CA2793439C - Method and system for over-the-air call forwarding provisioning - Google Patents
Method and system for over-the-air call forwarding provisioning Download PDFInfo
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- CA2793439C CA2793439C CA2793439A CA2793439A CA2793439C CA 2793439 C CA2793439 C CA 2793439C CA 2793439 A CA2793439 A CA 2793439A CA 2793439 A CA2793439 A CA 2793439A CA 2793439 C CA2793439 C CA 2793439C
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- call forwarding
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- mobile device
- location
- application server
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Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
- H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
- H04M3/42136—Administration or customisation of services
- H04M3/42178—Administration or customisation of services by downloading data to substation equipment
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
- H04W4/02—Services making use of location information
- H04W4/029—Location-based management or tracking services
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
- H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
- H04M3/54—Arrangements for diverting calls for one subscriber to another predetermined subscriber
- H04M3/548—Arrangements for diverting calls for one subscriber to another predetermined subscriber with remote control
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
- H04W4/02—Services making use of location information
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
- H04W4/16—Communication-related supplementary services, e.g. call-transfer or call-hold
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
- H04W4/50—Service provisioning or reconfiguring
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W60/00—Affiliation to network, e.g. registration; Terminating affiliation with the network, e.g. de-registration
- H04W60/04—Affiliation to network, e.g. registration; Terminating affiliation with the network, e.g. de-registration using triggered events
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W8/00—Network data management
- H04W8/18—Processing of user or subscriber data, e.g. subscribed services, user preferences or user profiles; Transfer of user or subscriber data
- H04W8/183—Processing at user equipment or user record carrier
Abstract
A method for provisioning call forwarding parameters including providing a dual-sided UICC between an interface between a primary subscriber identity module and a terminal of a mobile device, wherein the dual-sided UICC intercepts requests for communication from the primary SIM and determines whether a communications service should proceed with the dual-sided UICC or via the primary SIM; and detecting a change in location of the mobile device and providing at least one call forwarding parameter to the mobile device based on the change in location.
Description
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OVER-THE-AIR CALL FORWARDING PROVISIONING
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of mobile device communications, and more particularly to a method and system for providing over-the-air call forwarding updates.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of mobile device communications, and more particularly to a method and system for providing over-the-air call forwarding updates.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Mobile telephone calls made when outside a user's home network generally incur roaming charges that can become extremely costly. Typical mobile telephones have a SIM
(subscriber identity module) card used to identify the user and the base network to which the user belongs. Often times, user's attempting to avoid roaming charges will acquire secondary services directly from a foreign service provider, such as by purchasing a second SIM card and substituting the second SIM card for the primary one when in a roaming zone. Alternative solutions include providing special roaming access telephone numbers to route calls through service providers offering discounted rates, however this requires the user to dial extra digits prior to completing each telephone call and to remember these access numbers when travelling. Other users simply rely on calling cards which do save money for outgoing calls, but are not compatible or helpful with incoming calls. Indeed, a user has little or no control over incoming calls and the charges incurred when receiving a call in a roaming zone, other than to ignore the call altogether.
(subscriber identity module) card used to identify the user and the base network to which the user belongs. Often times, user's attempting to avoid roaming charges will acquire secondary services directly from a foreign service provider, such as by purchasing a second SIM card and substituting the second SIM card for the primary one when in a roaming zone. Alternative solutions include providing special roaming access telephone numbers to route calls through service providers offering discounted rates, however this requires the user to dial extra digits prior to completing each telephone call and to remember these access numbers when travelling. Other users simply rely on calling cards which do save money for outgoing calls, but are not compatible or helpful with incoming calls. Indeed, a user has little or no control over incoming calls and the charges incurred when receiving a call in a roaming zone, other than to ignore the call altogether.
[0003] One solution to these prior art problems has been proposed by applicant's currently pending PCT International Application No. PCT/CA2011/050379 where there is disclosed the structure and use of a dual-sided UICC card that is employed concurrently with a primary SIM
card in a manner such that the dual-sided UICC and primary SIM cards are effectively structurally and functionally coupled 84916-213302 (KB/YB) DOCMANAGE_LEGAL_675989 1 when in a phone. The dual-sided UICC of the '379 application permits for advanced call and data routing where appropriate while still allowing the primary SIM to control voice and data when a user is in their home network.
100041 One problem associated with the invention of the '379 application, and indeed with other prior art arrangements, is the lack of control over incoming calls made to the user's home number while a user is roaming that often results excessive roaming charges to the end user.
While various wireless service providers to provide call forwarding services, these must be predetermined prior to a user travelling, and manual updates are required when entering a different country, for example. These manual updates can be done either by the end user contacting the network service provider of their home network, or otherwise manually entering a call forwarding number into an application installed on the mobile device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
100051 According to one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method for provisioning call forwarding parameters including providing a dual-sided UICC (Universal Integrity Circuit Chip) with SIM and USIM functionality between a primary subscriber identity module and a terminal of a mobile device, wherein the dual-sided UICC intercepts requests for communication from the primary SIM and determines whether a communications service should proceed with the dual-sided UICC or via the primary SIM; and, detecting a change in location of the mobile device and providing at least one call forwarding parameter to the mobile device based on the change in location.
[0006] According to one aspect of this embodiment, the invention further includes generating a location update data packet containing information indicative of a location of the mobile device;
sending the location update packet to an application server; generating by the application server the at 84916-213302 (KB/YB) DOCMANAGE_LEGAL_675989 1 least one call forwarding parameter; and, sending the at least one call forwarding parameter to the mobile device.
[0007] According to another aspect of the invention, the sending step comprises sending via SMS or USSD messaging.
[0008] According to another aspect of the invention, the at least one call forwarding parameter comprises one or more of a DID number, a PSTN number and a call forwarding activation parameter.
[0009] According to another aspect of the invention, the dual-sided UICC
comprises an application for adopting the at least one call forwarding parameter.
[00010] According to another aspect of the invention, the sending step comprises sending via a mobile base station operated by a roaming network service provider.
[00011] According to another aspect of the invention, the generating via the application server step comprises determining by the application server the at least one call forwarding parameter.
[00012] According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a system including a mobile base station for providing communications service to a mobile device having a primary SIM
and a dual-sided UICC, wherein the dual-sided UICC intercepts requests for communication from the primary SIM and determines whether a communications service should proceed with the dual-sided UICC or via the primary SIM; and an application server in communication with the mobile base station; the application server configured to receive communications from the complementary SIM;
wherein the application server includes computer readable instructions thereon for determining at least one call forwarding parameter and sending the at least one call forwarding parameter to the dual-sided UICC via the mobile base station.
[00013] According to an aspect of this embodiment, the dual-sided UICC is adapted to generate a location update data packet containing information indicative of a change in location of the mobile 84916-213302 (KB/YB) DOCMANAGE_LEGAL_675989 1 device and to prove the at least one call forwarding parameter to the mobile device based on the change in location.
[00014] According to another aspect of the invention, the application server is adapted to send the updated call forwarding parameters to the dual-sided UICC via SMS or USSD
messaging.
[00015] According to another aspect of the invention, the SMS or USSD
messaging includes encryption. Headers of the SMS or USSD messages are standard and may confirm to 3GPP/ETSI
standardization groups.
[00016] According to another aspect of the invention, the dual-sided UICC
includes computer readable instructions for adopting the at least one parameter.
[00017] According to another aspect of the invention, the at least one call forwarding parameter comprises one or more of a DID number, a PSTN number and a call forwarding activation parameter.
[00018] Other and further advantages and features of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, a description of which follows below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00019] The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like numbers refer to like elements, wherein:
[00020] Figure 1 shows one system in which the method of the invention may be implemented.
[00021] Figure 2 shows a network arrangement in which the method may be implemented.
[00022] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing one embodiment of the method according to the invention.
card in a manner such that the dual-sided UICC and primary SIM cards are effectively structurally and functionally coupled 84916-213302 (KB/YB) DOCMANAGE_LEGAL_675989 1 when in a phone. The dual-sided UICC of the '379 application permits for advanced call and data routing where appropriate while still allowing the primary SIM to control voice and data when a user is in their home network.
100041 One problem associated with the invention of the '379 application, and indeed with other prior art arrangements, is the lack of control over incoming calls made to the user's home number while a user is roaming that often results excessive roaming charges to the end user.
While various wireless service providers to provide call forwarding services, these must be predetermined prior to a user travelling, and manual updates are required when entering a different country, for example. These manual updates can be done either by the end user contacting the network service provider of their home network, or otherwise manually entering a call forwarding number into an application installed on the mobile device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
100051 According to one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method for provisioning call forwarding parameters including providing a dual-sided UICC (Universal Integrity Circuit Chip) with SIM and USIM functionality between a primary subscriber identity module and a terminal of a mobile device, wherein the dual-sided UICC intercepts requests for communication from the primary SIM and determines whether a communications service should proceed with the dual-sided UICC or via the primary SIM; and, detecting a change in location of the mobile device and providing at least one call forwarding parameter to the mobile device based on the change in location.
[0006] According to one aspect of this embodiment, the invention further includes generating a location update data packet containing information indicative of a location of the mobile device;
sending the location update packet to an application server; generating by the application server the at 84916-213302 (KB/YB) DOCMANAGE_LEGAL_675989 1 least one call forwarding parameter; and, sending the at least one call forwarding parameter to the mobile device.
[0007] According to another aspect of the invention, the sending step comprises sending via SMS or USSD messaging.
[0008] According to another aspect of the invention, the at least one call forwarding parameter comprises one or more of a DID number, a PSTN number and a call forwarding activation parameter.
[0009] According to another aspect of the invention, the dual-sided UICC
comprises an application for adopting the at least one call forwarding parameter.
[00010] According to another aspect of the invention, the sending step comprises sending via a mobile base station operated by a roaming network service provider.
[00011] According to another aspect of the invention, the generating via the application server step comprises determining by the application server the at least one call forwarding parameter.
[00012] According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a system including a mobile base station for providing communications service to a mobile device having a primary SIM
and a dual-sided UICC, wherein the dual-sided UICC intercepts requests for communication from the primary SIM and determines whether a communications service should proceed with the dual-sided UICC or via the primary SIM; and an application server in communication with the mobile base station; the application server configured to receive communications from the complementary SIM;
wherein the application server includes computer readable instructions thereon for determining at least one call forwarding parameter and sending the at least one call forwarding parameter to the dual-sided UICC via the mobile base station.
[00013] According to an aspect of this embodiment, the dual-sided UICC is adapted to generate a location update data packet containing information indicative of a change in location of the mobile 84916-213302 (KB/YB) DOCMANAGE_LEGAL_675989 1 device and to prove the at least one call forwarding parameter to the mobile device based on the change in location.
[00014] According to another aspect of the invention, the application server is adapted to send the updated call forwarding parameters to the dual-sided UICC via SMS or USSD
messaging.
[00015] According to another aspect of the invention, the SMS or USSD
messaging includes encryption. Headers of the SMS or USSD messages are standard and may confirm to 3GPP/ETSI
standardization groups.
[00016] According to another aspect of the invention, the dual-sided UICC
includes computer readable instructions for adopting the at least one parameter.
[00017] According to another aspect of the invention, the at least one call forwarding parameter comprises one or more of a DID number, a PSTN number and a call forwarding activation parameter.
[00018] Other and further advantages and features of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, a description of which follows below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00019] The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like numbers refer to like elements, wherein:
[00020] Figure 1 shows one system in which the method of the invention may be implemented.
[00021] Figure 2 shows a network arrangement in which the method may be implemented.
[00022] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing one embodiment of the method according to the invention.
84916-213302 (KB/YB) LEGAL_6675989 2 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[00023] The preferred embodiment of the invention is implemented with respect to a means for intercepting a request for communications service from a communications device. Examples of this means and its operation are described in the '379 patent mentioned above.
Referring now to Figure 1, there is shown a preferred system in which embodiments of the invention are implemented, in which a means for intercepting a request for communications service is provided to a mobile communications device in the form of a dual-sided UICC card 10 that fits into a mobile device 20 and positioned between a SIM card 15 native to the phone (or alternatively to a user's home network), hereinafter referred to also as the primary SIM card 15, and an interface 25 between the mobile device 20 and the primary SIM card 15.
In this manner, the dual-sided UICC card 10 is positioned to provide a physical link between the primary SIM card 15 and the interface 25 on the mobile device 20 that would otherwise have interacted with the primary SIM card 15. The dual-sided UICC 10 is thin enough to fit into existing mobile devices between the primary SIM 15 and the phone interface 25.
In the preferred embodiment, the dual-sided UICC communicates with the primary SIM and with a terminal device by APDU (Application Protocol Data Unit) commands, which are used by the transmission protocol.
These may be adapted to follow ISO, 3GPP and/or ETSI specifications.
[00025] In use, a request for communications service occurs when a user places or receives a telephone call, sends or receives and SMS or attempts to access data services from a mobile device.
The user's requests are intercepted and routed by the dual-sided UICC, via a mobile network operator in the geographical region of where the user currently is, to an application server. The user's requests are routed to the application server in a manner that depends on the service type originating the 84916-213302 (KB/YB) LEGAL_6675989 2 request, although these would typically be by the dual-sided UICC sending SMS, USSD or HTTP
messages to the application server.
[00026] The application server undertakes an authentication step to confirm the identity of the user and to ensure that the user, and therefore the complementary SIM, are registered with the service provider associated with the complementary SIM. The routing of the request to the application server may include a data packet that includes one or more selected from the following: a serial number, an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) associated with the dual-sided UICC, an MSISDN
(Mobile Subscriber Integrated Services Digital Network Number) associated with the dual-sided UICC, an MSISDN associated with the primary SIM, an associated DID (direct inward dialing) number, a VSIM profile identification, the called phone number, the user's location, and various other data that may be useful in identifying and determining the intended destination of the request for communications. Various other data would be applicable may be included in the data packet for other types of communications services being requested. Authentication of the user may be based on a user data packet, referred to above and may further include a server-side identification using one or more of the following records: a unique account identification number, a call flow scenario identification number, a customer account number, an associated DID number, the country code of the primary SIM, the mobile network code of the network operator of the primary SIM, the phone number associated with the user's device, a flag that indicates if the customer account is active, a flag that indicates if the customer account is a multi-user account, a code unique to the dual-sided UICC, a serial number associated with the dual-sided UICC, a phone number that belongs to the user's user profile, an MSISDN of the current virtual profile and a virtual SIM profile identification. Once the user has been authenticated as being a customer of the service provider associated with the complementary SIM, the 84916-213302 (KB/YB) DOCMANAGE_LEGAL_675989 1 application server may proceed to providing authorization for the request for services. Various ways of completing the call or request for data are possible.
[00027]
In carrying out the above-described process flow, it will now be clear that certain parameters associated with the complementary SIM are required to interact with the application server and/or with a roaming partner with which the application server interacts, either directly or via the complementary SIM. In order to provide flexibility and greater continuity to the use of the complementary SIM (or indeed to any other functionally equivalent physical or virtual device), applicant proposes the herein-described method for providing over the air updates for call forwarding parameters, and to otherwise enable and maintain call forwarding numbers based on location changes as a user travels between different regions or mobile communications service.
Applicant's co-pending Canadian Application No. 2,794,634, entitled, "Method and System For Providing Over The Air Mobile Device Parameter Updates", discloses one method and system for communicating new parameters, or updating old parameters in the complementary SIM based on when a change is detected in the location of the user, where such a change requires or otherwise enables the mobile device to access services provided by a different service provider. In particular, the invention provides for the provisioning, or in the alternative the re-provisioning, of the call forwarding set-up over-the-air, and in some embodiments, when changes to a user's location are detected. For the purposes of this application, the term provisioning is intended to include re-provisioning.
[00028] Accordingly, in one embodiment the invention provides for a call forwarding method using over-the-air provisioning to enact the diversion from the user's mobile subscriber integrated services digital network number (MSISDN) to a new roaming MSISDN provided by a mobile operator, typically the mobile operator providing services via the complementary SIM
card, or a mobile operator 84916-213302 (KB/YB) LEGAL_6675989 1 providing services under same. Preferably, the provisioning of the new MSISDN
is carried out upon detection of a change in region of service of the user. In provisioning call forwarding, a new DID
(direct inward dialing) number or a local PSTN (public switched telephone network) number to arrange for the call diversion setups is automatically provided by an application server in communication with the complementary SIM, via encrypted SMS messages, for example. The call forwarding procedure is preferably triggered by a location update event. A
primary (home) MSISDN
number is diverted to a geographically/tariff local call forwarding number which is then terminated to a new roaming MSISDN number associated with dual-sided UICC.
[00029] Broadly, location updates can be delivered from a mobile station to a network operator via SMS, USSD, HTTP or MAP protocols, for example. Other protocols are also possible, and the invention is not to be considered limited to these. For the purposes of this description, the term location updates is meant to encompass any signal, including data or otherwise, that gets communicated to and/or from a mobile device to a mobile station that includes information relating to a change in location of the mobile device, and particularly where the change in location requires the mobile device to access services via a different mobile station. Once the user of mobile device arrives in a roaming country (area) his mobile device will try to scan the available network antennas and will try to register to one of the roaming networks. Upon registration to the roaming network - the dual-sided UICC card will be updated with the new mobile country code information via the APDU
command (Mobile Country & Network Codes (MCC & MNC); Location Area Code (LAC);
Cell Identity Value (Cell ID)).
[00030] In one embodiment, a location update data packet sent from the mobile device preferably includes the complementary SIM card's IMSI number, the visitor mobile network country code (MCC) and the visitor mobile network code (MNC). For example, a mobile device user having a 84916-213302 (KB/YB) DOCMANAGE_LEGAL_675989 1 mobile device entering a new country will have generated by the dual-sided UICC card a data packet that communicates the IMSI of the SIM, the country code of where the IMSI is registered, and the network within that country of where the IMSI is registered. This provides sufficient information for the network operator in the new location to identify and authorize the user on the network in the region being entered. On the mobile device itself, as herein described, the complementary SIM registers the location update, preferably by way of registering a change in the MCC by an application running on board the complementary SIM. Information about the location change is delivered from the dual-sided UICC card to the application server, via a mobile base station providing mobile communications services. This communication may be delivered by any one of SMS, USSD, HTTP
and MAP
messaging services. Once the location update message is received at the application server, the application server identifies an allocated and available DID or PTSN number, and sends this number to one of the primary or dual-sided UICC card. In addition, other call forwarding parameters may also be communicated, including a switching parameter that activates call forwarding on the mobile device.
The general operation of call forwarding features on mobile devices, including turning them on and changing parameters manually is known in the art, and accordingly is not described herein in further detail. The invention provides for provisioning these call forwarding parameters to the mobile device when the mobile device changes regions, automatically and over-the-air.
1000311 Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown a network arrangement according to one embodiment of the invention. The mobile device 205, includes a primary SIM and a dual-sided UICC
210. The mobile device 205 is in communication with a mobile base station 215 for accessing the services of a local network operator 220. The network operator 220 communicates with mobile networks around the world as is known in the art. In addition, however, the network operator 220 is also in communication with an application server 225 of the dual-sided UICC
service provider. In this 84916-213302 (KB/YB) DOCMANAGE_LEGAL_675989 1 arrangement, updated call forwarding parameters can be pushed to the dual-sided UICC by way of the application server 225 to the mobile base station 215 and finally to one of the dual-sided UICC, the primary SIM and an application running on the mobile device itself. In one embodiment, the updated parameters can be sent in the form of a data packet by either SMS or USSD
protocols. Once a location update message is received by the application server 225, the application server 225 generates a new data package containing call forwarding parameters. For example, the application server 225 may be programmed to identify a new area code associated with the new location of the user, and accordingly provide a call forwarding number within the same new area code. It is also possible for the application server 225 to identify particular network operators serving local call forwarding numbers with better calling rates in the primary SIM card home location, and to provision the mobile device to use numbers associated with these operators.
[00032] One way of provisioning the call forwarding data is illustrated in the flow chart of Figure 3.
After recognition of the roaming location (typically country and a change in the roaming location, an application on the complementary SIM sends a message to the application server for notifying of the change in location, and optionally, requesting the provisioning of updated call forwarding parameters.
This request would typically include the location update packet such that the application server can use the information in the location update packet to identify preferred or optimal parameters for the new location. Once the application server executes its decision making application and identifies the optimal or preferred call forwarding parameters, these parameters are delivered via encrypted SMS
message to the dual-sided UICC card. Once the dual-sided UICC card application receives these parameters, it may execute its import logic or otherwise pass these parameters on to an application running in the memory of the mobile device itself to import the call forwarding parameters. A
84916-213302 (KB/YB) DOCMANAGE_LEGAL_675989 1 message containing these parameters may be sent to the dual-sided UICC card via SMS-PP-DD (SMS
Point to Point Data Download).
[00033] A cheaper VoIP DID number is preferably sent, but as discussed above, call forwarding can also be arranged using PSTN numbers. In addition, a parameter that activates call forwarding may also be sent. This would be beneficial in instances where a user is in their home region, and travels out of the home region for the first time. In this case, the complementary SIM
not only provisions the call forwarding parameters, but also activates call forwarding. Activation of the call forwarding is performed by the dual-sided UICC card application with the SEND SS
(Supplementary Service) command (SEND SS proactive command is described in 3GPP specifications).
1000341 This concludes the description of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention.
The foregoing description has been presented for the purpose of illustration and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed.
84916-213302 (KB/YB) DOCMANAGE_LEGAL_675989 1
[00023] The preferred embodiment of the invention is implemented with respect to a means for intercepting a request for communications service from a communications device. Examples of this means and its operation are described in the '379 patent mentioned above.
Referring now to Figure 1, there is shown a preferred system in which embodiments of the invention are implemented, in which a means for intercepting a request for communications service is provided to a mobile communications device in the form of a dual-sided UICC card 10 that fits into a mobile device 20 and positioned between a SIM card 15 native to the phone (or alternatively to a user's home network), hereinafter referred to also as the primary SIM card 15, and an interface 25 between the mobile device 20 and the primary SIM card 15.
In this manner, the dual-sided UICC card 10 is positioned to provide a physical link between the primary SIM card 15 and the interface 25 on the mobile device 20 that would otherwise have interacted with the primary SIM card 15. The dual-sided UICC 10 is thin enough to fit into existing mobile devices between the primary SIM 15 and the phone interface 25.
In the preferred embodiment, the dual-sided UICC communicates with the primary SIM and with a terminal device by APDU (Application Protocol Data Unit) commands, which are used by the transmission protocol.
These may be adapted to follow ISO, 3GPP and/or ETSI specifications.
[00025] In use, a request for communications service occurs when a user places or receives a telephone call, sends or receives and SMS or attempts to access data services from a mobile device.
The user's requests are intercepted and routed by the dual-sided UICC, via a mobile network operator in the geographical region of where the user currently is, to an application server. The user's requests are routed to the application server in a manner that depends on the service type originating the 84916-213302 (KB/YB) LEGAL_6675989 2 request, although these would typically be by the dual-sided UICC sending SMS, USSD or HTTP
messages to the application server.
[00026] The application server undertakes an authentication step to confirm the identity of the user and to ensure that the user, and therefore the complementary SIM, are registered with the service provider associated with the complementary SIM. The routing of the request to the application server may include a data packet that includes one or more selected from the following: a serial number, an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) associated with the dual-sided UICC, an MSISDN
(Mobile Subscriber Integrated Services Digital Network Number) associated with the dual-sided UICC, an MSISDN associated with the primary SIM, an associated DID (direct inward dialing) number, a VSIM profile identification, the called phone number, the user's location, and various other data that may be useful in identifying and determining the intended destination of the request for communications. Various other data would be applicable may be included in the data packet for other types of communications services being requested. Authentication of the user may be based on a user data packet, referred to above and may further include a server-side identification using one or more of the following records: a unique account identification number, a call flow scenario identification number, a customer account number, an associated DID number, the country code of the primary SIM, the mobile network code of the network operator of the primary SIM, the phone number associated with the user's device, a flag that indicates if the customer account is active, a flag that indicates if the customer account is a multi-user account, a code unique to the dual-sided UICC, a serial number associated with the dual-sided UICC, a phone number that belongs to the user's user profile, an MSISDN of the current virtual profile and a virtual SIM profile identification. Once the user has been authenticated as being a customer of the service provider associated with the complementary SIM, the 84916-213302 (KB/YB) DOCMANAGE_LEGAL_675989 1 application server may proceed to providing authorization for the request for services. Various ways of completing the call or request for data are possible.
[00027]
In carrying out the above-described process flow, it will now be clear that certain parameters associated with the complementary SIM are required to interact with the application server and/or with a roaming partner with which the application server interacts, either directly or via the complementary SIM. In order to provide flexibility and greater continuity to the use of the complementary SIM (or indeed to any other functionally equivalent physical or virtual device), applicant proposes the herein-described method for providing over the air updates for call forwarding parameters, and to otherwise enable and maintain call forwarding numbers based on location changes as a user travels between different regions or mobile communications service.
Applicant's co-pending Canadian Application No. 2,794,634, entitled, "Method and System For Providing Over The Air Mobile Device Parameter Updates", discloses one method and system for communicating new parameters, or updating old parameters in the complementary SIM based on when a change is detected in the location of the user, where such a change requires or otherwise enables the mobile device to access services provided by a different service provider. In particular, the invention provides for the provisioning, or in the alternative the re-provisioning, of the call forwarding set-up over-the-air, and in some embodiments, when changes to a user's location are detected. For the purposes of this application, the term provisioning is intended to include re-provisioning.
[00028] Accordingly, in one embodiment the invention provides for a call forwarding method using over-the-air provisioning to enact the diversion from the user's mobile subscriber integrated services digital network number (MSISDN) to a new roaming MSISDN provided by a mobile operator, typically the mobile operator providing services via the complementary SIM
card, or a mobile operator 84916-213302 (KB/YB) LEGAL_6675989 1 providing services under same. Preferably, the provisioning of the new MSISDN
is carried out upon detection of a change in region of service of the user. In provisioning call forwarding, a new DID
(direct inward dialing) number or a local PSTN (public switched telephone network) number to arrange for the call diversion setups is automatically provided by an application server in communication with the complementary SIM, via encrypted SMS messages, for example. The call forwarding procedure is preferably triggered by a location update event. A
primary (home) MSISDN
number is diverted to a geographically/tariff local call forwarding number which is then terminated to a new roaming MSISDN number associated with dual-sided UICC.
[00029] Broadly, location updates can be delivered from a mobile station to a network operator via SMS, USSD, HTTP or MAP protocols, for example. Other protocols are also possible, and the invention is not to be considered limited to these. For the purposes of this description, the term location updates is meant to encompass any signal, including data or otherwise, that gets communicated to and/or from a mobile device to a mobile station that includes information relating to a change in location of the mobile device, and particularly where the change in location requires the mobile device to access services via a different mobile station. Once the user of mobile device arrives in a roaming country (area) his mobile device will try to scan the available network antennas and will try to register to one of the roaming networks. Upon registration to the roaming network - the dual-sided UICC card will be updated with the new mobile country code information via the APDU
command (Mobile Country & Network Codes (MCC & MNC); Location Area Code (LAC);
Cell Identity Value (Cell ID)).
[00030] In one embodiment, a location update data packet sent from the mobile device preferably includes the complementary SIM card's IMSI number, the visitor mobile network country code (MCC) and the visitor mobile network code (MNC). For example, a mobile device user having a 84916-213302 (KB/YB) DOCMANAGE_LEGAL_675989 1 mobile device entering a new country will have generated by the dual-sided UICC card a data packet that communicates the IMSI of the SIM, the country code of where the IMSI is registered, and the network within that country of where the IMSI is registered. This provides sufficient information for the network operator in the new location to identify and authorize the user on the network in the region being entered. On the mobile device itself, as herein described, the complementary SIM registers the location update, preferably by way of registering a change in the MCC by an application running on board the complementary SIM. Information about the location change is delivered from the dual-sided UICC card to the application server, via a mobile base station providing mobile communications services. This communication may be delivered by any one of SMS, USSD, HTTP
and MAP
messaging services. Once the location update message is received at the application server, the application server identifies an allocated and available DID or PTSN number, and sends this number to one of the primary or dual-sided UICC card. In addition, other call forwarding parameters may also be communicated, including a switching parameter that activates call forwarding on the mobile device.
The general operation of call forwarding features on mobile devices, including turning them on and changing parameters manually is known in the art, and accordingly is not described herein in further detail. The invention provides for provisioning these call forwarding parameters to the mobile device when the mobile device changes regions, automatically and over-the-air.
1000311 Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown a network arrangement according to one embodiment of the invention. The mobile device 205, includes a primary SIM and a dual-sided UICC
210. The mobile device 205 is in communication with a mobile base station 215 for accessing the services of a local network operator 220. The network operator 220 communicates with mobile networks around the world as is known in the art. In addition, however, the network operator 220 is also in communication with an application server 225 of the dual-sided UICC
service provider. In this 84916-213302 (KB/YB) DOCMANAGE_LEGAL_675989 1 arrangement, updated call forwarding parameters can be pushed to the dual-sided UICC by way of the application server 225 to the mobile base station 215 and finally to one of the dual-sided UICC, the primary SIM and an application running on the mobile device itself. In one embodiment, the updated parameters can be sent in the form of a data packet by either SMS or USSD
protocols. Once a location update message is received by the application server 225, the application server 225 generates a new data package containing call forwarding parameters. For example, the application server 225 may be programmed to identify a new area code associated with the new location of the user, and accordingly provide a call forwarding number within the same new area code. It is also possible for the application server 225 to identify particular network operators serving local call forwarding numbers with better calling rates in the primary SIM card home location, and to provision the mobile device to use numbers associated with these operators.
[00032] One way of provisioning the call forwarding data is illustrated in the flow chart of Figure 3.
After recognition of the roaming location (typically country and a change in the roaming location, an application on the complementary SIM sends a message to the application server for notifying of the change in location, and optionally, requesting the provisioning of updated call forwarding parameters.
This request would typically include the location update packet such that the application server can use the information in the location update packet to identify preferred or optimal parameters for the new location. Once the application server executes its decision making application and identifies the optimal or preferred call forwarding parameters, these parameters are delivered via encrypted SMS
message to the dual-sided UICC card. Once the dual-sided UICC card application receives these parameters, it may execute its import logic or otherwise pass these parameters on to an application running in the memory of the mobile device itself to import the call forwarding parameters. A
84916-213302 (KB/YB) DOCMANAGE_LEGAL_675989 1 message containing these parameters may be sent to the dual-sided UICC card via SMS-PP-DD (SMS
Point to Point Data Download).
[00033] A cheaper VoIP DID number is preferably sent, but as discussed above, call forwarding can also be arranged using PSTN numbers. In addition, a parameter that activates call forwarding may also be sent. This would be beneficial in instances where a user is in their home region, and travels out of the home region for the first time. In this case, the complementary SIM
not only provisions the call forwarding parameters, but also activates call forwarding. Activation of the call forwarding is performed by the dual-sided UICC card application with the SEND SS
(Supplementary Service) command (SEND SS proactive command is described in 3GPP specifications).
1000341 This concludes the description of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention.
The foregoing description has been presented for the purpose of illustration and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed.
84916-213302 (KB/YB) DOCMANAGE_LEGAL_675989 1
Claims (14)
1. A method for provisioning call forwarding parameters comprising providing a dual-sided UICC between an interface between a primary subscriber identity module and a terminal of a mobile device, wherein said dual-sided UICC
intercepts requests for communication from said primary SIM and determines whether a communications service should proceed with said dual-sided UICC or via said primary SIM;
detecting a change in location of said mobile device and providing at least one call forwarding parameter to said mobile device based on said change in location.
intercepts requests for communication from said primary SIM and determines whether a communications service should proceed with said dual-sided UICC or via said primary SIM;
detecting a change in location of said mobile device and providing at least one call forwarding parameter to said mobile device based on said change in location.
2. A method according to claim 1, further comprising generating a location update data packet containing information indicative of a location of said mobile device;
sending said location update packet to an application server;
generating by said application server said at least one call forwarding parameter;
and, sending said at least one call forwarding parameter to said mobile device.
sending said location update packet to an application server;
generating by said application server said at least one call forwarding parameter;
and, sending said at least one call forwarding parameter to said mobile device.
3. A method according to claim 2, wherein said sending step comprises sending via SMS
or USSD messaging.
or USSD messaging.
4. A method according to claim 1, wherein said at least one call forwarding parameter comprises one or more of a DID number, a PTSN number and a call forwarding activation parameter.
5. A method according to claim 2, wherein said dual-sided UICC comprises an application for adopting said at least one call forwarding parameter.
6. A method according to claim 2, wherein said sending step comprises sending via a mobile base station operated by a roaming network service provider.
7. A method according to claim 2, wherein said generating via said application server step comprises determining by said application server said at least one call forwarding parameter.
8. A system comprising a mobile base station for providing communications service to a mobile device having a primary SIM and a dual-sided UICC, wherein said dual-sided UICC
intercepts requests for communication from said primary SIM and determines whether a communications service should proceed with said dual-sided UICC or via said primary SIM;
an application server in communication with said mobile base station; said application server configured to receive communications from a complementary SIM;
wherein said application server includes computer readable instructions thereon for determining at least one call forwarding parameter and sending said at least one call forwarding parameter to said dual-sided UICC via said mobile base station.
intercepts requests for communication from said primary SIM and determines whether a communications service should proceed with said dual-sided UICC or via said primary SIM;
an application server in communication with said mobile base station; said application server configured to receive communications from a complementary SIM;
wherein said application server includes computer readable instructions thereon for determining at least one call forwarding parameter and sending said at least one call forwarding parameter to said dual-sided UICC via said mobile base station.
9. A system according to claim 8, wherein said dual-sided UICC is adapted to generate a location update data packet containing information indicative of a change in location of said mobile device and to provide said at least one call forwarding parameter to said mobile device based on said change in location.
10. A system according to claim 9, wherein said application server is adapted to send said updated parameters to said dual-sided UICC via SMS or USSD messaging.
11. A system according to claim 10, wherein said SMS or USSD messaging includes encryption.
12. A system according to claim 9, wherein said dual-sided UICC includes computer readable instructions for adopting said at least one parameter.
13. A system according to claim 10, wherein said at least one call forwarding parameter comprises one or more of a DID number, a PTSN number and a call forwarding activation parameter.
14. A system according to claim 9, wherein said call forwarding parameter includes a provisioned number local to the location of said mobile device.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2793439A CA2793439C (en) | 2012-10-02 | 2012-10-24 | Method and system for over-the-air call forwarding provisioning |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAPCT/CA2012/050694 | 2012-10-02 | ||
| PCT/CA2012/050694 WO2014053046A1 (en) | 2012-10-02 | 2012-10-02 | Method and system for over-the-air call forwarding provisioning |
| CA2793439A CA2793439C (en) | 2012-10-02 | 2012-10-24 | Method and system for over-the-air call forwarding provisioning |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2793439A1 CA2793439A1 (en) | 2013-01-03 |
| CA2793439C true CA2793439C (en) | 2013-08-20 |
Family
ID=47430231
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2793439A Expired - Fee Related CA2793439C (en) | 2012-10-02 | 2012-10-24 | Method and system for over-the-air call forwarding provisioning |
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| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2793439C (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US11647369B2 (en) | 2017-10-11 | 2023-05-09 | Blackberry Limited | Method and system for dynamic APN selection |
-
2012
- 2012-10-24 CA CA2793439A patent/CA2793439C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US11647369B2 (en) | 2017-10-11 | 2023-05-09 | Blackberry Limited | Method and system for dynamic APN selection |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2793439A1 (en) | 2013-01-03 |
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