Nova Patents
US20090172782A1

Service Utilization Control Manager

Claim Score by NHIP

Read claim 15, the broadest

Abstract

Aspects of the invention allow mobile network users as well as mobile network providers to define policies that are managed across several applications and services. Thus, several application servers and network elements are coordinated to implement a service policy. More specifically, aspects of the invention define service level policies for any service be within an IMS based or non-IMS based wireless network implemented by SIP or non-SIP network elements. A service policy is a set of rules that is applied when a subscriber uses a specific service (Web Browsing, Location, Presence, MMS, SMS, PoC, etc). The policy may be applicable on a per-need, per-subscriber basis. A service policy enhances or restricts use of the service functionality by the subscriber. A service level policy should also allow definition of service utilization rules that constrain how the service may be used by the subscriber. For example, a parent may restrict the use of her child's cell phone for all voice and messaging type communication to only one hour per day between the time of 12 noon to 1 pm and 4 pm to 6 pm. Thus, aspects of the inventions allow mobile service subscribers to receive a level of customization for services rendered by a mobile network service provider. Further, mobile network service providers may provide not only custom service to subscribers but also simplifies the provisioning by allowing a single-point of configuration for subscriber based service control policies. Service level policies have wider scope than bearer level policies such as quality of service in the form of on-demand bandwidth, committed rates of throughput, committed reduction in delay/jitter/latency.

US20090172782A1, drawing sheet 1
Sheet 1 of 14

Term

5.1 yearsto projected expiry

Projected expiry 8 November 2031, counted from filing; an application has no term until it is granted.

  1. Priority and filed
  2. Published
  3. Today
  4. Projected expiry

20 claims: 3 independent, 17 dependent

  1. 1
    A method of managing a plurality of mobile network services on a subscriber basis across several networks, the method comprising:receiving a service request from a subscriber across an application interface requesting authorization to provide a service to a subscriber from a service authorization and utilization control function;authorizing a service request by a service authorization and utilization control function based on a service policy;and denying a service request by a service authorization and utilization control function based on a service policy.
  2. 9
    A system of managing a plurality of mobile network services on a subscriber basis across several networks, the system comprising:a service authorization and utilization control function that authorizes or denies a requested mobile network service from a network element;a plurality of subscriber service utilization accounts that store available credit for subscribers;a plurality of network elements that request authorization from a service authorization and utilization control function to provide a mobile network service to a subscriber;an application interface that carries messages between one or more network elements and a service authorization and utilization control function;an application interface that carries messages between a service authorization and utilization control function and a subscriber service utilization account;a plurality of networks that provide mobile network services from one or more network elements to a plurality of subscriber mobile devices;and a plurality of subscriber mobile devices that configures a service policy incorporated into the service authorization and utilization control function and requests services from one or more network elements.
  3. 15
    Broadest claimClaim Score 63, broad(NHIP)An apparatus for managing a plurality of mobile network services on a subscriber basis across several networks, the apparatus comprising:a service authorization and utilization control function;a plurality of service policy rules;a subscriber service utilization account;a real time utilization interface;and an interface that carries messages between a network element and a service authorization and utilization control function.
Independent claims3