JP2013526106A - Improved registration with mobile telecommunications service providers - Google Patents

Abstract

A method implemented by a mobile device to register with a cellular data connection service provided by a mobile communication service provider. In one embodiment, the mobile device sends a probe to the primary “Access Point Name (APN)” over the wireless cellular network so that the probe determines whether the mobile device has a valid cellular data connection subscription. Configured. The mobile device determines from the response to the probe that it does not have a valid cellular data connection subscription with the mobile communication service provider. In response to this determination, the mobile device is connected to a cellular data connection service registration site and allows a user of the mobile device to register for a data connection service provided by a mobile communication service provider. The mobile device is limited to accessing the data connection service registration site until the user registers for the data connection service.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

[Cross-reference to related applications]
This application claims the benefit of the filing date of US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 431,824, filed January 11, 2011, which is also incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Claiming the benefit of US provisional patent application 61 / 298,525 filed January 26, 2010 and US provisional patent application 61 / 295,651 filed January 15, 2010. This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 2 / 892,472, filed in Japanese.

  Embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of mobile communications, and more specifically to improving registration with mobile communication service providers.

  Mobile devices (eg, laptops, palmtops, mobile phones, smartphones, multimedia phones, tablets, portable media players, etc.) that are a form of data processing system are typically provided by mobile communication service providers Including the ability to connect to and use data services (eg, through a cellular network, WiMAX, etc.). A mobile device user must register for a cellular data connection service with a mobile communication service provider (eg, purchase, change, launch, etc.) before being able to use the services provided by that service provider. For example, before a user can access the “Internet” using the cellular data connection of the user's mobile device, the user needs to register for the mobile communication service provider and its services.

  It is common for a user to register for a service when purchasing a mobile device. The user can also register or change to the cellular data connection service through the phone or through the “Internet”. However, the current mechanism for registering with cellular data connection services for mobile devices through the “Internet” is through a separate “Internet” connection (eg, a mobile device's “ For example, through a “Wi-Fi / LAN Internet” connection).

  A method and apparatus for a mobile device to register with a mobile communication service provider is described.

  In one embodiment, the mobile device registers with a primary access point name (APN) and direct data connection subscription without using a secondary APN or network designed to establish a data connection subscription. The ability to subscribe to a cellular data connection service directly by the primary APN can simplify the service provider's system because a secondary APN or network is not required for this embodiment. In one embodiment, the mobile device sends a probe to the primary access point name (APN) through the cellular network, and the probe is configured to determine whether the mobile device has a valid cellular data connection subscription. The The probe, in one embodiment, responds to data activation requests that can be triggered by a user's attempt to access the “Internet” or send or receive e-mail, or otherwise attempt to use a cellular data connection. Can be sent. If the mobile device determines from the response to the probe that the mobile device does not have a valid cellular data connection subscription with the service provider (eg, has never subscribed to a data service plan or The mobile device connects to the cellular data connection service registration site through the primary APN and is provided by the service provider to the mobile device user if the usage exceeds the prepaid amount or the existing data service plan has expired) Allows you to register with a cellular data connection service. In one embodiment, the connection to the cellular data connection service registration site through the primary APN is made automatically in response to a determination from a probe response that there is no valid cellular data connection subscription without a user request or interaction. be able to. Until the user successfully registers the cellular data connection service, the mobile device can be restricted to accessing the cellular data connection service registration site. The cellular data connection service registration site allows the user to either (a) purchase a cellular data connection plan, (b) add minutes to the cellular data connection plan, or (c) add bandwidth to the cellular data connection plan. One or more of can be performed. After successful registration with the cellular data connection service through the primary APN, the mobile device may connect to the “Internet” through the primary APN that, in one embodiment, identifies the public network.

  In one embodiment, the probe can address a specific server or service on the “Internet” and the response to the probe indicates that the mobile device does not have a valid cellular data connection subscription It can be a server redirect that is translated by the mobile device. In one embodiment, the mobile device can send a data activation request to the cellular network before sending the probe, and the mobile device is responsive to the data activation request to indicate approval of the data activation request by the cellular network. Can be received.

  The invention can best be understood by referring to the following description and accompanying drawings that are used to illustrate embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example mobile communication network according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a data flow diagram illustrating exemplary operations for a mobile device to register for services provided by a mobile communication service provider according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary mobile device such as registering for services provided by a mobile communication service provider according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example service registration application launched by the example mobile device of FIG. 3 according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary API architecture that may be used in some embodiments. 2 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary operations for a mobile device to connect to a mobile communication network through a location-based access point name according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary computer system that can be used in some embodiments of the invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary data processing system that may be used with some embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary mobile communication network according to another embodiment. FIG. 6 is a data flow diagram illustrating exemplary operations for a mobile device to register for services provided by a mobile communication service provider according to another embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary mobile device such as registering for a service provided by a mobile communication service provider according to another embodiment.

  In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known circuits, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description. Those skilled in the art will be able to perform the appropriate functions without undue experimentation with the written description.

  References herein to “one embodiment,” “embodiment,” “exemplary embodiment,” and the like include any particular feature, structure, or characteristic that the described embodiment may include. It is shown that the embodiments need not necessarily include specific features, structures, or characteristics. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described with respect to an embodiment, implementing those feature, structure, or characteristic with respect to other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described, It can be said that it is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

  In the following description and claims, the terms “coupled” and “connected” may be used with their derivatives. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. “Coupled” means that two or more elements that may or may not have direct physical or electrical contact with each other cooperate or interact with each other. Used to indicate that “Connected” is used to indicate the establishment of communication between two or more elements coupled to each other.

  A method and apparatus for a mobile device to register with a mobile communication service provider is described. In one embodiment, the mobile device first attempts to establish a cellular data connection (hereinafter “data connection”) with the network identified by the access point name (APN). The first identified APN may be referred to herein as the “primary APN”. The network identified by the primary APN can be a public network (eg, “Internet”) or a private network (eg, a corporate intranet, a wireless application protocol (WAP) service, a multimedia messaging service (MMS), etc.). The primary APN is also associated with a set of enforcement parameters (eg, firewall rules, access control rules, costs, etc.). The cellular network performs an authorization procedure to determine whether the mobile device is authorized to access the network identified by the primary APN. If the mobile device is authorized to use the network identified by the primary APN, a data connection is established and services provided by that network can be used. In some embodiments, the primary APN may also request a username and password before granting access.

  However, if the mobile device is not authorized, the cellular network is not authorized to access the network for which the mobile device is identified by the primary APN (eg, the mobile device currently subscribes to services provided by the primary APN. Error message indicating that the mobile device does not currently have credit to access services provided by the primary APN. In response to receiving such an error message, the mobile device establishes a data connection with a different network identified by a different APN in one embodiment associated with FIGS. 1-3, and the user is identified by the primary APN. Allowing a mobile device to access a registration site that allows it to register for services provided by the network. This different APN is sometimes referred to herein as a “registered APN”. In some embodiments, the network identified by the registered APN is restricted to registered sites. The mobile device connects to a registration site (eg, through a mobile communication service registration application (such as a web browser or other “Internet” enabled interface)), thereby enabling users to service provided by the network identified by the primary APN. Can register (eg, select and / or purchase data rate plans, add / purchase credits for prepaid data rate plans, etc.).

  After user registration to the data connection service, the mobile device breaks the data connection to the registered APN and establishes a data connection with the network identified by the primary APN (the mobile device is now allowed to use the service) Will be.) The mobile device can then use the services provided by the network identified by the primary APN.

  FIGS. 9-11 illustrate an alternative embodiment in which a separate registration APN is not used, but conversely, the registration process uses the system in the primary APN, which is described below with respect to FIGS. Further explanation will be given.

  FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary mobile communication network 100 according to one embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the mobile communication network 100 includes a mobile device 110 coupled to a cellular network 120 that can include a wireless network. The cellular network 120 includes the following: GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) network, CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) network, iDEN (Integrated Digital Extension Network), UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications). Can include technology for one or more of: system) network, EDGE (Extended Data Rate for GSM Evolution) network, GPRS (General Packet Radio Service). The cellular network 120 includes a plurality of network elements. For example, the cellular network 120 includes a base station, a base station controller, a core node (eg, one or more GPRS support nodes in GPRS), and the like. One or more mobile communication service providers may own, operate, or lease certain portions of the cellular network 120.

  Registered APN network 130 and main APN network 140 are coupled to cellular network 120. The primary APN network 140 identified through the primary APN may be a public network (eg, “Internet”) or a private network (eg, corporate intranet, wireless application protocol (WAP) service, multimedia messaging service (MMS), etc.). Can do. In one embodiment, access to the main APN network 140 is specific to a particular mobile communication service provider. That is, even though the main APN network 140 can be a public network (eg, “Internet”), access to the network 140 can be restricted and controlled by a particular mobile communication service provider. The registered APN network 130 identified through the registered APN includes a limited set of services including a data connection service registration site 150. The data connection service registration site 150 allows a user to register with services provided by the main APN network 140 or other networks (eg, select and / or purchase data rate plans, credit for prepaid data rate plans). Add / purchase). In one embodiment, the limited set of services is provided by a mobile communication service provider that controls access to the main APN network 140, and in other embodiments, the limited set of services is a plurality of mobiles. Provided by communication service provider.

  FIG. 2 is a data flow diagram illustrating exemplary operations for a mobile device to register with a data connection service provided by a mobile communication service provider according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 will be described with respect to the exemplary embodiment of FIGS.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary mobile device such as registering for a data connection service provided by a mobile communication service provider according to one embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the mobile device 110 includes a data connection control module 310, one or more carrier bundles 320, one or more service registration applications 330, and optionally account status notifications. Application 340 is included.

  In operation 250, the mobile device 110 attempts to establish a data connection through the primary APN. For example, the mobile device 110 transmits a data activation request to the cellular network 120 for the main APN. Data activation requests can also include one or more other parameter sets (eg, PDP (packet data protocol) type, PDP address type, QoS profile request, SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card IMSI (International Mobile subscriber identity)). The data activation request results from the mobile device 110 being turned on, such as after the mobile device enters the cellular service range, after data connectivity is requested by the user (eg, opening a data connection application such as a browser). Can be sent as With reference to FIG. 3, the data connection control module 310 controls transmission of a data connection activation request. For example, the data connection control module 310 accesses the appropriate bundle of the carrier bundle 320 to determine the values of the main APN and other parameters. Each of the carrier bundles 320 includes one or more settings specific to the carrier (eg, APN settings, MMS settings, and other settings for cellular telephone service). In one embodiment, the primary APN is the default APN included in the default carrier bundle.

  In some embodiments, a user can purchase a prepaid SIM card that is preloaded with an amount of credit (number of minutes, amount of bandwidth, etc.) for the mobile service provider's data service. The prepaid SIM card must be activated before use. A SIM card that has not yet been activated for a given APN is sometimes known as a warm SIM card. In contrast, the SIM card activated for that APN is sometimes known as a hot SIM card.

  The cellular network 120 receives the data activation request and determines at operation 252 that the mobile device 110 is not currently authorized for data connection through the primary APN. In other words, data connection establishment through the main APN has failed. In some embodiments, the cellular network 120 includes a home location register (HLR) database that includes a record for each mobile device that is authorized to use the primary APN. For example, the IMSI of the mobile device 110 is checked against an HLR record for the main APN. If the IMSI of the mobile device 110 is not included in the HLR record, or if the corresponding HLR record indicates that the mobile device 110 is not currently authorized (eg, the mobile device has no interest in the plan) The mobile device 110 is not authorized to use the primary APN.

  After determining that the mobile device 110 is not currently authorized for the primary APN, in operation 254 the cellular network 120 sends a message indicating so to the mobile device 110. In some embodiments, this message includes an error code indicating that the mobile device 110 does not have a valid data connection subscription to the primary APN. With reference to FIG. 3, the data connection control module 310 receives an unauthorized message from the cellular network 120.

  After receiving the unauthorized message, in operation 256 the mobile device 110 sends a data activation request to the cellular network 120 that includes the registered APN identifying the registered APN network 130. Similar to the data activation request of operation 250, the data activation request of operation 256 may include one or more other parameter sets (eg, PDP (packet data protocol) type, PDP address type, QoS profile request, IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity), etc.). With reference to FIG. 3, after receiving the unauthorized message, the data connection control module 310 accesses the carrier bundle 320 to determine the parameters and identity of the registered APN. In one embodiment, the registered APN is located in the same carrier bundle as the primary APN. For example, if mobile communication service provider A is associated with the primary APN, the carrier bundle for service provider A is accessed to determine the registered APN associated with service provider A. In other embodiments, registered APNs are common and are available to multiple mobile communication service providers.

  The cellular network 120 receives the data activation request and determines in operation 258 that the mobile device 110 is authorized to use the registered APN. In some embodiments, all mobile devices are allowed to use registered APNs, and in other embodiments, only certain mobile devices (identified by their IMSI) are allowed to use registered APNs. . For example, a portion of each IMSI is typically assigned to a mobile communication service provider (eg, in the IMSI mobile network code (MNC)). If a registered APN is operated or controlled by a particular mobile communication service provider, that service provider can restrict access to the registered APN to mobile devices having an IMSI that includes the service provider's MNC.

  After determining that the mobile device 110 is authorized for the registered APN, the cellular network 120 sends a data activation approval message to the mobile device 110 in operation 260. With reference to FIG. 3, the data connection control module 310 receives the data activation approval message.

  After receiving the data activation approval message, the mobile device 110 connects to the registered APN network 130 in operation 262. As described above, the registered APN network 130 is limited to a limited set of services. For example, in one embodiment, the registered APN network 130 provides access to the data connection service registration site 150 that allows a user of the mobile device 110 to register for a data connection service (eg, for the main APN network 140). Limit. In some embodiments, connecting to the registered APN network 130 includes establishing a PDP (Packet Data Protocol) context for the registered APN.

  In some embodiments, the mobile device 110 launches a data connection service registration application to connect to the registered APN network 130. For example, with reference to FIG. 3, the data connection control module 310 initiates one launch of the data connection service registration application 330. The data connection service registration application 330 is connected to a network provided by a registered APN (eg, the data connection service registration site 150) and allows a user to register with the data connection service. The data connection service registration application 330 may include a web browser and / or other application that can access the network provided by the registration APN. In some embodiments, the service registration application 330 is different for different mobile communication service providers. For example, one or more of the service registration applications 330 can be designed and / or customized by a particular mobile communication service provider and can operate independently of other applications of the service registration application 330. it can. For example, as described in more detail with respect to FIG. 4, a portion of the data connection service registration application 330 can be programmed to display a cancel button at a particular time during the data connection registration process, and other data connection services The registration application 330 does not display a cancel button.

  An exemplary service registration application is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the service registration application 430 includes a data connection service registration option 450 and optionally a cancel button 460 and a completion button 470. Cancel button 460 and complete button 470 are described in detail later in this specification.

  Data connection service registration options 450 include one or more data connection service options that the user can select. As an example, these options can be used to register for a new data plan (eg, buy a few minutes, buy a bandwidth amount, etc.) and / or credit (eg, minutes, Adding bandwidth, etc.). Data connection service registration options 450 are typically specific to a particular mobile communication service provider and include only registration options for that service provider. However, in some embodiments, the registered APN is common to multiple communication service providers. In such an embodiment, the data connection service registration site 150 can provide data connection service registration options 450 for multiple mobile communication service providers. Thus, in these embodiments, the user of mobile device 110 can compare / contrast and select data connection plans from multiple mobile communication service providers. If the user selects or registers a service from a mobile communication service provider different from that associated with the primary APN, the mobile device 110 requests to download or receive a carrier bundle for the selected mobile communication service provider. It should be understood that it may be.

  Although not shown in FIG. 4, it should be understood that the service registration application 430 can display additional items. For example, the service registration application 430 can display advertisements, news updates, weather updates, stock price updates, and the like. Further, it should be understood that the user can navigate through several screens while registering with the data connection service. For example, the data connection service registration site 150 may include a number of web pages (registration page, page for details of each plan, profile page, confirmation page, etc.).

  In some embodiments, in addition to displaying the data connection service registration option 450, the approximate current location of the mobile device 110 (eg, state, city, neighbor, location (hotel, resort, airport, coffee shop, school, etc.) ) Etc.) can be displayed. For example, the approximate location can be determined through the use of GPS functionality built into the mobile device 110 and / or through triangulation using a cellular tower or Wi-Fi hotspot. The mobile device 110 can transmit its approximate location to the registered APN network 140 after connecting to the network 140.

  For example, if it is determined that the mobile device 110 is currently located near a resort or hotel, information specific to the resort or hotel (eg, information about services provided by the resort, information about the surrounding area, current weather, etc.) Etc.) can be displayed in addition to the data connection service registration option 450. It should be appreciated that while resort-specific information is displayed, in some embodiments, the user is allowed to continue to register with the service of the primary APN. Thus, while waiting for the user to complete the registration process, the user can access pages or information specific to the location of the mobile device 110.

  Referring to FIG. 2, in operation 264, the user of the mobile device 110 has selected a service for the main APN through the data connection service registration site 150, and the selected service is communicated to the service registration site 150. The mobile communication service provider then completes registration of the mobile device 110 for the selected service. For example, in operation 266, the registered APN network 130 sends a service registration update to the cellular network 120 that includes information indicating that the mobile device 110 has registered with the service through the primary APN. After receiving this message, in operation 268, a record of the mobile device 110 for the primary APN network 140 is created and / or updated. For example, an HLR record for the IMSI of the SIM card of the mobile device 110 is created and stored in the HLR database. After the SIM's IMSI is entered into the HLR record, the SIM card is known as a hot SIM card and the mobile device 110 can use the main APN network 140.

  In operation 270, the mobile device 110 receives a data connection service registration success message from the cellular network 120 indicating that the registration was successful. With reference to FIG. 3, the data connection control module 310 receives a data connection service registration success message. In one embodiment, this message is an SMS message translated by the data connection control module 310. In response to receiving this message, the data connection control module 310 can cause the appropriate message to be displayed in the service registration application 330 or other window and / or close the application 330.

  Although FIG. 2 illustrates operations 270 that occur after a mobile device record has been created, in other embodiments, the cellular network 120 sends a message after a pre-defined time has elapsed ( (For example, if registration was not successful). For example, after establishing a data connection through a registered APN, the cellular network 120 can start a timer based on the expected time for a successful registration. If the HLR record for the mobile device 110 is not created or updated before the timer expires, the cellular network 120 sends a message indicating that the registration was not successful. With respect to FIG. 3, service registration failure messages are also received and translated by the data connection control module 310 (these can be SMS messages). In response to receiving the service registration failure message, the data connection control module 310 can cause an appropriate message to be displayed in the service registration application 330 or other window.

  Referring to FIG. 2, after receiving the service registration success message, in operation 272, the mobile device 110 is disconnected from the registered APN. In one embodiment, this includes breaking the PDP context to the registered APN. In one embodiment, this can be initiated by the mobile device 110, and in other embodiments it can be initiated by the cellular network 120. In either case, a data stop request message and a data stop approval message are exchanged between the mobile device 110 and the cellular network 120. With reference to FIG. 3, the data connection control module 310 controls the transmission and processing of data stop requests and acknowledgment messages.

  After disconnecting from the registered APN, the mobile device 110 connects to the primary APN network identified by the primary APN. For example, in operation 274, the mobile device 110 sends a data activation request to the cellular network 120. The data activation request in operation 274 is similar to the data activation request described with respect to operation 250. The cellular network 120 receives the data activation request and determines in operation 252 that the mobile device 110 is currently authorized to use the primary APN (eg, the SIM card of the mobile device 110 is currently hot). After determining that the mobile device 110 is authorized for the primary APN, the cellular network 120 sends a data activation approval message to the mobile device 110 in operation 278. After receiving the data activation approval message, the mobile device 110 connects to the main APN network 140 in operation 280. After connecting to the main APN network 140, the mobile device 110 can use services provided by the main APN network 140 (eg, general “Internet” access, etc.). Thus, unlike conventional mechanisms, a user of mobile device 110 can use an unsubscribed cellular data connection to register for a cellular data connection service (eg, “Internet”).

  In an alternative embodiment, instead of the cellular network 120 sending a registration success or failure message as described above in operation 270, the mobile device 110 may be at a certain time after selecting a service as described above in operation 264. And in operation 272 disconnect from the registered APN as described above, and then in operation 250 send a data activation request to the cellular network 120 for the primary APN in a manner similar to that described above. It should be understood that the data activation request is not approved until the cellular network 120 has been updated to reflect the service selection.

  Referring to FIG. 4, a cancel button 460 and / or a completion button 470 are optionally displayed on the data connection service registration application 430. A cancel button 460, when selected by the user, causes the data connection service registration application 430 to exit and ends the corresponding data connection service registration procedure. Therefore, when the cancel button 460 is selected, the data connection service registration procedure ends. In one embodiment, the cancel button 460 is not itself part of the service registration application 430. In other words, the function of the cancel button 460 is not an inherent function of the registration application 430 interface, but can be implemented through the use of one or more APIs.

  The cancel button 460 is not necessarily displayed during all stages of the service registration process. In one embodiment, the mobile communication service provider associated with the data connection service registration application 430 determines whether the cancel button 460 is displayed in the service registration application 430 and / or at what stage of the service registration process. Define whether to display 460.

  The completion button 470 allows the user to notify the data connection service registration application 430 that the user has finished using the application 430. For example, the user can select the complete button 470 when the user finishes registering the data connection service. As with the cancel button 460, the completion button 470 may not be included in all stages of the service registration process. In one embodiment, the mobile communication service provider associated with the service registration application 430 indicates whether to display the completion button 470 on the service registration application 430 and / or displays the completion button 470 at any stage of the service registration process. Define what to do.

  In some embodiments, the cancel button 460 and the complete button 470 can be implemented through the use of one or more “application programming interfaces (APIs)”. An API is an interface implemented by a software component (hereinafter referred to as “API implementation software component”), whereby a different software component (hereinafter referred to as “API calling software component”) is implemented by API implementation. Allows one to access and use one or more functions, methods, procedures, data structures, and / or other services provided by the software component. For example, the API allows an API invoking software component developer (which can be a third party developer) to take advantage of certain features provided by the API implementation software component. . There can be one API calling software component, or there can be more than one of these software components. The API can be a source code interface that a computer system or program library provides to assist with requests for services from software applications. An API can be expressed in programming language terms that can be translated or compiled when the application is embedded, rather than an explicit low-level description of how data is placed in memory.

  The API defines the language and parameters that use the API calling software component when accessing and using the indicated functionality of the API implementation software component. For example, an API call software component accesses the indicated features of the API implementation software component through one or more API calls exposed by the API (sometimes referred to as function or method calls). To do. An API implementation software component can return a value through the API in response to an API call from the API call software component. The API defines the syntax and results of the API call (eg, how to invoke the API call and executing the API call), and the API generally accomplishes the function that the API call has indicated by the API call. I don't know how to do it. Various function calls or messages are transferred through one or more application programming interfaces between the calling software (API calling software component) and the API implementation software component. A function call or message transfer may include a function call or message creation, initiation, activation, call, reception, return, or response phase. Thus, an API calling software component can transfer a call, and an API implementation software component can transfer a call.

  As an example, the API implementation software component and the API invocation software component can be an operating system, library, device driver, API, application program, or other software module (API implementation software component and (It should be understood that the API calling software components can be the same or different types of software modules). The API invocation software component can be a local software component (ie, on the same data processing system as the API implementation software component) or a remote software component that communicates with the API implementation software component through the API over the network. (Ie, on a different data processing system than the API implementation software component). The API implementation software component can function as an API call software component (ie, can execute an API call to an API exposed by a different API implementation software component), and can also execute an API call It should be understood that a software component can function as an API implementation software component by executing APIs that are exposed to different API calling software components.

  As described above, the cancel button 460 and / or the completion button 470 can be implemented using one or more APIs. For example, in one embodiment, a mobile communication data connection service registration API is defined that allows a developer (eg, mobile communication service provider) to show and hide the cancel button 460 in the data connection service registration application 430. The

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary API architecture that may be used in some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 5, the API architecture 500 includes a user interface framework 520 (eg, a framework that controls user interface functions such as windowing, buttons, menus, etc.) that executes the mobile communication service registration API 510. The mobile communication service registration API 510 includes a cancel button display function 530, a cancel button non-display function 540, and a completion button function 550. The mobile communication service registration API 510 provides a calling agreement for the service registration application 430 to call the functions 530, 540, and 550, and how these functions 530, 540, and 550 return the results to the service registration application 430. Indicates. In some embodiments, the functions 530, 540, and 550 are available to the service registration application only during service registration (thus, they are not available to other types of applications).

  Accordingly, the service registration application 430 performs an API call through the mobile communication service registration API 510 to access and use the functions 530, 540, and 550. For example, with respect to the cancel button display function 530, the service registration application 430 can execute a cancel button display call 560 when it wants to display the cancel button 460 and provide the user with the underlying functions (eg, register with the user). If appropriate for the service registration application 430 to provide an option to cancel the process and close the service registration application 430). The API 510 performs a cancel button display function 530 that utilizes one or more functions or methods provided by the user interface framework 520 so that the cancel button 460 is displayed on the service registration application 430. (565). In one embodiment, the cancel button display call 560 includes one or more parameters that allow the developer to indicate the location and / or size of the cancel button 460, in other embodiments, The cancel button display 460 is located at the default position on the service registration application 430 and has a default size. Although not shown in FIG. 5, the functionality under the cancel button 460 (eg, closing the service registration application 430 when selected) is provided by the user interface framework 520 and through the API call the service registration application 430. It should be understood that can also be used.

  With respect to the cancel button hide function 540, the service registration application 430 performs a cancel button hide call 570 when it wants to hide the cancel button 460, and therefore the service registration application 430 is canceled by the user. It can be prevented from being closed by the user. The API 510 performs a cancel button hide function 540 that utilizes one or more functions or methods provided by the user interface framework 520 so that the cancel button 460 is hidden (eg, Removed from service registration application 430).

  With respect to the completion button function 550, the service registration application 550 can execute a completion button call 580 in response to a user selection of the completion button 470. The API 510 performs a completion button function 550 that utilizes one or more functions or methods provided by the user interface framework 520 to close the service registration application window 430.

Account Status Notification In some embodiments, the mobile communication service provider reminds or notifies the user of the current amount of service remaining in the account (eg, remaining minutes, amount of remaining bandwidth, etc.) To send an account status update message to the mobile device. The account can be a prepaid account or an account that can have service restrictions before being added to the user. In some embodiments, messages are sent periodically (eg, once a week), and in other embodiments, messages are sent when the prepaid account balance falls below a certain threshold. . In some embodiments, the message is an SMS (Short Message Service) message, which is a format that the mobile device can translate and display to the user.

  With reference to FIG. 3, the data connection control module 310 can receive these account status update messages and trigger the activation of the account status notification application 340. The account status notification application 340 displays information corresponding to the account status update message. In some embodiments, the account status notification application 340 also includes an option to add minutes or bandwidth to the account.

Location-based APN service Some embodiments may implement location-based APN when establishing a data connection. A location-based APN is typically a custom APN that defines a specific set of services for that location (eg, state, city, neighbor, location (hotel, resort, airport, coffee shop, school, etc.)). is there. For example, a location-based APN that allows a mobile device to connect to the resource indicated by the resort (eg, information about services provided by the resort, information about the surrounding area, current weather, etc.) Can be defined. In some embodiments, the location-based APN may also give the option for the user to register for general “Internet” connectivity. For example, it allows all mobile devices to connect to a first set of services (generally limited to and specific to airports, news, etc.) without a usage fee, and a second set of services An APN can be defined for an airport that allows mobile devices registered with (eg, general “Internet” connectivity) to connect. In this example, the first set of services may also provide an option for the user to register with the second set of services.

  In some embodiments, the mobile device 110 includes a location-based APN database. The location-based APN database can be updated periodically when the mobile device 110 connects to the data network. In other embodiments, the cellular network 120 maintains a location-based APN database. After receiving a message from cellular network 120 that mobile device 110 is not authorized for service by the primary APN, the approximate location of mobile device 110 is determined. For example, the approximate location can be determined through the use of a GPS function built into the mobile device 110 and / or through triangulation using a cellular tower or Wi-Fi hotspot. When mobile device 1100 is in one location of an APN, the user is informed of the network identified by that APN and can choose to connect to it.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary operations for connecting a mobile device to a mobile communication network through a location-based APN according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, operation 600 is performed after the mobile device 110 determines that it is not authorized for the primary APN as described above in operations 250-254 of FIG. In another embodiment, operation 600 is performed after mobile device 110 connects to the registered APN network as described above in operation 262 of FIG. In other embodiments, operation 600 is performed periodically regardless of whether the mobile device has a current data connection.

  Operation 600 begins at block 610 where an approximate current location of the mobile device is determined. The approximate location can be determined through the use of GPS functionality built into the mobile device 110 and / or through triangulation using cellular towers and / or Wi-Fi hotspots. In some embodiments, the mobile device 110 determines its approximate location and transmits it to the cellular network 120, and in other embodiments, the mobile device 110 determines its approximate location and determines this. It does not transmit to the cellular network 120, and in other embodiments, the cellular network 120 determines the approximate location of the mobile device 110. Flow moves from block 610 to block 620.

  At block 620, it is determined whether the mobile device 110 is in an area defined for location-based APN. If the mobile device 110 is in the region defined for the location-based APN, the flow moves to block 640, otherwise the flow moves to block 630 where other operations are taken (eg, processing is performed). finish). In embodiments where the mobile device 110 maintains a database of location-based APNs, the mobile device 110 can access that database to determine whether it is currently located within the area defined for that APN. It is. In an embodiment where the cellular network 120 maintains a location-based APN database, the cellular network 120 determines whether the mobile device is within the region defined for the location-based APN. A database with 110 determined approximate locations is accessible. It should be understood that the mobile device 110 may be in an area for multiple location-based APNs at a given time.

  At block 640, the user of the mobile device is notified of the availability of location-based APN. For example, a window listing currently available location-based APNs can be displayed on the mobile device. Details of the location-based APN (eg, services provided by the location-based APN, etc.) can also be displayed. Other notification mechanisms can be used (eg, text messages, emails, graphical alerts, etc.). The user is also given the option of selecting one of these location-based APNs. In embodiments where the cellular network 120 maintains a database of location-based APNs, the cellular network 120 may transmit APN details within the region. Flow moves from block 640 to block 650.

  At block 650, the user has selected a connection to one of the available location-based APNs. The flow moves from block 650 to block 660 where the mobile device 110 forms and sends a data activation request similar to the data activation request described in operation 250 of FIG. The cellular network 120 then determines whether the mobile device 110 is authorized for the selected location-based APN (eg, in a manner similar to that described above for operation 252 of FIG. 2). . The cellular network 120 may also verify the location of the mobile device 110 (e.g., based on cell tower triangulation, etc.) prior to granting permission for the selected location-based APN.

  The flow moves from block 660 to block 670 where the mobile device determines whether the activation is successful. For example, with respect to FIG. 2, mobile device 110 may receive a data activation approval message similar to that described above at operation 278 of FIG. If activation is successful, the flow moves to block 680 where the mobile device 110 connects to the selected location-based APN network (eg, in a manner similar to that described above with respect to operation 262 of FIG. 2), Otherwise, the flow moves to block 630 where alternative operations are taken (eg, the process ends). The mobile device 110 can use the services provided by the selected location-based APN network while connected.

  9, 10 and 11 show that a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet computer or other data processing system can be used without a secondary APN or network designed to establish a data connection subscription. The present invention relates to an embodiment for registering in a data connection subscription contract with an access point name (APN). The ability to subscribe to a primary APN and a direct cellular data connection service simplifies the service provider's system and requires fewer components since a secondary APN or network is not required for this embodiment. In one embodiment according to FIGS. 9, 10, and 11, the mobile device sends a probe to the primary APN partially through the cellular network, which probe determines whether the mobile device has a valid cellular data connection subscription. Configured to determine. The probe, in one embodiment, is responsive to a data activation request that can be triggered by a user's attempt to access the "Internet" or send or receive email or otherwise attempt to use a cellular data connection. Can be sent. If the mobile device determines from the response to the probe that the mobile device does not have a valid cellular data connection subscription with the service provider, the mobile device connects to the cellular data connection service registration site through the primary APN, which Allowing mobile device users to register for cellular data connection services offered by service providers. In one embodiment, the connection to the cellular data connection service registration site through the primary APN is automatically performed without a user request or interaction in response to determining from the probe response that there is no valid cellular data connection subscription. It can be carried out. Until the user successfully registers the cellular data connection service, the mobile device can be restricted to accessing the cellular data connection service registration site. The cellular data connection service registration site allows the user to (a) purchase an initial cellular data connection plan (such as when the device is first used), (b) extend an existing cellular data connection plan, (c) One of the additions to the previously set cellular data connection plan that is lacking, (d) the addition of bandwidth to the previously set cellular data connection plan (eg, 20 MB per month) Or you can do more. After successfully registering the cellular data connection service through the primary APN, the mobile device can connect to the “Internet” through the primary APN that can identify the public network.

  FIG. 9 illustrates the same exemplary mobile communication network 100 as FIG. 1 except for separate registered APNs that are not required for the embodiments of FIGS. In this embodiment, the main APN allows access to a cellular data connection service registration site that can be connected to the "Internet". For example, the cellular data connection service registration site 150 can be accessed through the main APN network 140 and can be part of this network in the case of the embodiments shown in FIGS. Not part of and accessed through the APN). The cellular data connection service registration site can be implemented as a dedicated network for mobile devices in one embodiment when accessed through the main APN network 140 to perform operations related to subscription to the cellular data connection service. You can only restrict users to using that site.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary mobile device such as registering with a cellular data connection service provided by one or more mobile communication service providers according to the embodiments of FIGS. FIG. The mobile device shown in FIG. 11 is shown in FIG. 3 except that the service registration application 330 is configured to perform a service registration operation as shown in FIG. 10 with the main APN 140. Similar to mobile devices.

  FIG. 10 provides an example of an embodiment in which a mobile device registers with a cellular data connection service that uses a primary APN as the same APN that is used after registration, which primary APN uses a public network such as the “Internet”. Can be identified. The method shown in FIG. 10 may begin at operation 1050, so that the mobile device sends a data activation request (1050) to the cellular network 120, and in one embodiment, such as mobile device 110 The mobile device can include a warm SIM that allows connection with the cellular network, and in one embodiment, a service provider operating or controlling the cellular network can be used when the mobile device does not have a cellular data connection service plan ( For example, when such a plan was not previously set for mobile devices, or when a previously set plan such as a prepaid plan is in a “no data” state (eg, for a set of minutes) What is prescribed and paid is already in use Or the like exceeds the data use restriction), it is possible to allow connection to a cellular network (and exchange of the cellular network and the mobile device between the signal). The cellular network 120 responds to the data activation request 250 with a message 1060 indicating that the data activation request has been approved by the cellular network 120, indicating that the mobile device has successfully made an initial connection with the primary APN 140 through the cellular network 120. Indicates. In response to receiving message 1060, the mobile device is configured to determine whether the mobile device has a valid cellular data connection subscription (eg, the account is new and fully prepaid). The probe 1061 is transmitted. In one embodiment, a probe is a known address or other identifier (eg, apple) for a particular server that is known to exist and that is known to respond to the probe on the “Internet”. .Com / test) and if the probe causes a redirect to another server (eg, a service provider's billing server), the mobile device does not have a valid cellular data connection subscription You can conclude. In this embodiment using a particular known server, if that server responds (ie, there is no redirect to another server), the mobile device has a valid cellular data connection subscription On the other hand, if the mobile device receives a response to a probe indicating that an output change has occurred on a server with a different output change (eg, a billing server of a service provider operating the cellular network 120) The mobile device can conclude that it does not have a valid cellular data connection subscription. A particular known server may be a server that is operated or controlled by a mobile device developer or manufacturer (or developer or manufacturer of a component of a mobile device such as a software or hardware component). The proper operation of this server can be adequately ensured so that the mobile device can respond as a true indication of whether or not it has a valid cellular data connection subscription (or another You can rely on (changing output destination to server). The user, in one embodiment, does not know the use of the probe, for example, if the probe is successful (ie, a specific known server has been reached and no redirection has occurred), the mobile device The operation is performed and in one embodiment, the probe success is confirmed without displaying to the user any indication of the probe result or response to the probe. This is particularly useful when the mobile device repeatedly checks the status of the subscription (eg, checks each data activation request or each third data activation request). If an output change occurs in response to a probe, the user can be shown to visit a cellular data connection service registration site (or take the operation of visiting the site, as described later) You can automatically present the site without asking the user). In another embodiment, the probe can try accessing the “Internet” (eg, a website available to the general public) and wait for a timeout from a failure to access the “Internet”, in this case The mobile device can conclude that it does not have a valid cellular data connection subscription. Other mechanisms for the probe can also be used. The probe 1061 is transmitted at least partially through the cellular network 120 and attempts to determine whether access to the main APN is possible. A response to the probe is received at operation 1062, and in the case shown in FIG. 10, the probe determines that there is no valid cellular data connection subscription. This may be because, for example, the plan has not been previously set for the mobile device, or a previously set subscription plan such as a prepaid plan is in a “no data” state (eg, a prepaid plan is assigned to the plan). It can be caused by a variety of different possibilities, including running out of everything or exceeding data usage limits.

  Operation 1064 can follow a message 1062 in which the user registers a service, such as a cellular data connection service registration site 150 accessed through the main APN 140 in the embodiment shown in FIGS. You can select services for your data plan through the site. In one embodiment, when a mobile device is used for the first time to access the cellular network 120, or for the first time to access the primary APN 140, the user has these subscriptions previously set up for the device. There was no need to set up an initial wireless data connection subscription for the device. In another embodiment, the user was previously set up, for example, by paying more money or purchasing more when the subscription plan is in the “no data” state, or purchasing more bandwidth. You need to renew your subscription plan. The user interaction at operation 1064 may be similar to or the same as the user interaction associated with operation 264 of FIG. Similarly, the service registration update 1066 sent by the primary APN 140 can be similar to operation 266 of FIG. 2, and the creation of the record in operation 868 of FIG. 10 is similar to the creation of the record in operation 268 of FIG. It can be. Registration update 1066, in one embodiment, updates information in cellular network 120 for mobile devices that can authenticate to cellular network 120 as is known in the art. An optional (not shown) confirmation of the creation of the record can be sent to the mobile device after the record is created for that mobile device.

  In some embodiments, the connection to the primary APN 140 can be terminated or disconnected at operation 1072. A particular service provider or wireless cellular carrier can request this disconnect while others cannot. A particular service provider may also request an optional subscriber update sent at operation 1073 from the mobile device to the system (eg, server) in the cellular network. This system may be the same system that stores the record created in operation 868. An optional confirmation of an optional subscriber update can be received at operation 1073A, which is received by the mobile device from cellular network 120.

  If the mobile device is disconnected from the primary APN in operation 1072, the mobile device sends another data activation request in operation 1074. This data activation request can be triggered by the user, or access the “Internet” such as a website, or send an email or perform other operations requesting services provided through the main APN 140. It may be responsive to the mobile device to be attempted. In other words, the data activation request may be caused by and respond to a user operation or system operation requesting access to the main APN 140. This can occur after the system is turned off, rebooted, and the user tries to access the “Internet” or otherwise request access to services provided through the APN 140. The cellular network 120 responds to the data activation request at operation 1074, indicating that the request has been approved at operation 1078. An optional success message may be sent from the cellular network 120 to the mobile device 110 at operation 1070, and in practice this optional success message indicates whether the mobile device has a valid cellular data connection subscription. It can indicate to the mobile device that a probe message should be used to determine In response to either an optional success message or approval of the data activation request (indicated by operation 1076), the mobile device sends a probe for data availability or the mobile device has a valid cellular data connection subscription. It can be determined whether or not a contract is held. A billing server or other system provided by a service carrier or service provider operating the cellular network and / or primary APN 140 examines billing records and other information regarding the status of the mobile device to ensure that the mobile device has valid cellular data. The probe can respond as to whether or not it has a connection subscription, or the probe can indicate that the redirection response in operation 1062 indicates that the device is in a “no data” state or is otherwise a valid cellular data connection subscription. Can function as described with respect to operation 1062. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the primary APN responds through operations of these servers at operation 1080, indicating that the mobile device has a valid cellular data connection subscription. In response to this indication, the mobile device proceeds to a stage where the user can transfer data to and from the “Internet” through the cellular network and then through the main APN 140. On the other hand, operations 1064, 1066, and 868 can then be repeated to establish a valid cellular data connection subscription in response to a probe that indicates that the mobile device does not have a valid cellular data subscription. .

  Use of the probe in the manner described with respect to FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 allows the mobile device to determine the status of its cellular data connection subscription without user interaction, eg, surfing the “Internet” or For accessing the “Internet”, such as accessing a website or sending web email or sending email or performing other operations using services or servers obtained through the main APN 140 The use of the probe can be automatically performed according to the needs of the user. In addition, the use of the method of FIG. 10 is directed to a cellular data connection service registration site, such as site 150, in response to determining from the probe response that the mobile device does not have a valid cellular data connection subscription. The connection can be called automatically. In other words, such a method is known in the art as a time-out signal or another signal indicating that the user has attempted to interact with the “Internet” and the connection has failed without any further description of why the connection failed. There is no need to have the user manually check the status of the desired cellular data connection subscription when waiting for 2 minutes before getting the message. In one embodiment, rather than automatically invoking a connection to a cellular data connection service registration site, such as site 150, the mobile device no longer has a cellular data connection subscription with which the device is no longer valid (eg, pre- A message can be presented to the user indicating that the number of minutes paid has been exceeded and the plan is in a no data state and therefore there is no valid cellular data connection subscription at this time. In this case, the user can determine the connection to the cellular data connection service registration site at that time in response to the message or at the user's discretion thereafter.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary computer system that can be used in some embodiments of the invention. For example, the exemplary architecture of computer system 700 can be included in mobile device 110. FIG. 7 illustrates the various components of a computer system, but these details are not closely related to the present invention and thus do not represent any particular architecture or scheme for interconnecting the components. You should understand that. It will be appreciated that other computer systems having fewer or more components can also be used with the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 7, a computer system 700, which is one form of a data processing system, includes a processing system 720, a power source 725, a memory 730, and a non-volatile memory 740 (eg, hard drive, flash memory, phase change memory (PCM)). ) Etc.). The buses 750 can be connected to each other through various bridges, controllers, and / or adapters as is known in the art. The processing system 720 can retrieve instructions from the memory 730 and / or the non-volatile memory 740 and can execute instructions that perform the operations described above. Bus 750 interconnects the above-described components together, and connects these components to an optional dock 760, display controller and display device 770, input / output device 780 (eg, NIC (Network Interface Card), Cursor control (eg, mouse, touch screen, touchpad, etc.), keyboard, etc.) and optional wireless transceiver 790 (eg, Bluetooth (R), WiFi (R), infrared, cellular phone, GPS, etc.) Connecting.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary data processing system that may be used with some embodiments of the present invention. For example, the data processing system 800 can be the mobile device 110. Data processing system 800 includes a processing system 820 that can include one or more microprocessors and / or systems in an integrated circuit. The processing system 820 includes a memory 810, a power source 825 (including one or more batteries), an audio input / output 840, a display controller and display device 860, an optional input / output 850, an input device 870, And a radio transceiver 830. Additional components not shown in FIG. 8 may also be part of the data processing system 800 in a specific embodiment of the present invention, which is shown in FIG. It will be appreciated that fewer components can be used than are provided. Further, it will be appreciated that one or more buses not shown in FIG. 8 can be used to interconnect various components known in the art.

  Memory 810 can store data and / or programs for execution by data processing system 800. The audio input / output 840 may include a microphone and / or speaker, for example, to play music and / or provide telephone functionality through the speaker and microphone. The display controller and display device 860 can include a graphical user interface (GUI). A wireless (eg, RF) transceiver 830 (eg, a WiFi transceiver, an infrared transceiver, a Bluetooth transceiver, a wireless cellular phone transceiver, a GPS transceiver, etc.) should be used to communicate with other data processing systems. Can do. One or more input devices 1170 allow the user to provide input to the system. These input devices can be keypads, keyboards, touch panels, multi-touch panels, and the like. An optional other input / output 1150 can be a connector for a dock.

  The techniques shown in the figures can be implemented using code and data stored and executed on one or more electronic devices (eg, data processing systems, etc.). Such electronic devices include machine-readable, tangible and non-volatile storage media (eg, magnetic disks, optical disks, random access memory, read-only memory, flash memory devices, phase change memory) and machine-readable communication media (eg, Store and communicate code and data using electrical, optical, acoustic, or machine-readable media such as carrier waves, infrared signals, other forms of propagating signals such as digital signals (other electronic devices on the network) Internally and / or by other electronic devices). In addition, such electronic devices typically include one or more storage devices, user input / output devices (eg, keyboards, touch screens, and / or displays, etc.), and network connections. It includes one or more sets of processors coupled to one or more other components. The combination of the processor set and other components is typically done through one or more buses and bridges (also called bus controllers). Storage devices and signals carrying network traffic represent one or more machine-readable storage media and machine-readable communication media, respectively. Thus, the storage device of a given electronic device typically stores code and / or data that is executed by one or more sets of processors of that electronic device.

  It should be apparent from this description that aspects of the invention can be implemented at least in part in software. That is, in response to a processor such as a microprocessor executing a sequence of instructions contained in a memory such as a ROM, RAM, mass storage device, or remote storage device, the technique of the present invention is applied to a computer system or other It can be implemented in a data processing system. In various embodiments, hardware circuitry can be used in combination with software instructions to implement the present invention. Thus, the techniques of the present invention are not limited to any particular combination of hardware circuitry and software, nor to any particular source for instructions executed by the data processing system. Further, throughout the present description, for the sake of simplicity, various functions and operations are described as being performed or caused by software code. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that what is meant by such a representation is a function resulting from the execution of code by the processor.

Alternative Embodiments Although embodiments of the present invention have been described with respect to cellular networks, other types of networks can be used (eg, cellular Wi-MAX networks). Thus, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to cellular data connections and cellular networks.

  While embodiments of the present invention have been described with respect to user registration for data connection services, registration sites can be used to register for other types of services. For example, a registration site may allow a user to register (and / or modify an existing service) with a text message service, voice service (eg, select a different voice plan and / or service option), or other service. it can.

  In some embodiments, a user has attempted to use a service (eg, text message service, voice service, etc.) that he is not currently subscribed to or does not have the proper number of credits to complete In response to the user, the user registers with a service (eg, a text message plan and / or voice plan) and / or credits an existing service (eg, number of text messages, voice fractions, bandwidth, etc.). You are directed to a registration site to allow you to add. This registration site may be the same as the data connection registration site or may be different. The connection to the registration site can be variously performed in response to the connection state of the mobile device. For example, if the mobile device currently has a network connection (eg, Wi-Fi connection, wired connection, mobile communications data connection, etc.) that is accessible to the registration site, this network connection connects the mobile device to the registration site. Used to. However, if the mobile device does not currently have such a network connection (and no network connection is available), either through a registered APN (similar to that described for registration with the data service above) or through the main APN The data connection can be established to direct the user to the registration site. The mobile device can be restricted to access to the registration site through the registered APN or through the main APN.

  Although the flowcharts in the drawings illustrate a particular order of operations performed by particular embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that such order is exemplary (e.g., alternative Embodiment can perform operations in different orders, combine specific operations, and superimpose specific operations).

  While the invention has been described in terms of several embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and that the invention is within the spirit and scope of the claims. It will be appreciated that can be implemented by. The description is thus to be regarded as illustrative instead of limiting.

100 Mobile communication network 110 Mobile device 120 Cellular network 130 Registered APN network 140 Main APN network 150 Data connection service registration site

Claims (22)

A method implemented by a mobile device to register with a cellular data connection service provided by a mobile communication service provider comprising:
Sending a probe configured to determine whether the mobile device has a valid cellular data connection subscription to the primary “Access Point Name (APN)” through the cellular network;
Determining from the response to the probe that the mobile device does not have a valid cellular data connection subscription with a mobile communication service provider;
In response to the determining step, a cellular data connection service registration site through the main APN to allow a user of the mobile device to register with a cellular data connection service provided by the mobile service provider. Connecting, wherein the mobile device is restricted to access to the cellular data connection service registration site until the user has successfully registered for cellular data connection service; and
A method comprising the steps of: Receiving from the user a selection regarding a cellular data connection service provided by the mobile communication service provider;
Communicating this selection to the cellular data connection service registration site;
Establishing a cellular data connection with the mobile communication service provider;
Further including
The cellular data connection registration site is accessed through the primary APN identifying a public network;
The method according to claim 1. The cellular data connection service registration site is one or more of the following: the user purchases a cellular data connection plan, adds minutes to the cellular data connection plan, and adds bandwidth to the cellular data connection plan Allowing you to do a lot,
After successfully registering for a cellular data connection service through the primary APN, the mobile device connects to the “Internet” through the primary APN.
The method according to claim 1.   The method of claim 1, wherein determining that the mobile device does not have a valid cellular data connection subscription includes determining that the probe directed to a particular server elicited a redirect response. the method of.   The method of claim 4, wherein prior to transmitting the probe, the mobile device transmits a data activation request and receives confirmation of approval of the data activation request. A machine readable recording medium of a device providing operation instructions for registering with a cellular data connection service provided by a mobile communication service provider by a processor of the device, comprising:
In the processor,
Sending a probe configured to determine whether the device has a valid cellular data connection subscription to the primary “Access Point Name (APN)” through the cellular network;
Determining from a response to the probe that the device does not have a valid cellular data connection subscription with a mobile communication service provider;
In response to the determining process, connect to a cellular data connection service registration site through the primary APN to allow a user of the device to register with a cellular data connection service provided by the mobile communication service provider. The device is limited to access to the cellular data connection service registration site until the user has successfully registered with the cellular data connection service; and
A machine-readable recording medium on which program instructions for executing the program are recorded. In the processor,
Receiving from the user a selection regarding a cellular data connection service provided by the mobile communication service provider;
Communicating this selection to the cellular data connection service registration site;
Establishing a cellular data connection with the mobile communication service provider;
Is executed further,
The cellular data connection registration site is accessed through the primary APN identifying a public network;
The machine-readable recording medium according to claim 6. The cellular data connection service registration site is one or more of the following: the user purchases a cellular data connection plan, adds minutes to the cellular data connection plan, and adds bandwidth to the cellular data connection plan Allowing you to do a lot,
The machine-readable recording medium according to claim 6, wherein program instructions are recorded for causing the device to connect to the "Internet" through the main APN after successful registration with a cellular data connection service through the main APN. .   The machine-readable recording medium according to claim 7, wherein the process of determining that the device does not have a valid cellular data connection subscription includes determining that the probe directed to a particular server has elicited a redirect response.   10. The machine-readable machine of claim 9, wherein a program instruction is recorded that causes the device to execute sending a data activation request and receiving confirmation of approval of the data activation request prior to transmitting the probe. recoding media. A mobile device for use with a cellular data connection service provided by a mobile communication service provider, comprising:
Means for sending a probe configured to determine whether the mobile device has a valid cellular data connection subscription to the primary "Access Point Name (APN)" through the cellular network;
Means for determining from a response to the probe that the mobile device does not have a valid cellular data connection subscription with a mobile communication service provider;
In response to the determination, to connect to a cellular data connection service registration site through the primary APN to allow a mobile device user to register for a cellular data connection service provided by the mobile communication service provider. Means for connecting, wherein the mobile device is restricted to access to the cellular data connection service registration site until the user has successfully registered with the cellular data connection service;
Including mobile devices. Means for receiving a selection from the user regarding a cellular data connection service provided by the mobile communication service provider;
Means for communicating this selection to the cellular data connection service registration site;
Means for establishing a cellular data connection with the mobile communication service provider;
Further including
The cellular data connection registration site is accessed through the primary APN identifying a public network;
The mobile device according to claim 11. The cellular data connection service registration site is one or more of the following: the user purchases a cellular data connection plan, adds minutes to the cellular data connection plan, and adds bandwidth to the cellular data connection plan Allowing you to do a lot,
After successfully registering for a cellular data connection service through the primary APN, the mobile device connects to the “Internet” through the primary APN.
The mobile device according to claim 11.   12. The method of claim 11, wherein determining that a mobile device does not have a valid cellular data connection subscription includes determining that the probe directed to a particular server elicited a redirect response. Mobile device.   The mobile device of claim 14, wherein prior to transmitting the probe, the mobile device transmits a data activation request and receives confirmation of approval of the data activation request. A data processing system,
A wireless transceiver configured to transmit and receive signals through a mobile communication service provider;
An input device;
Memory,
A processing system coupled to the memory, the input device, and the wireless transceiver, the processing system causing the wireless transceiver to transmit a probe to a primary access point name (APN) through a cellular network. Is configured to determine that the data processing system does not have a valid cellular data connection subscription with the mobile communication service provider, the user of the data processing system by the mobile communication service provider Said processing system configured to connect a data processing system through the main APN to a cellular data connection service registration site to enable registration with a provided cellular data connection service;
A data processing system comprising:   The data processing system of claim 16, wherein access to the cellular data connection service registration site is restricted until the data processing system successfully registers a cellular data connection service. The cellular data connection service registration site is one or more of the following: the user purchases a cellular data connection plan, adds minutes to the cellular data connection plan, and adds bandwidth to the cellular data connection plan Allowing you to do a lot,
After successfully registering with the cellular data connection service through the main APN, the data processing system connects to the “Internet” through the main APN.
The data processing system according to claim 17, wherein:   The processing system determines that the data processing system does not have a valid cellular data connection subscription by determining that the probe directed to a particular server has elicited a redirect response. The data processing system described in 1.   The data processing according to claim 19, wherein, prior to transmitting the probe, the processing system causes the wireless transceiver to transmit a data activation request and receives confirmation of approval of the data activation request. system.   The processing system processes a response to the probe without requiring user interaction if the probe indicates that the data processing system has a valid cellular data connection subscription. 20. The data processing system according to 20.   The redirection response specifies an address different from the address of the specific server, and the redirection response directs a data processing system to a server controller by the mobile communication service provider. Data processing system.

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