EP1181804A1 - A method and system adapted to permit subscribers to personalise value added services - Google Patents

A method and system adapted to permit subscribers to personalise value added services

Info

Publication number
EP1181804A1
EP1181804A1 EP00929979A EP00929979A EP1181804A1 EP 1181804 A1 EP1181804 A1 EP 1181804A1 EP 00929979 A EP00929979 A EP 00929979A EP 00929979 A EP00929979 A EP 00929979A EP 1181804 A1 EP1181804 A1 EP 1181804A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
subscriber
server
service
operator
value added
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
EP00929979A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Annette Andersson
H Kan Blomkvist
Stellan Emilsson
Jan Gustafsson
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Telia Co AB
Original Assignee
Telia AB
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Telia AB filed Critical Telia AB
Publication of EP1181804A1 publication Critical patent/EP1181804A1/en
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M2207/00—Type of exchange or network, i.e. telephonic medium, in which the telephonic communication takes place
    • H04M2207/18—Type of exchange or network, i.e. telephonic medium, in which the telephonic communication takes place wireless networks
    • 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
    • H04M3/42153—Administration or customisation of services by subscriber
    • H04M3/42161—Administration or customisation of services by subscriber via computer interface
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M7/00—Arrangements for interconnection between switching centres
    • H04M7/12—Arrangements for interconnection between switching centres for working between exchanges having different types of switching equipment, e.g. power-driven and step by step or decimal and non-decimal
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a telecommunications system for providing value added services which subscribers are permitted to personalise, a service platform for use with said telecommunications system, a method of operating said telecommunications system, a subscriber PC for use with said telecommunications system and a mobile transceiver for use with said telecommunications system.
  • the present invention provides a telecommunications system which can act as a host for value added services.
  • the present invention provides a mechanism which allows a telecommunications subscriber to personalise such services.
  • the present invention can be used as a freestanding technology, but is also included as a component in the telecommunications system described and claimed in our co-pending patent application Kgp 30/99 which relates to a system concept offering a simple methodology of introducing new value added services, subscriber-controlled personalising, and radio resource-saving mobile services.
  • a telecommunications system adapted to permit subscribers to personalise value added services, comprising a telecommunications operator's server, a plurality of subscriber transceivers, at least one service provider's server and data storage means, characterised in that said system also includes a plurality of fixed subscriber data terminals, in that each of said plurality of fixed subscriber data terminals is adapted to communicate with said operator's server, in that said at least one service provider's server is adapted to communicate with said operator's server, in that each of said plurality of subscriber transceivers is adapted to communicate with said operator's server, and in that said storage means contains a service data base and is adapted to communicate with said operator's server
  • Said telecommunications system may be adapted to enable a subscriber to establish a value added service menu facilitating selection of a given value added service from a plurality of value added services.
  • At least some of said plurality of subscriber transceivers may be mobile transceivers.
  • Said plurality of subscriber value added services may be provided by more than one service provider.
  • Said operator's server may mediate between a subscriber's transceiver and a service provider's server in the provision of value added services by adapting said value added services in accordance with service settings previously provided by said subscriber from said subscriber's fixed subscriber data terminal.
  • Said storage means may have a database of services personalised by subscribers.
  • Said operator's server may be adapted, on request from a subscriber, to make available to the subscriber a user interface via which service parameters may be downloaded to said operator's server and stored on said data base of services personalised by subscribers.
  • Said operator's server may be adapted to provide access to said user interface via a web page, held on said operator's server, and a subscriber's fixed subscriber data terminal.
  • Said user interface may specify parameters for which a subscriber must supply values, and if a user does not specify a value for one, or more parameters, said values may be requested from said user when said user executes said value added service.
  • Said user interface may be adapted to permit a user to specify a name for a value added service personalised by said user.
  • Said operator's server may be adapted to assign a unique identity to a personalised value added service.
  • Said user interface may be adapted to enable a user to create a menu structure.
  • Said menu structure may permit different value added services to be selected.
  • Said operator's server may be adapted, on request from a subscriber's transceiver, to transmit a previously personalised menu to said subscriber's transceiver.
  • said operator's server On a request for a personalised value added service being received by said operator's server from a subscriber transceiver, said operator's server may be adapted to request said subscriber transceiver to supply any service parameters not stored on said database of services personalised by subscribers.
  • a request for a personalised value added service sent from a subscribers transceiver to said operator's server may contain a unique identification of said requested personalised value added service.
  • said operator's server On a request for a personalised value added service being received by said operator's server from a subscriber transceiver, said operator's server may be adapted to use said unique identification as a search word to search said database of services personalised by subscribers.
  • Said operator's server may be adapted to make a service call to a service provider's server, said service call containing service parameter values stored on said database of services personalised by subscribers and service parameter values supplied by a subscriber on execution of said value added service.
  • Said telecommunications system may be adapted to permit a subscriber to create more than one personalised version of a single value added service.
  • Said telecommunications system may be adapted to give a subscriber access to a personalised value added service, on receipt of a name assigned by the subscriber to the personalised value added service.
  • Said telecommunications system may be adapted to permit a subscriber to enter default values for service parameters, and said telecommunications system may be adapted to give a subscriber an opportunity to change said default values on service execution.
  • Said fixed subscriber data terminal may be a PC.
  • a telecommunications service platform for the provision of value added services to mobile transceivers suitable for use with a telecommunications system as set forth in any preceding paragraph, characterised in that there is provided a telecommunications operator's server adapted to operate connections to:
  • a plurality of mobile transceivers at least one service provider's server;
  • said storage means contains a service data base and a database of services personalised by subscribers.
  • a fixed subscriber data terminal characterised in that said fixed subscriber data terminal is adapted to operate within a telecommunications system as set forth in any preceding paragraph and adapted to personalise services offered by said telecommunications system.
  • a mobile transceiver characterised in that said mobile transceiver is adopted to operate with a telecommunications system as set forth in any preceding paragraph.
  • a method of operating a telecommunications system comprising an operator's server, a plurality of subscriber transceivers, at least one service provider's server and data storage means, so that a subscriber can personalise value added services, characterised by said system including a plurality of fixed subscriber data terminals, by each of said plurality of fixed subscriber data terminals communicating with said operator's server, by said at least one service provider's server communicating with said operator's server, by each of said plurality of subscriber transceivers communicating with said operator's server, and by said storage means containing a service data base communicating with said operator's server
  • a subscriber may be enabled to establish a value added service menu facilitating selection of a given value added service from a plurality of value added services.
  • At least some of said plurality of subscriber transceivers may be mobile transceivers.
  • Said plurality of subscriber value added services may be provided by more than one service provider.
  • Ssaid operator's server may mediate between a subscriber's transceiver and a service provider's server in the provision of value added services by adapting said value added services in accordance with service settings previously provided by said subscriber from said subscriber's fixed subscriber data terminal.
  • Said storage means may have a database of services personalised by subscribers.
  • Said operator's server on request from a subscriber, may make available to the subscriber a user interface via which service parameters may be downloaded to said operator's server and stored on said data base of services personalised by subscribers.
  • Said operator's server may provide access to said user interface via a web page, held on said operator's server, and a subscriber's fixed subscriber data terminal.
  • Said user interface may specify parameters for which a subscriber must supply values and, if a user does not specify a value for one, or more parameters, said values may be requested from said user when said user executes said value added service.
  • Said user interface may permit a user to specify a name for a value added service personalised by said user.
  • Said operator's server may assign a unique identity to a personalised value added service.
  • Said user interface may enable a user to create a menu structure.
  • Said menu structure may permit different value added services to be selected.
  • Said operator's server on request from a subscriber's transceiver, may transmit a previously personalised menu to said subscriber's transceiver.
  • said operator's server may request said subscriber transceiver to supply any service parameters not stored on said database of services personalised by subscribers.
  • a request for a personalised value added service sent from a subscribers transceiver to said operator's server, may contain a unique identification of said requested personalised value added service.
  • said operator's server may use said unique identification as a search word to search said database of services personalised by subscribers.
  • Said operator's server may make a service call to a service provider's server, said service call containing service parameter values stored on said database of services personalised by subscribers and service parameter values supplied by a subscriber on execution of said value added service.
  • Said telecommunications system may permit a subscriber to create more than one personalised version of a single value added service.
  • Said telecommunications system may give a subscriber access to a personalised value added service on receipt of a name assigned by the subscriber to the personalised value added service.
  • Said telecommunications system may permit a subscriber to enter default values for service parameters, and said telecommunications system may give a subscriber an opportunity to change said default values on service execution.
  • Said fixed subscriber data terminal may be a PC.
  • Patent application WO98/03005 describes a system which allows a mobile telephone subscriber to re-edit, via a PC, the personal settings of a value added service, such as e-mail.
  • a "formula”, indicating the current setting of a value added service is ordered from the service provider's server and is sent to the PC where it can be re-edited.
  • the re-edited "formula” is then returned to the service provider's server where the new settings are stored.
  • a "formula” for a given value added service is ordered from a server.
  • the user receives "pages", which are not entirely analogous to a “formula”, that facilitate setting up the service parameters for a value added service.
  • the personalisation provided by the present invention is much broader than that described in WO98/03005 and is not fully executed via a simple formula and is mediated by an operator's server. For example, a user may set the parameters relating to a particular service and also choose to create his own menu where different services are included within the same menu. These different services do not even have to be provided by the same service provider.
  • the "formula”, with the current service settings is downloaded from the service provider's server.
  • the object is not to let the user change the existing settings, but rather to enable the user, himself, to give his own settings, i.e. service parameters.
  • a user can, of course, edit service parameters which he has already entered.
  • existing service settings are changed via the service provider's server.
  • a server is used, not to change the existing service settings, but rather to give values to the service parameters.
  • the re-edited formula is returned to the service provider's server and stored to be used as a new "formula".
  • the settings for the traditional operator's network elements are not changed by the subscriber. Rather, the subscriber is enabled to adapt a service to his own needs.
  • These value added services are not connected to the traditional network elements but are executed by service providers on their own servers.
  • Such service providers may be entirely independent of the telecommunications operator via whom the services are offered to the subscriber.
  • subscriber modified service parameters are stored by the operator on a special database which is not related to any network element. This means that no changes are executed on any network element, as is the case with the invention described in WO98/03005.
  • the present invention is based on the subscriber settings being used to call a service via a special operator's server, rather than being loaded on to a service provider's server.
  • the operator's server calls a requested service and adapts the service from settings previously given by the subscriber.
  • a receipt is given for a re- edited formula.
  • the user can interactively personalise a service which provides a user interface via which service parameters are entered. It is, of course, possible for a subscriber to obtain some form of receipt for the parameters he has stored in the database of personalised services, but it is probably easier for a subscriber to select a service and obtain information regarding the parameter entries he has previously made.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a telecommunications system according to the present invention.
  • the present invention is based on a mobile telephone user being able to adapt value added services to his personal needs.
  • the services must be parameter-controlled, which implies that the behaviour of a service can be controlled with the aid of the value of one, or more, parameters added when the service is called.
  • Fig. 1 where a simplified version of a system according to the present invention is shown.
  • Service “A” is available on a service provider's server and must be called with three input parameters.
  • Service “B” is also included to illustrate how menu-based services can be called.
  • the present invention can, of course, operate with many subscribers and can handle many more than two service providers, each of which may supply one, or more, value added services.
  • the Web page gives access to a web-based user interface in the operator's server. With the aid of this web page it is possible to see which services are available and also to have access to a user interface to personalise these services.
  • the subscriber selects service "A", say, via a web interface and receives information, via the operator's server, that the service requires 3 parameters for a call. Details of all available services that can be accessed through the operator can be stored in a service database.
  • the subscriber chooses to enter values for parameter 1 and parameter 2. It should be noted that a user has both the opportunity to specify different values for a parameter and the opportunity to refrain from specifying a value.
  • the different values allowed can be defined in a user interface, e.g. the numerals 1- 100, or on/off. By refraining from predefining the value for parameter 3, the user is deferring the setting of this parameter to the time of service execution.
  • An alternative approach to personalising a service is for the user to specify default values for all parameters when personalising the service and then, if necessary, overriding the default values at the time of service execution.
  • the operator's server can also create a unique identity for the personalised service. This identity is used when a service is called via a menu selection.
  • a personalised service must be identifiable either via a unique identity, or via a unique name. However, it is also conceivable to use a combination of name and A-number, or identity and A-number, to identify a personalised service.
  • the result is saved in a database, the personalised service database, where each subscriber can save data relating to his own personalised services.
  • the database is linked to the operator's server, which implies that the settings are valid until the subscriber accesses and changes them on a subsequent occasion.
  • a subscriber can, in a similar way, personalise a number of services.
  • a subscriber wishes to have access to different personalised services via a menu structure, he can create a menu structure with the aid of a tool offered via the operator's server and moreover link the personalised services to different menu choices in this menu structure, e.g. a menu choice calls a personalised version of service "A", and a number of menu choices call a personalised version of service "B".
  • the user interface in the form of a menu, can then be sent to the mobile telephone.
  • the unique identity or the unique reference to the identity, is used as a search word in the database.
  • the database returns the service to be called and also the predefined parameter values stored when the subscriber personalised the service.
  • the operator's server now creates a message, a service call for service "A", where all parameters are included, i.e. parameters 1 and 2 from the operator's server and parameter 3 from the mobile telephone.
  • Service “A” is called with the parameters which user "X” has specified both via the Internet, when personalising the service, and via the mobile telephone, when executing the service.
  • a service can be called either without any values for the input parameters needing to be specified from the mobile telephone keypad, which makes the service very easy to use, or, alternatively, that it is possible to specify values of input parameters using the keypad of a mobile telephone, or transceiver, i.e. the service can be controlled from the mobile telephone on service execution.
  • this service can be called without a menu structure being downloaded to the mobile telephone. This can then take place through the subscriber making a call for the service via, for example, a conventional SMS.
  • a subscriber may also conceivably be given the opportunity to enter default values for parameters when personalising a service. This would mean that these parameter values are valid if a customer has not chosen to specify values for these parameters via the mobile telephone keypad. Information on a parameter having been assigned a default value may be downloaded to the mobile telephone, but this is not necessary, since a user can, for example, when personalising a service make a paper printout of the default values valid for that service.
  • the present invention provides a general technology which can be used where there is a need to save bandwidth and offers subscribers an opportunity, on the basis of general services, to create their own personalised services.
  • the technology is independent of the mobile telephony system (GSM, UMTS, etc.) and the carrier service, as well as terminal technology.
  • the technology is especially suited to offering personalised services to mobile telephones with a conventional keypad by giving subscribers an opportunity to enter parameter values, prior to using the service, via a PC coupled to the Internet, which means that these parameters need not be given any value when a service is called from a mobile telephone.
  • a personalised service can be called with a minimum of buttons having to be pressed.
  • the present invention enables:

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  • Mobile Radio Communication Systems (AREA)
  • Telephonic Communication Services (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention provides a telecommunications system which can act as a host for value added services. In particular, the present invention provides a mechanism which allows a telecommunications subscriber to personalise such services. The telecommunications system includes a telecommunications operator's server, a plurality of subscriber transceivers, at least one service provider's server, data storage means and a plurality of fixed subscriber data terminals. Each of the plurality of fixed subscriber data terminals is adapted to communicate with the operator's server. At least one service provider's server is adapted to communicate with said operator's server. Each of subscriber transceiver is adapted to communicate with said operator's server. The storage means contains a service data base and is adapted to communicate with said operator's server. The telecommunications system may enable a subscriber to establish a value added service menu facilitating selection of a given value added service from a plurality of value added services. At least some of the subscriber transceivers may be mobile transceivers. The subscriber value added services may be provided by more than one service provider. The operator's server may mediate between a subscriber's transceiver and a service provider's server in the provision of value added services by adapting the value added services in accordance with service settings previously provided by said subscriber from said subscriber's fixed subscriber data terminal.

Description

A METHOD AND SYSTEM ADAPTED TO PERMIT SUBSCRIBERS TO PERSONALISE VALUE ADDED SERVICES
The present invention relates to a telecommunications system for providing value added services which subscribers are permitted to personalise, a service platform for use with said telecommunications system, a method of operating said telecommunications system, a subscriber PC for use with said telecommunications system and a mobile transceiver for use with said telecommunications system.
The present invention provides a telecommunications system which can act as a host for value added services. In particular, the present invention provides a mechanism which allows a telecommunications subscriber to personalise such services.
When services are called via a PC, or mobile telephone, it is generally necessary to specify the value of one, or more, input parameters which control the service. Different users often use services in different ways, although it is not unusual for a user to repeatedly enter the same values on different call occasions.
Conventional mobile telephones are not especially suitable for entry of large volumes of text. Thus, when value added services are executed through a mobile telephone transceiver, a user will want to avoid entering characters unnecessarily.
When using a mobile telephone, a user will want to have access to as much specially adapted information and as many specially adapted functions as possible, with a minimum of button pressing.
The present invention can be used as a freestanding technology, but is also included as a component in the telecommunications system described and claimed in our co-pending patent application Kgp 30/99 which relates to a system concept offering a simple methodology of introducing new value added services, subscriber-controlled personalising, and radio resource-saving mobile services.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a telecommunications system, adapted to permit subscribers to personalise value added services, comprising a telecommunications operator's server, a plurality of subscriber transceivers, at least one service provider's server and data storage means, characterised in that said system also includes a plurality of fixed subscriber data terminals, in that each of said plurality of fixed subscriber data terminals is adapted to communicate with said operator's server, in that said at least one service provider's server is adapted to communicate with said operator's server, in that each of said plurality of subscriber transceivers is adapted to communicate with said operator's server, and in that said storage means contains a service data base and is adapted to communicate with said operator's server
Said telecommunications system may be adapted to enable a subscriber to establish a value added service menu facilitating selection of a given value added service from a plurality of value added services.
At least some of said plurality of subscriber transceivers may be mobile transceivers.
Said plurality of subscriber value added services may be provided by more than one service provider.
Said operator's server may mediate between a subscriber's transceiver and a service provider's server in the provision of value added services by adapting said value added services in accordance with service settings previously provided by said subscriber from said subscriber's fixed subscriber data terminal.
Said storage means may have a database of services personalised by subscribers.
Said operator's server may be adapted, on request from a subscriber, to make available to the subscriber a user interface via which service parameters may be downloaded to said operator's server and stored on said data base of services personalised by subscribers.
Said operator's server may be adapted to provide access to said user interface via a web page, held on said operator's server, and a subscriber's fixed subscriber data terminal.
Said user interface may specify parameters for which a subscriber must supply values, and if a user does not specify a value for one, or more parameters, said values may be requested from said user when said user executes said value added service.
Said user interface may be adapted to permit a user to specify a name for a value added service personalised by said user.
Said operator's server may be adapted to assign a unique identity to a personalised value added service.
Said user interface may be adapted to enable a user to create a menu structure.
Said menu structure may permit different value added services to be selected.
Said operator's server may be adapted, on request from a subscriber's transceiver, to transmit a previously personalised menu to said subscriber's transceiver.
On a request for a personalised value added service being received by said operator's server from a subscriber transceiver, said operator's server may be adapted to request said subscriber transceiver to supply any service parameters not stored on said database of services personalised by subscribers.
A request for a personalised value added service sent from a subscribers transceiver to said operator's server may contain a unique identification of said requested personalised value added service.
On a request for a personalised value added service being received by said operator's server from a subscriber transceiver, said operator's server may be adapted to use said unique identification as a search word to search said database of services personalised by subscribers.
Said operator's server may be adapted to make a service call to a service provider's server, said service call containing service parameter values stored on said database of services personalised by subscribers and service parameter values supplied by a subscriber on execution of said value added service.
Said telecommunications system may be adapted to permit a subscriber to create more than one personalised version of a single value added service.
Said telecommunications system may be adapted to give a subscriber access to a personalised value added service, on receipt of a name assigned by the subscriber to the personalised value added service.
Said telecommunications system may be adapted to permit a subscriber to enter default values for service parameters, and said telecommunications system may be adapted to give a subscriber an opportunity to change said default values on service execution.
Said fixed subscriber data terminal may be a PC.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a telecommunications service platform for the provision of value added services to mobile transceivers suitable for use with a telecommunications system as set forth in any preceding paragraph, characterised in that there is provided a telecommunications operator's server adapted to operate connections to:
a plurality of mobile transceivers; at least one service provider's server;
a data storage means; and
a plurality of subscriber's fixed subscriber data terminals;
and in that said storage means contains a service data base and a database of services personalised by subscribers.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fixed subscriber data terminal, characterised in that said fixed subscriber data terminal is adapted to operate within a telecommunications system as set forth in any preceding paragraph and adapted to personalise services offered by said telecommunications system.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mobile transceiver, characterised in that said mobile transceiver is adopted to operate with a telecommunications system as set forth in any preceding paragraph.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a telecommunications system comprising an operator's server, a plurality of subscriber transceivers, at least one service provider's server and data storage means, so that a subscriber can personalise value added services, characterised by said system including a plurality of fixed subscriber data terminals, by each of said plurality of fixed subscriber data terminals communicating with said operator's server, by said at least one service provider's server communicating with said operator's server, by each of said plurality of subscriber transceivers communicating with said operator's server, and by said storage means containing a service data base communicating with said operator's server
A subscriber may be enabled to establish a value added service menu facilitating selection of a given value added service from a plurality of value added services.
At least some of said plurality of subscriber transceivers may be mobile transceivers.
Said plurality of subscriber value added services may be provided by more than one service provider.
Ssaid operator's server may mediate between a subscriber's transceiver and a service provider's server in the provision of value added services by adapting said value added services in accordance with service settings previously provided by said subscriber from said subscriber's fixed subscriber data terminal.
Said storage means may have a database of services personalised by subscribers.
Said operator's server, on request from a subscriber, may make available to the subscriber a user interface via which service parameters may be downloaded to said operator's server and stored on said data base of services personalised by subscribers.
Said operator's server may provide access to said user interface via a web page, held on said operator's server, and a subscriber's fixed subscriber data terminal.
Said user interface may specify parameters for which a subscriber must supply values and, if a user does not specify a value for one, or more parameters, said values may be requested from said user when said user executes said value added service.
Said user interface may permit a user to specify a name for a value added service personalised by said user. Said operator's server may assign a unique identity to a personalised value added service.
Said user interface may enable a user to create a menu structure.
Said menu structure may permit different value added services to be selected.
Said operator's server, on request from a subscriber's transceiver, may transmit a previously personalised menu to said subscriber's transceiver.
On a request for a personalised value added service being received by said operator's server from a subscriber transceiver, said operator's server may request said subscriber transceiver to supply any service parameters not stored on said database of services personalised by subscribers.
A request for a personalised value added service, sent from a subscribers transceiver to said operator's server, may contain a unique identification of said requested personalised value added service.
On a request for a personalised value added service being received by said operator's server from a subscriber transceiver, said operator's server may use said unique identification as a search word to search said database of services personalised by subscribers.
Said operator's server may make a service call to a service provider's server, said service call containing service parameter values stored on said database of services personalised by subscribers and service parameter values supplied by a subscriber on execution of said value added service.
Said telecommunications system may permit a subscriber to create more than one personalised version of a single value added service.
Said telecommunications system may give a subscriber access to a personalised value added service on receipt of a name assigned by the subscriber to the personalised value added service.
Said telecommunications system may permit a subscriber to enter default values for service parameters, and said telecommunications system may give a subscriber an opportunity to change said default values on service execution.
Said fixed subscriber data terminal may be a PC.
Patent application WO98/03005 describes a system which allows a mobile telephone subscriber to re-edit, via a PC, the personal settings of a value added service, such as e-mail. A "formula", indicating the current setting of a value added service is ordered from the service provider's server and is sent to the PC where it can be re-edited. The re-edited "formula" is then returned to the service provider's server where the new settings are stored.
The features of the present invention, set out below, distinguish it from the invention disclosed in WO98/03005.
1. In the invention described in WO98/03005, a "formula" for a given value added service is ordered from a server. Whereas, in the present invention the user receives "pages", which are not entirely analogous to a "formula", that facilitate setting up the service parameters for a value added service. However, there is no one-to-one correspondence between the "pages" and the value added service. The personalisation provided by the present invention is much broader than that described in WO98/03005 and is not fully executed via a simple formula and is mediated by an operator's server. For example, a user may set the parameters relating to a particular service and also choose to create his own menu where different services are included within the same menu. These different services do not even have to be provided by the same service provider.
2. In the invention described in WO98/03005, the "formula", with the current service settings, is downloaded from the service provider's server. In the present invention the object is not to let the user change the existing settings, but rather to enable the user, himself, to give his own settings, i.e. service parameters. A user can, of course, edit service parameters which he has already entered.
In the invention described in WO98/03005, existing service settings are changed via the service provider's server. In the present invention a server is used, not to change the existing service settings, but rather to give values to the service parameters.
4. In the invention described in WO98/03005, the re-edited formula is returned to the service provider's server and stored to be used as a new "formula". In the present invention, the settings for the traditional operator's network elements are not changed by the subscriber. Rather, the subscriber is enabled to adapt a service to his own needs. These value added services are not connected to the traditional network elements but are executed by service providers on their own servers. Such service providers may be entirely independent of the telecommunications operator via whom the services are offered to the subscriber. Furthermore, subscriber modified service parameters are stored by the operator on a special database which is not related to any network element. This means that no changes are executed on any network element, as is the case with the invention described in WO98/03005. Again, the present invention is based on the subscriber settings being used to call a service via a special operator's server, rather than being loaded on to a service provider's server. The operator's server calls a requested service and adapts the service from settings previously given by the subscriber.
5. In the invention described in WO98/03005, a receipt is given for a re- edited formula. In the present invention, the user can interactively personalise a service which provides a user interface via which service parameters are entered. It is, of course, possible for a subscriber to obtain some form of receipt for the parameters he has stored in the database of personalised services, but it is probably easier for a subscriber to select a service and obtain information regarding the parameter entries he has previously made.
Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a telecommunications system according to the present invention.
The present invention is based on a mobile telephone user being able to adapt value added services to his personal needs. For this to be possible, the services must be parameter-controlled, which implies that the behaviour of a service can be controlled with the aid of the value of one, or more, parameters added when the service is called.
To facilitate the description of the invention, reference should initially be made to Fig. 1 , where a simplified version of a system according to the present invention is shown. Two users, "X" and "Y", choose to personalise service "A" offered via an operator. Service "A" is available on a service provider's server and must be called with three input parameters. Service "B" is also included to illustrate how menu-based services can be called.
The present invention can, of course, operate with many subscribers and can handle many more than two service providers, each of which may supply one, or more, value added services.
To ensure that personalisation is as user-friendly as possible, this can be performed, e.g. through a user being able to surf into a specific home page, (www....). The Web page gives access to a web-based user interface in the operator's server. With the aid of this web page it is possible to see which services are available and also to have access to a user interface to personalise these services.
The procedure to be used, by a subscriber, to personalise a service will described.
1. The subscriber selects service "A", say, via a web interface and receives information, via the operator's server, that the service requires 3 parameters for a call. Details of all available services that can be accessed through the operator can be stored in a service database.
2. The subscriber chooses to enter values for parameter 1 and parameter 2. It should be noted that a user has both the opportunity to specify different values for a parameter and the opportunity to refrain from specifying a value. The different values allowed can be defined in a user interface, e.g. the numerals 1- 100, or on/off. By refraining from predefining the value for parameter 3, the user is deferring the setting of this parameter to the time of service execution. An alternative approach to personalising a service is for the user to specify default values for all parameters when personalising the service and then, if necessary, overriding the default values at the time of service execution.
3. When the user is ready, he can specify a name for the personalised service. This name is used if the user wishes to call the service directly via the keypad on a mobile telephone.
4. The operator's server can also create a unique identity for the personalised service. This identity is used when a service is called via a menu selection. A personalised service must be identifiable either via a unique identity, or via a unique name. However, it is also conceivable to use a combination of name and A-number, or identity and A-number, to identify a personalised service.
5. The result is saved in a database, the personalised service database, where each subscriber can save data relating to his own personalised services. The database is linked to the operator's server, which implies that the settings are valid until the subscriber accesses and changes them on a subsequent occasion.
6. A subscriber can, in a similar way, personalise a number of services.
7. If a subscriber wishes to have access to different personalised services via a menu structure, he can create a menu structure with the aid of a tool offered via the operator's server and moreover link the personalised services to different menu choices in this menu structure, e.g. a menu choice calls a personalised version of service "A", and a number of menu choices call a personalised version of service "B".
8. The user interface, in the form of a menu, can then be sent to the mobile telephone.
The way in which a subscriber, subscriber "X", uses a personalised service will now be described.
1. The subscriber selects a service via a menu choice, for example service "A".
2. Included in the user interface that has been downloaded is information on the number of parameters for which the user must enter values. This means that the subscriber will be prompted to enter values for these parameters. In the example described here, where subscriber "X" has personalised service "A" by entering predefined values for parameters 1 and 2 in the operator's server, the mobile telephone will now prompt the subscriber to enter values for the other parameters, i.e. parameter 3. The principle employed is that the parameters which have not been assigned predefined values in the operator's server must have values assigned by the mobile telephone.
3. When the subscriber has selected a service and entered values for any possible parameters, a message is sent to the operator's server. This message contains the unique identity of the service, or an unambiguous reference to the identity, and the value of the entered parameters.
4. When the operator's server receives this message, the unique identity, or the unique reference to the identity, is used as a search word in the database. The database returns the service to be called and also the predefined parameter values stored when the subscriber personalised the service.
5. The operator's server now creates a message, a service call for service "A", where all parameters are included, i.e. parameters 1 and 2 from the operator's server and parameter 3 from the mobile telephone.
6. Service "A" is called with the parameters which user "X" has specified both via the Internet, when personalising the service, and via the mobile telephone, when executing the service.
If subscriber "Y" chooses to enter values for all input parameters for service "A" when personalising the service, this means that no parameters need be specified on service execution, which, in turn, means that "Y" can use an advanced service called from a conventional mobile telephone in an extremely simple manner.
It should be noted that it is possible for a subscriber to call several different types of personalised services via a menu structure.
It is also possible for a user to personalise a specific service in several different ways. This means that a service can be called either without any values for the input parameters needing to be specified from the mobile telephone keypad, which makes the service very easy to use, or, alternatively, that it is possible to specify values of input parameters using the keypad of a mobile telephone, or transceiver, i.e. the service can be controlled from the mobile telephone on service execution.
If a subscriber has, when personalising a service, specified a name for the personalised service, this service can be called without a menu structure being downloaded to the mobile telephone. This can then take place through the subscriber making a call for the service via, for example, a conventional SMS.
This can take place through the name and different parameters being separated by predefined characters. An example of such a message might be: (Unf*1400*Vargen), which may result in all members of the Unf group receiving an SMS with the text: "Unf meeting at Vargen at 14.00". Note that the issued text is more extensive than that entered. The amount of information that can be added depends entirely on how the service is arranged, additional information can be entered as parameters when the service is personalised.
The description of the present invention, presented above, assumes that a service is personalised via an Internet-connected PC, which is likely to be the most attractive method. Updating of the operator's server database with personalisation data can, naturally, be performed with the aid of any computer whatever connected to the operator's server via a fixed connection, or via a radio connection. Personalisation of a service may also conceivably be performed from a mobile telephone via a specially adapted function in the mobile telephone which communicates with a corresponding function in the operator's server.
A subscriber may also conceivably be given the opportunity to enter default values for parameters when personalising a service. This would mean that these parameter values are valid if a customer has not chosen to specify values for these parameters via the mobile telephone keypad. Information on a parameter having been assigned a default value may be downloaded to the mobile telephone, but this is not necessary, since a user can, for example, when personalising a service make a paper printout of the default values valid for that service.
The present invention provides a general technology which can be used where there is a need to save bandwidth and offers subscribers an opportunity, on the basis of general services, to create their own personalised services. The technology is independent of the mobile telephony system (GSM, UMTS, etc.) and the carrier service, as well as terminal technology. The technology is especially suited to offering personalised services to mobile telephones with a conventional keypad by giving subscribers an opportunity to enter parameter values, prior to using the service, via a PC coupled to the Internet, which means that these parameters need not be given any value when a service is called from a mobile telephone. A personalised service can be called with a minimum of buttons having to be pressed.
The present invention enables:
mobile services to be personalised by subscribers themselves via e.g. an Internet-connected PC;
- subscribers to choose, prior to using a service, to enter values for a number of parameters needed when a service is called and in this way avoid the need to enter values for these parameters via the mobile telephone keypad when executing a service;
- subscribers to specify their own names for services and, in this way, more easily memorise how different services are to be called; and
subscribers to create their own menus which can be downloaded to mobile telephones supporting the use of menus - by enabling personalised services to be called via a personalised menu, user- friendliness is substantially increased.

Claims

1. A telecommunications system, adapted to permit subscribers to personalise value added services, comprising a telecommunications operator's server, a plurality of subscriber transceivers, at least one service provider's server and data storage means, characterised in that said system also includes a plurality of fixed subscriber data terminals, in that each of said plurality of fixed subscriber data terminals is adapted to communicate with said operator's server, in that said at least one service provider's server is adapted to communicate with said operator's server, in that each of said plurality of subscriber transceivers is adapted to communicate with said operator's server, and in that said storage means contains a service data base and is adapted to communicate with said operator's server
2. A telecommunications system, as claimed in claim 1 , characterised in that said telecommunications system is adapted to enable a subscriber to establish a value added service menu facilitating selection of a given value added service from a plurality of value added services.
3. A telecommunications system, as claimed in either claim 1 , or claim 2, characterised in that at least some of said plurality of subscriber transceivers are mobile transceivers.
4. A telecommunications system, as claimed in claim 2, or 3, characterised in that said plurality of subscriber value added services are provided by more than one service provider.
5. A telecommunications system, as claimed in any preceding claim, characterised in that said operator's server mediates between a subscriber's transceiver and a service provider's server in the provision of value added services by adapting said value added services in accordance with service settings previously provided by said subscriber from said subscriber's fixed subscriber data terminal.
6. A telecommunications system, as claimed in any preceding claim, characterised in that said storage means has a database of services personalised by subscribers.
7. A telecommunications system, as claimed in claim 6, characterised in that said operator's server is adapted, on request from a subscriber, to make available to the subscriber a user interface via which service parameters may be downloaded to said operator's server and stored on said data base of services personalised by subscribers.
8. A telecommunications system, as claimed in claim 7, characterised in that said operator's server is adapted to provide access to said user interface via a web page, held on said operator's server, and a subscriber's fixed subscriber data terminal.
9. A telecommunications system, as claimed in claim 8, characterised in that said user interface specifies parameters for which a subscriber must supply values, and in that if a user does not specify a value for one, or more parameters, said values will be requested from said user when said user executes said value added service.
10. A telecommunications system, as claimed in any of claims 7, to 9, characterised in that said user interface is adapted to permit a user to specify a name for a value added service personalised by said user.
11. A telecommunications system, as claimed in any of claims 7 to 10, characterised in that said operator's server is adapted to assign a unique identity to a personalised value added service.
12. A telecommunications system, as claimed in any of claims 7 to 11 , characterised in that said user interface is adapted to enable a user to create a menu structure.
13. A telecommunications system, as claimed in claim 12, characterised in that said menu structure permits different value added services to be selected.
14. A telecommunications system, as claimed in claim 13, characterised in that said operator's server is adapted, on request from a subscriber's transceiver, to transmit a previously personalised menu to said subscriber's transceiver.
15. A telecommunications system, as claimed in any of claims 7 to 14, characterised in that, on a request for a personalised value added service being received by said operator's server from a subscriber transceiver, said operator's server is adapted to request said subscriber transceiver to supply any service parameters not stored on said database of services personalised by subscribers.
16. A telecommunications system, as claimed in any of claims 7 to 15, characterised in that a request for a personalised value added service sent from a subscribers transceiver to said operator's server contains a unique identification of said requested personalised value added service.
17. A telecommunications system, as claimed in claims 16, characterised in that, on a request for a personalised value added service being received by said operator's server from a subscriber transceiver, said operator's server is adapted to use said unique identification as a search word to search said database of services personalised by subscribers.
18. A telecommunications system, as claimed in claim 17, characterised in that said operator's server is adapted to make a service call to a service provider's server, said service call containing service parameter values stored on said database of services personalised by subscribers and service parameter values supplied by a subscriber on execution of said value added service.
19. A telecommunications system, as claimed in any preceding claim, characterised in that said telecommunications system is adapted to permit a subscriber to create more than one personalised version of a single value added service.
20. A telecommunications system, as claimed in any preceding claim, characterised in that said telecommunications system is adapted to give a subscriber access to a personalised value added service, on receipt of a name assigned by the subscriber to the personalised value added service.
21. A telecommunications system, as claimed in any of claims 7 to 20, characterised in that said telecommunications system is adapted to permit a subscriber to enter default values for service parameters, and in that said telecommunications system is adapted to give a subscriber an opportunity to change said default values on service execution.
22. A telecommunications system, as claimed in any preceding claim, characterised in that said fixed subscriber data terminal is a PC.
23. A telecommunications service platform for the provision of value added services to mobile transceivers suitable for use with a telecommunications system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 23, characterised in that there is provided a telecommunications operator's server adapted to operate connections to:
- a plurality of mobile transceivers;
at least one service provider's server;
a data storage means; and
a plurality of subscriber's fixed subscriber data terminals;
and in that said storage means contains a service data base and a database of services personalised by subscribers.
24. A fixed subscriber data terminal, characterised in that said fixed subscriber data terminal is adapted to operate within a telecommunications system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 22 and adapted to personalise services offered by said telecommunications system.
25. A mobile transceiver, characterised in that said mobile transceiver is adopted to operate with a telecommunications system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 22.
26. A method of operating a telecommunications system comprising an operator's server, a plurality of subscriber transceivers, at least one service provider's server and data storage means, so that a subscriber can personalise value added services, characterised by said system including a plurality of fixed subscriber data terminals, by each of said plurality of fixed subscriber data terminals communicating with said operator's server, by said at least one service provider's server communicating with said operator's server, by each of said plurality of subscriber transceivers communicating with said operator's server, and by said storage means containing a service data base communicating with said operator's server
27. A method, as claimed in claim 26, characterised by enabling a subscriber to establish a value added service menu facilitating selection of a given value added service from a plurality of value added services.
28. A method, as claimed in either claim 26, or claim 27, characterised by at least some of said plurality of subscriber transceivers being mobile transceivers.
29. A method, as claimed in claim 27, or 28, characterised by said plurality of subscriber value added services being provided by more than one service provider.
30. A method, as claimed in any of claims 26 to 29, characterised by said operator's server mediating between a subscriber's transceiver and a service provider's server in the provision of value added services and by adapting said value added services in accordance with service settings previously provided by said subscriber from said subscriber's fixed subscriber data terminal.
31. A method, as claimed in any of claims 26 to 30, characterised by said storage means having a database of services personalised by subscribers.
32. A method, as claimed in claim 31 , characterised by said operator's server, on request from a subscriber, making available to the subscriber a user interface via which service parameters may be downloaded to said operator's server and stored on said data base of services personalised by subscribers.
33. A method, as claimed in claim 32, characterised by said operator's server providing access to said user interface via a web page, held on said operator's server, and a subscriber's fixed subscriber data terminal.
34. A method, as claimed in claim 33, characterised by said user interface specifying parameters for which a subscriber must supply values and, if a user does not specify a value for one, or more parameters, by requesting said values from said user when said user executes said value added service.
35. A method, as claimed in either claim 32, or 33, characterised by said user interface permitting a user to specify a name for a value added service personalised by said user.
36. A method, as claimed in any of claims 32 to 35, characterised by said operator's server assigning a unique identity to a personalised value added service.
37. A method, as claimed in any of claims 32 to 36, characterised by said user interface enabling a user to create a menu structure.
38. A method, as claimed in claim 37, characterised by said menu structure permitting different value added services to be selected.
39. A method, as claimed in claim 38, characterised in by said operator's server, on request from a subscriber's transceiver, transmitting a previously personalised menu to said subscriber's transceiver.
40. A method, as claimed in any of claims 32 to 39, characterised by, on a request for a personalised value added service being received by said operator's server from a subscriber transceiver, said operator's server requesting said subscriber transceiver to supply any service parameters not stored on said database of services personalised by subscribers.
41. A method, as claimed in any of claims 32 to 40, characterised by a request for a personalised value added service, sent from a subscribers transceiver to said operator's server, containing a unique identification of said requested personalised value added service.
42. A method, as claimed in claims 41 , characterised by, on a request for a personalised value added service being received by said operator's server from a subscriber transceiver, said operator's server using said unique identification as a search word to search said database of services personalised by subscribers.
43. A method, as claimed in claim 42, characterised by said operator's server making a service call to a service provider's server, said service call containing service parameter values stored on said database of services personalised by subscribers and service parameter values supplied by a subscriber on execution of said value added service.
44. A method, as claimed in any of claims 26 to 43, characterised by said telecommunications system permitting a subscriber to create more than one personalised version of a single value added service.
45. A method, as claimed in any of claims 26 to 44, characterised by said telecommunications system giving a subscriber access to a personalised value added service on receipt of a name assigned by the subscriber to the personalised value added service.
46. A method, as claimed in any of claims 32 to 45, characterised by said telecommunications system permitting a subscriber to enter default values for service parameters, and by said telecommunications system giving a subscriber an opportunity to change said default values on service execution.
47. A method, as claimed in any of claims 26 to 46, characterised by said fixed subscriber data terminal being a PC.
EP00929979A 1999-04-27 2000-04-19 A method and system adapted to permit subscribers to personalise value added services Ceased EP1181804A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SE9901508 1999-04-27
SE9901508A SE519749C2 (en) 1999-04-27 1999-04-27 A system and method for enabling a user in a telecommunications network to individually customize value-added services
PCT/SE2000/000750 WO2000065811A1 (en) 1999-04-27 2000-04-19 A method and system adapted to permit subscribers to personalise value added services

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EE (1) EE04983B1 (en)
NO (1) NO20014871L (en)
SE (1) SE519749C2 (en)
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RU2419456C2 (en) * 2006-11-17 2011-05-27 Ска Хайджин Продактс Аб Absorbent product
RU2417106C2 (en) * 2006-11-17 2011-04-27 Ска Хайджин Продактс Аб Absorbent product

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FI111677B (en) * 1996-05-21 2003-08-29 Sonera Oyj System for managing subscriber-specified services in a telephone network
SE506976C2 (en) * 1996-07-12 1998-03-09 Europolitan Ab Allow a subscriber to edit personal settings regarding telecommunications services
WO1999007106A2 (en) * 1997-07-31 1999-02-11 Northern Telecom Limited Internet profile management for radiotelephone subscribers
FI980687L (en) * 1998-03-26 1999-09-27 Sonera Oy Method and system for profile management

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WO2000065812A1 (en) 1999-04-27 2000-11-02 Telia Ab A method and system adapted to provide value added services to mobile telephony subscribers

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SE9901508L (en) 2000-10-28
NO20014871L (en) 2001-12-27
SE519749C2 (en) 2003-04-08
SE9901508D0 (en) 1999-04-27
EE04983B1 (en) 2008-02-15
NO20014871D0 (en) 2001-10-08
EE200100564A (en) 2003-02-17
WO2000065811A1 (en) 2000-11-02

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