WO2001089190A2

WO2001089190A2 - Method of, and system for, providing reduced cost or free wireless service

Info

Publication number: WO2001089190A2
Application number: PCT/GB2001/002217
Authority: WO
Inventors: Barry Jones
Original assignee: Magic4 Limited
Priority date: 2000-05-18
Filing date: 2001-05-18
Publication date: 2001-11-22
Also published as: GB0011832D0; AU5654601A; WO2001089190A3

Abstract

A method, system and client service node is provided that rewards users with reduced cost or free wireless service that register onto the network for service and engage in certain predetermined activities available on the network. The network includes several service provider networks, for example, computer networks such as the Internet (102) and an Intranet (104), a public switched telephone network (106) and a wireless network (108). Also included in the network is a client service node (114). The client service node includes (i) providing user access to the service provider networks and value added services, (ii) a memory device for storing user information and (iii) a processor, which is responsive to certain predetermined actions by a user, such as utilization of services available on the service provider networks and other value added services as well as participation in a managed mutual fund, for enabling reduced cost or free wireless telephone service to the user.

Description

METHOD OF, AND SYSTEM FOR, PROVIDING REDUCED COST OR

FREE WIRELESS SERVICE

The invention relates to the field of wireless telephone service. In one particular embodiment, this invention relates to a method, system and service node for providing reduced cost or free wireless telephone service, such as free basic mobile service and long distance calls, in response to registration onto the system and certain predetermined actions by a user.

Service providers and Network operators such as telephone operating companies are constantly looking for ways to attract new customers. These companies are more and more turning their attention to premium (so-called value added) services, as well as to develop products, which provide greater access to services available on the Internet via their networks. The ultimate goal is to provide additional revenue avenues (in addition to traditional so- called price-per-minute models), to differentiate and promote their services and products from their competitors in order to capture a larger segment of consumer spending.

In that regard, a myriad of different user devices for providing information and services to users have come into widespread use. These devices include, but are not limited to, internet connected (analogue) televisions (TVs) and digital TVs (DTVs), such as high definition televisions (HDTVs), Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) receivers, cable/terrestrial/satellite set-top boxes (STBs), telephones, personal computers (PCs), cellular phones, etc. All of the above-mentioned user devices incorporate one of a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), microcontroller, microprocessor, system-on- a-chip (SOC), Programmable Logic Device (PLD), Programmable Logic Array (PLA), or other digital data processing means.

These user devices, in turn, are used to obtain a plethora of information, content and services. For example, they are used to connect the user device to the Internet as well as other computer networks, such as Wide Area Networks (WANs) and Local Area Networks (LANs), to obtain various information and services.

In general, the Internet is a vast and expanding network of computers and other devices linked together by various media, enabling all the computers to exchange and share data. The Internet provides information about corporations, products, educational, research and entertainment, as well as services relating to E-commerce and messaging, for example. The most conventional user device for accessing such information is typically a Personal Computer (PC) and an Internet Service Provider (ISP). Accordingly, it is highly desirable for service providers to furnish ways to maintain user interest in current services and draw users to access new premium services and information.

To try to satisfy this need, certain service providers, such as credit card providers, have instituted marketing programs which reward users with bonus points or credits in proportion to the amount of their spending or use. For example, it is well known that credit card providers use reward programs. Each time the user engages in a credit card transaction, a central computer adds bonus points to the user's account. After the user has accumulated a predetermined number of bonus points, they may be redeemed for prizes- This concept is analogous to an airline "frequent flyer" program - the more you fly, the more bonus miles you receive. However, these reward programs are not universally utilised. For example, they are substantially unknown in the area of telephone service providers. In addition to sporadic utilisation among service providers, these reward programs suffer from another major drawback, in that they merely promise future rewards. Future rewards only weakly motivate a user to engage in the desired activity, because future rewards are unseen, untouchable and generally perceived by the user as unobtainable. Accordingly, service providers need an affordable, enticing reward that can be distributed and used immediately by the user, thus providing the user a stronger incentive to use the desired services.

Accordingly, there is a need for a system that reduces or solves the above-described problems. In particular, a system that enables wireless telephone providers to both attract new customers as well as entice existing customers to use new services.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a system comprising at least one service provider network; and a client service node connected to the at least one service provider network for providing access to user services from at least the service provider network, the client service node including a processor having a storage device for storing user information, the processor adapted to allow reduced cost wireless telephone service from the at least one service provider network to a user in response to at least one predetermined action by the user.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for providing reduced cost wireless telephone service, including the steps of: a) providing a user access to at least one service provider network; and b) causing a client service node to allow reduced cost wireless telephone service to a user in response to at least one predetermined action by the user while accessing the at least one service provider network. According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a computer-readable memory medium including code for providing reduced cost wireless service to users, the code comprising access code for allowing access to at least one service provider network; and client service node code for facilitating access to user services from at least the service provider network, the client service node code including code for storing user information, and to allow reduced cost wireless telephone service to a user in response to at least one predetermined action by the user.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a client service node for providing reduced cost wireless telephone service to users, the client service node comprising a memory which stores process steps; and a processor which executes the process steps stored in the memory so as (i) to provide users access to user services from at least one service provider network, (ii) to store user information, and (iii) to allow reduced cost wireless telephone service from the at least one service provider network to a user in response to at least one predetermined action by the user.

A method, system and service node in accordance with the present invention rewards users with reduced cost or free wireless service that register onto the network for service and engage in certain predetermined activities available on the system, such as use of value added services. The system includes several service provider networks, for example, computer networks such as the Internet and an Intranet, a public switched telephone network and a wireless network. Also included in the system is a client service node for providing user, via a wireless user device, access to the service provider networks and value added services. Moreover, the client service node includes a memory device for storing user information and a processor, which is responsive to certain predetermined actions by a user for enabling reduced cost or free wireless telephone service to the user.

In one illustrative embodiment, the client service node is an ISP server(s) that is configured as a gateway to the Internet, as well as providing access to value added services available on the system. The server includes registered user information. Each user is assigned a user identifier and a user reward account which is, in effect, a virtual currency account.

In accordance with different aspects of the invention, registered users are rewarded with reward points both automatically and in response to predetermined actions, associated with and/or determined by the client service node. For example, users automatically receive reward points for (1) registration onto the network, and (2) revenue sharing methods, such as sharing of conventional interconnect revenue with users. As noted, certain actions by a user will also be rewarded with reward points, for example, (1) use of certain value added services available on the system, via the client service node, such as unified messaging, electronic bill payment, e-commerce, etc., and (2) participation in a managed mutual fund. Specifically, one aspect of the invention allows users to participate in a mutual fund which enables air time interconnect revenue to be shared with users as reward points. The actual asset value and share price of the mutual fund is determined by the growth of the mutual fund in conventional manner. Each user is in effect an investor in the mutual fund where the investment is a function of the elapsed time connected to the client service node and/or user services.

The client service node supervises, implements and coordinates the reward account. Typical wireless service charges, which may include local, long distance, roaming and other fees commonly charged by wireless service providers, are applied against the user's reward account. As long as a user's reward account equals or exceeds a predetermined level free wireless service is provided to the user, otherwise a proportional reduction is applied to the service charge. Thus, the user is rewarded immediately for his or her participation and actions on the system, which serves as a strong incentive to continue using the system for receiving wireless service and partaking in other value added services. The reward is also a creative way for the service providers to attract new customers.

The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 depicts a block diagram of a system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 depicts a block diagram of a client service node for use in the system of Fig. 1,

Figure 3 is a flowchart describing user reward account administration by which reduced or free wireless service is made available to users of the system of Fig. 1 , Figure 4 is a flowchart describing one aspect of the process by which reward points are earned by users for enabling reduced or free wireless service to users of the system of Fig. 1 , and Figure 5 is a flowchart describing another aspect of the process by which reward points are earned by users for enabling reduced or free wireless service to users of the system of Fig. 1.

Fig. 1 shows a system 100 for enabling reduced or free wireless service for users that register to the system for service arid in response to predetermined actions by a user. Reduced cost wireless service is service provided below the market rate or prevailing discount-calling plans available for comparable service. The system includes the following components: interconnected service provider networks, including the Internet 102, an Intranet 104, a Public Switched Telephone Network 106, and a wireless network 108, wireless user devices 110-112, such as mobile handsets, and a client service node 114. It will be recognized that Fig. 1 is simplified for explanation purposes and that the full network environment for the invention will comprise multiple end-offices, mobile switching centers, personal computers and provisions for network reliability through redundancy, links to other networks and applications, etc., all of which need not be shown here. The client service node 114 is shown in more detail in Fig. 2, and includes a memory storage device 118, which includes the process steps shown in Figs 3 to 5, and a processor 116 for enabling reduced or free wireless telephone service to the user. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, memory device 118 can be any conventional data base/indexing storage means that can store and allow access to message/data related to particular users or originators. Processor 116 can be any of a number of commercially available processors, for example, that may include dedicated digital signal processors (DSPs), a central processing unit (CPU) and memory chips. Memory device 118 includes registered user information 124. The registered user information includes an assigned user identifiers 126, user profiles 128 and user reward accounts or database 130, which is, in effect, a virtual currency account. In the illustrative embodiment of Fig. 1 , client service node 114, for example, an ISP server, is configured as a gateway to the service provider networks, such as the Internet 102, as well as providing access to other value added services. Client service node 114 also has various communication links and protocols, such as Gopher, electronic mail, and the World Wide Web ("WWW'). In particular, WWW service allows a server computer system (i.e., server or Web site) to send graphical Web pages of information to a user device such as a wireless handset or computer system. The wireless user device can then display the Web pages. Each resource (e.g., computer or Web page) of the WWW is uniquely identifiable by a Uniform Resource Locator ("URL"). To view a specific Web page, a wireless user device specifies the URL for that Web page in a request (e.g., a HyperText Transfer Protocol ("HTTP") request). The request is forwarded to the Web server that supports that Web page. When that Web server receives the request, it sends that specified information to the user device. When the user device receives that information, it displays the information in any of a number of ways, for example, through the use of a Short Messaging System (SMS) of a wireless handset (described in more detail below) or a Web browser of a personal computer.

Registered users are rewarded with reward tokens that are redeemed for reduced cost or free wireless service both automatically and in response to predetermined actions associated with client service node 114. The client service node supervises, implements and coordinates the reward account. As shown m FIG. 3 in steps 300, 302, on a periodic basis (e.g. daily) processor 118 determines the reward tokens or points for the ensemble of users, which are earned automatically and through user action related methods of reward token accumulation described below. The tokens are verified and employed to compute an updated reward account balance for each user. In step 304, a user's reward account balance is applied against typical wireless service charges, which may include local, long distance, roaming and other fees commonly charged by wireless service providers. As long as a user's reward account equals or exceeds a predetermined level of reward tokens, reduced or free wireless service is made available to the user, as determined by a wireless service charge reduction calculation in step 306. With regard to earning reward tokens, Fig. 4 depicts an implementation of the invention wherein users automatically receive a predetermined number of reward tokens. In step 400, a user registers onto the network and receives a fixed number of reward tokens in step 402. For example, a user registers onto client service node 114 (e.g. an ISP) of FIG. 1 to receive wireless and other services. Thereafter in step 404 the user receives a variable number of reward tokens at periodic intervals (e.g. each month) for revenue sharing methods in steps 404 to 408. These methods include the sharing of conventional telecommunication and/or ISP interconnect revenue with users based on a percentage of such revenue and estimated or actual interconnect costs and usage for a particular user. For example, according to the following formula: (interconnect revenue)^*(number of minutes of use for each user)^*(price per minute of use) = number of tokens. As shown in steps 410 and 402, certain actions by a user will also be rewarded with a predetermined number of reward tokens, for example, utilization of certain value added services available on the network via the client service node, such as unified messaging, electronic bill payment, e-commerce, third party applications and the like.

Fig. 5 depicts another implementation of the invention wherein user participation in a managed mutual fund provides users with a variable number of reward tokens based on network utilization and the overall performance of the mutual fund. Users receive shares in the mutual fund corresponding to the amount of elapsed time the user is connected to user services available on the service provider networks and/or the client service node 114 of Fig. 1. In step 500, the mutual fund is funded from system assets, for example, by particular service providers, interconnect fees, premium service utilization fees, as well as prepaid amounts paid by users and the like. The mutual fund uses those assets to invest in securities or other approved investments as allowed by the mutual fund's prospectus in step 502. Thereafter in step 504, the mutual fund periodically issues each user a number of shares as a function of each user's utilization of user services. The function may be linear, statistical or any of many known mathematical relationships. For example, according to the following formula: [(interconnect revenue)*(number of minutes of use for a user)^*(price per minute of use)]/existing fund value = number of shares, or the ratio between a user's connected minutes and the total connected minutes of all users, which equals a predetermined number of shares. At this point, the user becomes a shareholder. The price of the share is determined by the aggregate of the current market value of the mutual fund's assets and the income earned by these investments, less accrued management fees and expenses. Typically, mutual funds calculate this share price which is called a net asset value calculation, once a day. This is done by obtaining current market prices for each investment held by the fund. In turn, the asset value of each user's shares are periodically translated to a corresponding number of reward tokens, which are transferred to the user's reward account in memory device 118, in step 506 and 508. Again, the translation function may be linear, statistical or any of many known mathematical relationships. For example, a direct relationship such as the ratio between a user's asset value and the total asset value of the mutual fund, which equals a predetermined number of reward tokens.

Returning now to Fig. 1 , the network illustratively includes several interconnected service provider networks, in particular, the Internet 102, a conventional Intranet 104, a public switched telephone network 106, such as a local exchange carrier (LEG) or inter-exchange carrier (IXC), and a wireless network 108. Although several particular service provider networks are shown, this arrangement is merely for convenience and it is to be understood that the service provider networks are not limited to any particular type of service provider network, per se. For example, cellular (wireless) telephone networks currently in use in the United States include the AMPS analog system, the digital IS-136 time division multiplexed (TDMA) system and the digital IS-95 digital code division multiplexed (CDMA) system. In Europe the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) digital standard is most widely used. These cellular systems operate in the 800-900 MHz range. Personal communications systems (PCS) are also currently deployed in the United States. Many PCS systems are being developed for the 1800-900 MHz range, with each based on one of the major cellular standards.

Wireless network 108 has a base station 120, a mobile switching center 122 and user devices 110 and 112. Although shown to include one base station, one mobile switching center and two user devices, wireless network 108 may comprise more or fewer base stations or user devices than are shown in FIG. 1. The user devices 110 and 112 may be mobile telephones that provide speech communications between a user of user devices 110 or 112 and another mobile telephone, or between the user and a land line telephone connected to another service provider network. In addition, user devices 110 and 112 may provide data communication, via SMS for example, between a user of user devices 110 or 112 and data, information or services from client service node 114 of FIG. 1.

User devices 110 and 112 may also be any other type of mobile communications device capable of operating according to the system standard for wireless network 108, such as a personal communications device or a laptop computer operating through a wireless modem. Accordingly, wireless network 108 may operate according to any telecommunications system standard that provides a digital interface over the RF links between user devices and base stations. Wireless network 108 may be implemented in any number of ways. For example, the digital RF interface in wireless network 108 may operate according to a standard similar to the Telecommunications Industry Association/Electronic Industry Association (TIA/EIA) IS-136, IS-95, and PCS 1900 standards or the European GSM standard.

User devices 110 and 112 include (not shown) a transceiver unit coupled to an antenna for receiving radio signals from and transmitting radio signals to base stations of wireless network 108. User devices 110 and 112 include a user interface, which could be a computer keyboard or a mobile telephone handset with a keypad, microphone and earpiece. The control unit in user devices 110 and 112 controls RF channel selection and other system functions in the conventional manner, and a logic unit controls the general operation of the user device. The logic unit may also be utilized to implement and perform encryption and decryption functions on 5 transmitted and received messages according to the embodiment of the invention. A display provides a general visual interface to-the user of user devices 110 and 112 and is under control of the logic unit.

User devices 110 and 112 also include the so-called Short Message Service (SMS) feature, which is part of the Global System for Mobile

10 communications (GSM) digital standard, originally only at 900 MHz but later also at 1800 MHz (also known as DCS 1800), 1900 MHz (also known as PCS 1900) and 800 MHz (E-GSM). SMS provides the ability to send and receive short messages of up to 160 characters of text through a mobile station, such as a cell phone. The SMS service functions similarly to

15. two-way paging.

Users may send, receive and forward messages from a personal computer (PC) to single addressees or groups of addressees. These SMS messages are managed by wireless network 108 in a "store and forward" manner, similar to e-mail, such that delivery is guaranteed. Thus, when the 0 target user device is unavailable due to being out of service area, etc., the wireless network will hold the message and deliver it shortly after the device comes back into range. The message can be sent by a central paging service or by a compatible handset. The SMS message text may be keyed into the user device using for example the device's keypad, or 5 keyboard. SMS is also used for "internal" messages within the network 100 of FIG. 1, such as activating a new mobile telephone, remote programming of telephone numbers into a user's telephone directory and alerting the user of voicemail and receiving premium value added services.

The following merely illustrates the principles of the invention. It will

30 thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements which, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the invention and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples and conditional language recited herein are principally intended expressly to be only for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor(s) to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects and embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future, i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure.

Thus, for example, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the block diagrams herein represent conceptual views of illustrative methodology embodying the principles of the invention. Similarly, it will be appreciated that the flow diagrams and the like represent various processes which may be substantially represented in computer readable medium and so executed by a computer or processor, whether or not such computer or processor is explicitly shown.

The functions of the various elements shown in Figs. 1 and 2, including functional blocks labelled as "processors" may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing software in association with appropriate software. When provided by a processor, the functions may be provided by a single dedicated processor, by a single shared processor, or by a plurality of individual processors, some of which may be shared. Moreover, explicit use of the term "processor", "server" or "controller" should not be construed to refer exclusively to hardware capable of executing software, and may implicitly include, without limitation, digital signal processor (DSP) hardware, read-only memory (ROM) for storing software, random access memory (RAM) and non-volatile storage. Other hardware, conventional and/or custom, may also be included.

In the claims hereof, any element expressed as a means for performing a specified function, is intended to encompass any way of performing that function including, for example, a) a combination of method steps or elements which performs that function or b) software in any form including, therefore, firmware, microcode or the like, combined with appropriate circuitry for executing that software to perform the function. The invention as defined by such claims resides in the fact 'that the functionalities provided by the various recited means are combined and brought together in the manner which the claims call for. Applicant thus regards any means which can provide those functionalities as equivalent as those shown herein.

Claims

1. A system comprising: at least one service provider network; and a client service node connected to the at least one service provider network for providing access to user services from at least the service provider network, the client service node including a processor having a storage device for storing user information, the processor adapted to allow reduced cost wireless telephone service from the at least one service provider network to a user in response to at least one predetermined action by the user.

2. A system as claimed in claim 1 , further including at least one wireless user device for receiving the user services.

3. A system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the processor of the client service node further includes providing each user a user account for use in providing the reduced cost wireless telephone service.

4. A system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the user account is a virtual currency user account.

5. A system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the virtual currency of the user account is increased in response to the predetermined action(s) by the user.

6. A system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the processor of the client service node further includes providing access to value added services.

7. A system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the processor of the client service node is further adapted to provide reduced cost value added services to a user in response to the predetermined action(s) by the user.

8. A system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein a user must first register onto the network for service and wherein the service is at least wireless telephone service.

9. A system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the certain predetermined actions are selected from the group consisting of utilization of services available from the at least one service provider network, utilization of value added services, participation in a system mutual fund or participation in an interconnection fee revenue sharing program.

10. A system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the service provider networks are selected from the group consisting of an intranet, the internet, a public switched telephone network or a wireless telephone network.

11. A system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the client service node is an

Internet service provider node.

12. A system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the reduced cost wireless telephone service is free wireless telephone service.

13. A system for doing business comprising the system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A method for providing reduced cost wireless telephone sen ice, including the steps of: a) providing a user access to at least one service provider network; and b) causing a client service node to allow reduced cost wireless telephone service to a user in response to at least one predetermined action by the user while accessing the at least one service provider network.

15. A method as claimed in claim 14, further including the step of receiving services from the at least one service provider at a wireless user device.

16. A method as claimed in claim 15, further including the step of providing each user a user account.

17. A method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the user account is a virtual 5 currency user account.

18. A method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the virtual currency of the user account is increased in response to the predetermined action(s) by the user.

0 19. A method as claimed in claim 18, further including the step of providing j access to value added serviced ^•

20. A method as claimed in claim 14, further including providing reduced cost value added services to a user in response to the predetermined action(s) by 5 the user.

21. A method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the predetermined action(s) are selected from the group consisting of: utilization of services available from the service provider networks, utilization 0 of value added services, participation in a system mutual fund or participation in an interconnection fee revenue sharing program.

22. A. method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the service provider networks are selected from the group consisting of:

25 the Internet, an Intranet, a public switched telephone network and a wireless telephone network.

23. A method as claimed in claim 22, wherein the client service node is an Internet service provider node.

30

24. A method as claimed in claim 23, wherein the reduced cost wireless telephone service is free wireless telephone service.

25. A method for doing business comprising the method as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 24.

26. A computer-readable memory medium including code for providing reduced cost wireless service to users, the code comprising: access code for allowing access to at least one service provider network; and client service node code for facilitating access to user services from at least the sen/ice provider network, the client service node code including code for storing user information, and to allow reduced cost wireless telephone service to a user in response to at least one predetermined action by the user.

27. A memory medium as claimed in claim 26, wherein the certain predetermined actions are selected from the group consisting of utilization of services available from the at least one service provider network, utilization of value added services, participation in a system mutual fund and participation in an interconnection fee revenue sharing program.

28. A client service node for providing reduced cost wireless telephone service to users, the client service node comprising: a memory which stores process steps; and a processor which executes the process steps stored in the memory so as (i) to provide users access to user services from at least one sen ice provider network, (ii) to store user information, and (iii) to allow reduced cost wireless telephone service from the at least one service provider network to a user in response to at least one predetermined action by the user.

29. A client service node as claimed in claim 28, further including a user account for each user for use in providing the reduced cost wireless telephone service.

30. A client service node as claimed in claim 29, wherein the user account is a virtual currency user account.

31. A client service node as claimed in claim 30, wherein the virtual currency of the user account is increased in response to the predetermined action(s) by the user.

32. A client service node as claimed in claim 28, further including an access means to value added services.

33. A client service node as claimed in claim 28, wherein the predetermined action(s) are selected from the group consisting of utilization of services available from the at least one service provider network, utilization of value added services, participation in a system mutual fund and participation in an interconnection fee revenue sharing program.

34. A client service node as claimed in claim 28, wherein the service provider networks are selected from the group consisting of: an intranet, the internet, a public switched telephone network and a wireless telephone network.

35. A client service node as claimed in claim 28, wherein the client service node is an Internet service provider node.

36. A system constructed and arranged to operate substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

37. A method of providing a reduced cost wireless telephone service, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

38. A computer - readable memory medium constructed and arranged to operate substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

39. A client service node constructed and arranged to operate substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.