Wireless Access Point Data Metering and Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless data access systems, particularly through Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), often result in high costs and long-term contracts for users, with complex tracking and control requirements, making it difficult for users to manage their data usage effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system and process that includes a wireless access point connected to a mobile data network, equipped with a processor, transceiver, and display, which meters and controls data usage, allowing users to monitor their purchased data and remaining balance on their device, enabling users to limit expenses and avoid long-term contracts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users access Internet through MNO postpaid plans, then general Internet access is provided, but users face high monthly costs and long-term contracts
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless access point autonomously meters data usage and manages prepaid balances without requiring user interaction with complex back-end systems. The device automatically tracks consumed data, calculates remaining balances, and controls network access based on available credits, enabling users to self-manage their data expenses.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless access point acts as an intermediary between users and the mobile data network, implementing local metering and control logic. This intermediary function eliminates the need for users to directly engage with complex MNO billing systems while providing transparent data usage tracking and cost management.
2Productivity
If extensive Internet access is provided, then connectivity is maintained, but users incur extremely high costs
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors data usage and provides real-time feedback to users through the wireless access point display. Users can see their current data consumption, remaining balance, and cost implications, enabling them to adjust their usage patterns and avoid unexpected expenses while maintaining necessary connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless access point dynamically adjusts network access control based on available prepaid balance and usage patterns. The system can modify connectivity permissions, throttle speeds, or alert users when approaching budget limits, allowing flexible management of both access availability and cost control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If prepaid plans are used through MVNO, then users avoid long-term contracts, but complex tracking and control systems are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the metering and control functionality from complex back-end MNO systems and implements it locally within the wireless access point. This local implementation simplifies the overall system architecture by eliminating the need for users to interact with complex external tracking systems while maintaining prepaid plan flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless access point integrates multiple functions including data metering, balance management, network access control, and user interface provision into a single device. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate complex systems, simplifying both deployment and user interaction.
4Loss of information
If users need to determine data usage amount, then usage information is obtained, but user-device interaction with network is required
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless access point autonomously tracks and stores data usage information locally, eliminating the need for users to initiate complex network interactions to retrieve usage data. The device automatically updates its internal metering database and makes usage information readily available through its display interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-calculates and displays data usage information before users need to query the network. The wireless access point continuously updates usage statistics and presents them to users in advance, eliminating the need for reactive network interactions to obtain usage information.
Data Source
AI summary
A process of operating a wireless device and a wireless device operative for obtaining at least one of data usage or an amount of data usage available by a wireless access point with a processor. The process and device further connecting to the wireless access point and transferring data to and from the wireless access point with a transceiver and displaying on a display the at least one of data usage or an amount of data usage available by the wireless access point.