Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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DEVICE, COMPUTER-READABLE MEDIUM, AND METHOD FOR
MODIFYING SERVICES USING ADVANCED DATA COLLECTION
CAPABILITIES
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Serial No.
14/693,101, filed on April 22, 2015, which is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S.
Patent
Application No. 14/301,858, filed on June 11, 2014, which is a Continuation-In-
Part
of U.S. Patent Application No. 13/892,073, filed on May 10, 2013, the
disclosures of
each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to a device, computer-readable medium, and
method for retaining and/or providing additional services within a wireless
network.
BACKGROUND
Contemporary portable devices, such as mobile phones, permit users to
communicate with a service provider over a network. Portable devices
frequently
include mobile equipment (ME) and a module card. The ME is the hardware of the
portable device, which includes a display, a receiver, a transmitter, and
other physical
equipment. The ME is identified by a unique code. The module card stores the
unique
code that identifies the ME in a memory.
In existing portable devices, the module card serves as a network interface
that
connects the portable device to the network. The module card also contains a
toolkit,
which consists of a set of commands that are programmed into the module card.
In
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portable devices, the module card functions as an interpreter that is equipped
to run
applications written in one or more programming languages. Moreover, in such
devices, the module card includes a memory that stores these applications
along with
other information. Such other information frequently includes the unique code
identifying the ME.
Today, many portable devices are connected to a wireless network, such as
Global System for Mobile Communication ("GSM") network or successor network
technologies such as, but not limited to, 3G and LTE, Edge, UMTS, HSPA, HSPA+,
LTE Advanced, CDMA, lxRTT, EVDO, and EVDO-A. In particular, GSM, and its
successor technologies are standards set that describes protocols used in
digital
wireless communications among portable device users, service providers, and
other
parties. In such a network, the module card is a Subscriber Identity Module
("SIM")
card or a Universal Integrated Circuit Card ("UICC"); the toolkit on the
module card
is a SIM Toolkit ("STK"); and the module card functions as a STK interpreter.
In
more sophisticated SIM cards, the STK is a Dynamic SIM Toolkit ("DSTK") and
the
STK interpreter is a DSTK interpreter.
In a wireless network, a service provider generates content corresponding to a
message that is to be sent to a user. Such messages are often written in a
markup
language (for example, Wireless Internet Gateway Wireless Markup Language
("WIG
WML"), SIM @lliance Toolbox Markup Language ("S @TML"), Java Markup
Language ("JavaML")). The content is sent to a gateway, which prepares the
message
and forwards the message to the user. This gateway is known as the Universal
Gateway ("UG"). The UG may be located on a server 101. The message includes an
instruction, which itself is a SIM card instruction (for example, a wiblet, a
s@tlet, a
Java applet) (or alternatively, an UICC application) that is received by a
portable
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device. The portable device contains a SIM card with its own memory that
stores a
DSTK. Properly programmed, the SIM card functions as a DSTK interpreter, which
is
configured to interpret the instruction contained in the message. Depending on
whether the instruction comprises an XML-based feed interpreted by a wiblet, a
s @tlet, or a Java applet, the DSTK interpreter functions as SmartTrust Wib
("Wib"), a
SIM @lliance Toolbox ("S @T") interpreter, or a Java interpreter,
respectively. The
DSTK interpreter interprets the instructions to implement actions or commands
included in the DSTK. Some of these commands operate independently of the
portable device, and other commands are directed to the portable device, such
as a
command to display a string of text or ask the user for an input.
In certain wireless networks, users are required to periodically use their
portable devices in order to retain services that are being provided by a
service
provider. In such networks, when a user fails to use their portable device at
least once
during a predefined period, then the user can be disenrolled and, therefore,
is no
longer be able to use and receive services from the service provider.
Moreover, after
the user loses access to the services provided, the user often is not able to
communicate with the service provider using their portable device to reinstate
the
services.
As more users connect to service providers over wireless networks and the
size of these networks increase, it becomes increasingly important from an
efficiency
and cost standpoint for service providers to monitor the frequency that users
are using
their services. By monitoring usage, a service provider may be equipped to aid
users
with retaining desired services.
In addition, in certain wireless networks, a service provider collects data
relating to the user's portable device activity, for example, activity
relating to overall
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usage, call activity, text messages and/or multimedia messages sent and
received,
internet activity, and other useful data. By monitoring this data, a service
provider
may be equipped to aid users with advanced retaining services relating to new
and/or
more pertinent services based on a user's circumstances and necessity.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for presenting
services to a subscriber includes certain processes. The method includes
collecting
usage data associated with an account for the subscriber that is associated
with a
portable device. The method includes storing usage data in a repository. The
method
includes determining whether the usage data satisfies a condition. The method
includes determining whether an actionable category of data exists. The method
includes determining an action based on the actionable category of data and a
set of
rules. The method includes receiving a first message from the portable device
indicating that a communication function of the portable device has
terminated. The
method includes sending a second message to the portable device that requests
an
input from the subscriber via the portable device and is based on the action.
The
method includes receiving a third message from the portable device that
includes a
response to the second message.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, a device includes a
processor, a display, and a module card. The processor determines that a
communication function of the device has terminated and sends a first
notification to
the module card that indicates the termination. The module card sends a first
message
to a server in response to receiving the first notification and receives a
second
message from the server thereafter. The first message indicates that the
device is
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ready to receive a second message, and the second message includes a second
notification and an instruction. The second notification is based on usage
data of an
account associated with the device and identifies an action to take with
respect to the
account. The instruction causes the processor to function as display,
receiving,
determining, and sending devices, which respectively display the second
notification,
receive an input response to the second notification, determine that the
response
corresponds to a confirmation to take the action, and send a third message
including
the response to the second notification.
Other objects, features, and advantages will be apparent to persons of
ordinary
skill in the art from the following detailed description and the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a more complete understanding of the present invention, needs satisfied
thereby, and the objects, features, and advantages thereof, reference now is
made to
the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of an exemplary environment in which
aspects of the disclosure are implemented.
Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of an exemplary system configured to
retain services.
Fig. 3 presents a flow chart showing a method for retaining services according
to particular embodiments of the invention.
Fig. 4 is a schematic view of a portable device according to particular
embodiments of the invention.
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Fig. 5 presents a flow chart illustrating particular embodiments of the
invention.
Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of another exemplary environment in
which aspects of the disclosure are implemented.
Fig. 7 is a schematic view of a business intelligence server according to
particular embodiments of the invention.
Fig. 8 presents a flow chart showing a method for presenting services to a
subscriber according to particular embodiments of the invention.
Fig. 9 presents a flow chart showing more detail for a method for presenting
services to a subscriber according to particular embodiments of the invention.
Fig. 10 presents a flow chart illustrating particular embodiments of the
invention.
Fig. 11 presents a flow chart showing a process of generating one or more
notification upon termination of a communication function according to
particular
embodiments of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments of the present invention, and their features and advantages, may
be understood by referring to Figs. 1-10, like numerals being used for
corresponding
parts in the various drawings.
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a method, device,
and computer-readable medium for retaining a service, such as might be
provided by
a service provider over a network. For example, the service comprises a mobile
communication service. Users are required to utilize the mobile communication
service on a regular basis or within a predetermined time period. For example,
as a
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condition for enrollment to the mobile communication service, users are
required to
utilize the service once every sixty days. Utilization of the mobile
communication
service may involve making a call with a mobile device, sending a text message
with
the mobile device, or receiving a call or a text message with the mobile
device;
merely having physical possession of the mobile device may not be sufficient.
In
cases where a user does not utilize the mobile communication service on a
regular
basis, the present embodiment leverages an application on that user's mobile
device to
effect timely use. The application may comprise a Wib-based application, a S
@T-
based application, or a Java-based application. Wib-based applications are
applications that are in the form of Wib bytecode; S @T-based applications are
applications that are in the form of S @T bytecode; and Java-based
applications are
applications that are in the form of Java bytecode. Leveraging the application
comprises executing the application in a mobile device, which comprises a SIM
card
or memory that functions as a DSTK interpreter that is configured to execute
the
application. The DSTK interpreter may comprise Wib, a S @T interpreter, or a
Java
interpreter based on the leveraged application type. Wib is configured to
execute Wib-
based applications; a S @T interpreter is configured to execute S @T-based
applications; and a Java interpreter is configured to execute Java-based
applications.
Executing the application implements one or more commands that prompt the
mobile
device to display an actionable message or notification. In exemplary
embodiments of
the present invention, the notification asks the user if they would like to
continue
using the service. When the user responds affirmatively (for example, confirms
that
they would like to continue receiving the service, such as entering a
command), the
user's mobile device sends a text message with the confirmation to the service
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provider, thereby satisfying the usage requirement, and the service will
remain
uninterrupted.
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention also provide a method and
device for advanced retention and/or upsell services, such as might be
provided by a
service provider over a network. Traditionally, a service provider has access
to a
tremendous amount of data with regard to its subscribers' mobile device usage
and
activity. For example, to name several, the service provider may access all
the data
associated with a billing system (for example, information relating to all
aspects of
user mobile device activity captured by the billing system); an Internet
gateway (for
example information relating to all the websites a user accesses); a wireless
application protocol ("WAP") gateway; a short message service center ("SMSC");
a
multimedia messaging service ("MMS"); and a handset repository (for example,
information relating to all aspects of a user's mobile handset, including
handset
identification and information relating to handset usage and history and/or
upgrades).
The service provider, however, mainly uses these systems and gateways for
providing
services (that is, the billing system is used for determining mobile device
usage in
order to calculate an amount the user owes for services; the internet gateway
is used
for providing access to the internet to the user; the WAP gateway is used for
converting websites on the World Wide Web into mobile-device-compatible web
pages; the SMSC is used for the purpose of storing, forwarding converting, and
delivering SMS messages; the MMS is used for the purpose of sending messages
that
include multimedia content; and the handset repository for obtaining and
maintaining
information on a user's mobile handset).
These databases, however, present an immense storage of highly valuable
information relating to a user's mobile device use. As such, this highly
valuable
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information can be accessed (or analyzed) in order to gain valuable insight
into the
user's mobile device usage, especially for the purposes of retaining existing
users
and/or selling additional or new services to users based on the
characteristics of the
user. Moreover, although service providers typically spend a lot of money to
recruit
and enroll new customers to their mobile device services, these service
providers
generally do not actively pursue sophisticated retention mechanisms or
upselling
mechanism with regard to their customer base (that is, those customers that
are
already purchasing one or more services with the service provider) most
notably on a
per-customer basis. As a result, service providers are not only unable to
service the
full potential of their mobile device customer base, but also lose a
substantial amount
of revenue to lost customers.
The exemplary embodiments of the present invention seek to access, utilize
and transform the tremendous amount of raw data a service provider has
available
with regard to its subscribers' mobile device usage and activity into a
multitude of
actionable triggers that can be transformed into retention and/or upselling
mechanisms. In particular, exemplary embodiments of the present invention
provide
a business intelligence ("BI") gateway to process raw user data and transform
that raw
data into meaningful and useful information for business purposes by allowing
a
service provider (or another entry, such as a mobile device reseller) to take
advantage
of certain subscriber mobile device use information to retain existing
subscribers
and/or sell additional or new services based on the characteristics and usage
of the
subscribers. In particular, once BI software is installed and integrated with
the service
provider's infrastructure (that is, installed into a retention and upsell
engine
middleware), the BI gateway collects data from the billing system, the
internet
gateway, the WAP gateway, the SMSC, the MMS, and the handset repository, and
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processes this data based on a set of predetermined parameters to extrapolate
the
characteristics of a user's mobile device usage (for example, from data from
the user's
last 12 months of mobile device usage). Such processed data can then be used
to
formulate actionable messages and send preconfigured actionable messages to be
sent
to the user, as discussed in detail below.
Moreover, exemplary embodiments of the present invention seek to provide
actionable messages to users (for example, based on triggers determined from
the data
obtained by the BI gateway) as part of the retention and/or upselling
mechanisms.
For example, traditionally, service providers or resellers contact the
subscribers via
text message, email, traditional mail, and to a more limited extent, via
telephone.
While contacting the subscribers via text message, email, and traditional mail
is
passive and inexpensive, the subscriber simply receives a notification to take
action
and must either call the service provider (or reseller), go to a website, or
travel to a
retail outlet to take action. Thus, the "take rate" of these types of messages
is
historically low because it requires the subscriber to initiate the
communication and
take action following the receipt of a notification. Contacting the
subscribers via
telephone is generally more effective from a take-rate perspective, but has
the
disadvantage of significantly higher costs associated with not only making the
call but
also additional ancillary costs, as might be incurred with training and
maintaining call
staff.
In contrast, exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide
actionable messages that include information and retention and/or upselling of
additional or new services relevant to the subscriber, as determined from the
analysis
of BI server. As discussed in more detail below, such messages can provide
actionable options for the user for the purpose of changing and/or updating
current
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services, or adding and/or updating new services. For example, the user can
make a
selection of multiple options, can select "yes/no," or can input an answer. In
addition,
the actionable messages can be presented to the user top-of-screen so that
accessing a
message does not require drilling down through any menus or going into any
particular applications. In some embodiments, a user may not be able to exit
the top-
of-screen presentation of an actionable message unless an action occurs, for
example,
the user presses "cancel," or the messages times out after a predetermined
amount of
time.
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention also provide the BI server
with the ability to mine information from resellers in addition to mining data
from
subscribers. This reseller information adds additional complexity to the
analysis of a
subscriber's mobile device usage for the purpose of defining preconfigured
actionable
messages to be sent to the user.
Furthermore, exemplary embodiments of the present invention may use a
universally compatible server platform that couples to both the BI server and
service
provider for the purpose of binary messaging, such as to push messages to the
mobile
device subscriber, in addition to receiving messages from the mobile device
subscriber. As discussed above, a DSTK may be stored in the memory of a SIM
card,
and, when properly programmed, the SIM card functions as a DSTK interpreter
for
instructions which may take the form of a wiblet, a s@tlet, or a Java applet.
Thus, a
universal gateway (for example, Giesecke & Devrient's (G&D) SmartaLaCarte
Universal Gateway, found on G&D's website) coupled between the DSTK
interpreter
and the service provider's server and BI server would empower these servers
with
capability of sending messages regardless of the language of the instructions.
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Referring to Fig. 1, a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention will be described. The environment comprises one or
more
network(s) 100. Network 100 comprises at least one of a wireless network, a
wired
network, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), an over-the-
air
(OTA) network, a telecommunication network, and a mobile communication
network.
One or more servers 101 and other network entities operated by service
providers,
information providers, users, and other parties is coupled to network 100; one
or more
devices 102 utilized by service providers, information providers, users, and
other
parties is also coupled to network 100; and one or more portable devices 400
utilized
by users is also coupled to network 100. Service providers and information
providers
provide services and information to other parties utilizing network 100 and
servers
101, devices 102, and portable devices 400 that are coupled to network 100.
The
services and information comprise communication services (for example, wired
communications services, wireless communications services, electronic
communications services), portable device services (for example, mobile device
distributing services, mobile device provisioning services), module card
services (for
example, SIM card distributing services, SIM card provisioning services, SIM
card
activation services), retention services, positioning services, billing
services (for
example, everything that is sent to/from a portable device user and/or a
portable
device service subscriber), security services, customer care services,
language
services, travel services, software update services, internet gateway services
(for
example, information on what/how much data is sent to and from the portable
device
user), MMS information and usage, SMSC information and usage, and handset
repository information, to name several.
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Servers 101 comprise one or more of general purpose computing devices,
specialized computing devices, mainframe devices, wired devices, wireless
devices,
monitoring devices, infrastructure devices, and other devices configured to
provide
one or more of services and information to service providers, users, and other
parties.
Devices 102 comprise one or more of general purpose computing devices,
specialized
computing devices, mainframe devices, mobile devices, wired devices, wireless
devices, monitoring devices, infrastructure devices, and other devices
utilized by
service providers, information providers, users, and other parties. Portable
devices
400 comprise mobile devices, wired devices, wireless devices, handheld
devices, and
other portable devices utilized by users. Exemplary embodiments provide
servers 101
and devices 102 that monitor portable devices 400 and collect information from
or
about portable devices 400 that are coupled to network 100 and users utilizing
portable devices 400 that are coupled to network 100.
Moreover, a system 200 is also coupled to networks 100. System 200
comprises one or more of a general purpose computing device, a specialized
computing device, a mainframe device, a wired device, a wireless device, a
monitoring device, an infrastructure device, and any other device configured
to collect
variable data from one or more data sources (for example, servers, sensors,
networks,
interfaces, other devices). System 200, amongst other activities, monitors
servers
101, devices 102, portable devices 400, and other devices coupled to network
100 for
available information from or about portable devices 400 and their use that
are
coupled to network 100 and users utilizing portable devices 400 that are
coupled to
network 100. By collecting information about portable devices 400 and users
utilizing
portable devices 400, system 200 identifies last usage periods for one or more
services. System 200 subsequently determines whether the one or more last
usage
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periods are greater than a threshold, and, if so, generates content
corresponding to one
or more messages that are sent to portable devices 400 and users that utilize
portable
devices 400.
In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, system 200, portable
devices 400, and some servers 101 and devices 102 are coupled to a first
network 100
and system 200 and other servers 101 and devices 102 are coupled to a second
network 100. For example, system 200, a portable device 400, a first server
101x, and
a second server 101GS are coupled to the first network 100. In such
embodiments, a
service provider may utilize a first network 100 and a second network 100 to
provide
a service to a user utilizing the portable device 400. Exemplary embodiments
provide
for the first server 101x to comprise a monitoring device configured to
collect service
usage data. System 200 monitors the first server 101x for information about a
particular portable device 400 and the user. The particular portable device
400 stores,
amongst other data, usage data on the service comprising a last usage time
corresponding to the user. System 200 collects the usage data on the service
from
portable device 400 and uses the usage data to determine a last usage period
of the
user by assessing the period of time between the last usage time and the
current time.
System 200 subsequently determines whether the last usage period is greater
than or
equal to a threshold, and, if so, generates content corresponding to a first
message
(described below) that is sent to the user. System 200 subsequently sends the
content
to the second server 101GS. The second server 101GS then uses the content to
prepare the first message and sends the first message to the user.
In exemplary embodiments, the second server 101GS is known as the
Universal Gateway ("UG"). Exemplary embodiments also provide for a third
server
101SP, which, along with system 200, couples to the second network 100. The
third
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server 101SP corresponds to the service provider. After system 200 sends the
content
to the second server 101GS, system 200 receives a second message (described
below)
from the user. System 200 then sends the second message to the third server
101SP.
In this example, system 200 comprises middleware between the portable device
400,
which is utilized by the user, and the third server 101. This middleware is
known as
the Retention Middleware ("RM"). Alternatively, the middleware can be located
on
separate server of servers 101 (for example, a RM server 101rm).
In exemplary embodiments, system 200 includes one or more of servers 101
and devices 102. In other exemplary embodiments, system 200 is separate from
servers 101 and devices 102. In certain exemplary embodiments, one or more
devices
102 are portable devices 400. In still other exemplary embodiments, portable
devices
400 are separate from devices 102.
Referring to Fig. 2, system 200, which collects usage data on a service,
determines a last usage period for the service, determines whether the last
usage
period is greater than a threshold, generates content corresponding to a first
message
that is sent to a portable device in response to determining that the last
usage period is
greater than a threshold, and sends the content to a gateway, is described.
System 200
comprises a memory 201, a central processing unit ("CPU") 202, and an input
and
output ("I/0") device 203. Memory 201 stores computer-readable instructions
that
instruct system 200 to perform certain processes. In particular, when executed
by
CPU 202, the computer-readable instructions stored in memory 201 instruct CPU
202
and associated hardware to operate as one or more of a data collection device
204, a
determining device 205, a generation device 206, and a sending device 207. In
particular exemplary embodiments, one or more of data collection device 204,
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determining device 205, generation device 206, and sending device 207 are
located in
remote or local devices.
I/0 device 203 receives one or more of data from network 100, data from
other devices and sensors coupled to system 200, and input from a user and
provides
such information to CPU 202. 1/0 device 203 also transmits or sends data to
other
devices coupled to network 100 and sends a notification to a user. Further,
1/0 device
203 implements one or more of wireless and/or wired communications between
system 200 and other devices.
Referring now to Fig. 3, an exemplary process performed by data collecting
device 204, determining device 205, generation device 206, and sending device
207 is
described. Fig. 3 shows a process for retaining services, starting at S300. In
S301,
data collection device 204 collects usage data on a service, such usage data
comprising a last usage time of a portable device 400. For example, the
service
comprises at least one of a communication service (for example, a wireless
communication service), a portable device service (for example, a mobile
device
distributing service), a module card service (for example, a SIM card
distributing
service, a SIM card provisioning service), or other such services. The service
may be
provided by one or more service providers, such as wireless carriers, wireless
resellers, portable device suppliers, SIM card suppliers, or private label
resellers or
Mobile Virtual Network Operators ("MVNO"). The last usage time is a time that
a
user last used the service on the portable device 400, such as a time of day
(for
example, 1:00 p.m., 13:00) and a month and day of a year (for example,
11/15/2012).
In S302, determining device 205 determines a last usage period for the
service, such
as the period between the last usage time and a current time (for example, the
time
that the last usage period for the service is currently being determined).
Similar to the
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last usage time, the current time includes, for example, a time of day (for
example,
1:00 p.m., 13:00) or a month and day of a year (for example, 11/30/2012). The
period
between the last usage time and the current time is determined as the amount
of time
that has elapsed between the last usage time and the current time, a number of
days
that has elapsed between the last usage time and the current time, a number of
months
that has elapsed between the last usage time and the current time, or other
numeric
expression of time that has elapsed between the last usage time and the
current time.
Continuing from the examples above, when the last usage time is "1:00 p.m.,
11/15/2012" and the current time is "1:00 p.m., 11/30/2012," determining
device 205
would determine that the last usage period is 360 hours or, alternatively,
fifteen days.
As another example, when the last usage time is "1:00 p.m., 7/20/2012" and the
current time is "1:00 p.m., 11/20/2012," determining device 205 would
determine that
the last usage period is 123 days or, alternatively, four months.
Subsequently, in S303, determining device 205 determines whether the last
usage period is greater than a threshold. The threshold is a predetermined
value, such
as an amount of time, a number of days, a number of months, or other numeric
expression of a period of time. When determining device 205 determines that
the last
usage period is greater than the threshold (S303: YES), the process proceeds
onto
S304 to Generate Content. For example, continuing from the last example, the
threshold may be sixty days or, alternatively, two months. When determining
device
205 determines that the last usage period, 123 days or four months, is greater
than the
threshold, then the process proceeds onto S304. When determining device 205
determines that the last usage period is not greater than the threshold (S303:
NO), the
process terminates at S306.
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In S304, generation device 206 generates content corresponding to a first
message that is sent to the user in response to determining that the last
usage period is
greater than the threshold. The content may be written in any language that
would be
known to those of ordinary skill in the art, such as, for example, a markup
language.
Markup languages comprise, for example, WIG WML, S @TML, and JavaML. The
first message comprises a notification and a first instruction. The
notification
comprises a retention question that asks the user whether he or she would like
to
retain or continue receiving the service. For example, if a user is receiving
a wireless
communication service from a wireless carrier referred to as "A," the first
message
might read: "Would you like to continue receiving A's wireless communication
service?" The first instruction, when interpreted and executed by a first
computer,
implements a plurality of commands. The first instruction comprises an
application.
For example, in a GSM network, the first instruction comprises a wiblet, a s
@tlet, or a
Java applet. The wiblet is a small application that is Wib-based; the s@tlet
is a small
application that is S @T-based; and the Java applet is a small application
that is Java-
based. As described above, a Wib-based application is an application that is
in the
form of Wib bytecode and is executed by Wib (for example, a Wib interpreter);
a
S @T-based application is an application that is in the form of S @T bytecode
and is
executed by a S @T interpreter; and a Java-based application is an application
that is
in the form of Java bytecode and is executed by a Java interpreter.
Implementing the plurality of commands causes a second computer to display
the notification. The first and second computers are either physical entities
(for
example, a portable device, a module card) or logical entities (for example, a
process,
a program, a service, a virtual machine). The first computer, for example, is
a module
card that functions as an interpreter. The interpreter is at least one of Wib,
a S @T
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interpreter, or a Java interpreter. Displaying the notification comprises
displaying the
notification on a display (for example, a visual display or a tactile
display).
Implementing the plurality of commands also causes the second computer to
receive
an input as a response to the notification. The input may comprise a text
input, such as
affirmation language (for example, "Y," "Yes," "Sure," "Why Not," "Yea,"
"Yeah,"
"Yup," "Go for it") or declination language (for example, "Nah," "Nope,"
"Negative"), or a selection of a presented option (for example, a selection of
button or
key representing an affirmation, a selection of a key representing an
declination).
Implementing the plurality of commands further causes the second computer to
send a
second message comprising the response to the notification. The second message
is
received by the service provider. The second message comprises the response to
the
notification in, for example, a 7-bit Short Message Service ("SMS") message,
an 8-bit
SMS message, a Unstructured Supplementary Service Data ("USSD") message, MMS
or other type of cellular network message.
In certain exemplary embodiments, displaying the notification comprises
displaying the notification on the display to cover an item (for example, an
application, an image, a message, a file, and data) previously displayed on
the display.
In other exemplary embodiments, sending the second message comprises sending
the
second message to a network entity (for example, a node, a link, a server, or
other
active element in a network). In still other exemplary embodiments,
implementing the
plurality of commands causes the second computer to further determine whether
the
response corresponds to a confirmation to continue services and to send the
second
message when the response corresponds to the confirmation to continue
services. The
confirmation to continue services may be a predetermined value, such as a text
value
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(for example, "Y", "Yes") or a numerical value, or a predetermined signal (for
example, a particular type of pulse).
In particular exemplary embodiments, the first computer and the second
computer are located in a single device, such that, for example, and the first
computer
is a module card that is located a portable device 400, and the second
computer is a
processor located in the same device. In other exemplary embodiments, the
first and
second computers are provided in more than one device.
In S305, sending device 207 sends the content to a gateway known, in
exemplary embodiments, as the Universal Gateway ("UG"). After receiving the
content, the gateway prepares the first message and sends the first message to
the
portable device 400 corresponding to the user. In a GSM network, for example,
the
first message comprises the notification and the first instruction in at least
one of a 7-
bit SMS message, an 8-bit SMS message, a USSD message, a MMS message, or other
type of cellular network message. Preparing the first message comprises
converting
the content and encoding the converted content in a type of message. For
example,
when sending device 207 sends content that is written in WIG WML to the
gateway,
the gateway prepares a first message by converting the content into Wib
bytecode and
encoding the converted content in a 7-bit SMS message. Alternatively, when
sending
device 207 sends content that is written in S@TML to the gateway, the gateway
prepares the first message by converting the content into S@T bytecode and
encoding
the converted content in a 7-bit SMS message. In both of these examples, the 7-
bit
SMS message or first message are subsequently sent to the portable device. The
portable device, as described below, may comprise a module card. The module
card
can function as an interpreter that is configured to interpret the first
instruction. In a
wireless network, for example, the portable device comprises a SIM card,
wherein the
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SIM card functions as a DSTK interpreter. In such configurations, the DSTK
interpreter is at least one of Wib, a S@T interpreter, or a Java interpreter.
Referring to Fig. 4, portable device 400, which is configured to retain
services,
is described. Portable device 400 comprises a processor 401, a receiver 402, a
display
403, a module card 404, a transmitter 405, and an input device 406. Module
card 404
comprises a module memory 411. Module memory 411 stores a second instruction
that, when executed by module card 404, instructs module card 404 to operate
as a
module interpreter 412. Receiver 402 receives a first message, wherein the
first
message comprises a notification and a first instruction. The first message is
sent by a
service provider. As described above, the first message comprises the
notification and
the first instruction in at least one of a 7-bit SMS message, an 8-bit SMS
message, a
USSD message, or other type of cellular network message. The notification is a
retention question that asks the user whether he or she would like to retain
or continue
receiving the service. The first instruction comprises an application. For
example, in a
GSM network, the first instruction comprises a wiblet, a s @tlet, or a Java
applet. The
service provider comprises at least one of a wireless carrier, a wireless
reseller, a
portable device supplier, a SIM card supplier, and a MVNO. In certain
exemplary
embodiments, receiver 402 receives the first message from a network entity
(for
example, a node, a link, a server, or other active element in a network).
Module memory 411 stores the first message. Module memory also stores a
toolkit. The toolkit comprises the plurality of commands. Module interpreter
412 is
configured to interpret the first instruction. The first instruction, when
interpreted and
executed by module interpreter 412, implements a plurality of commands. In
particular, implementing the plurality of commands causes processor 401 to
operate
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as one or more of a display device 407, an input receiving device 408, a
determining
device 409, and a sending device 410.
Display device 407 is configured to display the notification on display 403.
Display 403 comprises, for example, a visual display or a tactile display. In
certain
exemplary embodiments, display device 407 is configured to display the
notification
such that the notification covers an item previously displayed on display 403.
As
described above, the item comprises, for example, an application, an image, a
message, a file, and data. Input receiving device 408 is configured to receive
an input
(for example, a text input) as a response to the notification. The user may
use input
device 406 to provide the input. Input device 406 comprises, for example, an
alpha-
numeric keypad or other input source.
Subsequently, determining device 409 is configured to determine whether the
response corresponds to a confirmation to continue services. Further, sending
device
410 is configured to send a second message using transmitter 405 when the
response
corresponds to the confirmation to continue services (for example, a
predetermined
value such as a text value). Similar to the first message, the second message
comprises the response to the notification in at least one of a 7-bit SMS
message, an
8-bit SMS message, a USSD message, or other type of cellular network message.
As
described above, the confirmation to continue services is a predetermined
value such
as a text value, a numeric value, or a predetermined signal.
In certain exemplary embodiments, portable device 400 does not function as a
determining device 409. In particular, in such exemplary embodiments, input
receiving device 408 receives an input as a response to the notification, and
sending
device 410 subsequently sends the second message using transmitter 405. The
second
message is received by the service provider. In other exemplary embodiments,
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sending device 410 sends the second message to a network entity corresponding
to a
service provider. As described above, the network entity is, for example, a
node, a
link, a server, or other active element in a network.
Referring to Fig. 5, a flow chart of a particular embodiment of the invention
is
described. This embodiment of the invention takes place in the environment in
accordance with Fig. 1 with networks 100, servers 101, devices 102, system
200, and
portable devices 400. In particular, the environment comprises a first network
100, a
server 101, system 200, and a portable device 400. The portable device 400 and
the
server 101 are coupled to the first network 100. System 200 and the server 101
are
coupled to the second network 100. The portable device 400 is utilized by a
user.
System 200 is a network entity that corresponds to a service provider; thus,
system
200 is referred to as a "Service Provider Entity" ("SP"). The server 101g is a
gateway;
thus, the server 101g may be referred to as a "Gateway Server" ("GS"). The
first
network 100 is a wireless network; and the second network 100 is a computer
network. The computer network may employ a network protocol such as Hypertext
Transfer Protocol ("HTTP") or Short Message Peer-to-Peer ("SMPP").
The SP monitors other servers 101 and devices 102 that are coupled to the
wireless network and the computer network for information about the portable
device
400 and the user. The information comprises usage data on a service. The
service may
be provided by the service provider or another party (for example, a new
service
provider). By collecting the usage data on the service, system 200 determines
a last
usage period for the service, in which the last usage period comprises a
period
between the last usage time and a current time. System 200 subsequently
determines
whether the last usage period is greater than a threshold, and when it
determines that
the last usage period is greater than the threshold, system 200 generates
content
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corresponding to a first message. As described above, the content may be
written in a
markup language, such as, for example, one or more of WIG WML, S@TML, and
JavaML. Signal 501 represents this content.
In Fig. 5, signal 501 is sent from system 200 to the GS over the computer
network. The GS prepares the first message and sends the first message to the
portable device 400. The first message comprises a notification and a first
instruction
in at least one of a 7-bit SMS message, an 8-bit SMS message, a USSD message,
or
other type of cellular network message. As described above, the notification
contained
in the first message comprises a retention question that asks the user whether
he or
she would like to retain or continue receiving the service, and the first
instruction
comprises an application (for example, a wiblet, a s@tlet, or a Java applet).
A wiblet
is an application that is in the form of Wib bytecode; a s @tlet is an
application that is
in the form of S@T bytecode; and a Java applet is an application that is in
the form of
Java bytecode.
In step 502, the GS prepares the first message. Preparing the first message
comprises converting signal 501 into a portable code or bytecode and encoding
the
converted signal in a type of message. The bytecode is, for example, Wib
bytecode,
S@T bytecode, and Java bytecode. Specifically, when signal 501 is written in
WIG
WML, the GS converts signal 501 into Wib bytecode and encodes the converted
signal in a SMS message or USSD message. Alternatively, when signal 501 is
written
in S@TML, the GS converts signal 501 into S@T bytecode and encodes the
converted signal in a SMS message or USSD message. Alternatively, when signal
501
is written in JavaML, the GS converts signal 501 into Java bytecode and
encodes the
converted signal in a SMS message or USSD message. The SMS message or USSD
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message after encoding may be the first message. Signal 503 represents this
first
message.
In Fig. 5, signal 503 is sent from the GS to the portable device 400 over the
wireless network. The portable device 400 comprises a receiver, a processor, a
display, a module card, and a transmitter. The module card comprises a memory
that
is configured to store signal 503. The memory is configured to also store a
toolkit and
a second instruction. The toolkit comprises a plurality of commands. The
module card
executes the second instruction and function as an interpreter that is
configured to
interpret and execute the first instruction, such that executing the first
instruction
implements the plurality of commands. In certain exemplary embodiments, the
portable device 400 comprises a module card that is a SIM card, in which a
toolkit,
such as a DSTK, is stored. Accordingly, the interpreter is a DSTK interpreter
(for
example, Wib, a S @T interpreter, a Java interpreter), and executing the first
instruction implements a plurality of commands, such as DisplayText, GetInput,
and
SendShortMessage.
Implementing the plurality of commands causes the processor in the portable
device 400 to function as a display device, a receiving device, and a sending
device.
Specifically, implementing DisplayText causes the processor to function as the
display device, so that the display device displays the notification on the
display.
Signal 504 represents the message that is displayed to the user. Implementing
GetInput causes the processor to function as the receiving device, so that the
receiving
device receives an input as a response to the notification. Signal 505
represents the
input that is received from the user. And, implementing SendShortMessage
causes the
processor to function as the sending device that sends a second message using
the
transmitter over the wireless network. The second message is the response to
the
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notification. As described above, the second message comprises the response to
the
notification in at least one of a 7-bit SMS message, an 8-bit SMS message, a
USSD
message, or other type of cellular network message. The processor in portable
device
400 sends the second message to the GS over the wireless network, for example.
Signal 506 carries this second message.
In step 507, the GS prepares the second message. Preparing the second
message comprises converting Signal 506 into any language as would be known to
those of ordinary skill in the art, such as a markup language to effect
communication
via the transmitter 405. In certain exemplary embodiments, the markup language
is
HyperText Markup Language ("HTML"). The GS subsequently sends the second
message to the SP over the computer network. Signal 508 carries this second
message.
Referring now to Fig. 6, a schematic representation of another exemplary
embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 6 shows many of
the
same elements as discussed above in detail with regard to Fig. 1. For example,
Fig. 6
includes one or more network 100, one or more servers 101, one or more devices
102,
one or more systems 200, and one or more portable devices 400. Fig. 6 also
shows
one or more business intelligence (BI) servers 300 coupled to network 100. As
discussed above, service providers and information providers provide
information to
other parties utilizing the servers (for example, servers 101, in addition to
BI servers
300) and devices (for example, devices 102, portable devices 400) that are
coupled to
network 100. BI servers 300 comprise one or more of general purpose computing
devices, specialized computing devices, mainframe devices, wired devices,
wireless
devices, monitoring devices, infrastructure devices, and other devices
configured to
provide one or more of services and information to service providers, users,
and other
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parties. BI servers 300 includes one or more BI server 300. BI server 300
monitors
portable devices 400 and collects information from or about portable devices
400 that
are coupled to network 100.
In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, one or more BI servers
300 are coupled to a server 101 (for example, a service provider server) and
are
configured to collect information relating to a portable device user's usage
data from
a plurality of databases. The plurality of databases may be located on one
server 101
or a plurality of servers 101. The one or more BI servers 300 are configured
to use a
predetermined algorithm to process the collected usage data and send the
processed
usage data to a different server 101 (for example, the RM server 101rm) to
determine
a set of actions (for example, detailed messages to the subscriber). Server
101
generates content based on these set of actions, and sends the content to yet
another
server (for example, the UG server 101 ug), which then sends the content to
the user's
portable device 400 (described below).
Referring now to Fig. 7, BI server 300, which collects/obtains user (that is,
subscriber) usage data associated with a portable device 400 from a plurality
of
databases is described. BI server 300 comprises, for example, a memory 301, a
central processing unit ("CPU") 302, and an input and output ("1/0") device
303.
Memory 301 stores computer-readable instructions that instruct BI server 300
to
perform certain processes. In particular, when executed by CPU 302, the
computer-
readable instructions stored in memory 301 may instruct CPU 302 to operate as
one or
more of a data collection device 304, a data processing device 305, and a
sending
device 306. In particular exemplary embodiments, one or more of data
collection
device 304, data processing device 305, and sending device 306 are located in
remote
or local devices.
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1/0 device 303 receives one or more of data from network 100 and data from
other devices and sensors coupled to BI server 300 and provides such
information to
CPU 302. 1/0 device 303 also transmits or sends data to other devices
connected to
network 100 (for example, the RM server). 1/0 device 303 may implement one or
more of wireless and/or wired communications between BI server 300 and other
devices.
Referring now to Figs. 8 and 9, an exemplary process of the present invention
performed by a plurality of servers (for example, SP server 101SP, BI server
300, RM
server 101rm, and UG server 101GS) is described. Fig. 8 shows a process for
providing services to a portable device subscriber (for example, advanced
retention
services, upselling services, and other similar services), starting at S800.
In S801,
data collection device 304 of BI server 300 collects subscriber usage data
from a
plurality of databases. Specifically, data collection device 304 collects data
relating a
subscriber's internet activity (for example, data sent to/from the subscriber
in the form
of bytes of data), billing information, messages sent through MMS and/or SMSC,
handset information (for example, what type of handset the subscriber is
using, the
handset history, and any changes/switches in handsets and new upgraded handset
features associated with these changes), and other information useful to
retaining
and/or presenting advanced services to the subscriber. In particular, BI
server 300
may collect information on sudden drop or changes in portable device usage
patterns
(for example, changes in calls, text messages, MMS messages, data usage,
viewing
competitor websites, etc.); higher-than-average subscriber attrition based on
location
and/or geography; usage based on handset makes, models or feature sets; and
previous/current rate plans.
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In S802, data processing device 305 of BI server 300 processes the collected
subscriber usage data using a predetermined algorithm (for example, BI server
300
processes the collected subscriber usage data to determine whether the data
satisfies a
predetermined condition). For example, as shown in more detail in Fig. 9, BI
server
300 collects data relating to the subscriber's activity on websites of
competitor service
providers and data relating to the amount of time left on the subscriber's
portable
device server plan. Subsequently, BI server 300 processes data in S901 using
an
algorithm relating to service plan renewal. Specifically, BI server 300
determines in
S902 whether the subscriber has visited websites of a competitor service
provider X
times over Y time period (for example, 10 times over 3 days). If YES, BI
server 300
then determines in S903 whether the subscriber has Z amount of time left on
the
portable device service plan (for example, 1 month left). If YES, then BI
server in
S904 determines that an actionable category of data is information relating to
service
plan renewal (S905). The actionable category of data may include, for example,
data
corresponding to retaining a subscriber service, data corresponding to
offering
additional services to a subscriber, data corresponding to upselling services
to a
subscriber, and other suitable data. If in S902, or in S903, BI server 300
determines
that the answer is NO, the process proceeds to S905 in which BI server 300
moves
onto the next predetermined algorithm (for example, stored in memory 301).
Other examples of collected subscriber usage data include, but are not limited
to, changes in a subscriber's usage that relate to an actionable category of
data of
presenting new wireless rate plans (for example, unlimited calling and data,
specialized international rate plans, and other suitable plans); high
attrition rates that
relate to an actionable category of data of presenting better dealer
incentives/commissions, targeted marketing, and other suitable actions;
handset-
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related issues that relate to an actionable category of data of presenting
presenting/upselling newer, modern portable devices, providing complimentary
low
cost smartphones at low and/or no cost, and other suitable devices; rate plan
usage
based on certain parameters (for example, geography, location, etc.) that
relate to an
actionable category of data of presenting tailored services and products; and
any
suitable combination thereof.
In S803 of Fig. 8, BI server 300 determines whether an actionable category of
data can be determined. If YES, sending device 306 of BI server 300 sends the
information relating to the actionable category of data to RM server 101rm. In
S804,
RM server 101rm generates content based on the actionable category of data. In
particular, RM server 101rm processes the information sent from BI server 300
(for
example, determine at least one action based on the actionable category of
data and a
predefined set of rules) and generates relevant content (for example, a set of
actions)
based on a predetermined set of rules. Based on the service plan renewal
example
discussed above, RM server 101rm may determine that relevant content relates
to
deals and/or incentives for service plan renewal that can be sent to portable
device
400. The predefined set of rules may include a plurality of actions each of
which is
associated with an actionable category of data, and each of which includes the
information to be sent as the message to the subscriber. The predefined set of
rules
may also include at least one message that is sent from UG server 101GS back
to
subscriber after receiving the answer to the message from the subscriber
(discussed
below). If BI server 300 determines in S803 that no actionable category of
data can be
determined, the process terminates at S806.
In S805, RM server 101rm sends the content to a portable device 400.
Specifically, exemplary embodiments provide that RM server 101rm sends the
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content to SP server 101SP, which prepares content into a message (such as, a
first
message, in turn discussed below). This message is then sent from SP server
101SP
to UG server 101GS, which sends the message to portable device 400. Further,
as
discussed above, a SM module, or alternatively, a UICC module, will decode
this
message into a message that can be processed by the processor of portable
device 400
and displayed on the screen of portable device 400 to the user/subscriber. For
example, the message displayed on the screen can be a "yes/no" question posed
to the
subscriber, a menu from which the subscriber can select a desired choice, a
prompt
asking the subscriber to enter a response, or other suitable option. Once this
content
is sent to portable device 400, the process terminates at S806.
Referring now to Fig. 10, a flow chart of a particular embodiment including
BI server 300 is described. This embodiment of the invention takes place in
the
environment in accordance with Fig. 6 with networks 100, servers 101, devices
102,
system 200, BI server 300, and portable devices 400. In particular, the
environment
comprises a BI server 300, a SP server 101SP, a UG server 101GS, and a
portable
device 400. In S1001, BI server 300 initiates a communication with SP server
101SP
to request subscriber usage data from SP server 101SP. In S1002, SP server
101SP
sends BI server 300 all relevant subscriber usage data (that is, raw data)
based on the
request from BI server 300. Then, BI server 300 processes the collected
subscriber
usage data in S1003 using the predetermined algorithm and determines
actionable
categories of data based on the processed data (as discussed above).
In S1004, BI server 300 sends the determined actionable categories of data to
SP server 101SP. Then, SP server 101SP generates content corresponding to a
message (such as the first message) in S1005 based on the actionable category
of data.
In S1006, SP server 101SP sends the generated content in the form of a first
message
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to UG server 101GS. In S1007, UG server 101GS prepares the first message to be
sent to the subscriber. The first message includes a first instruction and a
notification.
In S1008, UG server 101GS sends the prepared first message to portable device
400,
which in this exemplary embodiment includes a first computer and a second
computer. At portable device 400, the first instruction of the first message,
when
executed by the first computer, causes the second computer to perform the
steps of
displaying the notification on a screen to the user (S1009), receive an input
as a
response to the notification (S1010), and send a message (for example, a
second
message) to the UG server 101GS (S1011), the second message including the
subscriber's response to the notification.
In S1012, UG server 101GS prepares the second message to be sent to the SP
server 101SP, and then in S1013, UG server 101GS sends the second message to
SP
server 101SP. In S1014, SP server 101SP processes the second message and
prepares
an optional message (for example, a third message) to be sent to the
subscriber in
response to the second message, if required. This third message includes, for
example, an acknowledgement to the subscriber's message, a further instruction
to the
subscriber, a notification of other activities that will happen (for example
the
subscriber will be contacted by the service provider regarding updating
services
and/or devices), and other suitable messages. The third message is then sent
from SP
server 101SP to UG server 101GS (S1015), from UG server 101GS to portable
device
400 (S1016), and then from portable device 400 to the user/subscriber (S1017),
similarly to S1006, S1008, and S1009, discussed above. After S1017, the
process
terminates, unless other, optional steps follow.
Additional embodiments of the invention now are described with respect to
Fig. 11, which presents a flow chart showing a process of generating one or
more
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notification upon termination of a communication function according to
particular
embodiments of the invention.
In S1102, an application is loaded onto module card 404. The application can
comprise a Wib-based application, a S @T-based application, or a Java-based
application, for example. In certain embodiments, the application is a
retention
engine applet that processes the messages sent between module card 404 and
portable
device 400. In some embodiments, the application is installed onto module card
404
in conjunction with a carrier update that is pushed to the device by a service
provider.
In certain embodiments, such a carrier update is optional, but it can be a
mandatory
update in others. In particular embodiments, module card 404 loads and begins
executing the application as part of a start-up process when portable device
400 is
powered on, for example.
In S1104, a user (e.g., a subscriber to a telecommunication service) of
portable
device 400 (e.g., a device associated with the subscriber's account for the
telecommunication service) makes or receives a telephone call (e.g., initiates
a
communication function) via portable device 400.
In S1106, the telephone call is disconnected (e.g., the communication function
terminates). For example, the user can hang up portable device 400 to
disconnect the
call. Alternatively, another user of another communication device conversing
with
the user of portable device 400 can hang up the other communication device to
disconnect the call. In still other configurations, the call is disconnected
due to a
network error or another reason out of the users' control. In any event,
portable
device 400 sends a message to module card 404 indicating that the call has
been
disconnected in response to the disconnection without regard to the reason for
disconnection.
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In S1108, module card 404 receives the message indicating that the call has
been disconnected. In response to receiving the message indicating that the
call has
been disconnected at module card 404, the application loaded on module card
404
generates a message (e.g., an SMS message) and controls portable device 400 to
send
the message to UG server 101GS, for example. In some embodiments, the message
includes a notification indicating that the call has recently been
disconnected. In other
embodiments, the message is a basic message, such as "do you have a message
for
me?", and can be coded in a variety of manners.
In S1110, UG server 101GS receives the notification from module card 404
and determines that the call has been disconnected.
In S1112, UG server 101GS determines whether a message is currently
waiting at SP server 101SP (e.g., a message generated from content received
from
RM server 101rm) for presentation to a user of portable device 400. In some
embodiments, in response to receiving the notification that the call has been
disconnected in S1110, UG server 101GS sends a first request to SP server
101SP that
asks SP server 101SP whether a message for presentation to a user of portable
device
400 is currently waiting at SP server 101SP. SP server 101SP subsequently may
transmit a response to UG server 101GS that indicates whether such a message
exists.
If UG server 101GS determines that the message does not exist (S1112: No), the
process ends, and UG server 101GS waits to receive another notification from
module
card 404 indicating that another call was disconnected. If UG server 101GS
determines that the message exists (S1112: Yes), the process proceeds to
S1114.
In S1114, UG server 101GS fetches the message from SP server 101SP (e.g., a
message database). In particular embodiments, this process is similar to the
process
of S1006 described above with respect to Fig. 10 or the process of S305
described
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above with respect to Fig. 3. For example, the message is an actionable
message that
includes information and retention and/or upselling of additional or new
services
relevant to the subscriber account, as determined from the analysis of BI
server. The
message may be selected from a plurality of messages in the message database
or may
be generated in a manner similar to that of process S304 or S1005 described
above
with respect to Figs. 3 and 10, for example.
The content of the message may be written in any language that would be
known to those of ordinary skill in the art, such as, for example, a markup
language.
Markup languages comprise, for example, WIG WML, S@TML, and JavaML. For
example, the message can include a notification and an instruction. In some
embodiments, the notification can include a retention question that asks the
user
whether he or she would like to retain or continue receiving the service. For
example,
if a user is receiving a wireless communication service from a wireless
carrier referred
to as "A," the first message might read: "Would you like to continue receiving
A's
wireless communication service?" In other embodiments, the notification can
include
an upsale question that asks the user whether he or she would like to modify
or
upgrade the service. The instruction includes an application and, when
interpreted and
executed by a first computer, implements a plurality of commands. For example,
in a
GSM network, the first instruction comprises a wiblet, a s @tlet, or a Java
applet. The
wiblet is a small application that is Wib-based; the s @tlet is a small
application that is
S@T-based; and the Java applet is a small application that is Java-based. As
described
above, a Wib-based application is an application that is in the form of Wib
bytecode
and is executed by Wib (for example, a Wib interpreter); a S@T-based
application is
an application that is in the form of S@T bytecode and is executed by a S@T
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interpreter; and a Java-based application is an application that is in the
form of Java
bytecode and is executed by a Java interpreter.
In S1116, UG server 101GS pushes the message to portable device 400. More
specifically, UG server 101GS pushes the message to module card 404. For
example,
UG server 101GS prepares the message to be sent to portable device 400.
Subsequently, UG server 101GS sends the prepared message to portable device
400.
This may be similar to processes S1007 and S1008 described above with respect
to
Fig. 10, process S805 described above with respect to Fig. 8, or the processes
associated with signals 502 and 503 described above with respect to Fig. 5,
for
example.
In S1118, module card 404, for example, controls portable device 400 to
display the message received from UG server 101GS. The instruction included in
such a message, for example, instructs module card 404, which in turn
instructs
portable device 400, to display the notification included in the message. This
process
may be similar to process S1009 described above with respect to Fig. 10 or the
processes associated with signal 504 described above with respect to Fig. 5,
for
example. In some embodiments, the notification displayed on portable device
400
prompts the user of portable device 400 for a response, such as a text input
including
affirmation language (for example, "Y," "Yes," "Sure," "Why Not," "Yea,"
"Yeah,"
"Yup," "Go for it"), declination language (for example, "Nah," "Nope,"
"Negative"),
or a selection of a presented option (for example, a selection of button or
key
representing an affirmation, a selection of a key representing an declination,
a
selection from a list of services and/or upgrade options).
In S1120, module card 404 determines whether the user has selected an upsale
and/or retention option. In particular, the user can input a response, via an
input
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interface of portable device 400, to the notification displayed on portable
device 400.
The response may be a selection of an upgrade option, a retention option, an
affirmation, a declination, or another option related to an account for a
telecommunication or other service. After the user inputs the response, module
card
404 receives the input response and determines whether the user has selected
an
upsale and/or retention option. In some embodiments, this process is similar
to
process S1010 described above with respect to Fig. 10 or the processes
associated
with signal 505 described above with respect to Fig. 5, for example. If module
card
404 determines that the response indicates that the user has not selected an
upsale
and/or retention option, the process terminates. At this point, module card
404 waits
to receive another notification that a call has been disconnected and UG
server 101GS
waits to receive another notification from module card 404 indicating the
same. If
module card 404 determines that the response indicates that the user has
selected an
upsale and/or retention option, the process proceeds to S1122.
In S1122, module card 404 controls portable device 400 to send a
confirmation message back to SP server 101 SP via UG server 101GS. In some
embodiments, the message is a 7-bit SMS message, an 8-bit SMS message, a USSD
message, an MMS message, or another type of cellular network message, for
example. In certain embodiments, the confirmation message includes a
notification
indicating that the user has selected an option to retain and/or upgrade the
service and,
in embodiments in which a particular upgrade option was selected, indicating
which
upgrade option the user selected. In particular embodiments, the confirmation
message includes a copy of the response input by the user. In some
embodiments,
portable device 400 sends the message to UG server 101GS, UG server 101GS
prepares a version of the message for SP server 101SP, and UG server 101GS
sends
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the prepared version of the message to SP server 101SP. The process may be
similar
to processes S1011-S1013 described above with respect to Fig. 10 or the
processes
associated with signals 506-508 described above with respect to Fig. 5, for
example.
After S1122, the process may end.
In particular configurations, SP server 101SP receives the message and
prepares an optional message to be sent to the subscriber in response to the
message.
This optional message includes, for example, an acknowledgement to the
subscriber's
message, a further instruction to the subscriber, a notification of other
activities that
will happen (for example the subscriber will be contacted by the service
provider
regarding updating services and/or devices), and other suitable messages. The
optional message is then sent from SP server 101SP to UG server 101GS, from UG
server 101GS to portable device 400, and then from portable device 400 to the
user/subscriber. This process may be similar to processes S1014-S1017
described
above with respect to Fig. 10, for example.
Certain exemplary embodiments have been described above with respect to
module cards having a variety of formats and configurations. Nevertheless,
module
cards contemplated by this disclosure are not limited to the example module
cards
described herein and include any appropriate module card able to perform one
or
more aspects of the invention contemplated herein. For example, a module card
can
be one or more of a SIM card, a UICC, an electronic SIM ("eSIM") card, an
electronic UICC ("eUICC") card, and any other appropriate module card.
While the invention has been described in connection with preferred
embodiments, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that
other
variations and modifications of the preferred embodiments described above may
be
made without departing from the scope of the invention. Other embodiments will
be
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apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from a consideration of the
specification
or practice of the invention disclosed herein. The specification and the
described
examples are considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit of
the
invention indicated by the following claims.
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