Patent Application
20230316327
This application relates to mobile devices and mobile networks. Specifically, this application relates to data pertaining to mobile devices and mobile networks.
Companies and brands are always looking for new ways to connect with consumers. With the advent of social media, businesses are now reaching out to new and existing customers through photo feeds like Instagram, interest boards like Pinterest, quick news and promotions vehicles like Twitter, and informal events and communications sites such as Facebook. While brands may find it easy to set up social media profiles, they typically find it difficult to connect directly with consumers. Consumers may already be using social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, but may not think to connect to a business unless they are directly invited to do so at a relevant and convenient time. Companies need a quick, simple, and personalized way to reach their consumer base to connect on social media platforms.
One aspect of this disclosure provides a computer-implemented method for automatically prompting a user to follow an entity on a social media network on a mobile device after a triggering event. The method comprises: receiving, at a server, an indication that a triggering event has occurred; receiving, at the server, an indication that the triggering event matches a triggering event stored in a database operably connected to the server; receiving, at the server, a communication comprising the Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number of the mobile device; preparing a first social media message comprising one or more first actionable response options; and sending the first social media message to the mobile device.
In some embodiments, the triggering event is selected from the group consisting of a phone call placed from the mobile device to a first phone number, a phone call received at the mobile device from a second phone number, navigation to a specific web address on the mobile device, and navigation away from a specific web address on the mobile device. In certain embodiments, the triggering event is a phone call placed from the mobile device to a first phone number.
In some embodiments, the entity is selected from the group consisting of a business, a university, and a political campaign.
In some embodiments, the social media network is selected from the group consisting of Facebook, Instragram, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, Renren, Snapchat, Tumblr, Pinterest, and YouTube. In some embodiments, the social media network is any social media network that allows followers.
In some embodiments of the method, the first social media message is selected from the group consisting of binary SMS, flash SMS, MMS, standard SMS, USSD notification, and email.
In some embodiments, the method further comprises: receiving, at the server, a communication comprising the first actionable response option selected on the mobile device; preparing a second social media message comprising executable instructions to launch a browser on the mobile device and to navigate the browser to a social media website address; and sending the second social media message to the mobile device. In some embodiments, the method also comprises logging the first actionable response option selected by the user. In further embodiments, the method comprises determining whether social media messages sent to the mobile device have exceeded a preset amount. In still other embodiments of the method, the communication further comprises the device type of the mobile device and information regarding whether the mobile device supports browser launch from executable instructions contained within a received message.
In some embodiments, the further comprises: preparing an SMS message comprising a browser launch link; and sending the SMS message to the mobile device, wherein the SMS message is prepared and sent when the information indicates that the mobile device does not support browser launch from instructions contained within a received message.
Another aspect of this disclosure provides a computer-implemented method for automatically prompting a user to follow an entity on a social media network after a triggering event on a mobile device. The method comprises: receiving, at the processor in the mobile phone, an indication that a triggering event has occurred; receiving at the mobile device a first social media message comprising one or more first actionable response options; and displaying on the screen of the mobile device the first social media message.
In some embodiments of the method the triggering event is selected from the group consisting of a phone call placed from the mobile device to a first phone number, a phone call received at the mobile device from a second phone number, navigation to a specific web address on the mobile device, and navigation away from a specific web address on the mobile device. In certain embodiments, the triggering event is a phone call placed from the mobile device to a first phone number.
In some embodiments of the method, the first social media message is selected from the group consisting of binary SMS, flash SMS, MMS, standard SMS, USSD notification, and email.
In some embodiments of the method, the entity is selected from the group consisting of a business, a university, and a political campaign.
In some embodiments of the method, the social media network is selected from the group consisting of Facebook, Instragram, Twitter, Google+, Linkedln, Renren, Snapchat, Tumblr, Pinterest, and YouTube.
In some embodiments, the method further comprises playing an alert tone on the mobile device when the first social media message is displayed.
In some embodiments, the method further comprises launching an application installed on the mobile device, wherein the application causes the first social media message to be displayed. In certain embodiments, the application causes the alert tone to be played on the mobile device. In some embodiments, the application is installed on the SIM card of the mobile device. In other embodiments, the application is installed on the operating system of the mobile device. In still further embodiments, the method further comprises receiving, in the application, the first actionable response option selected by the user.
In other embodiments, the method further comprises: receiving, in the application, a communication comprising executable instructions to launch a browser of the mobile device and navigate the browser to a website; causing the browser of the mobile device to be launched; and causing the browser to navigate to the website. In some embodiments, the method further comprises: receiving, in the application, a second social media message comprising a clickable link; and displaying the second social media message on the screen of the mobile device.
This application provides aspects and embodiments of OnePIN's SocialLinX™ platform. The term “SocialLinX” is used throughout this application to refer to multiple aspects and embodiments of the methods, applications, services, systems, and platforms disclosed herein. In some embodiments, SocialLinX is a cloud based platform that interacts with a client application residing on the phone—either as a downloadable application from an external site, within the device OS or within a SIM card. However, the name “SocialLinX” is not limited to any specific embodiment and can refer to multiple embodiments or individual embodiments. Furthermore, other names are also used to refer to embodiments described herein.
As used herein, the terms “a” and “an” mean one or more than one.
With SocialLinX, entities have the opportunity to increase the effectiveness of their social networking communication channels with customers. Brands are able to target mobile subscribers who are using social media channels, and can subsequently invite the mobile subscriber to connect on any social media platform. Notifications are all relevant and timely for subscribers as they only receive invitations for brands that interest them. As used herein, the term “entities” refers to businesses, companies, brands, corporations, partnerships, political campaigns, education institutions, etc. These terms are used interchangeably to refer to entities that can use and benefit from SocialLinX.
SocialLinX is preferably used with a mobile phone, but can also be used with other devices that can be configured to make phone calls or to navigate the internet. For example, tablets and other computers that include Skype or Google Voice can be utilized with the services.
SocialLinX focuses on enhancing the relationship a brand or enterprise or any entity has with a consumer or follower. In one embodiment, a mobile subscriber is able to indicate which social media platforms he currently utilizes, such as Facebook or Twitter. In one embodiment, this is done via a remote application on the user's device which allows the user to indicate which social media channels he uses, as well as to provide credentials securely such that the SocialLinX application is linked to his social media accounts. In some embodiments, the user's social media selections could also be entered via a web site front end to the SocialLinX platform. The SocialLinX cloud server stores this information.
In some embodiments, when a subscriber makes a phone call to a brand, such as calling to book a flight on Lufthansa, the event trigger information is passed from the (MNO) Mobile Network Operator to the SocialLinX cloud. The cloud checks to determine if the subscriber is active on any social networks and then sends a message to the subscriber inviting him to connect to the brand just called (i.e., Lufthansa) on social networking sites. Brands are able to enhance their relationship with interested consumers, who in turn are able to follow brands using their own preferred social networking sites. Promotions, new product and service launches, coupons, discounts, and new information can all be shared with the consumer on the social networking site—making it a valuable resource for the mobile subscriber and giving them a good reason to connect to the brand.
Furthermore, subscribers are able to self-select brands that are relevant to them, because they receive invitations only for brands they have called.
Additionally, brands can target groups of subscribers using specific social networks (tracked by the cloud platform), via a campaign-based approach. With this approach, in some embodiments, a set number of subscribers who are known social networking users are targeted at a specific time. Subscribers do not need to opt-in to the service. In some embodiments, subscribers receive relevant notifications automatically as determined by the MNO. As used herein, the terms “user” and “subscriber” are used interchangeably.
In some embodiments, subscribers can opt-out from receiving notifications anytime. When an invitation is sent to the subscriber, the subscriber has the option to opt out, e.g., by selecting “stop all notifications.” In addition, the subscriber can send a “STOP” SMS notification to a designated shortcode which will automatically turn off the service. In some embodiments, SocialLinX also has the intelligence to ask the user if he would like to opt-out of the service if he consistently chooses not to accept any of the invitations offered by through the service (e.g., by tracking the subscribers responses and, once a target number has been met, asking the subscriber if he would like to opt out).
In one embodiment, the SocialLinX platform will offer the automatic opt-out opportunity if the user chooses not to accept consecutive invitation offers. In one embodiment, this automatic opt-out notification could be sent to the user after a specific number of consecutive refusals. In other embodiments, the opt-out invitation can be sent if the subscriber declines a percentage of invitation offers. In some embodiments, the consecutive declines or percentage of declines are tracked over a specific time period before triggering the opt-out invitation. These values are configurable and can be changed at any time, as it is managed at the platform level. Subscriber selections are tracked within the cloud in order to manage the automatic opt-out process.
Trends: Brands (e.g., corporations, companies, businesses, political groups—any branded entity or group; these terms are used interchangeably throughout this disclosure to refer to all of the entity types collectively) must have a mobile advertising strategy in order to continue relationships with their consumer base. Mobility is key often key to an advertising strategy. Companies are looking for creative ways to engage with their consumers via mobile devices and services, and to grow their base of followers on social media sites.
Service Availability: The service is relevant for any subscriber type (prepaid, postpaid, corporate subscribers, mass market, etc.). Application marketing can be targeted for specific segments.
Revenue: In one embodiment, brands are charged per campaign to promote their social media sites to targeted subscribers.
Subscribers are able to connect to relevant brands at their discretion, and participate in promotions, special offers, and feedback surveys.
MNOs can offer a valuable advertising service to brands where a base of known social networking active users can be targeted.
The SocialLinX platform includes a web interface that enables businesses, enterprises, marketers, etc. to log in and define a campaign. Within the campaign event, businesses or mobile operators enter all relevant information including but not limited to the target phone number(s) that will trigger different services when called, and the timeframe during which a campaign will be relevant.
The user interface specifics (i.e., the text mobile consumers will see) and the social media linkages can be entered via the web interface.
In one embodiment, the SocialLinX platform is connected to a mobile network operator's call switch via an Application Programming Interface (API). In other embodiments, the cloud platform can also be connected to the mobile operator's billing platform or HLR (Home Location Registry), or internet routing equipment via an API, depending on the operator's network structure. When a designated campaign number is dialed (i.e., a business's phone number), the API informs the cloud platform. In some embodiments, the business phone number and the mobile subscriber's MSISDN (Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number) are both passed to the platform via the API. In some embodiments, the date and time of the event are also passed to the platform.
When the platform receives communications via the API, the business phone number is checked to determine which campaign should be executed (in some embodiments, there will be multiple campaigns for different businesses running on the platform at the same time). The platform also checks the caller's phone number to determine if the calling party has opted out from any services. If the calling party has opted out of the service, then processing ends and no further communications are sent to the mobile subscriber.
If the mobile user is not on the opt-out blacklist, then an appropriate campaign message is prepared based on the configuration criteria and sent to the mobile subscriber. Here, this communication is described as a SMS which triggers a remote application on the mobile user's mobile device. This could be a binary SMS, standard text SMS, a specialized (flash, class 1) SMS, or a class 2 SMS which the handset passes to a SIM card within the device. Alternatively, communications can occur via MMS, email, USSD, or via other web-based communications channels between the mobile phone and the platform.
When the message is received on the calling party's mobile device, the client application displays the prompt to the user. The user is able to select a response, which is then sent back to the cloud via the application. Communication back to the cloud can be via a data channel, SMS, MMS, etc.
The above embodiments can also be implemented in a manner where a client application (either on the phone or on the SIM card) is not required. In this instance, a USSD channel is opened and the communications between the mobile subscriber and the platform occur via USSD communications.
In some embodiments, the cloud server can collect the device type of the respective mobile devices and can send a message to the respective client applications to “turn off” the client application in mobile devices that have known issues that interfere with the service.
In addition to after-call techniques, the service can be conducted in an intelligent campaign manner. In some embodiments, the server is able to track calls that individual subscribers make to businesses. If a business would like to run a campaign at a later date, subscribers who have called that business in the past can be targeted. This makes the prompts to the mobile subscribers relevant, as a previous relationship with the company had already been established by the mobile consumer. Consumers targeted in this manner receive a prompt, similar to that outlined in the before mentioned embodiments. The intelligent campaigns can be arranged to run a predefined dates and times, and for selected groups of subscribers in a regional area based on the subscriber's area code.
Initially, the SocialLinX service triggers and displays prompts to the consumer after a phone call or other user generated event, such as navigating to a company website. First, a phone call is placed to a business currently running an SocialLinX campaign. After the phone call ends, an interactive prompt is displayed on the screen of the mobile device. In some embodiments, a tone is played by the mobile device in conjunction with the displaying of the interactive prompt.
The text displayed to the calling party is fully configurable by the company or business that was called. In this example, a mobile user calls an airline to make a reservation. After the phone call, the user sees an automatic, interactive prompt on her handset directly on the screen.
In the embodiment where the mobile user interacts with the campaign message and chooses to accept the social media invitation, a message is sent back to the SocialLinX platform. In some embodiments, a command message is sent back to the remote application on the user's phone, which automatically launches the social media site for the specific brand. In the embodiment where the user has provided correct credentials, the SocialLinX platform can link the user directly to the brand's social media account. For example, a user would begin to see news and events in her Twitter feed from a specific brand, because the platform was able to make the connection on her behalf.
Mobile Subscriber A calls a number defined in the SocialLinX target base (“1”). Alternatively, the user may navigate to a website defined as a campaign target. The Operator Switch, HLR (Home Location Registry), or web router bank are in communication with the SocialLinX platform (“2”). This allows for the Mobile Operator network to notify the SocialLinX platform when a specific target phone number is dialed or when a specific website is visited.
After a trigger event occurs and subsequently, the information necessary to trigger a campaign is passed to the SocialLinX platform (in some embodiments, via an API). Then, the platform processes the information and prepares a campaign message to be sent to a mobile subscriber.
In one embodiment, the SocialLinX platform is connected to a Mobile
Network Operator SMSC (Short Message Service Center) via an SMPP (Short Message Peer-to-Peer) connection (“3”). Other connection types in other embodiments are also possible. In some embodiments, the platform may also be connected to an MNO's MMSC (MultiMedia Message Service Center). The Operator SMSC forwards the SocialLinX campaign message to Subscriber A's device (“4”).
The social media invitation appears on Subscriber A's device as discussed above, at which point the subscriber selects his or her preferred option. In one embodiment, if Subscriber A chooses to accept the invitation, the SocialLinX application on the device can launch the social media site for Subscriber A automatically.
In some embodiments, the SocialLinX remote application within
Subscriber A's mobile device forwards the response to a designated short code at the Operator SMSC (“5”) for logging and further processing purposes.
The Operator SMSC receives and forwards the response to the SocialLinX platform (“6”). In some embodiments, the response is in the form of a binary SMS message.
In some embodiments, the platform parses the message and determines an appropriate response to Subscriber A based on Subscriber A's device type and interest in the campaign promotion.
In the embodiment where Subscriber A chose to participate, the platform can send a message back to the subscriber. This could be a command message that the remote application processes and further launches other applications on the device (such as a Facebook application) or it may be an SMS (Short Message Service) thanking the subscriber for participating. If the user has a feature phone that does not support automatically launching a web browser session from the SIM card or from the remote application, the message sent back to Subscriber A may be an SMS with links to social media sites. Subscriber A is then able to click on the link, launch a social networking session, and connect to the brand or company being promoted. These messages would flow through the MNOs SMSC and MMSC respectively (“7”).
The Operator SMSC forwards the contact information to the device user “(8)”.
In some embodiments, when the call ends, the Mobile Operator Network will automatically check the phone number dialed to determine if a SocialLinX campaign is associated with the number. In some embodiments, this information is stored within a database in the Mobile Operator's network. In other embodiments, the information can be stored within the SocialLinX platform with regular communications between the MNO network and the SocialLinX platform via web services or APIs. (Application Programming Interfaces). If the phone number dialed in this embodiment does not have a SocialLinX campaign defined, then the flow ends as shown in stage 415, and no further processing continues. If the phone number called does have a campaign defined, then the
MNO network informs the SocialLinX platform of the calling event as outlined in stage 420. Information needed to execute the social media promotional campaign on the SocialLinX platform is passed from the MNO network to the platform. In some embodiments, this information includes the calling party's mobile MSISDN (Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number). In this embodiment, the subscriber's mobile phone number is also known as the OA, or Originating Address. In some embodiments, the MNO network may also provide time and date to the SocialLinX platform. In some embodiments, the called phone number, referred to as the DA or Destination Address, is also sent to the SocialLinX platform. This number may be a mobile phone number dialed, an international number, a landline or fixed number, a 1-800 phone number, a 1-900 phone number, an abbreviated number such as those used for emergency services such as 911, a shortcode number often used in the mobile industry for Short Message Service (SMS) communications or any other number or address mechanism used for connecting two or more parties to communicate. The SocialLinX platform then continues processing, as outlined in
In one embodiment, the counters track the number of total SocialLinX messages the user has received over a given timeframe for all brands and for all trigger events. This tracking ensures that the user does not receive an over abundance of social media messages in a short time period, which could lead to him opting out of all notifications in the future. If the has exceeded the allowable limit, the processing ends as outlined in stage 516. In some embodiments, this limit may be set by the user. In other embodiments, the limit may be set by a network administrator within the MNO or may be set by an advertising agency or company managing the platform and overall user experience. In the embodiment where the user has not exceeded the predefined counter limits, a SocialLinX message is prepared by the platform and sent to the mobile subscriber at stage 520. The message sent could be a standard SMS, binary SMS, a class 2 SMS which will directly communication with a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card within the mobile subscriber's mobile device, an MMS message, a USSD message, or a web message sent over an IP (Internet Protocol) network. Processing on the user's device then ensues, as depicted in
The message is sent to the user at stage 735 and further logging within the platform, as exemplified by the flow in
It is to be understood that the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain, using no more than routine experimentation, numerous equivalents to the specific embodiments described specifically in this disclosure. Such equivalents, and other aspects, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of the following claims.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/156,723, filed May 4, 2015. The entire contents of that application are incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62156723 | May 2015 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 15562744 | Sep 2017 | US |
| Child | 18078542 | US |
