scenarios
3Quantity of substance
If manual USSD code entry is required, then USSD messaging can be used, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically generating and transmitting the USSD message sequence without requiring user intervention. The messaging application handles the entire USSD interaction process autonomously, including sequence generation, transmission, and response handling, thereby eliminating the need for users to manually enter complex codes
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring and storing USSD message sequences and syntax templates in advance. When a user wants to send a message, the system retrieves and executes the pre-prepared sequence, eliminating the need for real-time manual composition of complex USSD commands
Data Source
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AI summary
An instant messaging system comprising an instant messaging server to which a plurality of client devices are connectable to the Internet; where client device(s) belonging to a user is connectable to the instant messaging server by using an identifier of the user; wherein in a default mode an instant message is sent from a client device to the instant messaging server for routing to an intended recipient via Internet connection; and if the Internet connection is not available the instant message is routed via another electronic link to the instant messaging server for routing to an intended recipient, the another electronic link using a session-based protocol is disclosed.