Abstract: A system and method for the real-time management of a device, and more particularly to the establishment and enforcement of policies or rules associated with the feature or functions that may be performed with the device, such as making and receiving calls, exchanging data, playing games and music, sending and receiving email, accessing web sites, and paying for goods and services. If a child or employee is using the device, there may be a need to regulate how that device can be used and to determine who will pay for what goods or services. In addition to providing all of the features associated with a device, service providers need to be able to establish and enforce rules (policies) regulating how and when that device can be used and who will pay for a good or service requested by the user of the device.

Abstract: A network component comprising a processor configured to implement a method comprising: detecting a state of a mobile station and sending a state message to a connection service network using an accounting protocol wherein the state message comprises a state data indicating the state of the mobile station is disclosed. Also disclosed is a network component comprising a processor configured to implement a method comprising: receiving a message intended for a mobile station determining whether the mobile station is in an idle state and storing the message until the mobile station exits the idle state.

Abstract: Systems and methods for wireless network traffic routing through traffic optimization and tracking of destination and/or origination addresses in conjunction with billing policies to facilitate service provider billing is disclosed. Since the distributed proxy system, which includes, for example, a proxy server and/or a local proxy on the mobile device, can intercept traffic to and/or from the mobile device, the intercepted traffic may or may not access the wireless network and/or reach the addressed destination. Thus, for outgoing and incoming requests directed from or directed to the mobile device, the distributed proxy system tracks and stores a destination address (e.g., a destination IP address). The proxy server can extract and store the origination address for each incoming communication for various mobile devices and apply applicable billing policies such that a service provider can bill or otherwise manage incoming communications to the mobile devices.

Abstract: Methods and media for post-paid wireless service balance management are described. In one embodiment, it is determined that a usage threshold has been met based upon a concluded wireless session occurring during a billing period associated with an account. Upon determining that the threshold has been met, enforcement points are provisioned to monitor wireless service usage associated with the account. Further, upon receiving a request for service, and prior to commencing the wireless session, it is determined whether the request exceeds account resources. If the request does not exceed the account resources, the request is allowed. If the request does exceed the account resources, the request is handled based on an account status.

Abstract: Charging is enabled in ad hoc networks, without access to external infrastructure networks. For example, when a communication is initiated by a mobile communication device within an ad hoc network, a small initiation fee is stored securely on the device, typically on a smart card. Transfer of the charging information may then occur more or less automatically and/or when the device reaches a coverage area of the operator network. The invention is also advantageous for charging in cellular and/or wireless networks, as charging can be performed with low administration costs.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a signal having a real-time usage value associated with operation of a mobile device is received from the mobile device. Information on a service agreement for the mobile device is received. A command is sent to the mobile device when the operation of the mobile device crossed a threshold condition of the service agreement. The command is configured to cause the mobile device to implement an operational change at the mobile device in response to the command.

Abstract: A rollover management system (RMS) receives and stores rollover data that includes subscriber identification and a balance of the rollover usage units that may be “rolled-over” to offset overage units used by a subscriber in excess of package plan usage units in a subsequent billing cycle. In response to receiving requests, the RMS presents rollover data elements to the requesting entities. The balance of the rollover usage units may be rolled over and measured in at least one of a plurality of billable units and may be shared by the subscriber's multiple communication services. The rollover usage units expire after a predetermined number of billing cycles where the predetermined number may vary between package plans. The RMS receives post-billing data elements to update the rollover data elements. The RMS is further operative to account for and present for review unbilled communication service usage to subscribers.

Abstract: A server for delivering advertisements to mobile devices includes an application programming interface executable by a processor and configured to: receive an ad call over a network from an application of a mobile device to deliver an advertisement to an ad position on a small screen thereof, the ad position located at a fixed location of the application, the fixed location having a fixed height and a fixed width as viewed by a user of the mobile device throughout use of the application; detect the ad position, including the fixed height and width of the ad position within the fixed location; retrieve from the storage memory an advertisement having an ad format best matching the fixed height and the fixed width for filling the ad call at the fixed location; and deliver the advertisement to the mobile device for display in the ad position during the execution of the application.

Abstract: A safety confirmation system includes a mobile terminal that receives early disaster information, a center apparatus that manages a safety status of a user of the mobile terminal, and a map server that provides map information. The mobile terminal holds destination information and automatically acquires current location information upon receiving the early disaster information. The mobile terminal automatically transmits the current location information to the center apparatus and the map server, and automatically transmits the destination information to the map server. The center apparatus receives the current location information transmitted from the mobile terminal. The map server searches for a return route from the current location to a destination, generates map information including the return route, and transmits the map information to the mobile terminal. The mobile terminal receives and stores the map information including the return route and displays the map information.

Abstract: A system for implementing a method that books and pays a retailer having a POS connected to a transaction server storing confidential user information including a retailer identification, a user code, and a user wireless device phone number. The method includes: receiving at the transaction server, from the user wireless device which can be a cell phone, an SMS containing a retailer identification; reading at the transaction server the phone number of the wireless device communicated by the carrier transporting the SMS; authentifying the phone number and retailer identification with the stored confidential user information; sending the user confidential information to the retailer POS. The user enters on the POS the user code. The POS reads and authentifies the user code with the user confidential information received from the transaction server. The retailer enters the payment information on the POS and sends it with user information to the transaction server.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing carrier-centric data communications cost monitoring and controls are provided. In an embodiment, the method operates by receiving a registration request associated with a subscriber session, determining current data usage associated with the subscriber, and receiving data usage thresholds. The method further comprises receiving quotas associated with the subscriber session and collecting data usage information associated with the subscriber session. The method sends a notification to the subscriber when a pre-determined quota is exceeded during the subscriber session and controls data usage. The cost monitoring and control system comprises a usage policy server and a usage policy application. The usage policy application allows a carrier to offer alterations to terms of a subscription.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the disclosure, a method of managing a site in a mobile environment, which includes detecting an availability of a thermostat wherein the thermostat has an operating condition; detecting a location of a mobile device associated with the site; providing a proximity control selector within a user interface of the mobile device to manage a proximity detection module disposed on the thermostat, wherein the proximity control selector has an enabled setting of the proximity detection module and a disabled setting of the proximity detection module; enabling the proximity detection module in response to the enabled setting of the proximity control selector to allow for the modification of the operating condition of the thermostat based on the detected location of the mobile device relative to the site; and disabling the proximity detection module in response to the disabled setting of the proximity control selector.

Abstract: A system and method that provides a user interface on a mobile network terminal for operation with a printer resource access system wherein the user interface is modified for releasing a print job from a nearby printer resource. Since printer resources may include any number of print job release mechanism each requiring different authentication information, the user interface must be modified appropriately. The mobile network terminal obtains location information from a location service, such as GPS or an internet based location service, and provides the location information to a printer directory service in a printer resource access system. The printer directory service then consults the database of printer resource information and provides connection and configuration information for printer resource located nearby the mobile network terminal.

Abstract: A method of informing a portable electronic device of a number of available pre-paid text messages, comprising billing a pre-paid subscriber account for a predetermined number of text messages to be sent by a portable electronic device; incrementing a first count by an application executing on a computer based on the predetermined number of text messages purchased; determining by the application a second count indicating a remaining balance of text messages based on how many text messages have been one of received and sent by the portable electronic device since billing the pre-paid subscriber account based on the first count; and sending by the application a message comprising the second count to the portable electronic device.

Abstract: A home network may track data usage in real time by a wireless mobile communication device while roaming in a GSM network that is separate from the home network. A Home Location Register (HLR) may receive location information indicative of the location of the wireless mobile communication device in the GSM network. An Online Charging System (OCS) may receive the location information directly or indirectly from the Home Location Register. The Online Charging System may use this location information to determine data rates and cutoff limits which are consistent with subscriber plans and are based on the location of the mobile communication device. This information may be communicated to roaming subscribers in real time and/or used to cut off data communication.

Abstract: A subscriber communicates over an IP-based wireless telecommunications network through an access point. Identifiers associated with the access point (e.g., MAC address IP address, FQDN . . . ) are stored in a database. Each access point is mapped into one or more service zones, where service zones are mapped to service types. The subscriber has a rate plan that is based on a selection of one or more service types. When a wireless connection between the subscriber and the IP-based wireless telecommunications network is established, the access point identifiers are used to retrieve a service zone ID from the database. Upon completion of the communication, a call detail record can be generated that includes the service zone ID for the communication. The billing system can then retrieve billing plan information to determine an appropriate rate for the subscriber based on the service zone ID.

Abstract: The described invention provides a method and system for allowing subscribers of a telematics service provider (TSP) to make hands-free phone calls within their vehicles through a telematics unit over a network or hardware-based pre-pay system, wherein the telematics unit or a wireless network provider associated with the TSP controls the ingoing and outgoing hands-free calling (HFC) processes. The wireless network provider, through its system at a remote call center or through the telematics unit, may determine whether the subscriber has subscribed to the TSP's HFC service, whether the subscriber has a sufficient remaining balance to initiate, receive or continue a call, and whether a user of the telematics unit is “roaming.” When a user attempts to make or receive a call through the telematics unit, the wireless network provider or the telematics unit may handle the incoming or outgoing call processing, and may further provide subscriber account balance notifications to the user.

Abstract: Location-based services are provided in a communication system comprising at least a portion of at least one wireless network. In one aspect of the invention, profile information is obtained for users associated with respective mobile user devices, and location information is obtained for the mobile user devices. At least one message is controllably delivered to a given one of the mobile user devices based on the location information and the profile information. The location information is obtained for respective ones of the mobile user devices responsive to location determinations initiated by those devices.

Abstract: A method includes maintaining a repository of location identifiers and billing identifiers, wherein each of a plurality of network devices is associated with a location identifier in the repository, and each location identifier is further associated with at least one billing identifier. The method further includes receiving a communications message; determining a location identifier associated with the communications message; selectively retrieving a billing identifier from the repository based at least in part on the location identifier; and determining a billing rate based at least in part on the billing identifier.

Abstract: There is proposed a mechanism for charging control and a charging client relocation. When it is determined that a relocation of a charging related functionality for a communication connection from a previous charging client node to a new charging client node is executed, the new charging client node requests quota information used in a charging procedure for the communication connection from a charging server node. A charging agent is informed by the new charging client node about the relocation to the new charging client node after predetermined information is received from the previous charging client node and the quota information is received from the charging server.

Abstract: A method of providing a service to a customer comprises receiving a request by a customer for an item of content, providing to the customer an option to subscribe to a service for a limited time, if the customer opts to subscribe, then providing the service for the limited time, and if the customer does not opt to subscribe, then not providing the service for the limited time.

Abstract: A location mapping service (“LMS”) that allows the integrations of an IMS core with the location-based billing methods of a legacy core network. The LMS uses the estimated location of a mobile device during an IMS session in order to determine a Cell Global Identification (“CGI”) to associate with the session. The LMS then provides the determined CGI to the legacy core network, so that a billing gateway may determine the billing region to associate with the IMS session. The LMS thereby facilitates location-based billing for IMS sessions in the absence of actual CGI information.

Abstract: A system and method for setting a billing allocation between a user and a company allowing the costs for personal and work use of a mobile device during a period to be allocated as desired. The system and method further provides for allocation of costs associated with obtaining a new mobile device. The billing allocation model provides maximum flexibility to allow a user to obtain the mobile device desired, while still allowing the user to take advantage of a company's preferred corporate rates and discounts and allowing a company to maintain control of mobile device costs relating to purchase and use of the mobile device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to facilitate online transactions via mobile communications. In one aspect, a system includes a data storage facility to store an account identifier of a user and a phone number of the user and an interchange coupled with the data storage facility. The interchange includes a common format processor and a plurality of converters to interface with a plurality of different controllers of mobile communications. The converters are configured to communicate with the common format processor in a common format and to communicate with the controllers in different formats. The interchange uses the converters to communicate with the mobile phone of a user to confirm the identity of the user using a user terminal separate from the mobile phone for subsequent payment requests from the user terminal to be fulfilled using the account identifier.

Abstract: Device group partitions and a settlement platform are provided. In some embodiments, device group partitions (e.g., partitions of devices based on associated device groups) are provided. In some embodiments, a settlement platform service is provided. In some embodiments, a settlement platform service is provided for partitioned devices. In some embodiments, collecting device generated service usage information for one or more devices in wireless communication on a wireless network; and aggregating the device generated service usage information for a settlement platform for the one or more devices in wireless communication on the wireless network is provided. In some embodiments, a settlement platform implements a service billing allocation and/or a service/transactional revenue share among one or more partners. In some embodiments, service usage information includes micro-CDRs, which are used for CDR mediation or reconciliation that provides for service usage accounting on any device activity that is desired.

Abstract: A server provides Internet access to wireless devices. Billing information for each wireless device is shared with a content provider. The server formats usage information into a transaction record for the content provider. A customer of a network carrier is charged differently based upon a type of content accessed through the server.

Abstract: A communication system includes a GGSN calculating a communication volume of a mobile terminal, and a service control device storing a charge remaining amount corresponding to a communication volume available to the mobile terminal. The service control device includes an inquiry acceptance unit accepting an inquiry for the charge remaining amount of the mobile terminal, a communication state determination unit determining whether the mobile terminal is in communication, an updated remaining amount reception unit acquiring the charge remaining amount updated in accordance with the communication volume calculated by the GGSN when the communication state determination unit determines that the mobile terminal is in communication, and a remaining amount notification unit notifying of the charge remaining amount of the mobile terminal in response to the inquiry that the inquiry acceptance unit has accepted.

Abstract: The advances disclosed herewith delimit an improved method and system for smoothly rating and billing Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS). Implemented as part of a computer program product, the solution seeking the protection of Letters Patent, represents a comprehensive real-time solution for rating incoming and outgoing MMS messages which, with a view towards simplicity and efficacy of purpose, enables wireless/mobile subscribers to maintain a single account for both voice and messaging (MMS) services.

Abstract: Prepaid services include associating a plurality of users with a prepaid services account. The account is configured to track a prepaid balance associated with the account as well as to allow at least a subset of the plurality of users associated with the account to draw down the prepaid balance at least generally at the same time. Drawing down the prepaid balance includes allocating a portion of the prepaid balance to each respective user, monitoring a provision of service, and repeating, selectively, the allocating and monitoring.

Abstract: A method of operating a network server, for a network comprising a plurality of wireless mobile routers is provided. Each mobile router comprises a wide area network wireless interface to access a cellular network provided by a predetermined cellular service provider and is operable to upload and download data via the cellular network. Each mobile router is operable to monitor the uploaded and downloaded data to generate usage. The method comprises: selectively coupling the server to the plurality of mobile routers via the cellular network; receiving from each of the mobile routers the corresponding usage data; operating the server to access billing data from the service provider for each mobile router; and comparing the usage data for each mobile router to corresponding billing data for each mobile router to determine if there is a billing discrepancy.

Abstract: An architecture and method is provided for call routing using both IMS and non-IMS frameworks. The method includes receiving presence information of a third party from a non-IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network device. The method further includes routing the third party to at least one callee designated device based on configurable preferences provided by the callee and correlated to presence information using an IMS compliant component. The method additionally includes providing a charging record for the routing on an IMS complaint charging platform.

Abstract: A system and method of using Diameter based signaling is provided to track usage to support multiple billing models for visually rendered revenue generating services in an IP Multimedia subsystem based network. The system includes a computer system includes first program instructions to provide usage information to an accounting platform for processing charging information for visually rendered services in an IP Multimedia subsystem based network. The computer system also comprises a computer readable media which stores the first program instructions and a central processing unit to execute the first program instructions.

Abstract: A method of operating a network server for a network comprising a plurality of wireless mobile routers comprises: selectively coupling the server to a plurality of mobile routers via a cellular network; operating the server to access billing data from a predetermined carrier providing the cellular network for each of the mobile routers; receiving from each of the mobile routers corresponding usage statistical data; comparing the usage statistical data for each mobile router to corresponding billing data for each mobile router to determine if there is a billing discrepancy.

Abstract: A method and network system for obtaining, from a management entity, a bill-by-account service policy applicable to a device group managed at least in part by the management entity, the device group including a plurality of devices including a particular device identified by a particular credential, the bill-by-account service policy comprising classification and accounting policies; identifying wireless access network data traffic associated with the particular device; based on the classification policy, identifying a particular service activity within the wireless access network data traffic, the particular service activity being a bill-by-account service activity; obtaining a record comprising the particular credential and a usage measure indicating a wireless access network usage associated with the particular service activity; and, based on the accounting policy, allocating the usage measure to an account associated with an entity that is financially responsible for usage of the wireless access network a

Abstract: A Home Location Register (HLR) and an Interworking Gateway (IWG) of an operator are configured to redirect Mobile Originated Short Messages (MO SM) sent by roaming cellular communication devices of both prepaid and postpaid subscribers hosted by a foreign network to a real time charging gateway (RTCG). The RTCG retrieves from the operator's database the type of subscription of the sending device. If the device is of a postpaid subscription, the RTCG operates as a relay between an SMSC and the foreign network. If the device is of a prepaid subscription, the RTCG communicates with a PrePaid System (PPS) and forwards the MO SM to the SMSC only in case there are sufficient funds in the respective prepaid account.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining a charge for a communication with one or more devices may include identifying a communication from a first device to a second device. The methods and apparatus may further include determining if the first device has a relationship with the second device by identifying another communication between the first device and the second device prior to the time of the communication, and determining a charge amount based upon the determining.

Abstract: A method of processing short message service (SMS) calls for a subscriber's communication device in a communication network is provided. The method comprises: receiving an SMS request involving the communication device at a short message service center; accessing a family access control database storing family access control information received for the communication device; and determining whether the short message service request should be allowed or denied based on the information found in the database.

Abstract: A method may include enrolling a subscriber device in an adaptive pricing service plan for providing telecommunication service to the subscriber device; associating, with the telecommunication service, a first pricing scheme including a first number of allotted minutes within a current billing cycle; tracking, for the subscriber device within the current billing cycle, cumulative used minutes of the telecommunication service; determining, using a forecasting model and the cumulative used minutes, prospective minutes usage with respect to the first number of allotted minutes for an entirety of the current billing cycle; generating, based on the prospective minutes usage, a recommendation related to a second pricing scheme including a second number of allotted minutes; and sending, within the current billing cycle, the recommendation to the subscriber device.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for segregating transactions in a multimode communication device. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a communication device (102) has a controller (206) for managing operations of a wireless transceiver (202) that supports a plurality of access technologies. The controller can be programmed to update (301) a phonebook stored in the communication device, wherein each entry in the phonebook comprises a calling number and one among a plurality of account designations, and submit (344) the phonebook to a network management system (110) for segregating (514) billing of incoming and outgoing calls directed to and from the communication device on each of the access technologies according to a corresponding account designation retrieved (510) from the phonebook according to said calls.

Abstract: A mobile payment network receives location information from mobile devices used to conduct transactions between two account holders, and qualifies any requested transactions based on the physical proximity of the two devices relative to each other.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described to address some of the inefficiencies in present-day network initiated handovers. A serving node (121) sends a first message requesting a remote unit (101) to handover but does not indicate any network nodes to which to handover and then receives, in response, a second message indicating a target node (e.g., 122) preferred for handover by the remote unit. The serving node then notifies the target node of a potential handover by the remote unit and sends a third message to indicate to the remote unit to proceed with a handover to the target node. By first obtaining a preferred handover target from the remote unit and then notifying that target node, a network initiated handover may be accomplished more efficiently than by using the known technique of notifying prospective nodes prior to obtaining any acceptance or preference from the remote unit.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to interactive voice response (IVR) system session management and provide a method, system and computer program product for call interruption handling in an IVR data processing system. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for call interruption handling in an IVR data processing system can include detecting a call interruption of a telephone call between a caller and an IVR system during an established IVR session for the caller. The method also can include saving state information for the established IVR session in connection with the caller in response to detecting the call interruption.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for applying an offer scheme to usage data using a user interface. In operation, usage data associated with a user is received from a server. Additionally, one or more offer schemes are displayed to the user using a user interface. Furthermore, the user is allowed to apply the one or more offer schemes to the usage data, utilizing the user interface. Still yet, the user is allowed to select one of the one or more offer schemes based on a result of the application, utilizing the user interface.

Abstract: An account management engine for managing at least one prepaid wireless service account can include a calculation logic module that includes at least one scheduling algorithm configured to calculate a message delay time, the expiration of which triggers a continue message to be sent to a service switching point (SSP) instructing the SSP to continue an established call. A method for managing at least one prepaid service account can include calculating, based upon at least one scheduling algorithm, a message delay time, the expiration of which triggers a continue message to be sent to a service switching point (SSP) instructing the SSP to continue an established call.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method, an apparatus, and a system for releasing resources. The method includes: querying a reservation record according to information about a current session; judging whether a reservation record exists according to a result of the query; judging whether a conflicting session exists according to reservation information in the reservation record if the reservation record exists; obtaining reservation information of the conflicting session if the conflicting session exists, and releasing a corresponding reserved service unit according to the reservation information of the conflicting session; and reserving a service unit for the current session, storing reservation information of the current session, and forming a reservation record for the current session if no reservation record exists or no conflicting session exists or the corresponding reserved service unit is released.

Abstract: A method for transmitting prepaid charging/credit information to a mobile station. The available credit information can be sent to the mobile station by detecting a termination of a call chargeable to the subscriber of the mobile station; and in response to the detecting, sending the credit information to the mobile station as a connectionless message, preferably as a short message or a USSD message. Optionally, resources allocated to the call are released with sufficient delay for sending the connectionless message without paging the mobile station separately.

Abstract: Methods for adding minutes to a calling plan having a calling plan period. The methods including determining whether a threshold number of minutes have been reached during the calling plan period; and incrementally adding minutes to the calling plan when the threshold number of minutes has been reached. The cost per minute of the added minutes is less than the high-cost per minute rate normally associated with exceeding the threshold number of minutes during the calling plan period.

Abstract: A security system is provided for a facility (10). The security system includes: a central monitoring station (20) that controls one or more security measures for the facility (10); and, a heart rate monitor (30) that detects a heart rate of an individual (50), the heart rate monitor (30) being in wireless communication with the central monitoring station (20). Suitably, the central monitoring station (20) selectively implements one or more of the security measures in response to a determination that an abnormal heart rate has been detected.

Abstract: Multiple access internet portal billing systems are provided. A representative system, among others, includes a communication facility, a wireless internet server, and a transaction billing system. The communication facility includes a billing platform, and is operable to connect to a plurality of wireless device platforms through a mobile network, and to connect to the wireless internet server. The wireless internet server provides internet access to the wireless devices and communicates at least one billing information record including a usage time to a transaction billing system. The transaction billing system receives the billing information record from the wireless internet server, formats the billing information record, and communicates the formatted record to the communication facility billing platform. Methods and other systems for multiple access internet portals are also provided.

Abstract: A testing application may be executed on a mobile device associated with a mobile device build and may perform operations comprising: identifying a set of mobile applications designated for testing the mobile device build; for each mobile application in the set of mobile applications: receiving an indication that a user has selected the mobile application for execution; identifying a set of tests associated with the mobile application; for each test in the set of tests: prompting the user to perform an action specified by the test using the mobile application; prompting the user for feedback regarding performance of the action by the mobile application; receiving the feedback from the user; and storing the feedback received from the user.