USSD Service Interface with Pictogram Selection and Code Concatenation
Solution Overview
Problem
USSD-based mobile services have a rudimentary and difficult-to-navigate interface, especially in countries with high illiteracy rates and limited reading skills, making it challenging to access advanced mobile services effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method that enhances user access to USSD services by displaying service options as pictograms, allowing selection through a user-friendly interface on the mobile terminal, constructing an enriched USSD code through concatenation, and sending it over a dedicated network channel, while encrypting and signing user information for confidentiality and integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If USSD codes are used for service access, then basic GSM access and network availability are achieved, but the interface becomes rudimentary and difficult to navigate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary application layer between the user and the USSD code system. This intermediary captures user selections through a user-friendly interface, automatically constructs the appropriate USSD codes, and manages the interaction sequence. The intermediary translates complex USSD code requirements into simple user actions, resolving the contradiction between network accessibility and interface usability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-defining service options and their corresponding USSD code structures. The system prepares the code construction logic in advance, storing service configurations and parameter requirements before user interaction. This allows the interface to present ready-made options rather than requiring users to manually construct codes, improving ease of operation while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If interactive USSD menus are displayed, then service options are presented to users, but the interaction becomes tedious requiring multiple entries and validations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring service options and their required parameters before user interaction. The system stores service definitions, parameter requirements, and validation rules in advance. When a user selects a service, the system retrieves pre-prepared information and guides the user through a streamlined process, avoiding the need to manually navigate multiple interactive menus and reducing interaction time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the service access process into distinct phases: service selection, parameter input, and code construction. Each phase is handled separately with clear user guidance. The segmentation allows the system to present only relevant information at each step rather than overwhelming users with complete interactive menu trees, reducing the perceived complexity and interaction time.
3Loss of information
If enriched USSD codes are constructed manually, then service information can be transmitted, but users must memorize code structure and entry order
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically construct enriched USSD codes based on user selections and inputs. The application captures user choices, retrieves relevant service parameters, and autonomously assembles the complete USSD code with proper formatting and concatenation. This eliminates the need for users to understand or memorize code structures, while ensuring accurate information transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary application layer that sits between the user's simple inputs and the complex USSD code requirements. This intermediary handles the code construction logic, parameter validation, and formatting automatically. The user interacts only with simplified options while the intermediary manages the complexity of code construction, resolving the contradiction between information transmission accuracy and ease of operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for accessing a service based on the USSD standard for mobile telecommunications networks from a mobile terminal, said method including: a first stage executed locally by the terminal, which includes the following steps: at least one service option is displayed on an interface of said terminal, said service option being associated with a USSD code; a user selects said service; the user enters at least one complementary piece of information required for configuring the service option; an enhanced USSD code is generated from the USSD code of the selected service option and the entered complementary information by concatenation; and a second stage in which the terminal communicates over the network, during which the terminal sends the enhanced USSD code generated over a dedicated channel of the network.