BR112017022798B1 - DEVICE, COMPUTER READABLE MEDIA, AND METHOD FOR MODIFYING SERVICES USING ADVANCED DATA COLLECTION CAPABILITIES - Google Patents

Abstract

DEVICE, COMPUTER READABLE MEDIA, AND METHOD FOR MODIFYING SERVICES USING ADVANCED DATA COLLECTION CAPABILITIES. It is a method of presenting services to a subscriber that includes certain processes. The method includes collecting usage data associated with an account for the subscriber that is associated with a portable device. The method includes storing usage data in a repository. The method includes determining whether the usage data satisfies a condition. The method includes determining whether there is an actionable category of data. The method includes determining an action based on the actionable category of data and a set of rules. The method includes receiving a first message from the portable device that indicates that a communication function of the portable device has ended. The method includes sending a second message to the handheld device that requests input from the subscriber via the handheld device and is based on the action. The method includes receiving a third message from the portable device that includes a response to the second message.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED ORDER

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 14/693,073, filed on April 22, 2015, which is a Continuation in Part of U.S. Patent Application 14/301,858, filed on April 11 June 2014, which is a Continuation in Part of U.S. Patent Application 13/892,073, filed on May 10, 2013, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF TECHNIQUE

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a device, a computer-readable medium, and a method for retaining and/or providing additional services within a wireless network.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Contemporary portable devices, such as mobile phones, allow users to communicate with a service provider over a network. Portable devices often include a mobile equipment (ME) and a module card. The ME is the handheld device hardware, which includes a display, a receiver, a transmitter, and other physical equipment. The ME is identified by a unique code. The module card stores the unique code that identifies the ME in a memory.

[0004] In existing portable devices, the module card serves as a network interface that connects the portable device to the network. The module card also contains a toolkit, which consists of a set of commands that are programmed into the module card. In portable devices, the module card functions as an interpreter that is equipped to run applications written in one or more programming languages. Furthermore, in such devices, the module card includes a memory that stores these applications along with other information. Such other information often includes the unique code that identifies the ME.

[0005] Currently, many portable devices are connected to a wireless network, such as the Global System for Mobile Communications (“GSM”) network or successor network technologies, such as, but not limited to, 3G and LTE, Edge, UMTS , HSPA, HSPA+, LTE Advanced, CDMA, 1xRTT, EVDO and EVDO-A. In particular, GSM and its successor technologies are standard references that describe protocols used in digital wireless communications among portable device users, service providers and other parties. In such a network, the module card is a Subscriber Identity Module (“SIM”) card or a Universal Integrated Circuit Card (“UICC”); the toolkit on the module card is a SIM Toolkit (“STK”); and the module card works as an STK interpreter. On higher-end SIM cards, the STK is a Dynamic SIM Toolkit (“DSTK”), and the STK interpreter is a DSTK interpreter.

[0006] In a wireless network, a service provider generates content corresponding to a message that must be sent to a user. Such messages are often written in a markup language (e.g., Wireless Internet Gateway Markup Language (“WIG WML”), SIM @lliance Toolbox Markup Language (“S@TML ”), Java Markup Language (“JavaML”)). The content is sent to a communication port that prepares the message and forwards the message to the user. This communication port is known as the Universal Communication Port (“UG”). The UG may be located on a server 101. The message includes an instruction that itself is a SIM card instruction (e.g., a wiblet, s@tlet, Java applet) (or alternatively, a UICC application). that is received by a portable device. The portable device contains a SIM card with its own memory that stores a DSTK. Properly programmed, the SIM card functions as a DSTK interpreter, which is configured to interpret the instruction contained in the message. Depending on whether the instruction comprises an XML-based feed interpreted by a wiblet, s@tlet, or Java applet, the DSTK interpreter functions as a SmartTrust Wib (“Wib”), a SIM @lliance Toolbox interpreter ( “S@T”) or as a Java interpreter respectively. The DSTK interpreter interprets instructions to implement actions or commands included in DSTK. Some of these commands operate independently of the handheld device, and other commands are directed to the handheld device, such as a command to display a text string or prompt the user for input.

[0007] In certain wireless networks, it is necessary for users to periodically use their portable devices in order to retain services that are provided by a service provider. In such networks, when a user fails to use their portable device at least once during a predefined period, the user may then be deregistered and therefore no longer able to use and receive services from the service provider. Furthermore, after the user loses access to the provided services, the user is often unable to communicate with the service provider using their portable device to reestablish the services.

[0008] As more users connect to service providers via wireless networks and the size of these networks increases, it is increasingly important from an efficiency and cost perspective for service providers to monitor the frequency with which users use their services. By monitoring usage, a service provider can be equipped to assist users with retaining desired services.

[0009] Additionally, on certain wireless networks, a service provider collects data regarding the activity of the user's portable device, e.g., activity regarding general usage, call activity, text messages and/or email messages. sent and received multimedia, Internet activity and other useful data. By monitoring this data, a service provider can be equipped to assist users with advanced service retention toward new and/or more pertinent services based on a user's circumstances or need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for presenting services to a subscriber includes certain processes. The method includes collecting usage data associated with an account for the subscriber that is associated with a portable device. The method includes storing usage data in a repository. The method includes determining whether the usage data satisfies a condition. The method includes determining whether there is an actionable category of data. The method includes determining an action based on the actionable category of data and a set of rules. The method includes receiving a first message from the portable device that indicates that a communication function of the portable device has ended. The method includes sending a second message to the handheld device that requests input from the subscriber via the handheld device and is based on the action. The method includes receiving a third message from the portable device that includes a response to the second message.

[0011] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a device includes a processor, a display and a module card. The processor determines that a communication function of the device has ended and sends a first notification to the module card indicating the termination. The module card sends a first message to a server in response to receipt of the first notification and receives a second message from the server thereafter. The first message indicates that the device is ready to receive a second message, and the second message includes a second notification and an instruction. The second notification is based on usage data from an account associated with the device and identifies an action to be taken with respect to the account. The instruction causes the processor to function as display, receive, determine, and send devices that, respectively, display the second notification, receive input response to the second notification, determine that the response corresponds to a confirmation to perform the action and send a third message that includes the response to the second notification.

[0012] Other objects, features and advantages will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the needs satisfied by it, and the objects, features and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description obtained in combination with the accompanying drawings.

[0014] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an exemplary environment in which aspects of disclosure are implemented.

[0015] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of an exemplary system configured to retain services.

[0016] Figure 3 presents a flowchart showing a method for retaining services in accordance with particular embodiments of the invention.

[0017] Figure 4 is a schematic view of a portable device according to particular embodiments of the invention.

[0018] Figure 5 presents a flowchart that illustrates particular embodiments of the invention.

[0019] Figure 6 is a schematic representation of another exemplary environment in which aspects of disclosure are implemented.

[0020] Figure 7 is a schematic view of a business intelligence server in accordance with particular embodiments of the invention.

[0021] Figure 8 presents a flowchart showing a method for presenting services to a subscriber in accordance with particular embodiments of the invention.

[0022] Figure 9 presents a flowchart showing further details for a method for presenting services to a subscriber in accordance with particular embodiments of the invention.

[0023] Figure 10 presents a flowchart that illustrates particular embodiments of the invention.

[0024] Figure 11 presents a flowchart showing a process for generating one or more notifications upon termination of a communication function in accordance with particular embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Embodiments of the present invention, and the features and advantages thereof, can be understood by referring to Figures 1 to 10, in which similar numerals are used for corresponding parts in the various drawings.

[0026] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a method, a device, and a computer-readable medium for retaining a service, as may be provided by a service provider over a network. For example, the service comprises a mobile communication service. Users are required to use the mobile communication service regularly or within a predetermined period of time. For example, as a condition of registration for the mobile communication service, users are required to use the service once every sixty days. Use of the mobile communications service may involve making a call with a mobile device, sending a text message with your mobile device, or receiving a call or text message with your mobile device; just having physical possession of the mobile device may not be enough. In cases where a user does not use the mobile communication service regularly, the present embodiment takes advantage of an application on that user's mobile device to make timely use. The application may comprise a Wib-based application, an S@T-based application, or a Java-based application. Wib-based applications are applications that are in the form of byte code in Wib; S@T-based applications are applications that are in the form of S@T byte code; and Java-based applications are applications that are in the form of byte code in Java. Leveraging the application comprises running the application on a mobile device, which comprises a SIM card or a memory that functions as a DSTK interpreter that is configured to execute the application. The DSTK interpreter can comprise Wib, an S@T interpreter, or a Java interpreter based on the type of application being leveraged. Wib is configured to run Wib-based applications; an S@T interpreter is configured to run S@T-based applications; and a Java interpreter is configured to run Java-based applications. Running the application implements one or more commands that direct the mobile device to display an actionable message or notification. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the notification asks the user whether he or she wishes to continue using the service. When the user responds affirmatively (e.g., confirms that they wish to continue receiving the service, such as by entering a command), the user's mobile device sends a text message with the confirmation to the service provider, thereby satisfying the usage requirement , and the service will remain uninterrupted.

[0027] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention also provide a method and device for advanced retention and/or upsell services, such as may be provided by a service provider via a network. Traditionally, a service provider has access to an immense amount of data regarding its subscribers' mobile device usage and activity. For example, to name many, the service provider may access all data associated with a billing system (e.g., information regarding all aspects of user mobile device activity captured by the billing system); an Internet gateway (e.g., information regarding all websites a user accesses); a wireless application protocol (“WAP” communications port); a short message service center (“SMSC”); a multimedia messaging service (“MMS”); and a handset repository (e.g., information regarding all aspects of a user's mobile handset, including identification and handset information regarding usage and handset history and/or updates). However, the service provider primarily uses communications systems and ports to provide services (i.e., the billing system is used to determine mobile device usage in order to calculate an amount the user owes for services; the billing port Internet communication is used to provide Internet access to the user; the WAP communication port is used to convert websites on the World Wide Web into mobile device-compatible web pages; conversion and delivery of SMS messages; MMS is used for the purpose of sending messages that include multimedia content and the phone repository to obtain and maintain information on a user's mobile phone).

[0028] However, these databases present an immense store of highly valuable information regarding the use of a user's mobile device. In this way, this highly valuable information can be accessed (or analyzed) to gain valuable insight into the use of the user's mobile device, especially for the purposes of retaining existing users and/or selling additional or new services to users based on on user characteristics. Furthermore, although service providers typically spend a lot of money to capture and enroll new customers into mobile device services, these service providers generally do not actively pursue sophisticated retention mechanisms or upselling mechanisms with respect to their customer base (or that is, those customers who are already purchasing one or more services with the service provider) most notably each customer. As a result, service providers are not only unable to serve the full potential of their mobile device customer base, they also lose a substantial amount of revenue to churned customers.

[0029] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention seek to access, utilize, and transform the immense amount of raw data that a service provider has available regarding its subscribers' mobile device usage and activity into a wide variety of actionable triggers that can be transformed into retention and/or additional sales mechanisms. In particular, exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a business intelligence (BI) gateway for processing raw user data and transforming that raw data into meaningful and useful information for business purposes enabling a service provider ( or other entry, such as a mobile device reseller) takes advantage of certain subscriber mobile device usage information to retain existing subscribers and/or sell additional or new services based on subscriber characteristics and usage. In particular, once the BI software is installed and integrated with the service provider's infrastructure (i.e., installed in an upsell and retention engine middleware), the BI gateway collects data from the billing, Internet gateway, WAP gateway, SMSC, MMS and handset repository and processes this data based on a set of predetermined parameters to expand the usage characteristics of the user's mobile device (e.g. data from the last 12 months of the user's mobile device usage). Then, such processed data can be used to formulate actionable messages and send pre-configured actionable messages to be sent to the user, as discussed in detail below.

[0030] Furthermore, exemplary embodiments of the present invention seek to provide actionable messages to users (e.g., based on triggers determined from data obtained by the BI communication port) as part of retention and/or upsell mechanisms. For example, traditionally, service providers or resellers have contacted subscribers via text message, email, snail mail, and to a more limited extent, via telephone. While contacting subscribers via text message, email, and snail mail is passive and inexpensive, the subscriber simply receives a notification to take action and must call the service provider (or reseller), access a website or go to a point of sale and retail to take action. Therefore, the “realization rate” of these types of messages is historically low due to the fact that they require the subscriber to initiate communication and take action after receiving a notification. Contacting subscribers via telephone is generally more effective from a throughput point of view, however, it has the disadvantage of significantly higher costs associated not only with making a call but also with additional ancillary costs, as may be incurred. with a training and call maintenance team.

[0031] In contrast, exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide actionable messages that include information and retention and/or upselling of additional or new services relevant to the subscriber, as determined from analysis of the BI server. As discussed in more detail below, such messages may provide actionable options to the user for the purpose of changing and/or updating current services or adding and/or updating new services. For example, the user can make a selection from multiple options, can select “yes/no” or can enter an answer. Additionally, actionable messages can be presented at the top of the user's screen so that accessing a message does not require scrolling down through any menus or accessing any particular applications. In some embodiments, a user may not be able to exit the top-of-screen presentation of an actionable message unless an action occurs, e.g., the user presses “cancel,” or messages disappear after a predetermined period of time.

[0032] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention also provide the BI server with the ability to collect reseller information in addition to collecting subscriber data. This reseller information adds additional complexity to analyzing a subscriber's mobile device usage for the purpose of determining which pre-configured actionable messages are sent to the user.

[0033] Furthermore, exemplary embodiments of the present invention may use a universally compatible server platform that couples to both the BI server and the service provider for the purpose of transmitting binary messages, such as sending push messages to the BI subscriber. mobile device, in addition to receiving messages from the mobile device subscriber. As discussed above, a DSTK can be stored in the memory of a SIM card and, when programmed appropriately, the SIM card functions as a DSTK interpreter for instructions that can take the form of a wiblet, s@tlet, or Java applet. In this way, a universal communication port (for example, Giesecke & Devrient (G&D) SmartàLaCarte Universal Communication Port, found on the G&D website) coupled between the DSTK interpreter and the service provider server and the BI technology provides these servers with the ability to send messages regardless of the instruction language.

[0034] Referring to Figure 1, the schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described. The environment comprises one or more networks 100. The network 100 comprises at least one of a wireless network, a wired network, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a satellite network (OTA), a telecommunications network and a mobile communication network. One or more servers 101 and other network entities operated by service providers, information providers, users, and other parties are coupled to network 100; one or more devices 102 used by service providers, information providers, users, and other parties are also coupled to the network 100; and one or more portable devices 400 used by users are also coupled to the network 100. Service providers and information providers provide services and information to other parties using the network 100 and the servers 101, devices 102 and portable devices 400 that are coupled to the network 100. The services and information comprise communication services (e.g., wired communications services, wireless communications services, electronic communications services), portable device services (e.g., data distribution services) mobile device, mobile device provisioning services), module card services (e.g., SIM card distribution services, SIM card provisioning services, SIM card activation services), retention services, positioning services, billing services (e.g., anything sent to/from a handheld device user and/or to or from a handheld device service subscriber), security services, customer care services, language, travel services, software update services, Internet gateway services (e.g. information about what/how much data is sent to the user from or from the handheld device), MMS information and usage, information and use of SMSC and phone repository information, citing many.

[0035] Servers 101 comprise one or more of general purpose computing devices, specialized computing devices, mainframe devices, wired devices, wireless devices, monitoring devices, infrastructure devices, and other devices configured to provide one or more of services and information to service providers, users and other parties. Devices 102 comprise one or more of general purpose computing devices, specialized computing devices, mainframe devices, mobile devices, wired devices, wireless devices, monitoring devices, infrastructure devices, and other devices used by service providers, providers of information, users and other parties. Portable devices 400 comprise mobile devices, wired devices, wireless devices, handheld devices, and other portable devices used by users. Exemplary embodiments provide servers 101 and devices 102 that monitor portable devices 400 and collect information from or about portable devices 400 that are coupled to the network 100 and users using the portable devices 400 that are coupled to the network 100.

[0036] Furthermore, a system 200 is also coupled to networks 100. The system 200 comprises one or more of a general purpose computing device, a specialized computing device, a mainframe device, a wired device, a wireless device, a monitoring device, an infrastructure device, and any other device configured to collect variable data from one or more data sources (e.g., servers, sensors, networks, interfaces, other devices). System 200, among other activities, monitors servers 101, devices 102, portable devices 400, and other devices coupled to network 100 for information available from or about portable devices 400 and their use that are coupled to network 100 and from or about users using portable devices 400 that are coupled to network 100. By collecting information about portable devices 400 and users using portable devices 400, system 200 identifies the last periods of use for one or more services. System 200 subsequently determines whether the last one or more usage periods are greater than a threshold, and if so, generates content corresponding to one or more messages that are sent to portable devices 400 and to users using portable devices 400 .

[0037] In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the system 200, the portable devices 400 and some servers 101 and devices 102 are coupled to a first network 100 and the system 200, and other servers 101 and devices 102 are coupled to a second network 100. For example, system 200, a portable device 400, a first server 101x, and a second server 101GS are coupled to the first network 100. In such embodiments, a service provider may utilize a first network 100 and a second network 100 to providing a service to a user using portable device 400. Exemplary embodiments enable the first server 101x to comprise a monitoring device configured to collect service usage data. The system 200 monitors the first server 101x for information about a particular portable device 400 and the user. The private portable device 400 stores, among other data, service usage data comprising a last time of use corresponding to the user. System 200 collects service usage data from portable device 400 and uses the usage data to determine a user's last usage period by evaluating the period of time between the last time of use and the current time. The system 200 subsequently determines whether the last period of use is greater than or equal to a threshold, and, if so, generates content corresponding to a first message (described below) that is sent to the user. The system 200 subsequently sends the content to the second server 101GS. Then, the second server 101GS uses the content to prepare the first message and sends the first message to the user.

[0038] In exemplary embodiments, the second server 101GS is known as the Universal Communication Port (“UG”). The exemplary embodiments also provide a third server 101SP that, together with the system 200, couples to the second network 100. The third server 101SP corresponds to the service provider. After system 200 sends the content to the second server 101GS, system 200 receives a second message (described above) from the user. Then, system 200 sends the second message to the third server 101SP. In this example, the system 200 comprises middleware between the portable device 400, which is used by the user, and the third server 101. This middleware is known as the Retention Middleware (“RM”). Alternatively, the middleware may be located on a separate server among the servers 101 (e.g., an RM server 101rm).

[0039] In exemplary embodiments, system 200 includes one or more of servers 101 and devices 102. In other exemplary embodiments, system 200 is separate from servers 101 and devices 102. In certain exemplary embodiments, one or more devices 102 are portable devices 400. In still other exemplary embodiments, the portable devices 400 are separate from the devices 102.

[0040] Referring to Figure 2, system 200 is described that collects usage data on a service, determines a last period of use for the service, determines the possibility of the last period of use being greater than a threshold, generates content corresponding to a first message that is sent to a portable device in response to determining that the last period of use is greater than a threshold and sending the content to a communication port. The system 200 comprises a memory 201, a central processing unit (“CPU”) 202, and an input and output (“I/O”) device 203. The memory 201 stores computer-readable instructions that instruct the system 200 to perform certain processes. In particular, when executed by CPU 202, computer-readable instructions stored in memory 201 instruct CPU 202 and associated hardware to operate as one or more of a data collection device 204, a determining device 205, a generation 206 and a sending device 207. In particular exemplary embodiments, one or more of the data collection device 204, the determining device 205, the generating device 206 and the sending device 207 are located at remote or local devices .

[0041] The I/O device 203 receives one or more of network data 100, data from other devices and sensors coupled to the system 200, and inputs from a user and provides such information to the CPU 202. The I/O device 203 it also transmits or sends data to other devices coupled to the network 100 and sends a notification to a user. Additionally, the I/O device 203 implements one or more of wireless and/or wired communications between the system 200 and other devices.

[0042] Referring now to Figure 3, an exemplary process carried out by the data collection device 204, the determining device 205, the generating device 206 and the sending device 207 is described. Figure 3 shows a process for retaining services, starting at S300. In S301, the data collection device 204 collects usage data on a service, such usage data comprising a last time use of a portable device 400. For example, the service comprises at least one of a communication service (e.g., a wireless communication service), a portable device service (e.g., a mobile device distribution service), a module card service (e.g., a SIM card distribution service, a SIM card provisioning) or other such services. The Service may be provided by one or more service providers, such as wireless carriers, wireless resellers, handheld device providers, SIM card providers or private label resellers or Mobile Virtual Network Operators (“MVNO”). Last time of use refers to the last time a user used the service on the handheld device 400, such as a time of day (e.g., 1 p.m. (01:00 p.m.)) and a day and month of a year (e.g., example, 15/11/2012). In S302, the determining device 205 determines a last period of use for the service, such as the period between the last time of use and a current time (e.g., the time when the last period of use for the service is being currently determined). Similar to the last time used, the current time includes, for example, a time of day (e.g., 1 p.m. (01:00 p.m.)) or a day and month of a year (e.g., 11/30/2012) . The period between the last time of use and the current time is determined as the number of hours that have elapsed between the last time of use and the current time, a number of days that have elapsed between the last time of use and the current time, a number of months that elapsed between the last time of use and the current time or another numerical expression of the time that elapsed between the last time of use and the current time. Continuing from the examples above, when the last time of use is “1 pm, 11/15/2012” and the current time is “1 pm, 11/30/2012”, the determining device 205 determines that the last period of use is 360 hours or, alternatively, fifteen days. As another example, when the last time of use is “1 pm, 7/20/2012” and the current time is “1 pm, 11/20/2012”, the determining device 205 determines that the last period of use is 123 days or, alternatively, four months.

[0043] Subsequently, in S303, the determining device 205 determines whether the last period of use is greater than a threshold. The threshold is a predetermined value, such as a time span, number of days, number of months, or other numerical expression of time period. When the determining device 205 determines that the last period of use is greater than the threshold (S303: YES), the process proceeds to S304 to Generate Content. For example, continuing from the last example, the threshold could be sixty days or, alternatively, two months. When the determining device 205 determines that the last period of use, 123 days or four months, is greater than the threshold, then the process proceeds to S304. When the determining device 205 determines that the last period of use is not greater than the threshold (S303: NO), the process ends at S306.

[0044] In S304, generation device 206 generates content corresponding to a first message that is sent to the user in response to determining that the last period of use is greater than the threshold. The content may be written in any language that is known to those of ordinary skill in the art, such as, for example, a markup language. Markup languages comprise, for example, WIG WML, S@TML and JavaML. The first message comprises a notification and a first instruction. The notification comprises a retention question that asks the user whether they wish to retain or continue receiving the service. For example, if a user is receiving wireless service from a wireless carrier called “A,” the first message might be: “Do you want to continue receiving wireless service from A?” The first instruction, when interpreted and executed by a first computer, implements a plurality of commands. The first statement comprises an application. For example, in a GSM network, the first instruction comprises a wiblet, s@tlet, or Java applet. wiblet is a small application that builds on Wib; s@tlet is a small application that is based on S@T; and Java applet is a small application that is based on Java. As described above, a Wib-based application is an application that is in the form of Wib byte code and is executed by Wib (e.g., a Wib interpreter); an S@T-based application is an application that is in the form of S@T byte code and is executed by an S@T interpreter; and a Java-based application is an application that is in the form of Java byte code and is executed by a Java interpreter.

[0045] Implementing the plurality of commands causes a second computer to display the notification. The first and second computers are both physical entities (e.g., a portable device, a module card) and logical entities (e.g., a process, a program, a service, a virtual machine). The first computer, for example, is a module card that works as an interpreter. The interpreter is at least one of Wib, an S@T interpreter, or a Java interpreter. Displaying the notification comprises displaying the notification on a display (e.g., a visual display or a touch display). Implementing the plurality of commands also causes the second computer to receive input as a response to the notification. The input may comprise text input, such as statement language (e.g., “Y”, “Yes”, “Of course”, “Why not”, “That”, “Agreed”, “Of course”, “Can be”) or a language of negation (e.g., “Neither,” “No,” “Negative”) or a selection of a presented option (e.g., a selection of buttons or keys that represent a statement, a selection of a key that displays a negation). Implementing the plurality of commands further causes the second computer to send a second message comprising the response to the notification. The second message is received by the service provider. The second message comprises the response to the notification, for example, a 7-bit Short Message Service (“SMS”) message, an 8-bit SMS message, an Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (“USSD”) message , MMS or other type of cellular message.

[0046] In certain exemplary embodiments, displaying the notification comprises displaying the notification on the display to cover an item (e.g., an application, an image, a message, a file, and data) previously displayed on the display. In other exemplary embodiments, sending the second message comprises sending the second message to a network entity (e.g., a node, a link, a server, or other active element in a network). In still other exemplary embodiments, implementation of the plurality of commands causes the second computer to further determine whether the response corresponds to a confirmation to continue services and sends the second message when the response corresponds to confirmation to continue services. The confirmation to continue services may be a predetermined value, such as a text value (e.g., “Y”, “Yes”) or a numeric value or a predetermined signal (e.g., a particular type of pulse).

[0047] In particular exemplary embodiments, the first computer and the second computer are located in a single device, such that, for example, the first computer is a module card that is located in a portable device 400, and the second computer is be a processor located on the same device. In other exemplary embodiments, the first and second computers are provided in more than one device.

[0048] In S305, the sending device 207 sends the content to a known communication port, in exemplary embodiments, as the Universal Communication Port (“UG”). Upon receipt of the content, the communication port prepares the first message and sends the first message to the user's corresponding portable device 400. In a GSM network, for example, the first message comprises the notification and the first instruction in at least one of a 7-bit SMS message, an 8-bit SMS message, a USSD message, an MMS message or another type of cellular network message. Preparing the first message comprises converting the content and encoding the converted content into a message type. For example, when the sending device 207 sends content that is written in WIG WML to the communication port, the communication port prepares a first message by converting the content into Wib byte code and encoding the converted content into a 7-bit SMS message. Alternatively, when the sending device 207 sends content that is written in S@TML to the communication port, the communication port prepares the first message by converting the content into S@T byte code and encoding the content converted to a 7-bit SMS message. In both of these examples, the 7-bit SMS message or the first message is subsequently sent to the portable device. The portable device, as described below, may comprise a module card. The module card can function as an interpreter that is configured to interpret the first instruction. In a wireless network, for example, the portable device comprises a SIM card, where the SIM card functions as a DSTK interpreter. In such configurations, the DSTK interpreter is at least one of a Wib, an S@T interpreter, or a Java interpreter.

[0049] Referring to Figure 4, portable device 400 is described, which is configured to retain services. The portable device 400 comprises a processor 401, a receiver 402, a display 403, a module card 404, a transmitter 405, and an input device 406. The module card 404 comprises a module memory 411. The module memory 411 stores a second instruction that, when executed by module card 404, instructs module card 404 to operate as a module interpreter 412. Receiver 402 receives a first message, wherein the first message comprises a notification and a first instruction. The first message is sent by a service provider. As described above, the first message comprises the notification and the first instruction in at least one of a 7-bit SMS message, an 8-bit SMS message, a USSD message, or another type of cellular network message. The notification is a retention question that asks the user whether they wish to retain or continue receiving the service. The first statement comprises an application. For example, in a GSM network, the first instruction comprises a wiblet, s@tlet, or Java applet. The service provider comprises at least one of a wireless carrier, a wireless reseller, a portable device provider, a SIM card provider, and an MVNO. In certain exemplary embodiments, receiver 402 receives the first message from a network entity (e.g., a node, link, server, or other active element in a network).

[0050] Module memory 411 stores the first message. Module memory also stores a toolkit. The toolkit comprises plurality of commands. The module interpreter 412 is configured to interpret the first instruction. The first instruction, when interpreted and executed by module interpreter 412, implements a plurality of commands. In particular, implementing the plurality of commands causes the processor 401 to operate as one or more of a display device 407, an input receiving device 408, a determining device 409, and a sending device 410.

[0051] The display device 407 is configured to display the notification on the display 403. The display 403 comprises, for example, a visual display or a tactile display. In certain exemplary embodiments, the display device 407 is configured to display the notification so that the notification covers an item previously displayed on the display 403. As described above, the item comprises, for example, an application, an image, a message, a file and data. The input receiving device 408 is configured to receive an input (e.g., a text input) as a response to the notification. The user may use input device 406 to provide input. Input device 406 comprises, for example, an alphanumeric keyboard or other input source.

[0052] Subsequently, the determining device 409 is configured to determine whether the response corresponds to a confirmation to continue services. Furthermore, the sending device 410 is configured to send a second message using the transmitter 405 when the response corresponds to confirmation to continue services (e.g., a predetermined value, such as a text value). Similar to the first message, the second message comprises the response to the notification in at least one of a 7-bit SMS message, an 8-bit SMS message, a USSD message, or another type of cellular network message. As described above, confirmation to continue services is a predetermined value, such as a text value, a numeric value, or a predetermined signal.

[0053] In certain exemplary embodiments, the portable device 400 does not function as a determining device 409. In particular, in such exemplary embodiments, the input receiving device 408 receives an input as a response to the notification, and the sending device 410 subsequently sends the second message using transmitter 405. The second message is received by the service provider. In other exemplary embodiments, the sending device 410 sends the second message to a network entity corresponding to a service provider. As described above, a network entity is, for example, a node, link, server or other active element in a network.

[0054] Referring to Figure 5, a flowchart of a particular embodiment of the invention is described. This embodiment of the invention occurs in the environment according to Figure 1 with networks 100, servers 101, devices 102, system 200 and portable devices 400. In particular, the environment comprises a first network 100, a server 101, a system 200 and a portable device 400. The portable device 400 and the server 101 are coupled to the first network 100. The system 200 and the server 101 are coupled to the second network 100. The portable device 400 is used by a user. System 200 is a network entity that corresponds to a service provider; then, system 200 is called a “Service Provider Entity” (“SP”). The 101g server is a communication port; therefore, the 101g server can be called a “Communication Port Server” (“GS”). The first network 100 is a wireless network; and the second network 100 is a computer network. The computer network may employ a network protocol, such as Hypertext Transfer Protocol (“HTTP”) or Short Message Point-to-Point (“SMPP”).

[0055] The SP monitors other servers 101 and devices 102 that are coupled to the wireless network and the computer network for information about the portable device 400 and the user. Information comprises usage data on a service. The service may be provided by the service provider or another party (for example, a new service provider). By collecting usage data on the service, system 200 determines a last use period for the service, wherein the last use period comprises a period between the last time of use and a current time. The system 200 subsequently determines whether the last period of use is greater than a threshold, and when it determines that the last period of use is greater than the threshold, the system 200 generates content corresponding to a first message. As described above, content may be written in a markup language, such as, for example, one or more of WIG WML, S@TML, and JavaML. Signal 501 represents this content.

[0056] In Figure 5, signal 501 is sent from system 200 to the GS via the computer network. The GS prepares the first message and sends the first message to the portable device 400. The first message comprises a notification and a first instruction in at least one of a 7-bit SMS message, an 8-bit SMS message, a USSD or other type of cellular network message. As described above, the notification contained in the first message comprises a retention question that asks the user whether he or she wishes to retain or continue receiving the service, and the first instruction comprises an application (e.g., a wiblet applet, a s@tlet or a Java). A wiblet is an application that is in the form of byte code in Wib; an s@tlet is an application that is in the form of byte code in S@T; and a Java applet is an application that is in the form of byte code in Java.

[0057] In step 502, the GS prepares the first message. Preparing the first message comprises converting the signal 501 into a portable code or byte code and encoding the converted signal into a message type. Byte code is, for example, byte code in Wib, byte code in S@T and byte code in Java. Specifically, when signal 501 is written in WIG WML, a GS converts signal 501 into Wib byte code and encodes the converted signal into an SMS message or a USSD message. Alternatively, when the signal 501 is written in S@TML, the GS converts the signal 501 into byte code in S@T and encodes the converted signal into an SMS message or USSD message. Alternatively, when signal 501 is written in JavaML, GS converts signal 501 to Java byte code and encodes the converted signal into an SMS message or USSD message. The SMS message or USSD message after encoding can be the first message. Signal 503 represents this first message.

[0058] In Figure 5, signal 503 is sent from the GS to the portable device 400 via the wireless network. The portable device 400 comprises a receiver, a processor, a display, a module card, and a transmitter. The module card comprises a memory that is configured to store signal 503. The memory is also configured to store a toolkit and a second instruction. The toolkit comprises a plurality of commands. The module card executes the second instruction and functions as an interpreter that is configured to interpret and execute the first instruction, such that execution of the first instruction implements the plurality of commands. In certain exemplary embodiments, the portable device 400 comprises a module card that is a SIM card, on which a toolkit, such as a DSTK, is stored. Consequently, the interpreter is a DSTK interpreter (e.g., Wib, an S@T interpreter, a Java interpreter), and the execution of the first instruction implements a plurality of commands, such as DisplayText, GetInput, and SendShortMessage.

[0059] The implementation of the plurality of commands causes the processor in the portable device 400 to function as a display device, a receiving device, and a sending device. Specifically, the DisplayText implementation makes the processor act as the display device, so that the display device displays the notification on the display. Signal 504 represents the message that is displayed to the user. The GetInput implementation makes the processor act as the receiving device, so that the receiving device receives input as a response to the notification. Signal 505 represents what is received from the user. Additionally, the SendShortMessage implementation makes the processor act as the sending device that sends a second message using the transmitter over the wireless network. The second message is the response to the notification. As described above, the second message comprises the response to the notification in at least one of a 7-bit SMS message, an 8-bit SMS message, a USSD message, or another type of cellular network message. The processor in the portable device 400 sends the second message to the GS via the wireless network, for example. Signal 506 carries this second message.

[0060] In step 507, the GS prepares the second message. Preparing the second message comprises converting Signal 506 into any language that is known to persons of ordinary skill in the art, such as a markup language for effecting communication via transmitter 405. In certain exemplary embodiments, the markup language is the Hypertext Markup Language (“HTML”). The GS subsequently sends the second message to the SP via the computer network. Signal 508 carries this second message.

[0061] Referring now to Figure 6, a schematic representation of another exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 6 shows many of the same elements as discussed above in detail in relation to Figure 1. For example, Figure 6 includes one or more networks 100, one or more servers 101, one or more devices 102, one or more systems 200, and one 6 also shows one or more business intelligence (BI) servers 300 coupled to network 100. As discussed above, service providers and information providers provide information to other parties using the servers (e.g., servers 101, in addition to BI servers 300) and devices (e.g., devices 102, portable devices 400) that are coupled to network 100. BI servers 300 comprise one or more of computing devices. general purpose, specialized computing devices, mainframe devices, wired devices, wireless devices, monitoring devices, infrastructure devices, and other devices configured to provide one or more of services and information to service providers, users, and other parties. BI servers 300 include one or more BI servers 300. BI server 300 monitors portable devices 400 and collects information from or about portable devices 400 that are coupled to network 100.

[0062] In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, one or more BI servers 300 are coupled to a server 101 (e.g., a service provider server) and are configured to collect information regarding device user usage data portable from a plurality of database. The plurality of databases may be located on a server 101 or on a plurality of servers 101. The one or more BI servers are configured to use a predetermined algorithm to process the collected usage data and send the processed usage data to a different server 101 (e.g., the RM server 101rm) in order to determine a set of actions (e.g., detailed messages to the subscriber). Server 101 generates content based on this set of actions, and sends the content to yet another server (e.g., UG server 101ug) which then sends the content to user's handheld device 400 (described below).

[0063] Referring now to Figure 7, BI server 300 is described that collects/obtains user (i.e., subscriber) usage data associated with a portable device 400 from a plurality of databases. The BI server 300 comprises, for example, a memory 301, a central processing unit ("CPU") 302, and an input and output ("I/O") device 303. The memory 301 stores computer-readable instructions that instruct the BI server 300 to perform certain processes. In particular, when executed by CPU 302, computer-readable instructions stored in memory 301 may instruct CPU 302 to operate as one or more of a data collection device 304, a data processing device 305, and a data sending device. 306. In particular exemplary embodiments, one or more of the data collection device 304, the data processing device 305, and the sending device 306 are located at the remote or local devices.

[0064] I/O device 303 receives one or more of data from network 100 and data from other devices and sensors coupled to BI server 300 and provides such information to CPU 302. I/O device 303 also transmits or sends data to other devices connected to the network 100 (e.g., the RM server). The I/O device 303 may implement one or more of wireless and/or wired communications between the BI server 300 and other devices.

[0065] Referring now to Figures 8 and 9, an exemplary process of the present invention carried out by a plurality of servers (e.g., SP server 101SP, BI server 300, RM server 101rm and UG server 101GS) is described. ). Figure 8 shows a process for providing services to a handheld subscriber (e.g., advanced retention services, upsell services, and other similar services) starting at S800. In S801, the data collection device 304 of the BI server 300 collects subscriber usage data from a plurality of databases. Specifically, the data collection device 304 collects data regarding a subscriber's Internet activity (e.g., data sent to/from the subscriber in the form of data bytes), billing information, messages sent via MMS and/or SMSC, handset information (e.g., what type of handset the subscriber is using, handset history, and any changes/switches to handsets and new updated handset features associated with those changes) and other useful information to retain and/or present advanced subscriber services. In particular, the BI server 300 may collect information about drops or sudden changes in handheld device usage patterns (e.g., changes in calls, text messages, MMS messages, data usage, viewing competing websites, etc.); above-average subscriber attrition based on location and/or geography; usage based on achievements, models, or headset feature definitions; and previous/current rate plans.

[0066] In S802, the data processing device 305 of the BI server 300 processes the subscriber usage data collected using a predetermined algorithm (e.g., the BI server 300 processes the subscriber usage data collected to determine whether the data meets a predetermined condition). For example, as shown in more detail in Figure 9, the BI server 300 collects data regarding subscriber activity on competing service providers' websites and data regarding the time slot remaining on the subscriber's handheld server plan. subscriber. Subsequently, the BI server 300 processes the data in S901 using an algorithm regarding service plan renewal. Specifically, the BI server 300 determines in S902 whether the subscriber has visited websites of a competing service provider X times in a period of time Y (e.g., 10 times in 3 days). If YES, the BI server 300 then determines in S903 whether the subscriber has a time slot Z remaining in the portable device service plan (e.g., 1 month remaining). If YES, then the BI server in S904 determines that an actionable category of data is information regarding service plan renewal (S905). The actionable category of data may include, for example, data corresponding to retaining a subscriber service, data corresponding to offering additional services to a subscriber, data corresponding to upselling services to a subscriber, and other appropriate data. If, at S902 or S903, the BI server 300 determines that the answer is NO, the process proceeds to S905 in which the BI server 300 proceeds to the next predetermined algorithm (e.g., stored in memory 301).

[0067] Other examples of subscriber usage data collected include, but are not limited to, changes in a subscriber's usage that relate to an actionable category of data introducing new wireless rate plans (e.g., unlimited calling and data , specialized international rate plans and other appropriate plans); high attrition rates that refer to an actionable category of data presenting better dealer incentives/commissions, targeted advertising, and other appropriate actions; handset-related issues that refer to an actionable category of presentation data/up-sales of newer modern portable devices, supply of complementary low-cost smart phones at low cost and/or no cost and other suitable devices; use of rate plan based on certain parameters (e.g., geography, location, etc.) that refer to an actionable category of tailored product and service presentation data; and any suitable combination thereof.

[0068] In S803 of Figure 8, the BI server 300 determines whether an actionable category of data can be determined. If YES, the sending device 306 of the BI server 300 sends the information regarding the actionable category of data to the RM server 101rm. In S804, the RM server 101rm generates content based on the actionable category of data. In particular, the RM server 101rm processes information sent from the BI server 300 (e.g., determines at least one action based on the actionable category of data and a predefined set of rules) and generates relevant content (e.g., a set of of shares) based on a predetermined set of rules. Based on the service plan renewal example discussed above, the RM server 101rm may determine that the relevant content relates to negotiations and/or incentives for service plan renewal that may be sent to the handheld device 400. The set of Predefined rules may include a plurality of actions each of which is associated with an actionable category of data, and each of which includes the information to be sent as the message to the subscriber. The predefined rule set may also include at least one message that is sent from the UG server 101GS back to the subscriber after receiving the subscriber's message response (discussed below). If the BI server 300 determines at S803 that no actionable categories of data can be determined, the process ends at S806.

[0069] In S805, the RM server 101rm sends content to a portable device 400. Specifically, exemplary embodiments enable the RM server 101rm to send the content to the SP server 101SP, which prepares the content into a message (such as, a first message, in turn discussed below). This message is then sent from the SP server 101SP to the UG server 101GS, which sends the message to the portable device 400. Additionally, as discussed above, an SM module, or alternatively, a UICC module, will decode this message. into a message that can be processed by the processor of the portable device 400 and displayed on the screen of the portable device 400 to the user/subscriber. For example, the message displayed on the screen may be a “yes/no” question asked of the subscriber, a menu from which the subscriber can select a desired choice, a prompt that prompts the subscriber to enter an answer, or another suitable option . Once this content is sent to portable device 400, the process ends at S806.

[0070] Referring now to Figure 10, a flowchart of a particular embodiment is described that includes BI server 300. This embodiment of the invention occurs in the environment in accordance with Figure 6 with networks 100, servers 101, devices 102 , system 200, BI server 300 and the portable devices 400. In particular, the environment comprises a BI server 300, an SP server 101SP, a UG server 101GS and a portable device 400. In S1001, the BI server 300 initiates communication with the SP server 101SP to request subscriber usage data from the SP server 101SP. In S1002, the SP server 101SP sends to the BI server 300 all relevant subscriber usage data (i.e., raw data) based on the request to the BI server 300. Then, the BI server 300 processes the data of subscriber usage collected in S1003 using the predetermined algorithm and determines actionable categories of data based on the processed data (as discussed above).

[0071] At S1004, the BI server 300 sends the determined actionable categories of data to the SP server 101SP. Then, the SP server 101SP generates content corresponding to a message (such as the first message) in S1005 based on the actionable category of data. In S1006, the SP server 101SP sends the generated content in the form of a first message to the UG server 101GS. In S1007, the UG server 101GS prepares the first message to be sent to the subscriber. The first message includes a first instruction and a notification. At S1008, the UG server 101GS sends the first prepared message to the portable device 400, which, in this exemplary embodiment, includes a first computer and a second computer. In portable device 400, the first instruction of the first message, when executed by the first computer, causes the second computer to perform the steps of displaying the notification on a screen to the user (S1009), receiving input as a response to the notification (S1009), S1010) and send a message (e.g., a second message) to the UG server 101GS (S1011), the second message including the subscriber's response to the notification.

[0072] At S1012, the UG server 101GS prepares the second message to be sent to the SP server 101SP, and then at S1013, the UG server 101GS sends the second message to the SP server 101SP. At S1014, SP server 101SP processes the second message and prepares an optional message (e.g., a third message) to be sent to the subscriber in response to the second message, if required. This third message includes, for example, an acknowledgment to the subscriber's message, an additional instruction to the subscriber, a notification of other activities that will take place (e.g., the subscriber will be contacted by the service provider regarding updating services and/or devices ) and other appropriate messages. Then, the third message is sent from the SP server 101SP to the UG server 101GS (S1015), from the UG server 101GS to the handheld device 400 (S1016), and then from the handheld device 400 to the user/subscriber (S1017). , similarly to S1006, S1008 and S1009 discussed above. After S1017, the process ends unless there are other optional steps.

[0073] Additional embodiments of the invention are now described with respect to Figure 11 which presents a flowchart showing a process for generating one or more notifications upon termination of a communication function in accordance with particular embodiments of the invention.

[0074] At S1102, an application is loaded onto module card 404. The application may comprise a Wib-based application, an S@T-based application, or a Java-based application, for example. In certain embodiments, the application is a retention engine applet that processes messages sent between the module card 404 and the portable device 400. In some embodiments, the application is installed on the module card 404 in combination with a carrier update. which is pushed to the device by a service provider. In certain embodiments, such carrier update is optional, however, it may be a mandatory update in other embodiments. In particular embodiments, the module card 404 is loaded and begins running the application as part of an initialization process when the portable device 400 is turned on, for example.

[0075] In S1104, a user (e.g., a subscriber to a telecommunications service) of portable device 400 (e.g., a device associated with the subscriber's account for the telecommunications service) makes or receives a telephone call (e.g. , initiates a communication function) via the portable device 400.

[0076] At S1106, the telephone call is disconnected (e.g., the communication function ends). For example, the user may turn off the handheld device 400 to disconnect the call. Alternatively, another user of another communication device conversing with the user of portable device 400 may turn off the other communication device to disconnect the call. In still other configurations, the call is disconnected due to a network error or other reason beyond the users' control. In any case, the portable device 400 sends a message to the module card 404 that indicates that the call has been disconnected in response to the disconnection, regardless of the reason for the disconnection.

[0077] At S1108, module card 404 receives the message indicating that the call has been disconnected. In response to receiving the message indicating that the call has been disconnected on the module card 404, the application loaded on the module card 404 generates a message (e.g., an SMS message) and controls the portable device 400 to send the message to the UG 101GS server, for example. In some embodiments, the message includes a notification indicating that the call was recently disconnected. In other embodiments, the message is a basic message, such as “do you have a message for me?”, and can be encoded in various ways.

[0078] At S1110, the UG server 101GS receives the notification from the module card 404 and determines that the call has been disconnected.

[0079] At S1112, the UG server 101GS determines whether a message is waiting on the SP server 101SP (e.g., a message generated from content received from the RM server 101rm) for presentation to one of the portable device 400. In some embodiments, in response to receiving notification that the call has been disconnected at S1110, the UG server 101GS sends a first request to the SP server 101SP that asks the SP server 101SP whether a message for presentation to a user of portable device 400 is currently waiting on SP server 101SP. The SP server 101SP may subsequently transmit a response to the UG server 101GS that indicates the possibility of such a message. If the UG server 101GS determines that there is no message (S1112: No), the process ends, and the UG server 101GS waits to receive another notification from the module card 404 that indicates that another call has been disconnected. If the UG 101GS server determines that there is a message (S1112: Yes), the process continues to S1114.

[0080] At S1114, the UG server 101GS fetches the message from the SP server 101SP (e.g., a message database). In particular embodiments, this process is similar to the process of S1006 described above with reference to Figure 10 or the process of S305 described above with respect to Figure 3. For example, the message is an actionable message that includes information and the retention and/or upsells of additional or new services relevant to the subscriber account, as determined from BI server analysis. The message may be selected from a plurality of messages in the message database or may be generated in a manner similar to that of process S304 or S1005 described with respect to Figures 3 and 10, for example.

[0081] The content of the message may be written in any language that is known to those of ordinary skill in the art, such as, for example, a markup language. Markup languages comprise, for example, WIG WML, S@TML and JavaML. For example, the message may include a notification and an instruction. In some embodiments, the notification may include a retention question that asks the user whether they wish to retain or continue receiving the service. For example, if a user is receiving wireless service from a wireless carrier called “A,” the first message might be: “Do you want to continue receiving wireless service from A?” In other embodiments, the notification may include an upsell question that asks the user whether he or she wishes to modify or update the service. The instruction includes an application and, when interpreted and executed by a first computer, implements a plurality of commands. For example, in a GSM network, the first instruction comprises a wiblet, s@tlet, or Java applet. wiblet is a small application that builds on Wib; s@tlet is a small application that is based on S@T; and Java applet is a small application that is based on Java. As described above, a Wib-based application is an application that is in the form of Wib byte code and is executed by Wib (e.g., a Wib interpreter); an S@T-based application is an application that is in the form of S@T byte code and is executed by an S@T interpreter; and a Java-based application is an application that is in the form of Java byte code and is executed by a Java interpreter.

[0082] At S1116, the UG server 101GS pushes the message to the portable device 400. More specifically, the UG server 101GS pushes the message to the module card 404. For example, the UG server 101GS prepares the message to be sent to the portable device 400. Subsequently, the UG server 101GS sends the prepared message to the portable device 400. This may be similar to processes S1007 and S1008 described above with respect to Figure 10, to process S805 described above with with respect to Figure 8 or the processes associated with signals 502 and 503 described above with respect to Figure 5, for example.

[0083] At S1118, the module card 404, for example, controls the portable device 400 to display the message received from the UG server 101GS. An instruction included in such a message, for example, instructs module card 404 which, in turn, instructs portable device 400 to display the notification included in the message. This process may be similar to the process S1009 described above with respect to Figure 10 or the processes associated with signal 504 described above with respect to Figure 5, for example. In some embodiments, the notification displayed on the handheld device 400 guides the user of the handheld device 400 to a response, such as a text input including affirmative language (e.g., ““Y,” “Yes,” “Of course,” “Why not”, “That”, “Agreed”, “Of course”, “May be”), denial language (e.g. ““Nor”, “No”, “Negative”), or a selection of an option presented (e.g., a selection of buttons or keys representing an affirmation, a selection of a key representing a negation, a selection from a list of services and/or update options).

[0084] At S1120, module card 404 determines whether the user has selected an upsell and/or retention option. In particular, the user may input a response, via a handheld device input interface 400, into the notification displayed on the handheld device 400. A response may be a selection of a refresh option, a hold option, an affirmation, a denial or other election with respect to an account for a telecommunications service or other service. After the user enters the response, module card 404 receives the input response and determines whether the user has selected an upsell and/or retention option. In some embodiments, this process is similar to the process S1010 described above with respect to Figure 10 or the processes associated with signal 505 described above with respect to Figure 5, for example. If the 404 module card determines that the response indicates that the user did not select an upsell and/or retention option, the process ends. At this time, the module card 404 waits to receive another notification that a call has been disconnected, and the UG server 101GS waits to receive another notification from the module card 404 indicating the same. If module card 404 determines that the response indicates that the user selected an upsell and/or retention option, the process proceeds to S1122.

[0085] At S1122, the module card 404 controls the portable device 400 to send the confirmation message back to the SP server 101 SP via the UG server 101GS. In some embodiments, the message is a 7-bit SMS message, an 8-bit SMS message, a USSD message, an MMS message, or another type of cellular network message, for example. In certain embodiments, the confirmation message includes a notification that indicates that the user has selected an option to retain and/or upgrade the service and, in embodiments in which a particular upgrade option has been selected, indicates which upgrade option the user has selected. In particular embodiments, the confirmation message includes a copy of the response entered by the user. In some embodiments, the portable device 400 sends the message to the UG server 101GS, the UG server 101GS prepares a version of the message for the SP server 101SP, and the UG server 101GS sends the prepared version of the message to the SP server 101SP. The process may be similar to processes S1011 to S1013 described above with respect to Figure 10 or to the processes associated with signals 506 to 508 described above with respect to Figure 5, for example. After S1122, the process may end.

[0086] In particular configurations, the SP server 101SP receives the message and prepares an optional message to be sent to the subscriber in response to the message. This optional third message includes, for example, an acknowledgment to the subscriber message, an additional instruction to the subscriber, a notification of other activities that will take place (e.g., the subscriber will be contacted by the service provider regarding service updates and/or devices) and other appropriate messages. The message is then sent from the SP server 101SP to the UG server 101GS, from the UG server 101GS to the handheld device 400, and then from the handheld device 400 to the user/subscriber. This process may be similar to processes S1014 to S1017 described above with respect to Figure 10, for example.

[0087] Certain exemplary embodiments have been described above with respect to module cards that have a variety of formats and configurations. However, the module cards contemplated by the present disclosure are not limited to the exemplary module cards described herein and include any appropriate module card that can realize one or more aspects of the invention contemplated herein. For example, a module card may be one or more of a SIM card, a UICC, an electronic SIM card (“eSIM”), an electronic UICC card (“eUICC”), and any other appropriate module card.

[0088] Although the invention has been described in connection with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art that other variations and modifications of the preferred embodiments described above can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Other embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from consideration of the specification or from practice of the invention disclosed herein. The present specification and the examples described are considered exemplary only, the true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the attached claims.

Claims (20)

1. System for presenting services to a subscriber, the system characterized by the fact that it comprises: a server system comprising: one or more memory devices; one or more processors; one or more transmitters; and one or more receivers, wherein the server system is configured to: collect usage data associated with an account for the subscriber, wherein the account is associated with a portable device; store usage data in at least one repository; determine whether the usage data satisfies a predetermined condition; in response to the determination that the usage data meets the predetermined condition, determine whether there is an actionable category of data; in response to the determination that the actionable category of data exists, determine at least one action based on: the actionable category of data; and a predefined set of rules; receiving a first message from the portable device, the first message indicating that a communication function of the portable device successfully connected to a wireless network has terminated, in response to a termination of the active communication function; in response to receiving the first message from the handheld device and determining at least one action based on the actionable category of data and the predefined set of rules, sending a second message to the handheld device, wherein the second message requests input from the subscriber through the portable device, and the second message is based on at least one action; and receiving a third message from the portable device, the third message including a response to the second message. 2. System according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the usage data comprises at least one of: data regarding web activity associated with the account, data regarding a portable device service plan associated with the account, data regarding phone call activity associated with the account, data regarding text messaging activity associated with the account, and data regarding multimedia messaging activity associated with the account. 3. System according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the server system is configured to determine that the predetermined condition is satisfied when: one or more devices associated with the account are used to visit one or more websites of service provider a threshold number of times in a predetermined period of time, and a threshold amount of time to remain in a subscription service term for the account. 4. System according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that, during the determination of whether there is the actionable category of data, the server system is configured to: in response to the determination that the one or more associated devices to the account were used to visit the one or more service provider websites the threshold number of times in the predetermined period of time and that the threshold space of time remains in the subscription service time for the account, determine that there is actionable category of data and which is information regarding the renewal of the subscription service for the account. 5. System, according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that the second message comprises information that identifies negotiations and pricing of subscription renewal. 6. System, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the actionable category of data comprises at least one of: data corresponding to the retention of a service currently subscribed to by the subscriber, and data corresponding to the offering of additional services to the subscriber. 7. System, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the predefined set of rules comprises: a plurality of actions, each action among the plurality of actions being associated with an actionable category of data, and each action among the plurality of actions indicates information to be sent as the second message to the subscriber; and a plurality of fourth messages, each fourth message being associated with information to be sent as the second message, and wherein the server system is configured to send a fourth message among the plurality of fourth messages to a service provider in response to receipt of the third message from the portable device. 8. System according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that, upon sending the second message to the portable device, the server system is configured to send the second message to a first computer of the portable device, the second message being comprises a notification and an instruction, and wherein the instruction, when executed by the first computer, instructs a second computer of the portable device to: display the notification on a display of the portable device; receiving input via a user interface of the handheld device; and in response to receiving the input, initiate transmission of the third message to the server system. 9. System, according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that the notification comprises at least one of: a question that requires a "yes" or "no" answer; a menu that includes a predetermined number of choices; and a notice that requests a subscriber-generated response. 10. System according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it further comprises: the portable device comprising: a first computer configured to receive the second message from the server system, the second message comprising a notification and a first instruction, the first computer comprising a module card; and a second computer, wherein the first computer is further configured to execute the first instruction, which induces the second computer to: display the notification on a display of the portable device; receiving input via a user interface of the handheld device; and in response to receipt of the input, initiate transmission of the third message to the server system, wherein the module card functions as an interpreter, the interpreter being a Dynamic SIM Toolkit (DSTK) interpreter that is at least one of a Wib interpreter and an S@T interpreter, and wherein the module card comprises one of: a Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC), and a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card. 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the server system comprises: a service provider server; a business intelligence server; a middleware server; and a gateway server. 12. Method for presenting services to a subscriber, the method characterized by the fact that it comprises: collecting usage data associated with an account for the subscriber, the account being associated with a portable device; store usage data in at least one repository; determine the possibility of the data satisfying a predetermined condition; in response to the determination that the usage data meets the predetermined condition, determine whether there is an actionable category of data; in response to the determination that the actionable category of data exists, determine at least one action based on: the actionable category of data; and on a predefined set of rules; receiving a first message from the portable device, the first message indicating that a communication function of the portable device successfully connected to a wireless network has terminated, in response to a termination of the active communication function; in response to receiving the first message from the handheld device and determining at least one action based on the actionable category of data and the predefined set of rules, sending a second message to the handheld device, wherein the second message requests input from the subscriber through the portable device, and the second message is based on at least one action; and receiving a third message from the portable device, the third message including a response to the second message. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the usage data comprises at least one of: data regarding web activity associated with the account, data regarding a handheld device service plan associated with the account, data regarding phone call activity associated with the account, data regarding text messaging activity associated with the account, and data regarding multimedia messaging activity associated with the account. 14. Method according to claim 12, characterized by the fact that determining whether the usage data meets the predetermined condition comprises determining that the predetermined condition is satisfied when: one or more devices associated with the account are used to visit one or more service provider websites a threshold number of times in a predetermined period of time, and a threshold amount of time to remain in a subscription service term for the account. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein determining whether the actionable category of data exists comprises: in response to determining that one or more devices associated with the account was used to visit the one or more service provider websites the threshold number of times in the predetermined time period and that the threshold space of time remains in the subscription service term for the account, determine that there is the actionable category of data and is information in relation to renewal from the subscription service to the account. 16. Method, according to claim 15, characterized by the fact that the second message comprises information that identifies negotiations and pricing of subscription renewal. 17. Method, according to claim 12, characterized by the fact that the actionable category of data comprises at least one of: data corresponding to the retention of a service currently subscribed to by the subscriber, and data corresponding to the offering of additional services to the subscriber. 18. Method, according to claim 12, characterized by the fact that the predefined set of rules comprises: a plurality of actions, each action among the plurality of actions being associated with an actionable category of data, and each action among the plurality of actions indicates information to be sent as the second message to the subscriber; and a plurality of fourth messages, each fourth message being associated with the information to be sent as the second message, and wherein the method further comprises: sending a fourth message among the plurality of fourth messages to a service provider in response to the receipt of the third message from the portable device. 19. The method of claim 12, wherein sending the second message to the portable device comprises sending the second message to a first computer of the portable device, wherein the second message comprises a notification and an instruction, and wherein the instruction, when executed by the first computer, instructs a second computer of the handheld device to: display the notification on a display of the handheld device; receiving input via a user interface of the handheld device; and in response to receiving the input, initiate transmission of the third message to the server system. 20. The method of claim 12, wherein the notification comprises at least one of: a question requiring a "yes" or "no" answer; a menu that includes a predetermined number of choices; and a notice that requests a subscriber-generated response.