[OOO1] The present subject matter relates to mobile communication netw4rks
and, particularly, but not exclusively, to providing notifications through mobile
communication networks.
[OOO2] Communication devices, such as cellular phones, smart phones, land
personal digital assistants (PDAs) provide users with a variety of mobile
communications services and networking capabilities. Such communication devices
have seemingly become a ubiquitous part of today's lifestyle. The communica~ion
devices allow data exchange between mobile communication network and multliple
users through network services provided by various service providers. Many users use
I
their communication devices for browsing Internet, streaming videos, playing on~line
games, sharing files over Peer-to-Peer (P2P) protocol, and so on.
[0003] With the advent of technology, many non-communication devices are
also being enabled with subscriber identity modules (SIMs) and wireless data
connection cards to facilitate communication through the mobile communicaiion
network for exchange of data. For example, smart television (TV), smart camera, dars,
surveillance systems, smart air conditioners, smart refrigerators are now communicating
with the mobile communication networks either to communicate with content service
providers or to communicate each other.
[0004] While communication devices and non-communication devices are
increasingly communicating through the mobile communication networks, service
providers of the mobile communication networks often provide notifications, such as
notifications through web banners, application ads, contextual messaging through short
service messages (SMS) and multimedia messages (MMS) to target the users uti~ikin~
the communication devices and non-communication devices for commercial reasons.
Conventionally known techniques, such as content based recommendation and
collaborative recommendation are commonly used to generate notifications and pro ide
notifications to the users. I
[OOOS] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying
figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figurie in
which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the
figures to reference like features and components:
[OOOS] Figure 1 schematically illustrates the components of a mobile
communication network environment, according to an example of the present subject
matter.
[0007] Figure 2 illustrates a method for providing contextual notifications in the
mobile communication network, according to an example of the present subject mattqr.
[OOOS] Figure 3 illustrates another method for providing contextual notifications
in the mobile communication network, according to an example of the present sublject
matter.
[OOOS] It should be appreciated that any block diagrams herein repregent
conceptual views of illustrative systems embodying the principles of the present subject
matter. Similarly, it will be appreciated that any flow charts, flow diagrams, sltate
transition diagrams, pseudo code, and the like represent various processes which may be
substantially represented in computer readable medium and so executed by a comphter
or processor, whether or not such computer or processor is explicitly shown.
[OOI 01 The present subject matter relates to systems and methods for providing
I
contextual notifications to users in a mobile communication network. The methods and
systems as described herein may be implemented.as/in any computing system, which
can access mobile communication network. The computing system may bb a
smartphone, a mobile, a tablet, a global positioning system (GPS) navigation syste?, a
multimedia player, a network dongle, a smart refrigerator, a smart TV, a smart ca era,
and so on. I
[OOI I] These days, service providers are constantly providing notification s to users to target more consumers and promote products and services they provide. To
generate more revenue and to increase monetary gains, service providers also dush
I
content like videos, audio, tickers, news, etc., provided by third parties, such as product
and service companies. to the users. However, to develop and provide notifications,
I
service providers and third parties have to make considerable investments. $uch
investments made in for providing the notifications would not be justifiable if there i$ no
corresponding increase in demand or sales leading to increase in revenue. I
[OOI 21 Therefore, service providers and third parties attempt to pro ide
contextual notifications to users based on personal details, preferences and choice of I the users. For this purpose, techniques like content based recommendation anblor
collaborative recommendation are utilized to push notifications and recommlend
services, contents, or products that might be of interest to the users. Such techniques are
generally based on personal information of the users such as, age, sex, and locatioro of
the users, past actions of the users, and past preferences of other users who have been
identified as having similar interests as that of a group of users. For example, in the
conventional content based recommendation approach, if a user, say user A, has
purchased a book written by a particular author, the service provider may suggest the
user A to purchase other books written by the same author, or other books on the same
or related subjects, and so on.
[OOI 31 However, to provide contextual notifications, service providers hav$ to
collect information related to personal preferences, choices, etc., of the users. To colllect
such information, the service providers monitor and gather information pertaining to the
users through various means, such as by analyzing log files, analyzing applicai ion
history files, and monitoring other personally identifiable information saved on the
user's computing device. In some situations, the service providers also save a text file
onto user's computing device, such as a Hyper Text Transfer Protocol (http) cookid, to
collect information pertaining to the user. ~
[OOI 41 Although the collected information may help service providers and
parties in providing contextual notifications to the users, the information thus
[OOI 51 According to an implementation of the present subject matter, systbms
and methods for providing contextual notifications to users in a mobile communication
network are described. On one hand, the described systems and methods implemented
therein provide more appropriate contextual notifications to the users based on real time
data, on the other hand, the described systems and implemented methods equip service
providers with updated real time information about the user.
is either not real time information because it is collected from offline sources
surveys and studies, or is gathered from online sources like http cookies which are
[OOI 61 In operation, according to an implementation of the present subject
matter, to provide contextual notifications to users, various dynamic parameters and
static parameters associated with the users are determined. The dynamic parameters @ay
indicate active real time user details and preferences, while the static parameters rfiay
indicate general information related to the user.
like
less
[OOI 71 It would be appreciated that users of the mobile communication netwlork
are provided with communication services through various nodes, such as servicing base
station, evolved NodeBs (eNBs), Home Location Registers (HLRs), Network switching
subsystems (NSS), Authentication Centers (AUs), mobile switching service centers
(MSCs), service control point (SCP), and GPRS support nodes (GSNs). These nodes
monitor and provide services to the users based on dynamic parameters associated qith
I the users. The information of the dynamic parameters is available at these nodes of the
mobile communication network and is often communicated from one node to anodher
within the mobile communication network through various exchanges of messages #nd
handshakes. The dynamic parameters may generally include location of a user, availqble
cash balance in an account associated with the user, roaming information associdted
reliable and vulnerable to modifications by users themselves. Hence, service
are not equipped with real time accurate information of user preferences. Due to absdnce
of real time and accurate user preference information, the service providers and the third
parties lack in providing more targeted and accurate contextual notifications to the uqers.
with the user, type of coverage being provided to the user, quality-of-service (Q~s)
assured to the user, call rate active for the user, cell Id of service area of the user, and so
on.
[OOI 81 In said implementation, the dynamic parameters associated with the hser
are determined from various nodes of the mobile communication network to identify the ~ real time information associated with the user. User location determined based on
servicing base station or eNB may allow identification of user's geographic prese@e;
user's assured quality of service may indicate the nature of notifications which cad be
shared with the user, such as low quality notifications like audio ads and tickers, or digh
quality notifications like videos and enhanced graphics. Similarly, cash baldnce
available with the user may allow identification of user's likelihood of a recharge, /md
SO on. I
[OOI 91 In another implementation of the present subject matter, the static
parameters associated with the user may also be identified. The static parameters hay
indicate general information associated with the users, such as age, gender, indicatioi of
local address, indication of permanent address, plan opted by the user, primary b d
secondary services active for the user, premium non premium status, Mobile Subscr ib er
Integrated Services Data Digital Network (ISDN) Number (MSISDN) being utilized by
the user, International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) associated with the uper,
billing type applicable for the user, and average bill amount of the user, and other stbtic
information stored in home location register (HLR), operations support system (OqS),
and business support system (BSS). It would be appreciated that the HLR associdted
with the user is a node of the mobile communication network that acts as a database of
user information, i.e., customer profiles used in mobile communication networks. The
HLR may include information such as user's account information, and usbr's
subscription details.
[0020] Based on the dynamic parameters and the static parameters, the serqice
provider may access real time and accurate user information for the purpose of
contextual notifications. In one implementation of the present subject
situations where the user requests for content through the mobile
network via a content request, the service provider may determine
static parameters associated with the user. The user information retrieved from the
dynamic parameters and the static parameters may be associated with the con ent
request to generate a contextual content request. Thus, the generated contextual con 1 ent
request may then be provided to third parties, such as ad networks to provide contex ual
notifications to the user based on the user preferences received through the contex ual
content request. I I !
[0021] For example, a user 'A' of the mobile communication network way
generate a content request to view a video through a website. In such situation, ,the
content request of the user A may be monitored and associated with the user prefere ces
to generate a contextual content request. The contextual content request may then be
provided to third parties, such as ad networks and content providers which may pro ide
contextual notifications to the users along with the requested content. I I
[0022] The described methods may allow service providers and third parties [ike
content providers to target customers more accurately based on their real time
information. For example, if a user B requests for content like a news article and ilt is
identified that the user is in a shopping complex based on the dynamic parame ie rs
associated with the user, the content providers may provide the user B with notificatibns
related to shops within the shopping complex, along with the requested news artitle.
Further, if it is also determined that the cash balance of the user B is low, notificati0 n s
for recharge shops within shopping complex may be provided to the user along with khe
requested article.
[0023] In one implementation of the present subject matter, the contextlpal
notifications may be provided to the users through various modes, such as web bannbrs,
application ads, operating system notifications, contextual messaging through s ort
service messages (SMS), and multimedia messages (MMS). Further, the context al 1 notifications provided to the users may be provided to various third parties like contlent
aggregators, advertisers, content publishers, notification brokers, notification platfo+s,
and the like. I
[0024] Although it has been described that the contextual notifications may
provided to the users based on content requests initiated by the users, it would
7
be
be
appreciated that the contextual notifications may be provided by the third parties
moto. In other words, the third parties may provide contextual notifications to the I
without any specific request from the users. For example, the third parties may prc
notifications to the users after every pre-determined time period, such as at 10:OO a
every morning, or after every 12 hours. For this purpose, real time and updated dyn
parameters and static parameters associated with the users may be provided to the
parties from time to time based on which, they may provide contextual notificatio
the user.
[0025] In one implementation, to prevent privacy of the users, sensitive
associated with the user that may potentially reveal the identity of the user ma
masked and may not be provided to the third parties. For example, instead of u
name and user's MSISDN, location of the user may be provided to the third parti
provide contextual notifications based on the location. In another implementa
encrypted IMSI number or IMEI number associated with the user may be providc
the users without any specific identity of the user. The third party may identify
contextual notification for a location is to be provided without any knowledge o
recipient. Hence, masking of sensitive information may provide required privacy tc
users from threats like identity theft, un-necessary calls, etc.
[0'026] Further, since the dynamic parameters and the static parameters
determined through one or more nodes of the mobile communication netv
determination of the dynamic parameters and static parameters may not amount t
intrusion on the privacy of the users, thereby providing a secure and effe~
mechanism for providing contextual notifications to the users.
[0027] The above systems and methods are further described in conjunc
with the following figures. It should be noted that the description and figures mc
illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. It will thus be appreciated
those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, althougt
explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present subject m
and are included within its spirit and scope.
10-
ers
ide
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ata
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to
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to
iat
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ire
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iat
lot
ter
[0028] The manner in which the systems and methods for providing contex ual
notifications are implemented shall be explained in details with respect to Figures 1 -3.
While aspects of described systems and methods for providing contextual
can be implemented in any number of different computing systems,
andlor configurations, the examples and implementations are described in
the following system(s).
[0029] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates the components of a mobile
communication network environment 100, according to an implementation
present subject matter. In one implementation, the mobile communication
environment 100 comprises a contextual notification system
communicatively coupled to one or more nodes of a mobile
104. The CNS 102 may be implemented as one or more
computing systems, such as workstations, servers and network
hereinafter.
explanation and simplicity, the CNS 102 has been referred to as a system 102
[0030] The mobile communication network 104 may provide Inte net
connectivity to one or more users 106-1, 106-2, . . ., 106-N, individually and comm 1 nly
referred to as user(s) 106 hereinafter. The users 106 may utilize the mobile
i
communication network 106 to access content from third parties 108. i
[0031] The mobile communication network 104 may be any one of
channel access method implementing a standard radio technology, or a
thereof. The channel access methods may include, but not limited to,
Multiple Access (CDMA) network or Time Division Multiple
Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) or LTE .
aspects of the techniques are described below for WCDMA, and
used in much of the description below.
[0032] The users 106 may utilize computing devices, such as a
mobile, a tablet, a Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation system,
player, a network dongle, a smart refrigerator, a Smart TV, and a smart
the third parties 108 may provide content and notifications to the
9
parties 108 may include, but not limited to, content aggregators, advertisers, con ent
publishers, notification brokers, and notification platforms. In one implementation, the
third parties 108 may be distributed separately across different platforms for provi ing
content and notifications separately. However, in another implementation, the t ird
parties 108 may provide both, the content along with the notifications to the users 10 1 .
[0033] In said implementation, the system 102 may communicate with one or
more nodes of the mobile communication network 104, such as a gateway G
support node (GGSN) 110, a Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) 112, a
home location register (HLR) 114.
[0034] It would be further appreciated that the GGSN 110 may
interconnectivity between the mobile communication network 104 and other exte in al packet switched networks, such as the Internet. Hence, the GGSN 110 may act a s an
anchor point that enables mobility of the user 106 while utilizing the mo ile
communication network 104. Similarly, the PCRF 112 may act as a functional node hat P encompasses policy control decision and flow based charging control functionalities for
the mobile communication network 104. The PCRF 112 may provide mo ile
communication network 104 control regarding service data flow detection, gating,
10s and flow based charging. Further, the HLR 114 may act as a database of information for
the users 106, i.e., user profiles used in mobile communication network 104. The
114 may include information such as account information of the users 106,
subscription details of the users 106.
[0036] Functions of the various elements shown in the figures, including
functional blocks labeled as "processor(s)~', may be provided through the us
10
[0035] According to an implementation of the present subject matter, the
102 may include a processor 120, an interface 122, and a memory 124 connected to
processor 120. In said implementation, the processor 120 may include microprocessors,
microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing
state machines, logic circuitries and/or any other devices that manipulate signals
data based on computer-readable instructions. Among other capabilities, the proce;sor
sys;em
the
units,
and
120 may fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 124i
dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing computer-read
instructions.
[0037] The interfaces 122 may include a variety of interfaces capable of
interacting with the node of the mobile communication network 104, for example. La,
Gb, Gd, Ge, Gf, Gmb, Gp, Gr, Gs, Gx, Gy, Gz, Lg, Gn and Gi. The interface(s) 122
facilitate the communication of the system 102 with various nodes of the
communication network 104 and various communication networks, such as netw 0r ks that use a variety of protocols, for example, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) nd
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). I
[0038] Further, the memory 124, communicatively coupled to the processor 20
can include any non-transitory computer-readable medium known in the art includ ng,
for example, volatile memory, such as static random access memory (SRAM) nd
dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as r ad
disks, and magnetic tapes.
I only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM, flash memories, hard disks, optical
I
[0039] Furthermore, the system 102 may include module(s) 126 and data 128.
The modules 126 and data 128 may be coupled to the processor 120. The modules 126,
amongst other things, may include routines, programs, objects, components, and d ata
structures, which perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types.
The modules 126 may also be implemented as, signal processor(s), state machin
logic circuitries, and/or any other device or component that manipulate signals base
computer-readable instructions.
[0040] In said implementation, the module(s) 126 includes a
module 130, a communication module 132, a profiling module 134,
correlation module 136, and other module(s) 138. The other module(s)
computer-readable instructions that supplement applications or
the system 102.
[0041] Further, the system 102 may also include the data 128. In ne
implementation, the data 128 includes parameter data 140, profile data 142, and o 1 her
data 144. The other data 144 may include data generated and saved by the modules 26
for providing various functionalities of the system 102. 1
[0042] As described before, the system 102 provides contextual notification to
users 106 of the mobile communication network 104. According to an implementaI ion of the present subject matter, the parameterization module 130 of the system 102
determine dynamic parameters and static parameters associated with the users 106.
dynamic parameters may be determined based on interaction with the nodes
mobile communication network 104.
[0043] In said implementation, the parameterization module 130 may
user behavior and preferences as a part of the dynamic parameters through
Gn interface of the mobile communication network 104. The
130 may determine the user behavior and preferences
1 10. It would be understood that the
the mobile communication network 104 and
Internet to provide connectivity to the users
access Internet and; view, share, and
by nodes like GGSN through the Gn
determine the user behavior and preferences.
requests and their content access
[0044] Further, according to another implementation of the present sub-ect
matter, the parameterization module 130 may also determine other aspects of
dynamic parameters, such as location of the user, available cash balance in an account
associated with the user, roaming information associated with the user, type of coverage
being provided to the user, quality-of-service (QoS) assured to the user, call rate
for the user, and cell Id of service area of the user. To determine such aspects,
parameterization module 130 may communicate with different nodes of the mo~ile
communication network. For example, to determine the location of the user and the
Id. of the service area of the user, the parameterization module 130 may communicate
with the radio access network entities, such as Radio Network Controller (RPiC)
associated with the user.
the
ac:ive
the
cell
[0046] Further, the parameterization module 130 may also determine the asp cts
of the dynamic parameters, like the QoS assured to the user, call rate active for the user,
and so on from different nodes of the mobile communication network 104, such as the : PCRF 112. Since the functionalities provided by the nodes of the mopile
communication network 104 are well know, the description of the nodes and t eir
interaction with the parameterization module 130 has been omitted for the sak of
brevity. 1 I
[0045] In another implementation, to determine the available cash balance ir
account associated with the user as a part of the dynamic parameters,
parameterization module 130 may communicate with BSS and OSS entities associ2,ted
with the user. In another implementation, the parameterization module 130 may
communicate with other nodes of the BSS or OSS, such as service data function
service management function (SMF), and specialized resource function (SRF)
determine dynamic parameters associated with the users. Based on the communica.:ion
with the other nodes, the parameterization module 130 may determine informa:ion
related to multiple other value added services to which the user 106 has subscribed to.
an
the
furher
(SDF),
to
[0047] In one implementation of the present subject matter, the parameterization
module 130 may further determine the static parameters associated with the users
For example, a user profile associated with a user 'X' may be determined by
parameterization module 130 based on communication with the nodes of the
communication network 104. In said implementation, the parameterization module
may communicate with the PCRF 112 and the HLR 114 associated with the user 'X'
determine static parameters. The PCRF 112 associated with the user 'X' may provide
details, such as plan opted by the user 'X', primary and secondary services like
and voice opted by the user 'X', user's subscription of 2G, and 3G services. Furt
home subscriber server (HSS) (not shown) may provide information of LTE serv
activated for the users, etc. The HLR 114 and the PCRF 112 may further provide
of national and international roaming associated with the user 'X', subscriber packs
international calling activated for the user, and premium-non premium status of
user. Since the information stored in the HLR 114 and PCRF 112 does not changy
106.
the
mojile
130
to
SMS
ier,
ces
sts-tus
for
the
or
update very frequently, the information gathered is stored as a part of the st tic
parameters associated with the user. 1
[0048] The parameterization module 130 may further also obtain pers nal
information associated with the users 106 from the BSS (not shown) and the OSS not
shown) of the mobile communication network 104. As would be appreciated, the SS I and the OSS would include personal information related to the users like name,
gender, local address, permanent address, etc. Since the personal informatio
generally not likely to change frequently, the information determined through the
may also be stored as part of the static parameters.
[OOSO] Moreover, the profiling module 134 may also mask sensitive data in the
profiles developed for the users 106 to safeguard their privacy. Sensitive data suc as
user's name, and user's exact address may be masked to reflect a similar data hat
reflects the information relevant for provid;ng contextual notifications. For example, the
name "ABC" with a random name "TGD along with masking of his exact. The mas ed
name along with masked address details may provide the user with sufficient priv cy
protection S U C ~th at his personal information cannot be misused. i
[0049] According to an implementation of the present subject matter,
profiling module 134 may generate a profile for users of the mobile communica,:ion
network 104 based on the dynamic and static parameters determined by
parameterization module 130. The profile associated with the users, apart from the
and dynamic parameters, may also include the past user behavior. The past behaviors
the user may provide interests and likings of the users based on which contextual
can be provided to the users. In said implementation, known techniques of profi
used for content based recommendation and collaborative recommendation may
utilized to determine the user behavior. Hence, the profile associated with each usethe
mobile communication network 104 may include the real time information of
user, the static details of the user and the user behavior.
[0051] Similarly, some of the details associated with the users in their
parameters may also be masked to provide anonymity and privacy
users. For example, the account details of the user where the
14
the
the
static
of
ads
ing
be
of
the
an account associated with the user is reflected may be deleted to remove a link bet^
the user and the cash balance. The deleted account number along with a masked n,
may not provide any private information related to the user to malicious entities am
the third parties or within the mobile communication network 104. Although
masking has been described in respect to certain aspects of the static parameters
dynamic parameters, the masking may be done across various other aspects to pro
the privacy of the users, as would be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
[0052] In one implementation of the present subject matter, the system 102 I
provide contextual notifications to the users 106 based on the profiles developed by
profiling module 134. In said implementation, to provide contextual notifications,
analysis and correlation module 136 of the system 102 may analyze content request
users 106 received by the GGSN 110. As described earlier, since the GGSN
provides connectivity between the mobile communication network 104 and the o
networks such as the Internet, the content requests of the users 106 of the mo
communication network 104 are received by the GGSN 1 10. Hence, to pro1
contextual notifications, the content requests received by the GGSN 110 may
analyzed by the analysis and correlation module 136.
[0053] To this end, the communication module 132 of the system 102 I
communicate with the GGSN 1 10 and receive the content requests initiated by the u
106. The analysis and correlation module 136 may analyze the received content requ
to determine users of the content requests. The analysis and correlation module 136 I
also determine the profiles generated by the profiling module 134 corresponding to
users of the content requests. Hence, for each received request, the user of the reql
along with an associated profile may be determined by the analysis and correla
module 136. However, in case an existing profile cannot be identified to be associi
with the user from whom a request is received, the analysis and correlation module
may direct the parameterization module 130 and the profiling module 134 to genera
profile for the user upon determining the dynamic parameters, the static parameters,
the user behavior.
:en
me
)ng
the
ind
ec t
lay
the
the
' of
10
her
~ile
ide
be
lay
ers
rsts
ray
the
est
ion
ted
3 6
e a
~nd
[0054] For example, a content request may be generated by the user "MNO"
access content from YouTube, though the mobile communication network 104.
content request would be received by the GGSN 1 10 to retrieve the content requestec
the user "MNO" from YouTube. In such a situation, according to the implementations
of the present subject matter, the communication module 132 may capture the con.:ent
request and provide the content request to the analysis and correlation module 136
analysis. The analysis and correlation module 136 may further analyze the cotrent
request to identify that the request has been generated by the user "MNO and,
the profile for the user "MNO".
[0056] Further, in one implementation, the communication module 132
provide the generated contextual content request to the third parties for providing
content along with the contextual notifications. The communication module 132
encrypt the contextual content request with a predefined passkey which may be
exchanged with the third parties oMine or can be accessed through a different pass ey
server. The third parties may determine the profile information present in the contex al
content request to identi@ appropriate notification to be provided to the user along ith
the content. fi
to
Such
by
for
ext-act
[0055] Based on the extracted profile of the user, in one implementation,
analysis and correlation module 136 may modify the content request to generate
contextual content request. In the above described scenario, the contextual content
request generated by the analysis and correlation module 136 may include the profile
information associated with the user "MNO". Hence, the generated contextual conlent
request may include the profile information associated with the user, along with
content requested of the user.
[0057] In an example, the analysis and correlation module 136 may analyze
a user who has requested for some content, has a profile indicative of his
adventure sports. Further, based on the dynamic parameters associated with
may be analyzed by analysis and correlation module 136 that the user is
hilly geographic location of 'Himalayas'. The analysis and correlation
associate such profile information in the content request of the
the
a
the
contextual content request and send to the third parties for providing contex ual
notifications. f
[0058] Upon receiving such contextual content request, the third parties
determine notifications which relate to adventure sports, such as paragliding,
jumping, and free skiing available in the 'Himalayas' region of the user.
determination, the third parties may provide contextual notifications to the
real time and accurate information. 1
[0060] According to an implementation, the analysis and correlation module 36
may associate the profile information into a header of the content request to generate the
contextual content request. The notifications provided to the users by the third pa ies
may be provided through different means, such as web banners, application ds,
operating system notifications, contextual messaging through short service messa es
(SMS), and multimedia messages (MMS). The notifications provided through the eb
banners or operating system notifications may be adapted further based on the pro 11e
information of the user. That is, the notification provided may be arranged based on
plan of the user to enhance user experience.
i resolution, screen size, of the computing devise utilized by the user. Moreover, the
notification may also be streamed to the user at a data rate supported by the data ate . [OOSS] In the above described example, the profile of the user may also indicate
that the user is presently utilizing national roaming. In such a scenario, the analysis
correlation module 136 may include the profile information in the content request of
user to generate a contextual content request and, the third parties upon analysis of
contextual content request may provide options and suggestions of available
reliable taxis, and others may also be provided to the user.
and
the
the
hotels,
[0061] Although it has been described that the contextual notifications may
provided to the users based on content request initiated by the user, in
implementation of the present subject matter, the analysis and correlation module
may provide updated profile information of the users of the mobile communication
network 104 to the third parties after every pre-determined time period. Based on
updated profiles of the users, the third parties may provide contextual notifications
be
one
36
the
to
17 I
the users from time to time. The third parties may provide contextual notifications to the
users suo-mot0 after every predetermined time period or based on user preferences In
such a situation, the third parties may request the system 102 for the dyna ic
parameters and static parameters. The third parties may directly communicate with the
communication module 132 and collect the parameters. In said implementation, the t ird
Language (XML), and Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP),
I parties may communicate with the communication module 132 through various form
requests, such as Light weight Directory access Protocol (LDAP), Extensible Mar
[0062] In one implementation, the analysis and correlation module 136 mo
may also determine the number of content requests received to
the services provided by the system 102. In said implementation, the analysis
correlation module 136 may also identify the third parties to which the
content request may be directed to, based on charging criteria and
agreements.
[0063] Hence, the described system and methods may allow the third partie to
provide more contextual and personalized notifications to the users without hinde ing
the privacy of the users and by leveraging the information available with the node I of
the mobile communication network. Further, the described systems allow updatio of
user related information in real time to allow more focused and appropriate profile
generation of the users, thereby enabling more personalized notifications. I [0064] Fig. 2 and fig. 3 illustrate methods 200 and
providing contextual notifications to users in a mobile
according to examples of the present subject matter. The
200 and 300 are described is not intended to be
number of the described method blocks can be
methods 200 and 300, or an alternative method.
deleted from the methods 200 and 300 without
subject matter described herein.
implemented in any suitable
thereof.
[OOSS] Referring to Fig. 2, at step 202 of the method 20, a content
received from a user to access a content through a mobile communication
content request may be initiated by the user to access any content
third parties, such as media files, documents, web pages, blogs, and private data. I
[0065] A person skilled in the art will readily recognize that steps of the methods
200 and 300 can be performed by programmed computers. Herein, some examples
also intended to cover program storage devices, for example, digital data storage
which are machine or computer readable and encode machine-executable or computerexecutable
programs of instructions, where said instructions perform some or all of
steps of the described methods 200 and 300. The program storage devices may be,
example, digital memories, magnetic storage media such as a magnetic disks
[0067] At step 204, dynamic parameters and static parameters associated 4ith
the user are determined based on one or more nodes of the mobile communicatlion
network. Further, based on the dynamic and static parameters associated with the us&, a
are
me~dia,
the
for
and
profile associated with the user is generated. The dynamic parameters and the
parameters may be determined based on communication and interaction with the
such as HLR, PCRF, SCP, BSS, OSS, GSN, and VLR.
magnetic tapes, hard drives, or optically readable digital data storage media. I I
[0068] In one implementation of the present subject matter, the dyna ic
parameters may include information related to, but not limited to, location of a u er, :" available cash balance in an account associated with the user, roaming information
I
associated with the user, type of coverage being provided to the user, QoS assured to khe
user, call rate active for the user, cell Id of service area of the user, and user beha ior
and preferences. I
[OOSS] Similarly, the static parameters may include information related to, ut
not limited to, age of the user, gender of the user, local address of the user, perman nt
address of the user, plan opted by the user, primary and secondary services active for 1 he
user, premium non premium status of the user, lMSl number of the user, IMEI
of the user, and Mobile Subscriber Integrated Services Data Digital Network
Number (MSISDN) being utilized by the user, billing type applicable for the user, nd
average bill amount ofthe user. 1
[0070] In said implementation, the dynamic parameters and the static
may be utilized to form a profile associated with the user. The profile may
real time information associated with the user. In another implementation,
associated with the user may further include user behavior and preferences
the interest and likings of the user.
profile information may be associated in the header of the content request to gene ate
the contextual content request. The profile information present in the contextual con ent
request may provide real time updated information of the user to the receivers. 1 i
[0071] At step 206, profile information of the user may be associated with
content request to generate a contextual content request. In one implementation,
[0072] At step 208, the contextual content request may be provided to a ttiird
I
party for providing contextual notification to the user. In one implementation, /the
I
contextual content request may be encrypted with a predefined passkey which may be
exchanged with the third parties offline or can be accessed through a different pass ey
server. The third party may analyze the contextual content request to determine the user I preference and accordingly, may provide contextual notifications to the user. In ne
implementation, the third party may provide the content requested by the user as w 11.
However, it would be understood that the third party may merely provide the context I a1
notifications and the content requested by the user may be provided by another third
I
party or content provider. I
the
the
[0073] Referring to the Fig. 3 and method 300, at step 302 a contextual
request associated with a user may be received. The contextual content request
include profile information associated with the user.
[0074] At step 304, user preferences may be determined based on the context
content request and the profile information associated with the user. In s
implementation, the profile information associated with the user may indicate u
preferences and behavior to determine contextual notifications to the user.
[0075] At step 306, contextual notifications may be provided to the user b sed
on the determined user preferences. The contextual notifications may be in the for4 of web banners, application ads, operating system notifications, contextual messa ing
through short service messages (SMS), and multimedia messages (MMS). Further, the
contextual notifications may allow efficient targeting of consumers due to real t me
profile information received through the contextual content request. 1 i
[0076] Although implementations for providing contextual notifications through
mobile communication network have been described in language specific to structural
features and/or methods, it is to be understood that the appended claims are
necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific
features and methods are disclosed as examples of systems and methods for providing
contextual notifications.
not
I

W e claim:
1. A method for providing contextual notifications to users in a mobile
communication network, the method comprising:
receiving a content request from the user to access a content through the
mobile communication network;
determining dynamic parameters associated with the user, wherein the
dynamic parameters are indicative of real time user details and user preferences;
and
associating at least the determined dynamic parameters with the content
request to generate a contextual content request.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising providing the contextual
content request to third parties for providing contextual notifications to the user.
3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dynamic parameters are
encrypted with a predefined passkey.
4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dynamic parameters include at
least one of, location of the user, available cash balance in an account associated with
the user, roaming information associated with the user, type of coverage being provided
to the user, quality-of-service (QoS) assured to the user, cell Id of service area of the
user.
5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method further comprises:
determining user preferences based on the contextual content request,
wherein the user preferences are based on the dynamic parameters; and
providing contextual notifications to the user based on the determined
user preferences.
6. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the contextual notifications include
at least one of web banners, application ads, operating system notifications, contextual
messaging through short service messages (SMS), and multimedia messages (MMS).
7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the determining further comprises
identifying static parameters associated with the user, wherein the static parameters are
indicative of general stagnant information associated with the user.
8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the method further comprises
associating the static parameters to the content request to generate the contextual content
request.
9. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the dynamic parameters and the
static parameters are determined through nodes of the mobile communication network.
10. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the nodes of the mobile
communication network are at least one of Home Location Registers (HLRs), Network
switching subsystems (NSS), Authentication Centers (AUs), mobile switching service
centers (MSCs), service control point (SCP), Home Subscriber Server (HSS), operations
support system (OSS), and business support system (BSS) and GPRS support nodes
(GSNs).
11. A contextual notification system (CNS) (102) for providing contextual
notifications to users in a mobile communication network, the CNS (102) comprising:
a processor ( I 20);
a communication module (132) coupled to the processor (120), to receive
a content request from the user to access a content through the mobile
communication network;
a profiling module (134) coupled to the processor (120), to determine
dynamic parameters associated with the user, wherein the dynamic parameters
are indicative of real time user details and user preferences; and
an analysis and correlation module (1 36) coupled to the processor (120),
to associate at least the determined dynamic parameters with the content request
to generate a contextual content request.
12. The CNS (102) as claimed in claim 1 I, wherein the communication module
(132) further provides the contextual content request to third parties for providing
contextual notifications to the user.
13. The CNS (102) as claimed in claim I I , wherein the communication module
(132) encrypts the dynamic parameters associated with the contextual content request
with a predefined passkey.
14. The CNS (102) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the profiling module (134)
further identifies static parameters associated with the user, wherein the static
parameters are indicative of general stagnant information associated with the user.
15. The CNS (102) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the static parameters include at
least one of age of the user, gender of the user, indication address of the user, details of
plan opted by the user, primary and secondary services active for the user, premium and
non-premium status associated with the user, Mobile Subscriber Integrated Services
Data Digital Network (ISDN) Number (MSISDN) being utilized by the user,
International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) associated with the user, billing type
applicable for the user, and average bill amount of the user.
16. The CNS (102) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the profiling module (134) may
determine the dynamic parameters and the static parameters through nodes of the mobile
communication network.
17. The CNS (102) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the analysis and correlation
module 136 further associates the static parameters with the content request to generate
the contextual content request.
18. The CNS (102) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the profiling module (134)
further determines profile associated with the user, wherein the profile is indicative of
past behavior and preferences of the user.
19. A non-transitory computer readable medium having a set of computer readable
instructions that, when executed, cause a computing system to:
receive a content request from the user to access a content through the
mobile communication network;
determine dynamic parameters associated with the user, wherein the
dynamic parameters are indicative of real time user details and user preferences;
and
associate at least the determined dynamic parameters with the content
request to generate a contextual content request.