Device assisted services install

• US 10,582,375 B2
• Filed: 08/30/2018
• Issued: 03/03/2020
• Est. Priority Date: 01/28/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Headwater Research LLC (Greg Raleigh)
• Original Assignee: Headwater Research LLC (Greg Raleigh)
• Inventors: Raleigh, Gregory G.
• Primary Examiner(s): Rudy, Andrew Joseph
• Application Number:
  US16/118,374
• Publication Number:
  US 20190268758A1
• Time in Patent Office: 551 Days
• Field of Search: 705 141, 705 1439, 705 28, 705 30, 705 44, 235379-383, 455407-409, 4554141, 455418, 455419, 4554221, 4554321, 4554561, 709217-224
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/0806 for initial configuration or provisioning, e.g. plug-and-play
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/082 the condition being updates or upgrades of network functionality
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/34 involving the movement of software or configuration parameters network booting or remote initial program loading [RIPL] G06F9/4416
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/61 based on the service used
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/8094 Trial service, i.e. free of charge service for trial purposes
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 28/18 Negotiating wireless communication parameters
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/24 Accounting or billing
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/183 Processing at user equipment or user record carrier
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/22 Processing or transfer of terminal data, e.g. status or physical capabilities

Abstract

Device assisted services (DAS) install techniques are provided in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, DAS install techniques for providing service processors for mobile devices are provided. In some embodiments, DAS install techniques for downloading/installing new and/or updated service processors for mobile devices are provided. In some embodiments, DAS install techniques for providing verified service processors for mobile devices are provided. In some embodiments, DAS install techniques for providing secured service processors for mobile devices are provided. In some embodiments, DAS install techniques include determining if a communications device in communication with a wireless network includes a service processor for assisting control of the communications device use of a service on the wireless network, in which the service processor includes a service profile that includes a plurality of service policy settings, and in which the service profile is associated with a service plan that provides for access to the service; and verifying the service processor. In some embodiments, DAS install techniques include providing a generic first version service processor for downloading and installing a second version service processor.

Claims

1. A system, comprising:

a processor of a network device configured to;

determine if a wireless communications device in communication with a wireless network includes a service processor for assisting control of the wireless communications device use of a service on the wireless network, wherein the service processor includes a service profile that includes a plurality of service policy settings, and wherein the service profile is associated with a service plan that provides for access to the service;

securely connect to the service processor via a service control device link using the wireless network;

verify the service processor via the service control device link; and

determine via the service control device link an association between the wireless communications device and a first device group to which the wireless communications device belongs, wherein the first device group is one of a plurality of device groups associated with respective third parties that manage service profiles of their respective device groups through the system; and

provide a secure interface for the third party associated with the first device group to manage the service profile on the wireless communications device through the service control device link; and

a memory of the network device coupled to the processor and configured to provide the processor with instructions.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising the wireless communications device, wherein the wireless communications device service processor comprises a service downloader, the network device and the verified service processor updating the service processor via the service control device link and the service downloader.

3. The system of claim 2, the updated service processor selected based on the identity of the virtual service provider associated with the wireless communications device.

4. The system of claim 2, the updated service processor uniquely associated with the wireless communications device.

5. The system of claim 1, the processor of the network device further configured to modify the service profile on the wireless communication device based on the determined association between the wireless communications device and the first device group.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the secure interface for the third part provides a capability for the third party to activate the service on the wireless communications device.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to obtain partial device credentials from the wireless communications device, the partial credentials comprising a secure certificate, and connect the wireless communications device to a specific activation server determined from the partial credentials.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the provided capability for the third party to activate the service on the wireless communications device allows the third party to program device credentials onto the wireless communications device.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein to determine via the service control link an association between the wireless communications device and a first device group comprises obtaining credentials from the wireless communications device, and comparing the credentials to a database associating the credentials with the third party associated with the first device group.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the wireless communications device has a primary function in a machine-to-machine application.