US 10,652,780 B2 · Systems and methods for the temporal shifting of data downloads or streaming

Abstract

Systems and methods for providing time-shifted data downloads over cellular networks are disclosed. The downloads can be selected using an application or other data consuming application with a “download later” feature, or similar. The application can register with a data shifting service (DSS) to receive a low-priority, or “0-rated,” download of the data. The DSS can place the application in queue waiting for predetermined network conditions (e.g., network utilization to fall below a predetermined level). Upon occurrence of the predetermined network conditions (e.g., network utilization falling below a predetermined rate), the DSS can inform the application that a low-priority download window is available. The application can then download the data from a content provider. The DSS can enable cellular networks to increase average network utilization, while reducing peak demand. The system may offer low-priority downloads at reduced cost, or free, to incentivize use of the DSS.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A method comprising:

receiving, by an application executing on a user equipment (UE), an indication of a user selection to perform a download of a data file from a content provider server on a delayed basis;
sending, by the application to a data shifting service (DSS), a request to register the download with the DSS as a 0-rated download that is subject to being performed when a utilization parameter of a cellular network is below a predetermined threshold associated with a lowest download priority on the cellular network;
receiving, by the application from the DSS, a first notification indicating that the 0-rated download has been registered with the DSS;
refraining, by the application, from downloading the data file until the application receives a second notification from the DSS indicating that a 0-rated download window is available;
and
downloading, by the application to the UE, at least a portion of the data file via the cellular network during the 0-rated download window in response to receiving the second notification.

3 more elements

One or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors associated with user equipment (UE), cause the UE to perform operations comprising:

receiving an indication of a user selection to perform a download of a data file from a content provider server on a delayed basis;
sending, to a data shifting service (DSS), a request to register the 0-rated download with the DSS as a 0-rated download that is subject to being performed when a utilization parameter of a cellular network is below a predetermined threshold associated with a lowest download priority on the cellular network;
receiving, from the DSS, a first notification indicating that the 0-rated download has been registered with the DSS;
refraining from downloading the data file until a second notification is received from the DSS indicating that a 0-rated download window is available;
and
downloading at least a portion of the data file via the cellular network during the 0-rated download window in response to receiving the second notification.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Systems and methods for the temporal shifting of data downloads or streaming

Life of this patent

Systems and methods for the temporal shifting of data downloads or streaming

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20