Open development system for access service providers

• US 8,688,099 B2
• Filed: 09/13/2012
• Issued: 04/01/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 01/28/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Headwater Research LLC (Greg Raleigh)
• Original Assignee: Headwater Partners I LLC (Greg Raleigh)
• Inventors: Raleigh, Gregory G
• Primary Examiner(s): RUDY, ANDREW J
• Application Number:
  US13/615,094
• Publication Number:
  US 20130005322A1
• Time in Patent Office: 565 Days
• Field of Search: 455/405, 455/406, 455/408, 455/414.1, 455/453, 455/418, 370/230, 370/235, 370/328, 370/331, 370/352, 726/3, 726/5
• US Class Current: 455/418
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 15/177 Initialisation or configuration control processor initialisation G06F9/4405
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/06315 Needs-based resource requirements planning or analysis
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/06375 Prediction of business process outcome or impact based on a proposed change
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/102 Bill distribution or payments
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/20 Point-of-sale [POS] network systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/32 using wireless devices
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/40 Authorisation, e.g. identification of payer or payee, verification of customer or shop credentials; Review and approval of payers, e.g. check credit lines or negative lists
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0207 Discounts or incentives, e.g. coupons or rebates
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0241 Advertisements
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0283 Price estimation or determination
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0284 Time or distance, e.g. usage of parking meters or taximeters
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/04 Billing or invoicing
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0601 Electronic shopping [e-shopping]
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/00 Finance; Insurance; Tax strategies; Processing of corporate or income taxes
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/12 Accounting
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/14 Charging , metering or billing arrangements for data wireline or wireless communications
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/1407 Policy-and-charging control [PCC] architecture
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/0806 for initial configuration or provisioning, e.g. plug-and-play
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/0876 Aspects of the degree of configuration automation
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/0893 Assignment of logical groups to network elements
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/0894 : Policy-based network configuration management
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/5003 : Managing SLA; Interaction between SLA and QoS
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/5025 : by proactively reacting to service quality change, e.g. by reconfiguration after service quality degradation or upgrade
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/5054 : Automatic deployment of services triggered by the service manager, e.g. service implementation by automatic configuration of network components
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 47/20 : Traffic policing
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 47/2408 : for supporting different services, e.g. a differentiated services [DiffServ] type of service
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/046 : Interoperability with other network applications or services
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0236 : Filtering by address, protocol, port number or service, e.g. IP-address or URL
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/04 : for providing a confidential data exchange among entities communicating through data packet networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0428 : wherein the data content is protected, e.g. by encrypting or encapsulating the payload
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/08 : for authentication of entities cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for entity authentication H04L9/32
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0853 : using an additional device, e.g. smartcard, SIM or a different communication terminal cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for entity authentication involving additional secure or trusted devices H04L9/3234
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0892 : by using authentication-authorization-accounting [AAA] servers or protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/10 : for controlling access to devices or network resources
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/20 : for managing network security; network security policies in general filtering policies H04L63/0227
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/145 : avoiding end of session, e.g. keep-alive, heartbeats, resumption message or wake-up for inactive or interrupted session
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/306 : User profiles
• 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: H04L 67/51 : Discovery or management thereof, e.g. service location protocol [SLP] or web services
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/55 : Push-based network services
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/564 : Enhancement of application control based on intercepted application data
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/63 : Routing a service request depending on the request content or context
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/32 : including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system or for message authentication, e.g. authorization, entity authentication, data integrity or data verification, non-repudiation, key authentication or verification of credentials
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/3247 : involving digital signatures
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/00 : Arrangements for metering, time-control or time indication ; Metering, charging or billing arrangements for voice wireline or wireless communications, e.g. VoIP
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/49 : Connection to several service providers
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/58 : based on statistics of usage or network monitoring
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/61 : based on the service used
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/66 : Policy and charging system
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/80 : Rating or billing plans; Tariff determination aspects
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/8055 : Selecting cheaper transport technology for a given service
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/88 : Provision for limiting connection, or expenditure
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/0188 : Network monitoring; statistics on usage on called/calling number
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/00 : Security arrangements; Authentication; Protecting privacy or anonymity
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/02 : Protecting privacy or anonymity, e.g. protecting personally identifiable information [PII]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/037 : of the control plane, e.g. signalling traffic
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/06 : Authentication
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/08 : Access security
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/37 : Managing security policies for mobile devices or for controlling mobile applications
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 24/08 : Testing, supervising or monitoring using real traffic
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 28/02 : Traffic management, e.g. flow control or congestion control
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 28/0215 : based on user or device properties, e.g. MTC-capable devices services for machine-to-machine communication [M2M] or machine type communication [MTC] H04W4/70; wireless resource selection or allocation plan definition based on terminal or device properties H04W72/51
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 28/0268 : using specific QoS parameters for wireless networks, e.g. QoS class identifier [QCI] or guaranteed bit rate [GBR] negotiating SLA or negotiating QoS H04W28/24
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 28/12 : using signalling between network elements
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/02 : Services making use of location information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/12 : Messaging; Mailboxes; Announcements
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/18 : Information format or content conversion, e.g. adaptation by the network of the transmitted or received information for the purpose of wireless delivery to users or terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/20 : Services signaling; Auxiliary data signalling, i.e. transmitting data via a non-traffic channel
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/24 : Accounting or billing
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/50 : Service provisioning or reconfiguring
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 48/14 : using user query or user detection
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 48/16 : Discovering, processing access restriction or access information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/0453 : Resources in frequency domain, e.g. a carrier in FDMA
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/02 : Processing of mobility data, e.g. registration information at HLR [Home Location Register] or VLR [Visitor Location Register]; Transfer of mobility data, e.g. between HLR, VLR or external networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/18 : Processing of user or subscriber data, e.g. subscribed services, user preferences or user profiles; Transfer of user or subscriber data
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/20 : Transfer of user or subscriber data
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/04 : Large scale networks; Deep hierarchical networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/042 : Public Land Mobile systems, e.g. cellular systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/12 : WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/06 : adapted for operation in multiple networks or having at least two operational modes, e.g. multi-mode terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/08 : Access point devices
• CPC Class Codes: Y02P 90/80 : Management or planning

Abstract

A method comprising configuring and installing a service processor in a wireless communications device that is capable of accessing one or more data services over a first wireless network and over a second wireless network. The service processor, which comprises one or more device agents, at least one of the one or more device agents comprising software or firmware, at least assists in implementing at least a first service policy and a second service policy by: detecting that the wireless communications device is connected to the first wireless network, and, in response, applying the first service policy, where the first service policy assists in controlling usage of the first wireless network associated with a first service activity of the wireless communications device, and detecting that the wireless communications device is connected to the second wireless network, and, in response, applying the second service policy.

Claims

1. A method, comprising:

configuring a service processor for installation in wireless communications device, the service processor comprising one or more device agents for at least assisting in implementing at least a first service policy and a second service policy, at least one of the one or more device agents comprising software or firmware, the wireless communications device capable of accessing one or more data services over a first wireless network and over a second wireless network, the service processor configured to;

detect that the wireless communications device is connected to the first wireless network,

apply the first service policy in response to detecting that the wireless communications device is connected to the first wireless network, the first service policy for at least assisting in controlling usage of the first wireless network associated with a first service activity of the wireless communications device,

detect that the wireless communications device is connected to the second wireless network, and

apply the second service policy in response to detecting that the wireless communications device is connected to the second wireless network; and

installing the service processor in the wireless communications device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein installing the service processor in the wireless communications device comprises installing the service processor in the wireless communications device during a manufacture of the wireless communications device.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein installing the service processor in the wireless communications device comprises sending at least a portion of the service processor or an update to the at least a portion of the service processor to the wireless communications device over the first wireless network or over the second wireless network.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein installing the service processor in the wireless communications device comprises making at least a portion of the service processor or an update to the at least a portion of the service processor available for download by the wireless communications device.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first service policy assists in reducing or restricting usage of the first wireless network associated with the first service activity of the wireless communications device.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein controlling usage of the first wireless network associated with a first service activity of the wireless communications device comprises reducing or restricting the usage of the first wireless network associated with the first service activity of the wireless communications device, and wherein the second service policy assists in reducing or restricting usage of the second wireless network associated with the first service activity of the wireless communications device.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein controlling usage of the first wireless network associated with a first service activity of the wireless communications device comprises reducing or restricting usage of the first wireless network associated with the first service activity of the wireless communications device, and wherein the second service policy does not assist in reducing or restricting usage of the second wireless network associated with the first service activity of the wireless communications device.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein controlling usage of the first wireless network associated with a first service activity of the wireless communications device comprises reducing or restricting usage of the first wireless network associated with the first service activity of the wireless communications device, and wherein the second service policy assists in reducing or restricting usage of the second wireless network associated with a second service activity of the wireless communications device.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the first wireless network is a roaming network, and wherein the second wireless network is a home network.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein controlling usage of the first wireless network associated with a first service activity of the wireless communications device comprises reducing or restricting a first communication associated with the first service activity over the roaming network, and wherein the second service policy does not assist in reducing or restricting a second communication associated with the first service activity over the home network.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the first wireless network is a cellular network, and wherein the second wireless network is a wireless fidelity (WiFi) network.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein controlling usage of the first wireless network associated with a first service activity of the wireless communications device comprises reducing or restricting a first communication associated with the first service activity over the cellular network, and wherein the second service policy does not assist in reducing or restricting a second communication associated with the first service activity over the WiFi network.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein (a) the first wireless network is a 3G cellular network, and the second wireless network is a 4G cellular network, or (b) the first wireless network is a 4G cellular network, and the second wireless network is a 3G cellular network.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein the first service activity is associated with a particular application on the wireless communications device.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein the first service activity is associated with a particular network communication end point.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein the first service activity comprises a background communication.

17. The method of claim 1, wherein the first service activity is associated with a particular content type.

18. The method of claim 1, wherein the first service activity is associated with an ambient service, the ambient service provided free of charge to a user of, or a subscriber associated with, the wireless communications device.

19. The method of claim 1, wherein the first service activity is associated with an ambient service, the ambient service providing a sponsored connection for assisting in activating a service plan for the wireless communications device.

20. The method of claim 1, wherein the first service activity is within a sponsored service associated with a sponsor entity, at least a portion of a measure of the usage of the first wireless network associated with the first service activity being apportioned to the sponsor entity, the sponsor entity being an entity other than a user of the wireless communications device or a subscriber associated with the wireless communications device.

21. The method of claim 1, wherein (a) the first service policy is based at least in part on a user preference, (b) the second service policy is based at least in part on the user preference, or (c) both the first service policy and the second service policy are based at least in part on the user preference.

22. The method of claim 1, wherein the service processor is further configured to:

obtain a user input associated with the first service activity, and

determine at least an aspect of the first service policy or the second service policy based at least in part on the user input.

23. The method of claim 1, wherein the service processor is further configured to assist in presenting, through a user interface of the wireless communications device, a notification associated with the first service activity.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the notification associated with the first service activity comprises information about a service usage amount associated with the first service activity.

25. The method of claim 23, wherein the notification associated with the first service activity comprises information about (a) the first wireless network, (b) the second wireless network, or (c) both the first wireless network and the second wireless network.

26. The method of claim 23, wherein the notification associated with the first service activity comprises an offer to assist in reducing the usage of the first wireless network associated with the first service activity of the wireless communications device, and wherein the service processor is further configured to obtain a user response to the offer.

27. The method of claim 26 wherein the service processor is further configured to modify the first service policy based on the user response.

28. The method of claim 23, wherein the notification associated with the first service activity comprises an offer to assist in establishing, purchasing, activating, or enabling a service plan for the first wireless network, and wherein the service processor is further configured to assist in obtaining a user response to the offer.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the service processor is further configured to modify the first service policy based on the user response.

30. The method of claim 11, wherein the first service activity comprises a background activity.