Systems and methods for mobile station service control
First Claim
1. A system for managing local control of access to a wireless network, the system comprising:
- a wireless device with a processor, memory, and first software code; and
a central billing system with a processor, memory and second software code;
wherein the first software code is configured to receive messages via the wireless network, wherein each message or a set of messages represents an amount of authorized use;
wherein the first software code is configured to modify a locally stored account by each amount of authorized use received, determine a charge for each use of the wireless device, and modify the locally stored account in real time for each charge determined;
wherein the second software code is configured to send the messages via the wireless network representing the amounts of authorized use, and modify a centrally stored account for each amount of authorized use sent;
wherein the frequency of sending amounts of authorized use to the wireless device is based upon at least one of a group comprising credit risk, fraud risk, user preferences, rate plans, and available network resources; and
wherein the first software code restricts access to the wireless network, or restricts use of the wireless device, when the balance in the locally stored account is at or below a predetermined amount and there are no additional amounts of authorized use available from the second software code.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Systems and methods wherein the wireless device operates as a service control point (“SCP”) in a wireless service network. The billing system controls the service control point in the wireless device by periodically supplying increments of value from a master account balance. The billing system may also periodically update the service rules and authorizations maintained within the wireless device. Usage information such as call details records may also periodically be uploaded from the wireless device to the billing system. The service control function software in the wireless device and the billing system communicate with each other via administrative messages using over the air data bearer services of the network. The amount and frequency of the additional service authorizations and other communications vary, potentially on a service by service basis, depending upon the credit risks, fraud risks, user preferences, rate plans, available network resources, and other parameters.
87 Citations
28 Claims
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1. A system for managing local control of access to a wireless network, the system comprising:
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a wireless device with a processor, memory, and first software code; and
a central billing system with a processor, memory and second software code;
wherein the first software code is configured to receive messages via the wireless network, wherein each message or a set of messages represents an amount of authorized use;
wherein the first software code is configured to modify a locally stored account by each amount of authorized use received, determine a charge for each use of the wireless device, and modify the locally stored account in real time for each charge determined;
wherein the second software code is configured to send the messages via the wireless network representing the amounts of authorized use, and modify a centrally stored account for each amount of authorized use sent;
wherein the frequency of sending amounts of authorized use to the wireless device is based upon at least one of a group comprising credit risk, fraud risk, user preferences, rate plans, and available network resources; and
wherein the first software code restricts access to the wireless network, or restricts use of the wireless device, when the balance in the locally stored account is at or below a predetermined amount and there are no additional amounts of authorized use available from the second software code. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method for managing local control of access to a wireless network, the method comprising:
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providing a wireless device that includes a processor, memory, and first software code;
providing a central billing system that includes a processor, memory and second software code;
sending messages via the wireless network from the central billing system to the wireless device, wherein the first software code is configured to receive messages via the wireless network, wherein each message or a set of messages represents an amount of authorized use, and wherein the second software code is configured to send the messages via the wireless network representing the amounts of authorized use;
modifying, with the first software code, a locally stored account by each amount of authorized use received;
determining, with the first software code, a charge for each use of the wireless device;
modifying, with the first software code, the locally stored account in real time for each charge determined; and
modifying, with the second software code, a centrally stored account for each amount of authorized use sent;
wherein the frequency of sending amounts of authorized use to the wireless device is based upon at least one of a group comprising credit risk, fraud risk, user preferences, rate plans, and available network resources; and
wherein the first software code restricts further access to the wireless network, or restricts use of the wireless device, when the balance in the locally stored account is at or below a predetermined amount and there are no additional amounts of authorized use available from the second software code. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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Specification