FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of mobile communication networks and in particular, relates to devices, systems, and methods for providing geographic location and application based sponsored mobile internet service with possibility to control quality of service (QoS) profile and/or other parameters related with internet protocol related terms.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND THE PRIOR ART

This invention solves technical problem of controlling QoS parameters of mobile data network in a selected geographic area. For mobile internet service providers, available in the selected geographic area, it is needed to offload IP traffic which is then processed with technical means presented in this description. The idea of this invention is to control QoS and internet parameters of the mobile data network parameters in the selected (localized) geographic area regardless of which mobile internet service provider subscriber uses.

There is known a patent application US20070133428 (published on 14 June 2007) provides a system and method of selecting appropriate QoS level based on a data usage pattern related to a temporal usage pattern, and a geographic usage pattern. QoS level is dynamically and automatically modified based on changes in the usage pattern. The invention in the mentioned document solves the technical problem of providing effective QoS level for group of users depending on their data usage patterns. Very similar problem also is solved in the patent application US2007002868 (published on 4 January 2007). However, there is nothing mentioned about possibility to modify QoS level for user regardless of which mobile network provider he uses, i.e.: the mentioned applications in the Prior Art solve the problem which is related to one mobile data network provider only, while the present (our) invention deals with several data network providers which are available in the selected geographic area.

Also is known a patent application US201 10134765 (published on 9 June 201 1 ) which provides a similar to the above mentioned technical solution where QoS parameters are selected according to the previously selected set of QoS parameters which must be granted when (upon) user enters a "particular geo-fenced area". The invention in the mentioned application provides a solution which has a different technical problem comparing with our invention for more efficient mobile network distribution among the users. This Prior Art's document also deals with the only one service provider in the defined area.

Our invention provides a possibility to control QoS for several service providers available in the selected geographic area. Moreover, another characterizing feature of this invention comparing with Prior Art: the mentioned technical solution controls QoS using Home location register (HLR). Also this invention solves the problem of controlling QoS beyond HLR in the (Internet Protocol) IP level.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An idea of a location-based mobile Internet service provisioning comprises the following features: a user is subscribed to a user mobile broadband service; a user mobile device location is tracked; internet based service is configured to operate with specific quality of service (QoS) profile and/or other parameters related to Internet Protocol related terms (conditions) or specifications in a specific geographic area defined by a set of GPS coordinates (polygon); when entering this defined area, user is granted with access to the configured mobile broadband based service; when leaving this defined area, user access to configured internet based service is denied. The mentioned specific QoS will be granted to the user if the mobile internet service provider of the user is able to provide such service. This means that in defined (localized) area the user can be granted with specific QoS regardless of service provider he uses. This invention provides technical possibilities to supply mobile data network sponsored by third parties.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 Location-based service(s) infrastructure according to this invention.

Fig. 2 Location-based service(s) definition process.

Fig. 3 Location-based service(s) activation process.

Fig. 4 Location-based service(s) deactivation process. Fig. 5 Location-based service(s) provisioning preparation.

Fig. 6 Location-based service(s) provisioning activation flow.

Fig. 7 Location-based service(s) provisioning deactivation flow.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This invention provides a possibility to control a mobile data network QoS or other parameters related with Internet Protocol (IP) related terms (conditions) or specifications. The mentioned control is based on the geographic location of mobile network user. If the user enters the defined location, he can be granted with a certain mobile internet characteristics which are not available in usual mobile network service provisioning, e.g.: access for some internet resources can be granted free of charge or with better QoS parameters than user has agreed with the current service provider (if data network infrastructure is able to provide it). Moreover, this invention permits to control the mentioned parameters in defined location no matter to which service provider user is subscribed to (the service provider must fulfil the requirements of this invention). This technical inventive solution can be useful in many everyday situations: like if the user enters defined area where free of charge internet must be provided, no matter which network provider user uses (this solution replaces a necessity to install separate Wi-Fi network or similar infrastructure). The solution of this invention can be used in the home network and in the network, where user is roaming. In the roaming case the additional infrastructure must be used (e.g.: local break out solutions). If the user enters defined area where he must use roaming services (which usually are extremely costly and often poor quality), he can be granted with network free of charge and with exceptional QoS parameters for certain internet recourses which are sponsored by third parties (e.g.: municipality of the city can grant free of charge access to internet based navigation system and/or database to navigate the city for foreign tourists entering defined area in the city). The mentioned sponsored mobile Internet access to the users can be granted in the home network as well.

The mentioned location-based service, provides possibility not only to grant better QoS or free of charge access to Internet, but also to restrict the mentioned parameters, e.g.: it is possible to configure system in such a way that in defined geographic area user could not visit restricted Internet resources. The following we describe a particular parts of the system according to this invention:

Mobile device [10] (Fig.5, Fig.6, Fig.7) - end user (subscriber) device (smart- phone, tablet or laptop with SIM or any other device which can access mobile data network) to access the location-based service.

Mobile Internet provider [20] (Fig.5, Fig.6, Fig.7) - Mobile network operator (MNO) integrated to the location-based service provisioning platform and operating infrastructure compliant to 2G, 3G, LTE or any other intermediate and upcoming standards related to mobile data provisioning.

Service provisioning platform [30] (Fig.5, Fig.6, Fig.7) - location-based service(s) provisioning platform implementing relevant service(s) logic and authorizing user to access such service(s).

Service definition repository [40] (Fig.5, Fig.6, Fig.7) - location-based service(s) repository which contains service(s) description, set(s) of QoS parameters, area(s) polygon data, mutual relations and dependencies.

Mobile broadband service definition. The mobile device connected to some kind of core network like GSM, LTE or other providing stable access to the mobile Internet based resources. Access to some Internet based resource or a group of resources define one part of service. As examples to service definition it is possible to name Google Gmail, Google Maps, UBER, streaming services or any other definable with Internet Protocol (IP) related terms, standards or specifications.

In addition, it is possible to define service availability profile to restrict service provisioning for group of end users. The parameters of end user grouping are totally dependent on service itself. For the sake of clarity, it is possible to distinguish end users by following parameters:

• user home network identification information and roaming availability;

• mobile device type or even exact mobile device model;

• end user demographic parameters;

• social networks profiles and declared fields of interests;

• etc.

Quality of service (QoS) profile stands for a set of parameters defining certain characteristics of transmission data between the end user mobile device and the infrastructure providing equipment. As examples for quality of service (QoS) profile it is worth to mention parameters like throughput, transit delay, priority or protection, etc. Exact set of parameters may depend on various infrastructure or service related concerns. In this description, when using the term "Quality of service (QoS)", it may mean the control of not only QoS as it is known in the state of art, but also additionally other parameters related to Internet Protocol (IP) related terms or specifications how they are disclosed in technical details of this invention.

Location tracking definition. Mobile device regularly checks its location based on Global Positioning System (GPS), Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) or any other tracking method available to a mobile device or core network.

Geographic area (polygon) definition. Area stands for a geographical surface shape defined by a set of GPS coordinates and associated with mobile broadband service provisioning. Area size may differentiate from single building to country or even continent wide area. However, area size is correlated with location tracking accuracy. Location tracking accuracy must not exceed the area length or width parameters. To mitigate this issue buffer, zone may be defined around line segments defining the area polygon. In terms of accuracy, GPS based tracking allows to define smallest area polygon having only several square meters in size. Other tracking practices will require defining an area of several square kilometres.

Location-based mobile Internet service provisioning can be harmonized across the different mobile data network providers, operational in the same geographical location regardless of specific implementation details and utilized standards. Location- based mobile service infrastructure may be designed to support single service provider needs or may be shared among the different service providers. In case of shared infrastructure mode using different mobile networks operators (MNO) [601 ], [602], [603] (Fig.1 ) it is needed to be offloaded IP traffic [701 ] to shared gateway marked as [640]. Together with IP traffic offloading, MNO should provide subscriber identification data in order to separate mobile data traffic, generated by different subscribers [701 ]. Subscriber identification data and the method is considered to be irrelevant for the current definition, and is a subject for MNO specific integration implementation. Each MNO may operate several infrastructures, compliant to: 2G [612], 3G [610], LTE [61 1 ] or any other intermediate and upcoming standards related to mobile data [700] provisioning. To access location-based mobile Internet service subscribers should own devices able to access the mobile network. Subscriber is able to use mobile phone [622] and/or tablet [620], or any other device like laptop with SIM card [621 ] support and etc. Precise location tracking achieved through mobile application [630] installed on subscriber's device. In case the location area is significant and service does not require high location accuracy, mobile application may be considered as optional. Location tracking applications reports subscriber's mobile device location information [702] to event monitor server [642] and may receive service relevant information [703] such as available service(s) description, relevant advertising and other area boundaries. Event monitor server [642] analyses information collected from the subscribers and trigger service(s), relevant change events for each service subscriber [704] at traffic control server [641 ]. The traffic control server [641 ] immediately communicates with the shared gateway [640] for IP traffic offload and trigger service relevant QoS change event to grant, revoke or adjust (fair usage policy rules) the subscriber access to location-based mobile Internet service(s). Shared gateway [640] provides subscriber location-based mobile Internet service(s) according to service definition parameters and passes subscriber's IP traffic [706] to the public Internet. The traffic control server [641 ] and event monitor server [642] communicate with several repositories such as QoS profile(s) definition [650], IP resource(s) definition [651 ], geographic polygon area(s) [652], and subscribers [653] repository. Content for QoS profile(s) [650] definition, IP resource(s) [651 ] definition, Geographic area(s) [652] maintained during service implementation. Subscribers repository [653] contains information about subscriber mobile data usage, identification and location tracking information.

To set-up location-based service, three major parts should be defined and aligned together. The sequence (Fig.2) of these parts definition is not critical and allows modification and its adjustment. By completing step [101 ] (Fig.2), the essence of service is defined, and a list of parameters is defined such as: service name; service availability period; service related internet resources; eligible end user groups; preconditions like type of supported devices; other service related technical parameters.

After step [102] is completed, QoS profile is defined and a set of parameters assigned with default values. The set of QoS profile parameters may be as follows: connection bandwidth (throughput), minimum and maximum values, values and limits for transit delay, priority or protection; relevant group of users, other service specific parameters. Output from step [103] is geographic area (polygon), defining geographical service availability. During step [104] all parts are assembled together and it is clear what kind of service, in which location and to what kind of users will be provided under the certain QoS profile. Method allows defining very complex service definitions like: define multiple areas or the same service; define different QoS profiles; define different end user groups and etc.

Location tracking may be performed on mobile device or by core network operator. For the sake of clarity, Fig.3 displays process when GPS location capturing is performed by mobile device and area entering detected in a real time by the same device. This scenario will require sophisticated mobile application, installed in the subscriber mobile device. By completing step [201 ], device will be synchronized with the server and load service definition basic parameters such as service availability area(s). During steps [202] and [203] mobile device captures its own GPS location and aligns this information with area(s) boundaries to detect service availability status. Once area is entered, this will trigger service enablement procedure displayed at step [204]. Otherwise, device will resume regular location tracking activities. Once service is enabled and mobile device is authorized, to use location-based mobile service, relevant QoS parameters are applied and the end user is able to enjoy defined service. Service activation process triggers some service related security concerns and additional service related fraud possibility. Those issues are out of scope for the current location-based service provisioning description.

End user is allowed to use location-based service when he is inside of defined area(s) only. Step [301 ] (Fig.4) represents process when the end user is fully allocable and is able to enjoy such service. In steps [302] and [303], mobile device regularly captures mobile device location and aligns this information with area(s) boundaries to detect service availability status. Once area is exited, this will trigger service deactivation procedure displayed at step [404]. Otherwise, device will continue using defined location-based service.

To enhance location tracking accuracy and to improve user experience, an application can be installed at the end user mobile device. In such case initial GPS location tracking is performed on the user mobile device, reported to and validated with information, collected by the mobile network. Location-based service provisioning preparation process comprises the following steps (Fig. 5):

- Step [501 ] setups mobile device to use area specific service(s). To access location-based service, user needs to setup a mobile device. Setup procedure may require selecting relevant mobile network, to change Access Point Name (APN) configuration, and to change mobile data related parameters.

- Step [502] launches mobile application to support area specific service(s). Location-based service provisioning may require mobile application presence on user mobile device.

- Step [503] authenticates mobile Internet. To authenticate location-based service, mobile device may require providing some information like mobile country code/mobile network code (MCC/MNC), active APN parameters or other security related data.

- Step [504] checks location dependent service preconditions. Mobile Internet provider checks provided information validity and decide to authenticate mobile device to access packet data network (PDN) managed by location-based service provider.

- Step [505] grants restricted access. Data transfer session is established between mobile device and mobile Internet provider infrastructure. After successful authorization, mobile device is able to communicate with location-based service provisioning platform.

- Step [506] requests service related area(s) boundaries. Mobile device needs to update location-based service(s) area(s) information and to synchronize its location with location-based service provisioning platform.

- Step [507] requests mobile device information. Location-based service provisioning platform may request from mobile Internet provider additional information like International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number (MSISDN) or location verification data.

- Step [508] returns mobile device details. Mobile Internet provider provides requested mobile device details to location-based service provisioning platform.

- Step [509] requests mobile device location relevant area(s) information. Location-based service provisioning platform aligns information received from the mobile Internet provider and mobile device with information stored in the location- based service definition repository. - Step [510] returns area(s) information. Location-based service definition repository will extract area(s) definition information relevant to mobile device location and provide this data to location-based service provisioning platform.

- Step [51 1 ] returns service related area(s) boundaries. Location-based service provisioning platform will deliver area(s) and related service(s) information to mobile device for reference.

Mobile device connected to Mobile Internet provider infrastructure, authenticated by use location-based service(s) and aware of services available in relevant location. Location-based service provisioning platform will increase intensity for mobile device location tracking activities. For the sake of clarity, the process of definition is based on GPS coordinates capturing on mobile device through mobile application, however this objective may be achieved through mobile Internet provider infrastructure only.

Location-based service provisioning activation process comprises the following steps (Fig. 6):

- Step [521 ] captures mobile device GPS location. Mobile application will capture mobile device current or last known location. This activity should be optimized against mobile device battery drain and GPS coordinates accuracy.

- Step [522] aligns mobile device GPS coordinates with area(s) boundaries. Captured GPS coordinates should be aligned with location-based service(s) area(s) definition boundaries to detect possible service(s) availability to a mobile device.

- Step [523] reports mobile device entering area. Upon service area entrance, mobile device needs to trigger service provisioning request and to report its current location to location-based service provisioning platform.

- Step [524] requests mobile device location relevant area(s) information. Location-based service provisioning platform needs to validate service availability at location-based service definition repository and to queue service relevant QoS related parameters.

- Step [525] returns service definition. Location-based service definition repository will return requested information to location-based service provisioning platform. - Step [526] activates area specific service(s). Based on provided information, location-based service provisioning platform will enable access to Internet based resources listed during service definition activities.

- Step [527] applies relevant service(s) QoS profile(s). Based on provided information, location-based service provisioning platform will set QoS parameters for relevant Internet based resources access.

- Step [528] forms area specific service activation notification. Location-based service provisioning platform will notify user upon successful location-based service activation.

- Step [529] uses area specific service. Mobile device will access location-based service through mobile Internet provider infrastructure.

- Step [530] forwards area service provisioning. Mobile Internet provider will forward all user IP traffic to location-based service provisioning platform.

- Step [531 ] provides area specific service(s) to mobile device. Location-based service provisioning platform will process mobile device requests.

- Step [532] delivers service(s) relevant content. Location-based service provisioning platform will deliver mobile device requested content to mobile Internet provider infrastructure.

- Step [533] forwards service(s) relevant content. Mobile Internet provider will forward request content to a mobile device.

Service provisioning platform needs to deactivate access after mobile device exits location-based service area boundary. Location-based service provisioning platform will decrease intensity for mobile device location tracking activities. Location- based service provisioning deactivation process comprises the following steps (Fig.7):

- Step [541 ] captures mobile device GPS location. Mobile application regularly captures mobile device current or last known location. This activity should be optimized against mobile device battery drain and GPS coordinates accuracy.

- Step [542] aligns mobile device GPS coordinates with area(s) boundaries. Captured GPS coordinates should be aligned with location-based service(s) area(s) definition boundaries.

- Step [543] reports mobile device leaving area. In case of mobile device location is outside of defines area boundaries, an event needs to be triggered. - Step [544] deactivates area specific service(s) provisioning to mobile device. Location-based service provisioning platform will revoke mobile device access to Internet resources relevant to area boundaries.

- Step [545] forms area specific service deactivation notification. Once location- based service is deactivated, mobile device location-based service provisioning platform will notify the user about this event.

To illustrate and describe this invention, description of preferred embodiments is given above. This is not a complete or limiting description aimed at prescribing a precise embodiment or implementation option. The description given above should be regarded more as an illustration than a constraint. Obviously, the specialists in this field may clearly see a multitude of modifications and variations. The embodiment has been selected and described so as to enable the specialists in this field to best understand the principles behind this invention and their best practical application for different embodiments with different modifications fit for a specific application or embodiment customisation. The invention scope is defined by the attached claims and their equivalents wherein all the terms used have the broadest possible meanings unless stated otherwise.

Embodiments described by specialists in the respective field may contain changes that do not depart from the scope of this invention, as described in the claims given next.