WO2016038574A1

WO2016038574A1 - A system and method for recharging a mobile device sim card via set-top box

Info

Publication number: WO2016038574A1
Application number: PCT/IB2015/056971
Authority: WO
Inventors: Deidre Joan DAWSON; Johan Potgieter; Marius Marais; Willem Hendrik OOSTHUYSEN; Wouter KEYSER
Original assignee: Altron Tmt (Pty) Limited
Priority date: 2014-09-11
Filing date: 2015-09-11
Publication date: 2016-03-17
Also published as: ZA201506763B

Abstract

A system (10) for crediting a balance of available communication units associated with a SIM (12). The system comprises a local controller (14) connected to a central backend (24) which is connected to a financial system (40) and to a management system (34) of prepaid communication units. Central backend (24) has registered therein each of the local controllers and associated users, and is configured to apply financial rules relating to the said crediting. Also provided is a user interface (46) which enables a user to initiate a two way data messaging session comprising a request for crediting a balance of available communication units. The central backend (24) is configured to authenticate the respective local controller (14) based on messages of the session and, upon compliance with the financial rules, to enable the management system (34) to perform the crediting according to the request.

Description

A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RECHARGING A MOBILE DEVICE SIM CARD VIA SET-TOP BOX

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a system and method for recharging or crediting a balance of communications units, such as data bundles or airtime, associated with a subscriber identification module (SIM). The SIM, in use, controls, in accordance with available units, communications via a communications path.

The interactive television experience requires that a user is able to influence or control the viewing experience to some extent. To this end, interactive modern set-top boxes have return communications paths enabling two-way communications with an associated backend. In some embodiments the return path is provided by a GSM modem on the set-top box enabling communications with the backend via a mobile network, utilizing Internet protocol. A SIM card, which is hosted by the set-top box, controls communications over the path in accordance with available data. The user is able to purchase a prepaid desired data bundle for connectivity over the return communications path.

One known method of recharging the data SIM is to remove the SIM, place it into a mobile communications device and to initiate a recharge by sending a recharge request to the relevant mobile network operator (MNO). Once a new data bundle has been purchased, a text message comprising a voucher is sent to the mobile device. The user then, via a user interface on the mobile device, is required to enter the token. Alternatively, the user might choose to initiate a recharge request via a website operated by the relevant MNO via an Internet connection, selecting a data bundle and receiving a token.

A difficulty associated with the known data recharge methods is that the known methods involve either having to remove the SIM from the set-top box, and/or require using the received token to effect the recharge.

A further difficulty associated with known methods of recharging is that, in the event that the data bundle becomes completely depleted and the user has no alternative means of Internet connectivity, the user will be required to physically go and purchase a recharge voucher from the MNO outlet or other authorised supplier.

The inventors have also identified a need for a system and method of crediting communications units associated with a SIM on mobile devices other than set-top boxes (such as mobile phones) which are more convenient and/or secure than the currently known systems and methods. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly it is an object of the invention to provide a system and method of crediting a balance of available communications units associated with a SIM which, in use, controls communications via a communications path with which the applicant believes the aforementioned disadvantages may at least be alleviated or which may provide a useful alternative for the known systems and methods.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention there is provided a system for crediting a balance of available communication units associated with a subscriber identification module (SIM) which, in use, controls, in accordance with available units, communications via a communications path, the system comprising:

a local controller at each of a plurality of user stations, each local controller being associated with a respective user;

a central backend which is connected to a financial system and to a management system of prepaid communication units; the central backend having registered therein each of the local controllers and the respective associated users, and being configured to apply financial rules relating to transactions for crediting a balance of available communication units and involving a respective user designated account in the financial system,

a user interface (Ul) at each of the user stations for interacting with the respective local controller, the user interface enabling a user to initiate a two way data messaging session involving the respective local controller at one end, the messaging session comprising a request for crediting the balance of available communication units and an identity number of the SIM;

the local controllers being connectable to the central backend; the central backend being configured to process messages forming part of the session and to identify and authenticate the respective local controller based on the request and, upon compliance with the financial rules, to enable the management system to cause the crediting of the balance of available communication units associated with the SIM in accordance with the request, without the need for further user intervention.

In some embodiments each local controller may form part of a set-top box connected to a respective television set. The user interface may comprise a graphical user interface (GUI) which may be rendered on the television set and a user operable input device cooperating with the GUI via the respective local controller.

The request may further comprise data relating to at least one of: an identification token which uniquely identifies the respective local controller, a session number, a date and time stamp and a serial number of the respective local controller.

The central backend may be configured to identify the respective user utilizing the serial number and the financial rules may comprise debiting the respective user designated account in the financial system, before enabling the management system to cause the crediting of the balance of available communication units in accordance with the request.

In some embodiments the SIM may be hosted by the set-top box, the communications path may extend between the set-top box and the central backend and the communication units may comprise prepaid data bundles.

The communications path preferably comprises a wireless path of a mobile network and the set-top box may comprise a wireless transceiver which is operable to communicate via the wireless path utilizing Internet protocol. The transceiver may comprise one of a GSM, GRPS, 3G, 4G and Long- Term Evolution (LTE) transceiver.

Said identity number of the SIM may comprise a cellular number (Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number, or MSISDN) associated with the SIM and the set-top box may be configured automatically to input or read or otherwise obtain the MSISDN from the SIM.

The two way session may be initiated between the set-top box and the central backend which is connectable to the set-top box via the communications path.

The set-top box may comprise an encrypter for protecting messages which are transmitted by the set-top box during the two way session via the communications path.

However, if the balance of available communications units is zero (and there is no other path providing Internet connectivity), the two way session may be initiated between the set-top box and a gateway server or a server intermediate the set-top box and the central backend, utilizing a zero rated protocol and unstructured supplementary service data (USSD) string commands. in such embodiments, the set-top box may append to a string originating at the set-top box said data relating to at least one of: the identification token which uniquely identifies the respective local controller, the session number, the date and time stamp, and the serial number of the set top- box.

At least part of the appended data is forwarded by the intermediate server to the central backend, for said central backend processing.

In other applications, the SIM may be hosted by a mobile device other than the local controller, the communications path may be provided by an MNO and extends to the mobile device and the communications units may comprise one of prepaid airtime and prepaid data bundles.

In such applications, the MSISDN of the SIM of the mobile device is entered during the initiation of the two way session by the user via the user interface.

Further according to the invention, there is provided a method of crediting a balance of available communication units associated with a SIM which, in use, controls, in accordance with available units, communications via a communications path, the method comprising, at a central backend:

receiving form a local controller at a user station and which local controller is associated with a user, a request for crediting a balance of available communication units associated with a SIM, the request comprising data relating to an identity number of the SIM and data relating to the identity of the local controller; authenticating the local controller based on the data relating to the identity of the local controller and corresponding data which is preregistered at the central backend;

identifying the user based on the data which is preregistered at the central backend;

also based on the data which is preregistered at the central backend, identifying a user designated account in a financial system which is connected to the central backend;

performing financial checks involving the request for crediting a balance of available communication units associated with a SIM and the financial account; and

if the checks are complied with, enabling a management system of prepaid communication units to cause the crediting of the balance of available communications units associated with the SIM in accordance with the request.

Also included within the scope of the present invention is a carrier for a computer program which when executed on at least one processor at a central backend performs the method as defined above. Yet further included within the scope of the invention is a central backend comprising such a carrier and at least one processor.

Further included within the scope of the invention is a method of crediting a balance of available communication units associated with a SIM which, in use, controls, in accordance with available units, communications via a communications path, the method comprising, at a user station:

utilizing a local controller which is associated with a user to initiate a two way messaging session;

during the session transmitting from the local controller to the central backend a request for crediting a balance of available communication units associated with a SIM, the request comprising data relating to the identity of the local controller and an identity number of the SIM;

receiving from the central backend data relating to collections of communications units available;

selecting a collection and transmitting a confirmation of the request.

A local controller comprising a carrier for a computer program, which when executed on at least one processor at the local controller performs the method above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMANYING DIAGRAMS

The invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying diagrams wherein:

figure 1 is a high level block diagram of an example embodiment of a system for recharging or crediting a balance of available communication units associated with a subscriber identification module (SIM) which, in use, controls, in accordance with available units, communications via a communications path;

figure 2 is a flow diagram of an associated method as performed at a central backend of the system;

figure 3 is a flow diagram of the associated method as performed at any one of a plurality of distributed user stations of the system; and

figure 4 is a high level block diagram illustrating another aspect of the system.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

In figure 1 there is illustrated a first example embodiment of a system 10 for recharging a data subscriber identification module (SIM) card 12 which is associated with or hosted by a local controller 14 at a user station 16.1. The user station 16.1 typically is one of a plurality of similar distributed user stations 16.1 to 16.n, each being associated with a respective user. In some example embodiments, the local controller 14 may be integrated into a smart television set at the user station and in others, the local controller may be in the form of a set-top box (STB) which is connectable to the television set 18 in known manner, to connect the television set 8 to an external signal source (not shown) and to process the source signal, turning it into content in a form that can be displayed on the television set 18 or other display device. In the example embodiment shown, the local controller 14 is in the form of a set top-box.

The SIM card 12 is associated with a communications path 20, which in the example embodiment is a wireless communications path of a mobile network connecting a wireless modem 22, such as, but not limited to a GSM modem, of the set-top box 14 to a remote and central backend 24 via the internet 26. Hence, the wireless communications path 20 preferably supports Internet protocol. The set-top box 14 may also be connected to the internet 26 and the central backend 24 via an optional physical cable 28, including but not limited to an Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) and fiber to the home (FTTH).

The central backend 24 comprises a user management system 30 wherein each of the distributed local controllers, such as local controller 14 and their associated users are preregistered. The central backend further comprises an authentication module 32 for authenticating a local controller and identifying the associated user, as will be described in more detail below.

The central backend 24 is connected to a management system 34 of prepaid communication units, such as prepaid data bundles and/or prepaid airtime. The management system 34 comprises a shared or common prepaid token management server 36 which is connected to mobile network operators (MNOs) 38.1 to 38. n. The MNOs 38.1 to 38. n make information pertaining to prepaid data bundles for SIM cards available to users via the prepaid token management server 36.

The central backend 24 is further connected to a financial system 40. The financial system may comprise respective bank accounts for an operator of the management server 36 and each of the users, the local controllers 14 of which are registered at the central backend 24, as explained above. A user designated bank account is illustrated at 42 and a bank account of the operator of the management server 36 is shown at 44.

There is provided a system 10 for crediting a balance of available communications units, such as data bundles, associated with the SIM card 12 which, in use, controls, in accordance with available units, data communications via the communications path 20 extending to the local controller at user station 16.1 . The system comprises the central backend 24 which is connected to the financial system 40 and to the management system 34 of prepaid communication units. The local controller 14 is connectable via the communications path 20 to the central backend 24 and is registered at the central backend 24 to be uniquely identifiable at the central backend 24. The central backend 24 is configured to apply financial rules relating to transactions for crediting a balance of available units and involving the respective user bank account 42. Also registered at central backend 24 is the associated user of the local controller 14. A user interface (Ul) 46 at the user station interacts with the local controller 14 and enables a user to initiate a two way data messaging session involving the local controller 14 at the one end. In this example embodiment, the session is between the local controller and the central backend 24 over the communications path 20 or 28 and the Internet. The messaging session comprises a request from the local controller 14 for crediting the balance of available communication units and an identity number of the SIM card 12. The central backend 24 is configured to process messages received during the session and to identify and authenticate the local controller 14 based on the request and, upon compliance with the financial rules, to enable the management system 34 to cause the crediting of the balance of available communication units associated with the SIM 12 in accordance with the request, without need for further user intervention. The user interface 46 comprises a graphical user interface (GUI) 48 on the screen or monitor 18.1 of the television set 18 and data entry means in the form of a remote control unit (RCU) 50.

The identity number associated with the SIM 12 may be a cellular number (Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number, or MSISDN) associated with the SIM 12. The local controller 14 may be configured automatically to obtain or to read the MSISDN from the SIM 12 and to include it in the request. The request may also comprise data relating to at least one of an identification token which uniquely identifies the respective local controller 14 at the time, a session number, a date and time stamp and a serial number of the local controller 14. The messages originating from the local controller 14 may be encrypted by an encrypter (not shown) of the local controller 14.

The central backend 24 is configured to authenticate the local controller 14 utilizing at least one of the identification token and the encryption. The associated user is identified by utilizing the serial number of the respective local controller 14 and pre-stored or registered data at the backend. The financial rules may comprise checking whether there is sufficient funds available in the user designated account 42 to cover the cost of the proposed crediting of communications units and if so, debiting the designated user account 42 with the price or cost of the proposed crediting of communications units and crediting the account 44 with the price, before enabling the system 34 to cause the crediting of the balance of available communications units in accordance with the request.

In figure 2 there is shown an associated method of crediting a balance of available data associated with the SIM card 12 controlling data communications via the communications path 20 extending to the local controller 14 as exercised at the central backend 24.

The method comprises, as shown at 60, receiving from a local controller 14 via communications path 20 or 28 a message that a user at user station 16.1 wants to credit with a MNO 38.1 the available balance of prepaid data associated with SIM card 12 controlling communications via the communications path 20. At 62, the central backend 24 then identifies and authenticates the local controller 14 as described above and also identifies the respective user. At 64, the central backend 24 obtains from the prepaid token management server 36 data relating to data bundles which are available from MNO 38.1. At 66, the data relating to the various bundles available and to be selected from, is forwarded via the communications path 20 or 28 to the set-top box 14. As shown at 68, the set-top box then causes the received data to be displayed on the GUI 48 as shown in figure 1 and the user is enabled to utilize the RCU 50 to select a bundle from the various available bundles and to enter a confirmation PIN finally confirming the transaction. At 70, the set-top box receives request data relating to the user's selection. At 72, the central backend 24 checks compliance of the proposed recharge transaction against financial rules. The rules may include whether the user has sufficient financial cover available for the proposed transaction in his designated bank account 42, the details of which have been pre-recorded and registered at the central backend 24. If the financial rules are met, the central backend 24 causes the user's designated bank account 42 to be debited in the amount of the transaction and that of the operator of the prepaid token management server, to be credited. At 74, the central backend 24 causes the MNO to credit the balance of available data associated with the SIM 12 in accordance with the user's selection and request, without the need for further user intervention.

In figure 3 there is shown an associated method of crediting a balance of available data associated with the SIM card 12 as exercised at the user station 16.1. The method comprises the steps of utilizing a local controller 14 and Ul 56 at the user station to initiate at 80 a two way messaging session between the local controller and the central backend 24 via communications path 20 or 28. As stated above, the local controller 14 and associated user are preregistered in association with one another at the central backend 24. During the session and at 82 there is transmitted from the local controller 14 to the central backend 24 a request for crediting a balance of available communication units associated with the SIM 12. The request comprises data relating to at least the identity of the local controller and an identity number of the SIM. At 84 there is received via the central backend 24 data relating to data bundles available from an indicated MNO 38.1 and these are displayed on the GUI 48 as shown in figure 1. At 86 the user is enabled to make a selection and to confirm the selection and request by entering a confirmation PIN. At 88, the selection and confirmation are transmitted to the central backend 24. Upon receipt by the central backend 24 of the selection and confirmation, the steps 70 to 74 (shown in figure 2) are performed at the central backend 24, without any further intervention by the user. The crediting of the balance is effected in the systems of the MNO 38.1 and the SIM 12 is automatically enabled to control, in accordance with available data, communications via the communications path 20.

Referring to figure 4, in the event that the balance of available data reaches zero and there is no other path (such as communications path 28) with Internet connectivity available, the two way session is initiated between the local controller 14 and a gateway server such as USSD server 52 intermediate the local controller 14 and the central backend 24 utilizing a zero rated protocol and Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) command strings. In this case, the local controller is configured to append to a string data relating to at least one of: session number, date and time stamp, MSISDN number of the SIM 12, identification token of the local controller 14 and a serial number of the local controller. At least one of the servers 52 and 36 may be configured to identify a valid session and request and to forward at least relevant parts of the data string to the central backend 24 for processing as aforesaid.

Referring again to figure 1 , the system and method may also be used for crediting a balance of available communication units associated with a SIM 12 in a mobile device 54 other than the local controller or set-top box 14. In this case, the SIM controls, with available units (data and/or airtime) communications via communications path 56 of a MNO. In this case and during generation of the request for crediting, the MSISDN of the SIM 12 will be entered by the user utilizing the Ul 46 of the set-top box. More details of the method involved are provided in figures 2 and 3 and the associated description above. It will be appreciated that the step 74 in figure 2 of causing the MNO to credit the balance of available data associated with the SIM 12 in accordance with the user's selection and request will involve the SIM 12 associated to the mobile device 54 instead of the local controller 14.

Upon completion of the crediting, a notification may be sent by the MNO 38.1 to the mobile device 54 indicating success of the crediting of the balance of communications units associated with the SIM 12 of the mobile device 54,

The mobile device 54 may be registered as a valid selectable device on the set-top box 14 or at the central backend 24. An authentication of the mobile device 54 may accordingly be required when the respective user of the set-top box 14 selects the mobile device 54 for subsequent crediting of the balance of communications units associated with the SIM 12 of the mobile device 54.

The crediting of the balance of communications units associated with the SIM 12 and financial debiting and crediting steps may take place in a Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliant and hence a secure environment.

Claims

1. A system for crediting a balance of available communication units associated with a subscriber identification module (SIM) which, in use, controls, in accordance with available units, communications via a communications path, the system comprising:

a user interface at each of the user stations for interacting with the respective local controller, the user interface enabling a user to initiate a two way data messaging session involving the respective local controller at one end, the messaging session comprising a request for crediting a balance of available communication units and an identity number of the SIM;

the local controllers being connectable to the central backend; the central backend being configured to process messages forming part of the session and to identify and authenticate the respective local controller based on the request and, upon compliance with the financial rules, to enable the management system to cause the crediting of the balance of available communication units associated with the SIM in accordance with the request.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein each local controller forms part of a set-top box connected to a respective television set.

3. The system as claimed in claim 2 wherein the user interface comprises a graphical user interface (GUI) which is rendered on the television set and a user operable input device cooperating with the GUI via the respective local controller.

4. The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the request further comprises data relating to at least one of: an identification token which uniquely identifies the respective local controller, a session number, a date and time stamp and a serial number of the respective local controller.

5. The system as claimed in claim 4 wherein the central backend is configured to identify the respective user utilizing the serial number and wherein the financial rules include debiting the respective user designated account in the financial system, before enabling the management system to cause the crediting of the balance of available communication units in accordance with the request.

6. The system as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5 wherein the SIM is hosted by the set-top box, wherein the communications path extends between the set-top box and the central backend and wherein the communication units comprise prepaid data bundles.

7. The system as claimed in claim 6 wherein the communications path comprises a wireless path of a mobile network and wherein the set- top box comprises a wireless transceiver which is operable to communicate via the wireless path utilizing Internet protocol.

8. The system as claimed in claim 7 wherein the transceiver comprises one of a GSM, GRPS, 3G, 4G and Long-Term Evolution (LTE) transceiver.

9. The system as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the identity number of the SIM comprises a cellular number (MSISDN) associated with the SIM and wherein the set-top box is configured automatically to obtain the MSISDN from the SIM.

10. The system as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9 wherein the two way session is initiated between the set-top box and the central backend which is connectable to the set-top box via the communications path and wherein the set-top box comprises an encrypter for protecting messages which are transmitted by the set- top box during the session via the communications path.

1 1 . The system as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9 wherein, if the balance of available communications units is zero, the two way session is initiated between the set-top box and a server intermediate the set-top box and the central backend, utilizing a zero rated protocol and Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) string commands.

12. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the set-top box appends to a string originating at the set-top box the data relating to at least one of: the identification token, the session number, the date and time stamp, and the serial number of the set-top box and wherein at least part of the appended data is forwarded by the intermediate server to the central backend, for said central backend processing.

13. The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the SIM is hosted by a mobile device other than the local controller, wherein the communications path extends to the mobile device and wherein the communications units comprise one of prepaid airtime and prepaid data bundles.

14. The system as claimed in claim 13 wherein the identity number of the SIM comprises a cellular number (MSISDN) associated with the SIM and wherein during the initiation of the two way session, the MSISDN is entered by the user via the user interface.

15. A method crediting a balance of available communications units associated with a SIM which, in use, controls, in accordance with available units, communications via a communications path, the method comprising, at a central backend:

receiving form a local controller at a user station and which local controller is associated with a user, a request for crediting a balance of available communications units associated with a SIM, the request comprising data relating to an identity number of the SIM and data relating to an identity of the local controller;

authenticating the local controller based on the data relating to the identity of the local controller and corresponding data which is pre registered at the central backend; identifying the user based on the data which is preregistered at the central backend;

also based on the data which is preregistered at the central backend, identifying a user designated bank account in a financial system which is connected to the central backend; performing financial checks involving the request for crediting a balance of available communications units associated with a SIM and the financial account; and

if the checks are complied with, enabling a management system of prepaid communications units to cause the crediting of the balance of available communications units associated with the SIM in accordance with the request.

A method of crediting a balance of available communications units associated with a SIM which, in use, controls, in accordance with available units, communications via a communications path, the method comprising, at a user station:

during the session transmitting from the local controller to the central backend a request for crediting a balance of available communications units associated with a SIM, the request comprising data relating to an identity of the local controller and an identity number of the SIM;

selecting a collection and transmitting a confirmation of the request.

17. A carrier comprising a computer program, which when executed on at least one processor at a central backend performs the method as claimed in claim 15.

18. A carrier comprising a computer program, which when executed on at least one processor at a local controller performs the method as claimed in claim 16.