WO2018107250A2

WO2018107250A2 - The method and system for increasing the airtime balance to be used by subscribers of communication networks

Info

Publication number: WO2018107250A2
Application number: PCT/AZ2018/000009
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bahram AHMED ZADE
Original assignee: Sentt Labs S.R.O.
Priority date: 2018-03-28
Filing date: 2018-03-28
Publication date: 2018-06-21
Also published as: WO2018107250A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and system that will allow subscribers of communication networks to increase (top up) their balance by using the web-based payment systems at the moment when the subscriber has no internet to effect such payment by conventional means. The inventive method consists of a provision of an access to an internet payment system while the user's current balance or current tariff mode does not allow for such access.

Description

THE METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR I NCREASI NG THE Al RTI ME BALANCE TO BE USED BY SUBSCRI BERS OF COMMUNI CATI ON N ETWORKS

The goal of the present invention is to maintain the ability of a communication network subscribers to continue using the internet-based services by offering them an option to top- up their balance im mediately after they were informed/notified by the described system that the latter had been depleted . The technical result is the use by a large number of subscribers of a comm unication network to top up their balance without having a conventional access to internet by using their credit or debit card . The request is entered via an electronic com munication device (including a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a computer or any other SI M-enabled term inal or such) , and is transmitted after verifications to the server of the payment processing system for perform ing the transaction.

The subscriber benefit is that they will have an opportunity to perform a transaction which would not be possible otherwise as their depleted balance will not allow for internet connection , the latter to be im mediately restored once the payment has been successfully made. The comm unication network benefit is that the subscriber balance, depleted before the transaction will be im mediately replenished . The service itself can be free of charge or offered for a fee.

Technically, the system can be broken down into four modules which take part in the process. Module 20 is a Core Module which processes requests from an internet-enabled device or a com munication network subscriber. I t consists of four sub-modules, namely Alerts Sub-Module 21 , Request Processing Sub-Module 22, Scanning Sub-Module 23 and Eligibility Sub-Module 24. Module 30 is a module that relays requests to communication network server 60 and communication network billing system 61 . Module 40 is a module that relays requests to the payment gateway 50, which will further process requests with subsequent acceptance of the payment or its rejection . Module 70 is a Support Module consisting of four sub-modules, namely Customer Support Sub-Module 71 , Statistics Sub- Module 72, Blacklists Database 73 and I ncentives Database 74. The essence of the invention is described in the following figurative material, where:

Figure 1 shows the modules enabling the subscribers of com munication networks to carry out the balance increase in accordance with this invention ;

Figure 2 shows how the described system interacts with the outside systems (the modules and parts of the process) ; Figure 3 separately reflects the mutual transmission of requests between the modules to process the requests of subscribers of communication network;

Figure 4 shows the sequence of the steps within this described system.

TECHNI CAL DESCRI PTI ON Module 20 - CORE MODULE

Module 20 is a Core Module which processes requests from an internet-enabled device or a communication network subscriber. I t consists of four sub-modules, whose functionality is described below. Alerts Sub-Module 21 . This sub-module's task is to relay the information received from sub-modules 23 and 24 to the device 100 that the balance can be increased if the subscriber chooses to do so.

Request Processing Sub-Module 22. The task of this sub-module is to accept and process balance increase requests from the device 100 and relay those to the sub-module 24.

Scanning Sub-Module 23. This sub-module periodically scans the operational system of an internet-enabled device 10 (iOS or Android) to check whether there is communication network enabled internet traffic to the device. I f such internet traffic is not available at certain moment in time, the module re-scans the device's OS in predefined time intervals to ensure the disruption is not temporary. I f the disruption is not temporary and non-availability of the communication network enabled internet traffic has been confirmed, Sub-Module 23 sends an alert to Sub-Module 21 to further prompt the subscriber's device 100 to increase the current balance.

Eligibility Sub-Module 24. This sub-module's function is to accept the requests from sub- module 22 to assess whether such requests should be honoured and further passed on to sub-module 21 to alert the subscriber / device 100. Sub-module 24 will check with at least one Blacklists Database 73 to see if the subscriber's number is listed there or not. I f database 73 has the number listed, sub-module 24 offers the subscriber an option to rectify ineligibility or ends the cycle. Module 30 - COMMUNI CATI ON MODULE TO COMMUNI CATI ON N ETWORK The task of this module is to establish a communication link to and check with the communication network's servers 61 and 60 relaying requests from the Core Module 20.

Module 40 - COMMUNI CATI ON MODULE TO PAYMENT GATEWAY

The task of this module is to establish a communication link to and check with the payment gateway's server 50 relaying requests from the Core Module 20.

Module 70 - SUPPORT MODULE

Module 70 is a support module, whose function is to provide access to customer support, statistical and other information on a request basis. This module will accept such requests from the Core Module 20 and from authorized outside requestors. Module 70 consists of four submodules described below.

Customer Support Submodule 71 . This submodule's task is to provide authorized personnel with access to customer related data, including editing, status change and similar actions.

Statistics Submodule 72. This submodule's task is to provide statistical information on requests from Core Module 20 as well as to authorized personnel.

Blacklists Database 73. This database (DB) will store the numbers and I Ds of the subscribers who have specifically requested that this method and system to increase the balance not be used for them . I t also stores the numbers and I Ds of the subscribers that the relevant third parties (e.g. communication network operator, financial institutions etc.) have reasonably caused to be restricted from the use of this particular service. Eligibility Submodule 24 will check with this DB before confirming to Alerts Submodule 21 that the balance increase request can proceed further.

I ncentives Database 74. The communication network subscribers who regularly increase their balance via this described method and system may be eligible for promotions, discounts or other marketing and non-marketing incentivization. This DB will store information on the frequency, amounts and other characteristics of such balance increases.

I t is understood that the Databases may have further reasonable segmentation.

For the system to function it will require the following technical possibilities (Figure 2) .

Communication network operator will need to ensure internet access to a pre-defined http path (to be defined) when the device 10 has no internet access due to the balance depletion. This is possible via integrating module 30 with the various VAS modules of the communication network (e.g. 60) , such as WEB and WAP. Such connection using HTTP, SMPP or FTP protocols will enable access to an external payment system (gateway) 50 so that the balance increase demanded by the subscriber is duly performed. The information about this increase of the subscriber balance performed outside the communication network's billing system will be conveyed to the subscriber's device 100 by the billing system 61 via SMS or other means the communication network operator deems relevant.

The preferred method of functioning for this described invention is detailed further in this document with relevant references to the figures. This detailed description does not contain unnecessary technical details which could potentially complicate the understanding of this invention, such technical details being the structure of the request being sent, type of the request, integration methods with the communication network's internal systems and modules, software environment etc. Specialized personnel will be able to realize this invention without knowing details or applying relevant modifications. The method and system detailed in Fig 1 -3 have been designed to work under an operating system. All data is stored in Module 72. The system as such comprises four modules: Core Module (CM) 20, Support Module (SM) 70, Communication Module to Communication Network (CMCN) 30 and Communication Module to Payment Gateway (CMPG) 40. The system connects to Communication Network Server (CNS) 60 via CMCN 30 using relevant HTTP, FTP or SMPP protocols. The connection itself will be a VPN.

Figure 1 shows how the system operates. Scanning submodule (SSM) 23 scans the operating system (OS) of an internet enabled device (I ED) 100 periodically with defined intervals to ensure there is operator enabled internet traffic to I ED 100. I f these periodic checks confirm the availability of operator enabled internet traffic, SSM 23 continues scanning. I f SSM 23 detects the moment when operator enabled internet traffic is not available, it runs a re-check after the following additionally defined interval. If the re-check returns the same result, i.e. confirms a non-availability of the operator enabled internet traffic to the device, SSM 23 sends a notification to Eligibility Submodule (ESM) 24, which in its turn checks whether the GSM number of this I ED 100 is eligible for performing balance increases through this described system. (Note: Non-eligibility in this context means that either a subscriber himself requested that the service not be run for his /ED 100 or the subscriber's number has been somehow flagged by communication network or the payment gateway or other relevant external party (ies) as not eligible). I f eligibility (or an absence of ineligibility) has been established, ESM 24 sends a notification to Alerts Submodule (ASM) 21 that a balance increase may be wanted by the subscriber. ASM 21 alerts the subscriber via an on-screen message displaying: "Looks like your balance is low. Would you like to top it up?" . This on-screen message will also offer a YES / NO option for the subscriber to decide on how he wants to proceed. Should the subscriber choose NO, the cycle ends, ASM 21 will deactivate the SSM 23 for 24 hours to avoid cycle repetitions. Should the subscriber choose YES, ASM 21 will cause the Request Processing Submodule (RPSM) 22 to open a window with pre-defined fields which will need to be filled with credit / debit card details by the subscriber himself . The fields will be card number, name and last name, expiry date, CCV and other relevant fields. RPSM 22 will then generate a request to CMCN 30. CMCN 30, using a pre-defined and pre-agreed HTTP path through Communication Network Server (CNS) 60, will cause CMPG 40 to connect to Payment Gateway (PG) 50 entering the payment details as keyed-in by the subscriber. I f the subscriber has mistakenly entered certain data, PG 50 will advise CMPG 40, which in turn will advise RPSM 22 to further advise the subscriber showing the fields where mistakes may have taken place, i.e. wrong card number, wrong expiry date, missing field, etc. Once corrected, the data will be relayed back to PG 50, verified again, and if correct and accepted by PG 50 the payment will be executed. (Note: for all these steps to be taken, the subscriber's card should satisfy at least two conditions, i.e. funds sufficiency and card validity. If those are not satisfied, PG 50 will send an error message with defined text, RPSM 22 will display a rejection on-screen message, hence no further steps will be possible). Once PG 50 accepted and successfully processed the payment, RPSM 22 will notify the subscriber via an on-screen message of this success.

Upon a successful acceptance of the payment by PG 50, the latter will instruct Communication Network Billing (CNB) 61 via the core or directly, which will in its turn send a relevant notification (SMS, USSD, HTTP, WAP, WEB or otherwise) to the subscriber informing him of the balance increase. This particular communication can be performed entirely outside the described system's channels.

At any given time, the subscriber may wish to increase their balance without having been prompted to do so. I n such case by request of the subscriber the ESM 24 will be activated to check whether the GSM number of this I ED 100 is eligible for performing balance increases through this described system . (Note: Non-eligibility in this context means that either a subscriber himself requested that the service not be run for his I ED 100 or the subscriber's number has been somehow flagged by a communication network or a payment gateway or other relevant external party (ies) as not eligible. If ineligibility is subscriber-initiated, ESM 24 will offer the subscriber to deactivate this type of ineligibility. If ineligibility is valid and initiated by a third party, ESM 24 will notify the subscriber, who then may wish to take actions to remove such ineligibility outside this described system).

I f eligibility (or an absence of ineligibility) has been established, ESM 24 will cause the RPSM 22 to open a window with pre-defined fields which will need to be filled with credit / debit card details by the subscriber himself . The fields will be card number, name and last name, expiry date, CCV and other relevant fields. RPSM 22 will then generate a request to CMCN 30. CMCN 30, using a pre-defined and pre-agreed HTTP path through Communication Network Server (CNS) 60, will cause CMPG 40 to connect to Payment Gateway (PG) 50 entering the payment details as keyed-in by the subscriber. I f the subscriber has mistakenly entered certain data, PG 50 will advise CMPG 40, which in turn will advise RPSM 22 to further advise the subscriber showing the fields where mistakes may have taken place, i.e. wrong card number, wrong expiry date etc. Once corrected, the data will be relayed back to PG 50, verified again, and if correct and accepted by PG 50 the payment will be executed. (Note: for all these steps to be taken, the subscriber's card should satisfy two conditions, i.e. funds sufficiency and card validity. If those are not satisfied, PG 50 will send an error message with defined text, RPSM 22 will display a rejection on-screen message, hence no further steps will be possible). Once PG 50 accepted and successfully processed the payment, RPSM 22 will notify the subscriber via an on-screen message of this success. Upon a successful acceptance of the payment by PG 50, the latter will instruct Communication Network Billing (CNB) 61 , which will in its turn send a relevant notification (SMS, USSD, HTTP, WAP, WEB or otherwise) to the subscriber informing him of the balance increase. This communication is outside the described system's channels.

Although this invention, its methods and system have been described with reference to a preferred method of use, it is clear to qualified personnel or specialists that relevant changes and modifications to the invention can be made within the frames and boundaries set forth in the invention formula further described in this document. The invention as such is defined and set by the invention formula, and not by the description of how the system operates. All changes and modifications which correspond with the spirit of this invention and are adequate, must be an integral part of this specific invention.

Claims

CLAI MS

We claim :

The method for increasing the balance of the communication network user via web- based payment systems where a balance increase request is received according to predefined conditions, user data is verified against a set of parameters and the billing systems of the communication network operator, the balance increase request is routed to a payment gateway system and the charging is made to the communication network user's credit or debit card account with subsequent notification sent to the user via this described system's channels or outside of those, followed by a consecutive increase in the communication network user's balance.

The method according to claim 1 above where the request is received via HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) or USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Services Data) or WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) or WEB or via an in-app based communication tool.

The method according to claims 1 and 2 above allowing automatic or recurring balance increase for post-paid or prepaid users

Automatic system for balance increase processing consisting of :

an element or elements for connecting to network operator and network operator systems; computer memory for storage of code segments and balance increases database; inputting device for sending conditional requests via the communication network and network operator's systems; processor to process the code segment combinations and enabling access to databases for confirmation of balance increase requests.

The system according to claims 3-4 above, where the segment code combinations comprise:

Segment of code enabling receiving a balance increase request from the client via the communication network;

Segment of code enabling a user data verification against the set parameters in a web- based external payment system (mobile wallet or alike) ; Segment of code enabling an approval of the balance increase request ;

Segment of code enabling an increase in the balance by means of automatic system connected to the billing system of communication network;

Segment of code enabling conditional automatic protection against sending an unauthorized or an unwanted balance increase request;

6. The system according to claims 3-5 above, where the segment code combinations include a segment of code enabling a detection of no-internet-traffic moment in the internet enabled device;

7. The system according to claims 3-6 above, where the segment code combinations include a segment of code enabling a user data verification against the set parameters in the communication network's billing system ;

8. System according to claims 3-7 above will include one or a combination of WEB, WAP, SMS, and / or USSD servers processing balance increase requests via the communication network.

9. System according to claims 3-8 will include the means for statistical data processing in order to further process the request and store the data.

10. System according to claims 3-9 will include the means to create "subscriber black lists".

1 1 . System according to claims 3-10 will enable automatic inclusion/exclusion of subscribers into/from various subscriber groups with different levels of advance/ credit eligibility.

12. System according to claims 3-1 1 will make statistical, current status or archive information available for an external user or multiple users.

13. System according to claims 3-12 will have tools for an external user or multiple users to manually correct, cancel, activate or otherwise alter the service