System and method for providing an in-flight communication session - Patents.com

Abstract

To provide a method, system and device for providing in-flight communication sessions that provide a network access service or other types of contents once a passenger has completed a brand interaction.SOLUTION: In a satellite communication system 100, a communication session distributing system selects an offer from among a plurality of reward offers, and then displays the selected offer to a passenger 180. The selected offer is selected on the basis of the profile information on the passenger and of characteristics targeted by a brand partner. Next, the passenger selects an offer, and executes a necessary brand interaction. Once the brand interaction is verified, the passenger can receive a reward relating to the offer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The following relates generally to communication session distribution systems, and more specifically to techniques for providing in-flight communication sessions. [Background technology]

[0002] Passengers of commercial aircraft or other transportation vehicles such as buses, trains, boats, etc., increasingly desire broadband network access while in transit. Additionally, passenger vehicles often include vehicle information systems to meet passengers' desires to access viewing content, such as entertainment, informational content, or other viewing content, while traveling. Passenger aircraft may receive network access services via a shared communications link, such as a satellite communications link. Aircraft may have on-board multi-user access terminals that communicate with ground stations (e.g., via satellites of a satellite communications system) and provide network access connections to passengers. For example, users may connect their communications devices (e.g., smartphones, laptops, tablets, etc.) to a wireless local area network (WLAN) served by the multi-user access terminals that route data communications to other networks (e.g., the Internet) over the shared communications link.

[0003] As passenger demands for broadband access and viewing content continue to evolve, operators of communication session delivery systems have devised various techniques to monetize their services to provide passengers with a reliable and enjoyable experience. However, different monetization techniques can result in varying levels of passenger satisfaction. For example, charging passengers separately for access to communication sessions can lead to passenger frustration as passengers may feel as though the passenger vehicle operator is charging them for every additional service option during their trip. In view of the above, there is a need for an improved communication session delivery system associated with a passenger vehicle to overcome the shortcomings of conventional communication session delivery systems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The described technology relates to improved methods, systems, devices, and apparatus supporting the technology for providing an in-flight communication session. In some examples, the communication session distribution system may provide network access services or other types of content when the passenger completes a branded interaction. The branded interaction may be any number of options that a brand partner may require in exchange for access to the content. The communication session distribution system may select from a number of reward offers and then display the selected offer to the passenger. The selected offer may be selected based on the passenger's profile information and the brand partner's targeted characteristics. The passenger may then select an offer and perform the required branded interaction. Once the branded interaction is verified, the passenger may receive a reward associated with the offer. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an example system for wireless communication supporting techniques for providing an in-flight communication session according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2]1 illustrates an example system for wireless communication supporting techniques for providing an in-flight communication session according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] 1 illustrates an example process flow for supporting an in-flight communication session according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates a graphical representation of a reward offer according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] 1 illustrates an example process flow supporting techniques for providing an in-flight communication session in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates an example process flow for supporting an in-flight communication session according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates a graphical representation of a session interaction interface supporting techniques for offers to provide an in-flight communication session, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 1 illustrates a block diagram of a device supporting techniques for offers to provide an in-flight communication session, according to an aspect of the disclosure. [Figure 9] 1 illustrates a block diagram of a device supporting techniques for offers to provide an in-flight communication session, according to an aspect of the disclosure. [Figure 10] 1 shows a flowchart illustrating a method for supporting techniques for offers to provide in-flight communication sessions, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0006] A commercial passenger vehicle may support a shared communication link for network access services for passengers. For example, a user may connect a communication device to a wireless local area network (WLAN) that routes data communications to other networks (e.g., the Internet) over the shared communication link. The shared communication link may be a wireless link (e.g., a cellular link, a satellite communication link, etc.) and may be capable of supporting higher bandwidth applications such as web browsing, multimedia streaming, or video communications.

[0007] While providing such network access and content services provides entertainment and comfort to passengers during their travel legs, providing such services incurs costs to travel providers. Travel providers can choose from a variety of monetization techniques to provide reliable and satisfying communication session services to passengers, including charging separate fees for selected services, inserting advertisements, etc. However, charging separate fees can lead to passenger dissatisfaction, and inserted advertisements have varying levels of effectiveness in engaging users.

[0008] The described features relate to a communication session delivery system that delivers a communication session to a passenger based on a completed brand interaction selected by the passenger. Completing the brand interaction selected by the passenger may improve the experience of both the passenger and the brand partner since the passenger may be engaged in an interaction that is of most interest to the brand partner and the brand partner has a higher value interaction with the passenger than would otherwise be the case, such as non-targeted advertising. Prior to the travel leg, the brand partner or another entity may identify several reward offers to present to the passenger on the travel leg, where the reward offer may consist of a communication session in exchange for the passenger completing the brand interaction. The communication session delivery system may present the passenger with various selected reward offers via a user interface, such as a portal, application, etc. The passenger may access the user interface before and / or during the travel leg and may select the offer that is of most interest to him / her. The offer is associated with one or more characteristics of a communication session that may be offered to the passenger for use with the shared communication link upon completion of the interaction with the offer. The characteristics of the communication session may vary from offer to offer and may vary in different embodiments. The characteristics of the communication session may be, for example, one or more of the following: a total amount of time allocated to the communication session, a data rate of the communication session, a total amount of data communicated during the communication session, access to one or more service types (e.g., text, email, streaming, etc.), access to one or more network destinations (e.g., streaming video service providers, etc.), and combinations thereof. The type of interaction completed by the passenger may vary from offer to offer and in different embodiments. For example, the interaction may be creating a social media post about a particular brand associated with the offer. As another example, this example may be completing the viewing of a video related to the offer. Once the brand interaction is verified, the communication session delivery system may provide the passenger with the proposed network access time to use during the travel leg. The manner in which the communication session is provided to the passenger may vary from embodiment to embodiment.In some examples, the communication session may originate from a passenger's user account managed by the communication session distribution system. In such cases, the passenger may select when to use the communication session, during the current trip leg and / or a different trip leg (e.g., on the same or a different airline or other carrier), etc. In other examples, the communication session may originate from a communication device used by the passenger without requiring the passenger to create a user account.

[0009] Once a brand interaction is verified, the communication session delivery system can record successful interactions. The communication session delivery system can record multiple successful interactions to determine which interactions and offers are preferred. This information can be provided to brand partners to inform reward offers, and travel providers can use the information to inform which reward offers they can provide to passengers. Thus, the experience of both passengers and brand partners can be continually improved.

[0010] This description provides a number of examples, but is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of embodiments of the principles described herein. Rather, the following description will provide one of ordinary skill in the art with an enabling description for implementing embodiments of the principles described herein. Various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements.

[0011] Thus, various embodiments may omit, substitute, or add various procedures or components, as appropriate. For example, it should be understood that the methods may be performed in an order different from that described, and that various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Also, aspects and elements described with respect to particular embodiments may be combined in various other embodiments. It should also be understood that the following systems, methods, devices, and software, individually or collectively, may be components of larger systems, and that other procedures may take precedence over or otherwise modify their application.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram of a satellite communication system 100 illustrating the principles contained herein. The satellite communication system 100 may provide network access services to passengers 180 aboard mobile equipment 130. Although the network access services are shown as being provided by the satellite communication system and are used as an example in the following description, it should be noted that in other examples other and / or additional types of communication systems (e.g., air-to-ground communication systems, etc.) may be used. The network access services may be provided to passengers 180 via multi-user access terminals 170, which may connect to their communication devices 175 via wired (e.g., Ethernet) or wireless (e.g., WLAN) connections 176. The multi-user access terminals 170 may obtain network access services via user beams 145. Although the mobile equipment 130 is shown as an aircraft, and the following description uses an aircraft as an example, it should be noted that the reference to an aircraft may be any type of mobile equipment that transports multiple passengers, such as a bus, train, ship, etc.

[0013] The satellite communication system 100 may include any suitable type of satellite system, including a geostationary orbit (GEO), medium earth orbit (MEO), or low earth orbit (LEO) satellite system. Although only a single user beam 145 is shown, the satellite 105 may be a multi-beam satellite that transmits many (e.g., typically 20-500, etc.) user beams 145, each directed to a different region of the Earth. This allows for coverage of a relatively large geographic area and allows for frequency reuse within the covered area. Frequency reuse in a multi-beam satellite system may increase the system capacity for a given system bandwidth. In such a multi-beam satellite, there are several different signal switching configurations, where signals from a single gateway system 115 may be switched between different spot beams. Alternatively, multiple gateways may transmit signals to the satellite 105 to generate multiple spot beams. Although shown as including one satellite 105, the satellite communication system 100 may include multiple satellites. The multiple satellites may have service coverage areas that at least partially overlap one another.

[0014] Each satellite user beam 145 of a satellite 105 supports aircraft 130 within its coverage area (e.g., providing uplink and downlink resources). Frequency reuse between satellite user beams 145 may be provided by assigning one or more frequency regions (which may be referred to as channels) to each satellite user beam 145 and / or by using orthogonal polarizations. A particular frequency region and / or polarization may be referred to as a "color," and frequency reuse in a tiled spot beam satellite system may be according to color. The coverage of different satellite user beams 145 may be non-overlapping or may have various degrees of overlap. In some examples, satellite user beams 145 of a satellite 105 may be tiled and partially overlapping to provide complete or near-complete coverage over a relatively large geographic area, where the partially overlapping or adjacent beams use different frequency regions and / or polarizations (e.g., different colors).

[0015] The satellite communication system 100 includes a gateway system 115 and a network 120, which may be connected to each other via one or more wired or wireless links. The gateway system 115 is configured to communicate with one or more aircraft 130 via satellites 105. The network 120 may include any suitable public or private network and may connect to other communication networks (not shown), such as the Internet, a telecommunications network (e.g., the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)), etc. The network 120 may connect the gateway system 115 with other gateway systems and may also communicate with the satellites 105. Alternatively, a separate network linking the gateways and other nodes may be used to cooperatively service user traffic. The gateway system 115 may also be configured to receive return link signals (via the satellites 105) from the aircraft 130 directed to a destination in the network 120 or another communication network.

[0016] The gateway system 115 may be a device or system that provides an interface between the network 120 and the satellite 105. The gateway system 115 may use the antenna 110 to send and receive signals to and from the satellite 105 via a gateway uplink 135 and a gateway downlink 140. The antenna 110 may be capable of bidirectional communication and may be designed with appropriate transmit power and receive sensitivity to reliably communicate with the satellite 105. In some examples, the satellite 105 is configured to receive signals from the antenna 110 in a particular frequency band and a particular polarization.

[0017] In the satellite communication system 100, passengers 180-b to 180-n can utilize network access services via mobile devices 175. Each passenger 180-b to 180-n may be provided with services via the satellite communication system 100 by connecting the mobile device 175 (e.g., desktop computer, laptop, set-top box, smartphone, tablet, Internet-enabled television, etc.) to a multi-user access terminal 170 (e.g., via a wired or wireless connection). As shown in FIG. 1, the mobile devices 175-b to 175-n are connected to the multi-user access terminal 170 via a wired or wireless connection 176 (e.g., Wi-Fi, Ethernet, etc.). The multi-user access terminal 170 can receive data from the satellite 105 via a user beam downlink 155 and transmit data to the satellite 105 via a user beam uplink 160. Although the satellite communications system 100 is shown providing mobile network access services to passengers 180 on board the aircraft 130, it will be understood that the principles described herein for providing network access services to mobile users may be provided using multi-user access terminals located at fixed locations or in a variety of modes of transportation where multiple mobile users may desire network access via the satellite communications system 100 (e.g., trains, boats, buses, etc.).

[0018] The multi-user access terminal 170 may use an antenna 165 mounted on the aircraft 130 to communicate signals with the satellite 105 via a user beam downlink 155 and a user beam uplink 160. The antenna 165 may be mounted on an elevation and azimuth gimbal that points (e.g., actively tracks) the antenna 165 toward the satellite 105. The satellite communication system 100 may operate in the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Ku, K, or Ka bands (e.g., 17.7 to 21.2 gigahertz (GHz) for the downlink and 27.5 to 31 GHz for the uplink portion of the Ka band). Alternatively, the satellite communication system 100 may operate in other frequency bands, such as C-band, X-band, S-band, L-band, etc.

[0019] The satellite communications system 100 also includes a communications session distribution system 125. Components of the communications session distribution system 125 (e.g., communications session distribution system 125-a) may be connected to the gateway 115 and / or the network 120 via one or more wired or wireless links. Additionally or alternatively, there may be components of the communications session distribution system 125 (e.g., communications session distribution system 125-b) onboard the aircraft 130. Although shown lumped together with the multi-user access terminal 170, the communications session distribution system 125-b may be a separate component from the multi-user access terminal 170. In that case, the communications session distribution system 125-b may be connected to the multi-user access terminal 170 via one or more wired or wireless links.

[0020] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented in system 100 to solve additional or alternative problems other than those described herein. Furthermore, aspects of the present disclosure may provide technical improvements over the "conventional" systems or processes described herein. However, the description and accompanying drawings include only exemplary technical improvements resulting from implementing aspects of the present disclosure, and therefore do not represent all of the technical improvements provided within the scope of the claims.

[0021] In one example, before and / or during the trip leg, a travel provider (e.g., airline, cruise line, train line, bus line) or other entity can provide profile information of one or more passengers 180 of the trip leg to the communication session distribution system 125. Additionally, the trip leg communication session distribution system 125 can identify several reward offers to present to the passengers 180 of the trip leg, where the reward offers can include a communication session in exchange for the passengers 180 completing a brand interaction. The reward offers can be provided to the communication session distribution system 125 by one or more brand partners. A portal (or other type of user interface) managed by (or otherwise in communication with) the communication session distribution system 125 can then present the passengers 180 with various selected reward offers. The communication session distribution system 125 can select a subset of one or more reward offers based, for example, on the profile information of one or more passengers 180 and / or target characteristics specified by the brand partner. The passengers 180 can access the user interface before or during the trip leg and can select offers from the subset that are of most interest to them.

[0022] For example, passenger 180-a may use mobile device 175-a and connect to network 120 via a ground access point to access a user interface prior to a trip leg. Once a subset of one or more selected offers is provided on the user interface, passenger 180-a may select an offer for a particular communication session in exchange for performing a branded interaction with the offer. Once the branded interaction is verified, communication session distribution system 125-a may enable passenger 180-a to access the communication session when the passenger is aboard aircraft 130. The manner in which communication session distribution system 125-a enables passenger to access the communication session may vary from embodiment to embodiment. In some examples, the communication session may originate from the passenger's user account managed by the communication session distribution system. In such cases, the passenger may select when to use the communication session, such as during the current trip leg and / or a different trip leg (e.g., on the same or different airline or other carrier). In other examples, the communication session may originate from the communication device used by the passenger without requiring the passenger to create a user account. The manner in which the communication session distribution system 125-a enables passengers to use the communication sessions may vary from embodiment to embodiment. For example, the communication session distribution system 125-a may provide instructions to the components of the satellite communication system 100 (e.g., the multi-access user terminal 170, the satellite 105, the gateway 115, etc.) to provide access to the network 120 and provide the communication sessions to the communication devices associated with the passengers. Passengers 180-b-180-n on board the aircraft 130 may access the user interface before or during a travel leg via the multi-user access terminal 170. The portals may be managed by the communication session distribution system 125-b on board the aircraft 130 or by the communication session distribution system 125-a external to the aircraft 130.Based on viewing the selected offer, passengers 180-b-180-n can select an offer item for a particular communication session in exchange for performing a branded interaction. Once the branded interaction is verified, communication session distribution system 125 can allow each passenger 180 to access the communication session during the travel leg. For example, communication session distribution system 125-b can maintain a list (e.g., whitelist) of devices that may be allowed to communicate with other devices or networks (e.g., the Internet) connected to network 120 and the associated duration of the communication session. Multi-user access terminal 170 can query the list to filter traffic coming from or going to the mobile device. For example, multi-user access terminal 170 can maintain a network address translation table and provide network address translation for accessing networks outside of aircraft 130 only to devices on the list. Communication session distribution system 125-b can indicate to communication session distribution system 125-b the identifiers (e.g., MAC addresses) of mobile devices 175 for which communication sessions are allowed.

[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a system 200 supporting an in-flight communication session according to an aspect of the disclosure. The system 200 includes a communication session distribution system 125-c, a brand partner 205, a network 120-a, and a mobile device 175-c operated by a passenger 180-c. The brand partner 205 and the communication session distribution system 125-c may include or utilize various computing components, such as data servers and / or data storage systems, for facilitating and maintaining communications and supporting offers to facilitate branded interactions and other services. The brand partner 205 may also represent multiple affiliated or unaffiliated brand partners. The communication session distribution system 125-c may be an example of the communication session distribution system 125 of FIG. 1. The mobile device 175-c and the passenger 180-c may be examples of the mobile device 175 and the passenger 180 of FIG. 1, respectively.

[0024] The entities of the system 200 send various communication messages to each other, including interactive communication 210, interactive communication 215, and interactive communication 225. For example, interactive communication 210 may include a brand partner 205 sending one or more reward offers to the communication session distribution system 125-c for eventual presentation to the passenger 180-c. Each of the reward offers may be linked to one or more target characteristics on which the brand partner desires to focus the reward offer. For example, if the reward offer is tailored to a particular gender, the brand partner may indicate that the target characteristic of the reward offer is either male or female. In some examples, the communication session distribution system 125-c may retrieve the reward offer from the data storage device 220 or the network 120-a via interactive communication 225. The reward offer may include a communication session that is awarded to the passenger when the passenger completes a specified brand interaction. The communication session may be network access services for at least a portion of the trip segment, access to a media content item (e.g., visual media, audio media, games, etc.), or a combination thereof. Access to media content items may also be referred to as in-flight entertainment (IFE). IFE may be hosted on the aircraft and may include content that is not otherwise available (e.g., pre-release videos that are not yet available for streaming). Brand interactions may be categorized as a media item (e.g., a displayed advertisement, a promotional video), a social media interaction (e.g., a post mentioning the brand), creating a user account, purchasing a product or service, completing a survey, reserving a product or service, an indication of interest in a product or service (e.g., submitting positive feedback for a product or service, adding a product or service to a virtual cart, etc.), or a combination thereof.

[0025] The communication session distribution system 125-c can receive profile information for one or more passengers and / or trip segments from the network 120-a via two-way communication 225 or from the data storage device 220. In some examples, a travel provider for a trip segment can update the communication session distribution system 125-c with the passenger's profile information periodically or non-periodically via two-way communication 225. The profile information can include any information that the travel provider may possess regarding the passenger and the characteristics of the trip segment for which the passenger is booked. For example, the profile information can include user characteristics such as gender, age, origin / destination, type of traveler (business, leisure, etc.), frequency of travel, traveling with family or a group, travel class of the passenger, etc. In another example, the characteristics of the trip segment can include the origin of the trip segment, the destination of the trip segment, the passenger's respective passenger class, the duration of the trip segment, or the type of equipment for the trip segment.

[0026] The communication session distribution system 125-c can aggregate one or more reward offers from a brand partner 205 with other reward offers from other brand partners to obtain a pool of reward offers for the trip leg. In some cases, the communication session distribution system 125-c can apply a scarcity factor to the pool of reward offers (e.g., determine the pool of reward offers based on the scarcity factor). The communication session distribution system 125-c can apply a scarcity factor to the pool of reward offers to introduce an artificial limit to the pool of reward offers. This artificial limit to the pool of reward offers may be utilized to induce competition for the reward offers, which may increase the urgency of the passengers 180 in requesting the reward offers. The scarcity factor may include limiting the supply of reward offers (e.g., so that not all passengers may be able to obtain a reward offer or enough reward offers to obtain a communication session that lasts during the flight), limiting the amount of time the reward offers are available, or similar techniques to introduce urgency.

[0027] In some cases, the communication session distribution system 125-c may determine a scarcity factor based on one or more known or expected characteristics of the trip leg (e.g., the amount of passengers, the length of the trip leg, the total number of access minutes, etc.) when selecting the pool of reward offers. For example, the scarcity factor may be selected such that the number of reward offers in the pool is proportional to the total number of passengers in the trip leg (e.g., if 100 passengers are expected in the trip leg, the communication session distribution system 125-c may only provide a number of communication sessions equal to half (or some other multiple) of the number of passengers). In another example, the communication session distribution system 125-c may only provide a predetermined amount of time corresponding to the pool of rewards. In some examples, the communication session distribution system 125-c may also determine the scarcity factor by factoring the total duration of the trip leg and / or the amount of passengers in the trip leg. For example, the communication session distribution system 125-c may only provide a total of 1000 minutes of network access to all passengers in the trip leg, the aircraft may have 100 passengers for the trip leg, and the trip leg may be one hour. That is, the communication session distribution system 125-c can determine the total number of passenger minutes based on the amount of passengers (e.g., passenger capacity of the aircraft or amount of reserved passengers) and the duration of the travel leg (e.g., gate-to-gate duration, flight duration, or duration of communication taking into account in-flight device restrictions). The communication session distribution system 125-c can then determine the total minutes of network access to be provided based on the total number of passenger minutes and the scarcity factor. The value of the scarcity factor applied to the reward offer may be presented to the passenger along with the associated reward offer. The application of the scarcity factor can better encourage passengers of the travel leg to engage with the reward offer than if the reward offer were offered without restrictions. For example, passengers can be encouraged to engage with the reward offer early before available offers are taken by other passengers.

[0028] Using the profile information, the communication session distribution system 125-c can select a subset of the pool of reward offers, which can be one or more reward offers from the pool of reward offers. The communication session distribution system 125-c can select the subset of reward offers as tailored to a particular passenger or group of passengers (e.g., passenger 180-c) on a trip segment. The communication session distribution system 125-c can select the subset of reward offers based on the profile information of the particular passenger or group of passengers and / or characteristics of a particular trip segment. In some cases, the communication session distribution system 125-c can determine the amount of reward offers to select and present to passenger 180-c based on a predetermined number, the number of passengers on the trip segment, the duration of the trip segment, or the maximum number of reward offers for passengers on the trip segment.

[0029] One or more reward offers from a brand partner 205 may each include a bid associated with the communication session. The bid may indicate a reward offer configuration that describes a value (e.g., monetary value) that the brand partner 205 may award if its respective reward offer is selected and completed by the passenger. In some cases, the communication session distribution system 125-c may select a pool of reward offers based on the bids. For example, the communication session distribution system 125-c may select the reward with the highest bid or the reward with the highest bid within a category of reward offers (e.g., related to different types of brand interactions). In some examples, the communication session distribution system 125-c may select a particular amount of reward offers to be available for each of multiple types of brand interactions and then select the reward with the highest bid for each type.

[0030] Upon selection of the subset of reward offers, the communication session distribution system 125-c can transmit the subset of reward offers to a device (e.g., mobile device 175-c) belonging to the passenger 180-c via bidirectional communication 215. The subset of reward offers may be presented to the passenger 180-c via a portal 235 hosted by the communication session distribution system 125-c or an application 230 on the mobile device 175-c. The passenger 180-c can view the selected reward offers via the portal 235 or the application 230 on the mobile device 175-c either before or during the travel leg. Although not shown, the mobile device 175-c may be a seat-mounted video system onboard the aircraft. The passenger 180-c can select one or more reward offers from the subset of reward offers and then proceed to complete a brand interaction associated with the selected reward offers. In some examples, the passenger 180-c can request that the presented subset of reward offers be changed or otherwise modified. An advantage of allowing passenger 180-c to request that the subset of presented reward offers be changed is that the initially presented subset of reward offers may not be satisfactory to passenger 180-c. Allowing modification of the initially presented subset of reward offers allows passenger 180-c to discover reward offers from a subsequent subset of reward offers that may be of interest to passenger 180-c (the subsequent subset of reward offers having at least one modified presented reward offer from the initially presented subset of reward offers). Upon receiving the request, communication session distribution system 125-c can provide passenger 180-c with the modified subset of reward offers, where the modified subset of reward offers differs from the previous subset of reward offers.

[0031] When the passenger 180-c selects a reward offer, the mobile device 175-c can send an indication of the selected reward offer to the communication session distribution system 125-c via two-way communication 215. The execution of the brand interaction can then occur via the communication session distribution system 125-c, via the respective brand partner 205, or via a third entity (e.g., a media server). For example, the communication session distribution system 125-c can forward session information related to the passenger's selected reward offer to the respective brand partner 205 via two-way communication 210. The brand partner 205 can monitor the various brand interactions and then verify when the brand interaction associated with the session information occurred or was completed. Upon verification, the brand partner 205 can indicate to the communication session distribution system 125-c via two-way communication 210 that the brand interaction associated with the session information occurred. In another example, not shown, a passenger 180-c having a mobile device 175-c can interact directly with a brand partner 205 or with a third entity that hosts the brand interaction for the brand partner 205. The passenger 180-c can complete a brand interaction in which the passenger communicates directly with the brand partner 205 or with a third entity, and upon completion of the brand interaction, the brand partner 205 can instruct the communication session distribution system 125-c to provide communication session access to the passenger 180-c. In some examples, the communication session distribution system 125-c can provide a unique identifier associated with the passenger 180-c or mobile device 175-c to the brand partner 205 or other external party to enable the brand partner 205 or other external party to authorize and link rewards to the passenger 180-c and / or mobile device 175-c. For example, a unique identifier may be generated based on an identifier that is associated with the passenger 180-c or mobile device 175-c, but does not allow the brand partner 205 or other entity to track the passenger 180-c or mobile device 175-c.In one example, the unique identifier is based on the (e.g., hashed or encrypted) Media Access Control (MAC) address of the mobile device 175-c. Upon receiving confirmation that the branded interaction is completed, the communication session distribution system 125-c can associate the mobile device 175-c with the reward associated with the reward offer. For example, the communication session distribution system 125-c can associate the MAC address of the mobile device 175-c with access to the session for the duration associated with the reward. In another example, the communication session distribution system 125-c can present a redemption code to the passenger 180-c upon completion of the branded interaction, which the passenger 180-c can redeem at a later time (e.g., via the same or a different device) to access the communication session.

[0032] Upon receiving the indication, redemption code, or another indication of access, the communication session distribution system 125-c can activate access for the passenger 180-c to an associated reward (e.g., a communication session or media experience) linked to the reward offer selected by the passenger. For example, the communication session distribution system 125-c can establish a communication session for the mobile device 175-c via a network access device (e.g., multi-user access terminal 170) over a wireless communication link for a session duration associated with the reward offer. In some examples, the communication session distribution system 125-c can determine an identifier (e.g., MAC address) of the device linked to the completed brand interaction and establish a communication session based on the device identifier. In some circumstances, the communication session distribution system 125-c can determine the duration of the reward and then present a comparison of the duration to the length of time of the travel segment to the mobile device 175-c, which comparison can be continually updated and presented. For example, if the reward is one hour of network access time and the remaining duration of the travel segment is two hours, the mobile device 175-c can continually provide the comparison to the passenger 180-c when the passenger 180-c views the application 230 or portal 235.

[0033] In some examples, the communication session distribution system 125-c can receive a unique identifier linked to the passenger 180-c. For example, the passenger 180-c may have registered a login profile with the portal 235 of the communication session distribution system 125-c. In some cases, the passenger 180-c may complete multiple brand interactions associated with multiple reward offers, and the communication session distribution system 125-c can link the multiple reward offers to the passenger 180-c's unique identifier. For example, if the passenger 180-c logs on and completes five brand interactions, each corresponding to 10 minutes of network access time, the communication session distribution system 125-c can link the 50 minutes of network access time to the passenger 180-c's user account. In other examples, the communication session distribution system 125-c can identify one or more past brand interactions that the passenger 180-c performed under its unique identifier. With these previously completed brand interactions, the communication session distribution system 125-c can select a reward offer from a pool of reward offers for a given trip segment to present to the passenger 180-c based on the passenger's 180-c's brand interaction history.

[0034] The communication session distribution system 125-c may also include a data store 220. In some examples, the data store 220 may receive and store the verified completion of the brand interaction for a particular trip leg. For subsequent trip legs, the communication session distribution system 125-c may receive reward offers for the subsequent trip leg from the brand partner 205 or other brand partners in a manner similar to that described above. In some examples, the communication session distribution system 125-c may select a pool of reward offers for the subsequent trip leg based on the stored verified completion of the brand interaction from the previous trip leg. The communication session distribution system 125-c may also select each subset of the pool of reward offers for the subsequent trip leg based on passenger profile information for the subsequent trip leg. The profile information may be similar to the profile information described above. The verified completion of the brand interaction from the previous trip leg may better inform the communication session distribution system 125-c about which reward offers have been successful in the past.

[0035] In some examples, the communication session distribution system 125-c can store the verified completion of a brand interaction of a particular passenger (e.g., passenger 180-c) in the data storage 220. This data can be linked to a unique identifier (e.g., a MAC address) associated with the passenger's 180-c's user account or the passenger's 180-c's device. In some cases, the communication session distribution system 125-c can use the verified completion of the passenger's 180-c's brand interaction to inform the selection of a subset of reward offers to be presented to the passenger 180-c. In other examples, the communication session distribution system 125-c can use the verified completion of the passenger's 180-c's brand interaction to exclude reward offers from being presented to the passenger 180-c in the subset of reward offers. For example, the excluded reward offers can be types of brand interactions that the passenger 180-c has already completed, or types of media experiences that the passenger 180-c has already consumed (e.g., has already viewed a particular branded content). Additionally, the communication session distribution system 125-c can utilize the stored verified completions of branded interactions to determine trends for similar trip segments and use the determinations to select future reward offers for passengers on future similar trip segments. For example, trip segments having similar characteristics such as time of day, origin, destination, etc. can inform the communication session distribution system 125-c for the selection of future reward offers for presenting to similar trip segments.

[0036] In another example, the communication session distribution system 125-c can determine a category of each reward offer received. The communication session distribution system 125-c can further determine a category of reward offers that the passenger 180-c has previously selected, and then select a subset of reward offers to present to the passenger 180-c based on the category of reward offers that the passenger 180-c has previously selected. For example, if the passenger 180-c selects a previous reward offer that includes social media posts, the communication session distribution system 125-c can present the passenger 180-c with more reward offers that include completing the social media posts. In some cases, the communication session distribution system 125-c can exclude presenting reward offers of certain categories that the passenger 180-c has indicated that they are not engaged with. For example, if the passenger 180-c has never selected a previous reward offer that includes purchasing goods or services, the communication session distribution system 125-c can exclude presenting reward offers that include purchasing goods and services.

[0037] In some cases, the communication session distribution system 125-c can identify from the data store 220 how a particular type of passenger interacted with a particular reward offer. For example, the interaction history data can indicate whether a passenger viewed the offer and did not accept the offer, whether a passenger viewed the offer and accepted the offer, whether a viewer viewed the offer and attempted a brand interaction without success, whether a viewer viewed the offer and attempted a brand interaction with success, etc. The communication session distribution system 125-c can use the interaction history data and associated passenger profile information to inform which reward offers from brand partners 205 to select and present to the passenger. In another example, the communication session distribution system 125-c can determine metrics from passenger 180-c's previous interactions with reward offers. These metrics may be a completion rate for one or more of the multiple reward offers (e.g., the rate at which passengers complete a brand interaction after making a selection), a number of impressions for one or more of the multiple reward offers, a number of passenger selections of one or more of the multiple reward offers, a number of media starts associated with one or more of the multiple reward offers (e.g., the number of times a viewing of a media item associated with a reward offer is initiated), a number of media completions associated with one or more of the multiple reward offers (e.g., the number of times a viewing of a media item associated with a reward offer is completed), or combinations thereof. The communication session delivery system 125-c can deliver one or more of these metrics to the brand partners 205 via bidirectional communication 210.

[0038] The communication session distribution system 125-c may also have additional features. For example, the aggregate reward may be split among multiple devices (e.g., a user account may be accessed from multiple devices). Some entertainment features may be specifically tailored for children. The reward offer may include IFE (e.g., content such as visual media, audio media, games, etc.), which the passenger 180-c may consume on his / her personal device during the trip. The reward offer may also provide access to a travel map that may show where the equipment is geographically located on the trip. The reward offer may also be a gift for a contact of the passenger 180-c. Additionally, the passenger 180-c may refer a contact and earn bonus time of network access or access to media content (e.g., IFE).

[0039] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a process flow 300 for supporting an in-flight communication session according to an aspect of the disclosure. The process flow may include a communication session distribution system 125-d, a brand partner 305, and a mobile device 175-d operated by a passenger 180-d. The communication session distribution system 125-d may be an example of the communication session distribution system 125 of FIG. 1 or the communication session distribution system 125-c of FIG. 2. The brand partner 305 may be an example of the brand partner 205 of FIG. 2. The mobile device 175-d and the passenger 180-d may be examples of the mobile device 175 and the passenger 180 of FIG. 1 and the mobile device 175-c and the passenger 180-c of FIG. 2, respectively.

[0040] At 310, the communication session distribution system 125-d can receive reward offers from the brand partners 305 for eventual presentation to the passenger 180-d, for example, on the mobile device 175-d. Each of the reward offers can be linked to one or more target characteristics on which the brand partner 305 may wish to focus the reward offer. For example, FIG. 4, which illustrates a graphical representation 400 of reward offers according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, shows reward offers 405 from brand partners 305-a and 305-b. The reward offers 405 can include individual reward offers 410. Each reward offer 410 can include brand interactions 430 and rewards 435. As received from the brand partners 305, the rewards can be expressed in currency (e.g., USD), and the communication session distribution system 125-d can convert the rewards into a communication experience (e.g., communication sessions, minutes of media experiences) to present to the passenger 180. In this example, reward offers 410-a, 410-b, and 410-c may come from or be sponsored by brand partner 305-a, while reward offers 410-d, 410-e, 410-f, and 410-g may come from or be sponsored by brand partner 305-b. In some examples, communication session distribution system 125-d may obtain reward offers from data store 220-a or another external entity (not shown). Reward offer 405 may represent an aggregate of reward offers provided by brand partners 305.

[0041] At 315, the communication session distribution system 125-d can evaluate the travel segment profile information and select a pool of reward offers for the travel segment. For example, the communication session distribution system 125-d can evaluate passenger profile information and travel segment characteristics to select a subset of reward offers 405 to generate a travel segment reward offer pool 415, as shown in FIG. 4. The reward offer pool 415 can have a scarcity factor related to the number of passengers (e.g., capacity or reserved passengers) and duration of the travel segment, as described above. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the reward offer pool 415 includes reward offers 410-a, 410-b, 410-d, 410-f, and 410-g, while reward offers 410-c and 410-e are not included in the reward offer pool 415. The communication session distribution system 125-d can receive one or more passenger and / or travel segment profile information from the data store 220-a or from a travel provider (not shown).

[0042] At 320, the communication session distribution system 125-d can select a subset of the pool of reward offers, where the subset can be one or more reward offers from the pool of reward offers. The communication session distribution system 125-d can select a subset of reward offers tailored to a passenger (e.g., passenger 180-d) or group of passengers for the next trip leg. The communication session distribution system 125-d can select the subset of reward offers based on profile information of the passenger 180-d and / or characteristics of the upcoming trip leg. For example, with reference to FIG. 4, the communication session distribution system 125-d can select a subset 420-a of reward offers for the passenger 180-d, where the subset includes reward offers 410-a, 410-b, and 410-d from the pool of reward offers 415. In some examples, the communication session distribution system 125-d can select a subset of reward offers for a group of passengers for the trip leg. For example, the subset of reward offers 420-a may also be selected for another passenger traveling the same trip segment that passenger 180-d is traveling. The communication session distribution system 125-d may select additional subsets of reward offers for additional passengers or passenger groups. For example, the subset 420-b including reward offers 410-b, 410-f, and 410-g may be selected for a different passenger. As shown in FIG. 4, some of the subsets of reward offers 420 for different passengers or passenger groups may include parts of the same reward offer 410 (e.g., they may be partially overlapping subsets). When a reward offer is selected by a passenger, it may be removed from other subsets of reward offers 420 in which it appears.

[0043] Along with presenting the subset of reward offers 420-a, the passenger 180-d may be informed that only an amount of communication sessions corresponding to the number of reward offers in the pool of reward offers 415 to be redeemed for the flight segment is available. The passenger 180-d may be presented with an option to update the subset of reward offers 420-a if he or she does not want to select the presented reward offer. Upon requesting an update of the subset of reward offers 420-a, the communication session distribution system 125-d may select a new subset of reward offers 420 from the pool of reward offers 415.

[0044] The communication session distribution system 125-d can exclude some reward offers from the subset of reward offers 420 for a passenger based on the brand interactions completed by the passenger. For example, the passenger 180-d may have already performed a brand interaction associated with the reward offer 410-f, and thus the reward offer 410-f may be excluded from the subset of reward offers 420-a. Additionally or alternatively, the communication session distribution system 125-d can categorize the brand interactions of the reward offers 410 and select the subset of reward offers based on the passenger 180-d's previous interactions. For example, if the passenger selected a particular category of reward offers 410 for a previous trip segment (e.g., a media item, a social media interaction, creating a user account, purchasing a product or service, completing a survey, reserving a product or service, indicating an interest in a product or service), the subset of reward offers 420-a can include offers from those categories and exclude other categories for which the passenger did not select a reward offer or that are different from the selected category. For example, if a passenger selected reward offers that involve brand interactions including consuming media content such as advertisements, but did not select brand interactions related to purchasing goods and services even if a threshold amount of reward offers were presented in this category, the subset of reward offers 420-a may exclude brand interactions related to purchasing goods and services.

[0045] At 325, the communication session distribution system 125-d can transmit the subset of reward offers to a device 175-d belonging to the passenger 180-d. The passenger 180-d can view the selected subset of reward offers via a portal 235-a hosted by the communication session distribution system 125-d or via an application on the mobile device 175-d (not shown) before or during the travel leg.

[0046] At 330-a, passenger 180-d may select one or more reward offers from the subset of reward offers 420-a and then proceed to complete a brand interaction associated with the selected reward offer. For example, referring to FIG. 4, passenger 180-d may make a selection of reward offer 425-a that includes a reward offer from the subset of reward offers 420-a. The reward offer selection 425-a may include, for example, reward offers 410-a and 410-d. Passenger 180-d may proceed to complete a brand interaction associated with the selected reward offer. Passenger 180-d may complete multiple brand interactions and aggregate rewards associated with the multiple brand interactions. Passenger 180-d may create a user account with communication session distribution system 125-d and store and / or visualize completed brand interactions and rewards associated with the user account in an online portal. The aggregate reward may be redeemed over multiple travel segments. The user application may indicate to passenger 180-d when the reward may be redeemed. In some examples, passenger 180-d can purchase additional rewards. In other examples, passenger 180-d can transfer or gift one or more accumulated rewards to another passenger. In some cases, passenger 180-d can encourage another passenger to complete one or more brand interactions, allowing passenger 180-d to earn additional rewards based on the referral.

[0047] At 330-b, the communication session distribution system 125-d can receive an indication of completion of one or more brand interactions associated with the selected reward offer. For example, the passenger 180-d can complete a brand interaction to communicate directly with the brand partner 305, and upon completion of the brand interaction, the brand partner 305 can indicate to the communication session distribution system 125-d to provide communication session access to the passenger 180-d. In another example, at 330-b, when the passenger 180-d selects a reward offer, the mobile device 175-d can send an indication of the selected reward offer to the communication session distribution system 125-d. The communication session distribution system 125-d can then forward session information associated with the passenger selected reward offer to the brand partner 305. The brand partner 305 can monitor various brand interactions and then verify when the brand interaction associated with the session information occurred. Upon verification, the brand partner 305 can indicate to the communication session distribution system 125-d that the brand interaction associated with the session information occurred.

[0048] At 335, the communication session distribution system 125-d can activate the passenger 180-d's access to an associated reward (e.g., a communication session or a media experience) linked to the passenger-selected reward offer. For example, the communication session distribution system 125-d can establish a communication session between the mobile device 175-d and another network via a network access device (e.g., multi-user access terminal 170) over a wireless communication link for a session duration associated with the reward offer. The characteristics of the communication session can be based on the associated reward linked to the passenger-selected offer. In some examples, the characteristics of the communication session can be a total amount of time allocated to the communication session, a data rate of the communication session, a total amount of data communicated for the communication session, access to one or more service types (text, email, streaming), access to one or more network destinations (e.g., Netflix, Amazon), or a combination thereof.

[0049] At 340, the communication session distribution system 125-d can store the passenger interaction history data and the completed brand interactions in the data store 220-a. In one example, the communication session distribution system 125-d can select to present a particular reward offer for a subsequent travel leg that is informed by the stored verified completion of the brand interaction from the previous travel leg. This data can be linked to the passenger 180-d's user account. In some cases, the communication session distribution system 125-d can identify from the data store 220-a how a particular type of passenger interacted with a particular reward offer. The communication session distribution system 125-d can use the interaction history data and the associated passenger profile information to inform which reward offer from the brand partner 305 to select and present to the passenger.

[0050] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a process flow 500 for supporting an in-flight communication session according to an aspect of the disclosure. The process flow may include a communication session distribution system 125-e, a brand partner 505, and a mobile device 175-e operated by a passenger 180-e. The communication session distribution system 125-e may be an example of the communication session distribution system 125 of FIG. 1 or the communication session distribution system 125-c of FIG. 2. The brand partner 505 may be an example of the brand partner 205 of FIG. 2 or the brand partner 305 of FIG. 3. The mobile device 175-e and the passenger 180-e may be examples of the mobile device 175 and the passenger 180 of FIG. 1 and the mobile device 175-c and the passenger 180-c of FIG. 2, respectively.

[0051] 3, the process flow 500 may include features that follow the process flow 300 of FIG. 3, however, the process flow 500 may be applied to a later travel leg than the travel leg of the process flow 300. For example, at 505, the communication session distribution system 125-e may obtain an indication of a completed brand interaction. The indication of the completed brand interaction may have occurred over one or more previous travel legs prior to 505. The communication session distribution system 125-e may have obtained the indication of the completed brand interaction directly from one or more brand partners 505, one or more passengers 180, or a stored completed brand interaction from the data store 220-b.

[0052] At 510, the communication session distribution system 125-e can receive reward offers from the brand partners 505 for ultimate presentation to the passengers 180-e, for example, on the mobile devices 175-e. Each of the reward offers may be linked to one or more target characteristics around which the brand partners 505 may wish to focus the reward offers.

[0053] At 515, the communication session distribution system 125-e can evaluate the travel segment profile information and select a pool of reward offers for the travel segment. For example, the communication session distribution system 125-e can evaluate the passenger profile information and characteristics of the travel segment to select a subset of reward offers received from brand partners, including brand partner 505, to generate a pool of reward offers for the travel segment. The communication session distribution system 125-e can receive the profile information for one or more passengers and / or travel segments from the data store 220-b or from a travel provider (not shown).

[0054] At 520, the communication session distribution system 125-e can select a subset of the pool of reward offers, where the subset can be one or more reward offers from the pool of reward offers. Here, the communication session distribution system 125-e can select a subset of reward offers tailored to the passenger 180-e for the travel segment associated with the process flow 500. The communication session distribution system 125-e can select the subset of reward offers based on the passenger 180-e's profile information and / or characteristics of the upcoming travel segment. Additionally, the communication session distribution system 125-e can select the subset of reward offers based on the indication of completed brand interactions obtained at 505. In other words, the communication session distribution system 125-e can utilize the indication of completed brand interactions to determine which reward offers were successful in the past to inform the selection of the subset of reward offers at 520 and in all future selections of reward offers.

[0055] At 525, the communication session distribution system 125-e can transmit the subset of reward offers to the device 175-e belonging to the passenger 180-e. The passenger can then select a reward offer, complete a brand interaction, and redeem rewards for the selected reward offer, as described above.

[0056] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a process flow 600 for supporting an in-flight communication session according to an aspect of the disclosure. The process flow may include a communication session distribution system 125-f, a brand partner 605, and a mobile device 175-f operated by a passenger 180-f. The communication session distribution system 125-f may be an example of the communication session distribution system 125 of FIG. 1 or the communication session distribution system 125-c of FIG. 2. The brand partner 605 may be an example of the brand partner 205 of FIG. 2. The mobile device 175-f and the passenger 180-f may be examples of the mobile device 175 and the passenger 180 of FIG. 1 and the mobile device 175-c and the passenger 180-c of FIG. 2, respectively.

[0057] At 610, the communication session distribution system 125-f can receive reward offers from the brand partners 605 for eventual presentation to the passengers 180-f, for example, on the mobile devices 175-f. Each of the reward offers may be linked to one or more target characteristics around which the brand partners 605 may want to focus the reward offers. Each of the reward offers may include rewards corresponding to media content items (e.g., IFE) that may be consumed by the passengers on the travel leg. For example, the reward offer may be a specific amount of time for viewing a media content item or playing a game, or access to a specific media content item (e.g., a specific game or content item). The media content items may be hosted on the communication session distribution system 125-f on an aircraft or other vehicle.

[0058] At 615, the communication session distribution system 125-f can evaluate the travel segment profile information and select a pool of reward offers for the travel segment. For example, the communication session distribution system 125-f can evaluate the passenger profile information and characteristics of the travel segment to select a subset of reward offers received from brand partners, including brand partner 605, to generate a pool of reward offers for the travel segment. The communication session distribution system 125-f can receive the profile information for one or more passengers and / or travel segments from the data store 220-c or from a travel provider (not shown).

[0059] At 620, the communication session distribution system 125-f can select a subset of the pool of reward offers, which can be one or more reward offers from the pool of reward offers. The communication session distribution system 125-f can select the subset of reward offers tailored to a passenger (e.g., passenger 180-f) or group of passengers for the upcoming trip leg. The communication session distribution system 125-f can select the subset of reward offers based on profile information of the passenger 180-f and / or characteristics of the upcoming trip leg.

[0060] At 625, the communication session distribution system 125-f can transmit the subset of reward offers to the device 175-f belonging to the passenger 180-f. The passenger 180-f can view the selected subset of reward offers via a portal 235-c hosted by the communication session distribution system 125-f or via an application on the mobile device 175-f (not shown) before or during the travel leg. The passenger 180-f can select one or more reward offers from the selection of reward offers and can then proceed to complete a brand interaction associated with the selected reward offers.

[0061] At 630-a, passenger 180-f may select one or more reward offers from the subset of reward offers and then proceed to complete a brand interaction associated with the selected reward offer. For example, passenger 180-f may make a reward offer selection that includes a reward offer from the subset of reward offers. Passenger 180-f may proceed to complete a brand interaction associated with the selected reward offer.

[0062] At 630-b, the communication session distribution system 125-f can receive an indication of the completion of one or more brand interactions associated with the selected reward offer. For example, the passenger 180-f can complete a brand interaction communicating directly with the brand partner 605, and upon completion of the brand interaction, the brand partner 605 can indicate to the communication session distribution system 125-f to provide the passenger 180-f with the corresponding media content item. In another example, at 330-b, when the passenger 180-f selects a reward offer, the mobile device 175-f can send an indication of the selected reward offer to the communication session distribution system 125-f. The communication session distribution system 125-f can then forward session information associated with the passenger selected reward offer to the brand partner 605. The brand partner 605 can monitor various brand interactions and then verify when the brand interaction associated with the session information occurred. Upon verification, the brand partner 605 can indicate to the communication session distribution system 125-f that the brand interaction associated with the session information occurred.

[0063] At 635, the communication session distribution system 125-f can establish access for the passenger 180-f to associated rewards linked to the passenger-selected reward offer. For example, the communication session distribution system 125-f can establish access to media content items that can be streamed from a network access device (e.g., multi-user access terminal 170) to the mobile device 175-f via a wireless communication link. The media content items can be accessed by the passenger 180-f at any time during the travel leg. The media content items can include visual media (e.g., movies, television programs, etc.), audio media (e.g., music, podcasts, etc.), games, etc.

[0064] At 640, the communication session distribution system 125-f can store the passenger interaction history data and the completed brand interaction in the data store 220-c. In one example, the communication session distribution system 125-f can select to present a particular reward offer from a plurality of reward offers for a subsequent travel leg notified by the stored verified completion of the brand interaction from the previous travel leg. This data can be linked to the passenger 180-f's user account. In some cases, the communication session distribution system 125-f can identify from the data store 220-c how a particular type of passenger interacted with a particular reward offer. The communication session distribution system 125-f can use the interaction history data and the associated passenger profile information to inform which reward offer from the brand partner 605 to select and present to the passenger.

[0065] It should be understood that the various steps and communications of Figures 3-6 may be combined. For example, the pool of reward offers 415 or the subset of reward offers 420 may include reward offers related to both a communication session or access to a media content item,

[0066] 7 illustrates a graphical representation of a session interaction interface 700 supporting techniques for providing an in-flight communication session according to aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, the mobile device 700 may be an example of the mobile device 175 of FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6.

[0067] The session interaction interface 700 may display a portal (e.g., which may be part of an application on the mobile device or may be a portal hosted on a different device) through which the passenger 180 may then interact with the communication session distribution system 125. The passenger 180 may create a user account that the communication session distribution system 125 may access. In some examples, the passenger 180 may utilize the user account to track one or more rewards that the passenger 180 has earned by completing respective brand interactions, purchases, referrals, etc. In some cases, the communication session distribution system 125 may aggregate one or more rewards associated with the passenger 180's user account to determine an aggregate reward for the passenger 180. In some examples, the aggregate reward may include rewards that have not been used and / or redeemed by the passenger 180. In other examples, the communication session distribution system 125 may track the portion of rewards that have been used and / or redeemed by the passenger 180. In some examples, the user account may be used to apply rewards across travel legs or across different airlines or other transportation providers. Thus, rewards can be earned and applied to a user account, and the communication session distribution system 125 can access the rewards for redemption on any travel legs taken by the passenger 180. For example, an aspect of the communication session distribution system 125 on an aircraft can access a user account, redeem rewards for communication sessions on the aircraft, track the portion of the travel leg on the aircraft that has been used, and reserve any unused portion for a future travel leg.

[0068] The session interaction interface 700 may display certain visualizations that the passenger 180 may interact with to access various communication sessions and media experiences. For example, the indicator 705 may display the time already traveled during the travel leg 710, the time remaining in the established communication session 715 (e.g., the time remaining from the reward obtained via the selected reward offer), and the time remaining in the travel leg 720. In some examples, the time remaining in the established communication session 715 may be an unused portion of the aggregate reward associated with the passenger's 180 user account. The indicator 718 may also display in text the time remaining in the established communication session (e.g., the unused portion of the aggregate reward associated with the passenger's 180 user account). The indicator 705 may help easily communicate to the passenger 180 if the passenger's communication session will end before the travel leg ends.

[0069] The indicators 722 may display a metric related to the rarity factor. For example, the indicators 722 may display the amount of reward offers in a pool of reward offers for the trip segment. The amount of reward offers may have a rarity factor applied. In this example, the communication session distribution system 125 has established that only 20 reward offers remain for all passengers in the mobile equipment for the trip segment. The indicators 725-a, 725-b, and 725-c may display various reward offers from which the passenger 180 may select. The reward offers displayed in the indicators 725 may have been selected by the communication session distribution system 125 from the pool of reward offers based on the passenger's profile information. The passenger 180 may select one of the indicators 725 and perform a branded interaction associated with the displayed reward offer to accumulate additional rewards for the duration of the trip segment. The session interaction interface 700 may also include a reward update control 730 that allows the passenger 180 to replace or update the displayed offers. Selecting the reward update control 730 may replace the reward offers displayed in the indicator 725 with a new subset of the pool of reward offers for the travel segment.

[0070] 8 illustrates a block diagram 800 of an apparatus 805 supporting techniques for providing an in-flight communication session according to an aspect of the disclosure. In some examples, the apparatus 805 may be an example of the communication session distribution system 125 of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3. The apparatus 805 may include an input module 810, a communication interface 815, a branded interaction controller 820, an information controller 825, a reward offer evaluator 830, and an output module 835. The apparatus 805 may also include a processor. The components may communicate via one or more buses.

[0071] The device 805 and / or at least some of its various subcomponents may be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software executed by a processor, the functions of the device 805 and / or at least some of its various subcomponents may be performed by a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device designed to perform the functions described in this disclosure, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof. The device 805 and / or at least some of its various subcomponents may be physically located in different locations, including being distributed such that some of the functions are implemented in one or more physical devices at different physical locations. In some examples, the device 805 and / or at least some of its various subcomponents may be separate and distinct components according to various aspects of the present disclosure. In other examples, the apparatus 805 and / or at least some of its various subcomponents may be combined with one or more other hardware components, including, but not limited to, an I / O component, a transceiver, a network server, another computing device, one or more other components described in this disclosure, or combinations thereof, in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure.

[0072] The input module 810 can manage input signals for the device 805. For example, the input module 810 can identify input signals associated with user input or processing in other components or devices. In some cases, the input module 810 can handle the input signals utilizing an operating system such as iOS®, ANDROID®, MS-DOS®, MS-WINDOWS®, OS / 2®, UNIX®, LINUX®, or another known operating system. The input module 810 can transmit aspects of these input signals to other components of the device 805 for processing. In some cases, the input module 810 can be a component of an input / output (I / O) controller 915 described with reference to FIG. 9.

[0073] The communication interface 815 can serve as an interface between various modules of the device 805, such as the brand interaction controller 820, the information controller 825, and the reward offer evaluator 830, and the input module 810 and the output module 835. The communication interface 815 can provide the passenger with a subset of the multiple reward offers and establish a communication session over a wireless communication link for the communication device based at least in part on the completion of a brand interaction for each of the selected reward offers. In some examples, the communication interface 815 can present the passenger with a metric related to a rarity factor with the subset of the multiple reward offers. The metric can be an amount or total fraction of reward offers available for a trip segment that can result from a rarity factor applied to a pool of reward offers for the trip segment. In some cases, the communication interface 815 can receive a unique identifier associated with the passenger. In an additional example, the communication interface 815 can present the passenger with a redemption code associated with access to the communication session based at least in part on receiving an indication of the completion of the respective brand interaction and receive the redemption code at the network access unit.

[0074] The communication interface 815 may present to the passenger a comparison of the unused portion to the length of time of the trip segment. In some examples, the communication interface 815 may present one or more metrics to each brand partner associated with one or more reward offers of the plurality of reward offers. In an additional example, the communication interface 815 may receive from the passenger a request to modify a subset of the plurality of reward offers. Additionally, the communication interface 815 may receive from the passenger a selection of a reward offer from the provided subset.

[0075] The brand interaction controller 820 may receive an indication of the passenger's completion of a brand interaction of each of the selected reward offers of the subset of the plurality of reward offers. In some examples, the brand interaction controller 820 may determine the passenger's completion of a brand interaction of each of the previously selected reward offers. In some cases, the brand interaction controller 820 may identify one or more past brand interactions associated with the unique identifier. In additional examples, the communication interface 815 may identify one or more verified brand interactions associated with the unique identifier and aggregate reward values ​​for each of the verified brand interactions associated with the unique identifier. The verified brand interactions may be brand interactions made by the passenger on the trip segment verified by the brand interaction controller 820. In some cases, the brand interaction controller 820 may receive a second indication of rewards associated with the selected reward offer.

[0076] The information controller 825 can identify profile information for a plurality of passengers scheduled for a travel leg of the transportation vehicle. In some examples, the information controller 825 can identify one or more metrics associated with a previous interaction with one or more of the plurality of reward offers. In some cases, the information controller 825 can identify an identifier for a communication device associated with a verified completion of a respective brand interaction. In another example, the information controller 825 can determine interaction history data associated with the plurality of reward offers received. Additionally, the information controller can provide a unique identifier associated with the passenger.

[0077] The reward offer evaluator 830 may receive a plurality of reward offers and select a subset of the plurality of reward offers for the passenger from the plurality of passengers. In some examples, the reward offer evaluator 830 may determine an amount of the group of reward offers based at least in part on a predetermined number. In some cases, the reward offer evaluator 830 may filter out reward offers from the plurality of reward offers associated with each completed brand interaction of the previously selected reward offers. In further examples, the reward offer evaluator 830 may determine a category for each of the previously selected reward offers. Furthermore, the reward offer evaluator 830 may determine a category for each of the previously selected reward offers. In some examples, the reward offer evaluator 830 may determine an aggregate reward including one or more rewards associated with the passenger's user account. In other examples, the reward offer evaluator 830 may determine an unused portion of the determined aggregate reward.

[0078] The reward offer evaluator 830 may receive one or more respective bids associated with the plurality of reward offers. In some examples, the reward offer evaluator 830 may provide a modified subset of the plurality of reward offers to the passenger.

[0079] The output module 835 can manage output signals of the device 805. For example, the output module 835 can receive signals from other components of the device 805 and can transmit these signals to other components or devices. In some particular examples, the output module 835 can transmit the output signals for display in a user interface, for storage in a database or data store, for further processing on a server or server cluster, or for any other process in any number of devices or systems. In some cases, the output module 835 can be a component of the I / O controller 915 described with reference to FIG. 9.

[0080] 9 shows an illustration of a system 900 including a device 905 supporting techniques for providing an in-flight communication session according to an aspect of the disclosure. The device 905 may be or may include examples of components of a communication session distribution system or apparatus 805 as described herein. The device 905 may include components for bidirectional data communication, including components for sending and receiving communications, including a communication session distribution system 910, an I / O controller 915, a database controller 920, a memory 925, a processor 930, and a database 935. These components may be in electronic communication via one or more buses (e.g., bus 940).

[0081] The communication session distribution system 910 may be one example of the communication session distribution system 125 described herein. In some cases, the communication session distribution system 910 may be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof.

[0082] The I / O controller 915 can manage the input signals 945 and output signals 950 of the communication device 905. The I / O controller 915 can also manage peripherals that are not integrated into the communication device 905. In some cases, the I / O controller 915 can represent a physical connection or port to an external peripheral. In some cases, the I / O controller 915 can utilize an operating system such as iOS®, ANDROID®, MS-DOS®, MS-WINDOWS®, OS / 2®, UNIX®, LINUX®, or another known operating system. In other cases, the I / O controller 915 can represent or interact with a modem, keyboard, mouse, touch screen, or similar device. In some cases, the I / O controller 915 may be implemented as part of a processor. In some cases, a user can interact with the device 905 through the I / O controller 915 or through hardware components controlled by the I / O controller 915.

[0083] The database controller 920 can manage data storage and processing in the database 935. In some cases, a user can interact with the database controller 920. In other cases, the database controller 920 can operate automatically without user interaction. The database 935 can be an example of a single database, a distributed database, multiple distributed databases, a data store, a data lake, or an emergency backup database.

[0084] The memory 925 can include random access memory (RAM) and read only memory (ROM). The memory 925 can store computer readable computer executable software that includes instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to perform various functions described herein. In some cases, the memory 925 can include a basic input / output system (BIOS) that can control basic hardware or software operations such as interaction with peripheral components or devices, among other things.

[0085] The processor 930 may include intelligent hardware devices (e.g., a general purpose processor, a DSP, a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic components, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof). In some cases, the processor 930 may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In other cases, a memory controller may be integrated into the processor 930. The processor 930 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 925 to perform various functions.

[0086] FIG. 10 shows a flow chart illustrating a method 1000 supporting techniques for providing an in-flight communication session according to aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method 1000 may be performed by a communication session distribution system or components thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of method 1000 may be performed by a communication session distribution system as described with reference to FIGS. 1-9. In some examples, the communication session distribution system may execute an instruction set that controls functional elements of the communication session distribution system to perform functions described herein. Additionally or alternatively, the communication session distribution system may perform aspects of the functions described herein using dedicated hardware.

[0087] At 1005, the communication session distribution system can receive a plurality of reward offers for ultimate presentation to one or more passengers in the travel leg. Each of the plurality of reward offers can be linked to one or more target characteristics about which the brand partner desires to focus the reward offers. The communication session distribution system can receive the reward offers from the brand partner or another entity. The operations of 1005 may be performed according to methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1005 may be performed by a reward offer evaluator, as described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0088] At 1010, the communication session distribution system may identify profile information for one or more passengers and / or trip segments. A travel provider may provide the profile information to the communication session distribution system, or the communication session distribution system may retrieve the information from a data store. The profile information may include any information that the travel provider may possess regarding a passenger and characteristics of the trip segment for which the passenger is booked. The operations of 1010 may be performed according to methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1010 may be performed by an information controller, as described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0089] At 1015, the communication session distribution system may select a subset of the plurality of reward offers for presentation to passengers for the travel segment. The communication session distribution system may select a subset of reward offers tailored to passengers for the travel segment. The communication session distribution system may select the subset of reward offers based on profile information of a particular passenger and / or characteristics of a particular travel segment. The operations of 1015 may be performed according to methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1015 may be performed by a reward offer evaluator, as described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0090] At 1020, the communication session delivery system may provide a selected subset of the plurality of reward offers to the passenger. The passenger may view the selected reward offers via a portal on the mobile device either before or during the travel leg. The passenger may select one or more reward offers from the selection of reward offers and then proceed to complete a brand interaction associated with the selected reward offer. The operations of 1020 may be performed according to methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1020 may be performed by a communication interface such as those described with reference to FIGS. 8-9.

[0091] At 1025, the communication session distribution system can determine that the passenger has completed a brand interaction associated with the reward offer. The passenger can communicate directly with a brand partner to complete the brand interaction, and upon completion of the brand interaction, the brand partner can instruct the communication session distribution system to provide the passenger with communication session access. In another example, when the passenger selects a reward offer, the passenger's mobile device can send an indication of the selected reward offer to the communication session distribution system. The communication session distribution system can then forward session information associated with the passenger's selected reward offer to the brand partner. The brand partner can monitor various brand interactions and then verify when a brand interaction associated with the session information occurred. Upon verification, the brand partner can indicate to the communication session distribution system that a brand interaction associated with the session information occurred. The operations of 1025 may be performed according to methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1025 may be performed by a brand interaction controller described with reference to FIGS. 8-9.

[0092] At 1030, upon verifying that the passenger has completed the branded interaction, the communication session distribution system can establish a communication session for the passenger on the mobile equipment using the network access unit during the passenger's travel leg. The communication session is of the type of session and of the specified duration described in the selected reward offer. In some examples, the passenger can have an account to which the passenger can link several completed branded interactions, and the communication session distribution system can aggregate the reward value of each verified branded interaction that the passenger can use during the travel leg. The operations of 1030 may be performed according to methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1030 may be performed by a communication interface such as those described with reference to FIGS. 8-9.

[0093] It should be noted that the methods described herein illustrate possible implementations, and that the acts and steps may be rearranged or modified, and other implementations are possible. Further, aspects of two or more methods may be combined.

[0094] The information and signals described herein may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, the data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0095] The various example blocks and modules described in connection with the disclosure herein may be implemented or performed by a general purpose processor, a DSP, an ASIC, an FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination of these designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but alternatively, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices (e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration).

[0096] The functions described herein may be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software executed by a processor, the functions may be stored or transmitted as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Other examples and embodiments are within the scope of this disclosure and the appended claims. For example, due to the nature of the software, the functions described herein may be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hardwiring, or any combination thereof. Features implementing the functions may also be physically located in various locations, including being distributed such that some of the functions are implemented in different physical locations.

[0097] As used herein, including in the claims, "or" used in a list of items (e.g., a list of items beginning with a phrase such as "at least one of" or "one or more of") indicates an inclusive list, so that, for example, a list of at least one of A, B, or C means A or B or C, or AB or AC or BC, or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Also, as used herein, the phrase "based on" should not be construed as referring to an exclusive set of conditions. For example, an exemplary step described as "based on condition A" can be based on both condition A and condition B without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In other words, as used herein, the phrase "based on" is to be construed the same as the phrase "based at least in part on." Also, as used herein, including in the claims, a "subset" refers to one or more items of a set of items. A subset may be, for example, one item of the set up to and including each item of the set.

[0098] In the accompanying drawings, similar components or features may have the same reference label. Additionally, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a dash and a second label that distinguishes between the similar components. If only a first reference label is used herein, the description is applicable to any of the similar components having the same first reference label, regardless of a second reference label or other subsequent reference labels.

[0099] The description set forth herein describes exemplary configurations in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and does not represent all examples that may be implemented or are within the scope of the claims. The term "exemplary" as used herein means "serving as an example, instance, or illustration" and does not mean "preferred" or "advantageous over other examples." The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing an understanding of the described technology. However, these technologies may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described examples.

[0100] The description herein is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present disclosure. Various modifications to the present disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure should not be limited to the examples and designs described herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. 1. A system for providing a communications session within a vehicle via a wireless communications link, the system comprising: a first data storage device located outside the vehicle and containing first information; a second data storage located on the vehicle, the second data storage containing second information; one or more third data storages located external to the vehicle, each of the third data storages including third information; A mobile device; the wireless communication link; A hardware processor configured to execute computer-executable instructions to: receiving the first information from the first data storage, the first information comprising profile information regarding a passenger using the mobility device on the vehicle; receiving the third information from the one or more third data storages, the third information comprising one or more rewards, including a communication session, that can be provided to a passenger associated with a mobility device that completes one or more interactions; aggregating the third information received from the one or more third data stores to obtain a reward pool including one or more rewards; determining a scarcity factor based at least in part on characteristics of the travel segment of the vehicle; applying the scarcity factor to the pool of rewards to generate a scarcity grant pool, the scarcity factor limiting an amount of rewards in the scarcity grant pool available to award to passengers, the number of rewards in the scarcity grant pool available for the travel leg being proportional to the number of passengers on the vehicle for the travel leg; selecting a subset of one or more rewards from the scarcity grant pool available to award to the passenger based on profile information about the passenger and one or more target characteristics identified by the partner; providing a subset of the one or more rewards to the passenger; establishing, via a multi-user access terminal on the vehicle, a communications session over the wireless communications link for a mobile device associated with a passenger based at least in part on completion of an interaction associated with the passenger who selected a reward offer, wherein characteristics of the communications session are based in part on a respective reward for the passenger who selected the reward offer; and Including, the system.

2. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the rarity factor is: The system includes one or more characteristics of the trip segment, including an origin of the trip segment, a destination of the trip segment, a respective passenger class for passengers traveling on the transportation vehicle for the trip segment, a duration of the trip segment, or a type of equipment for the trip segment.

3. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the hardware processor comprises: The system is further configured to present a metric related to the rarity factor to the passenger using a subset of the one or more rewards.

4. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the hardware processor comprises: The system is further configured to determine an amount of the scarcity grant pool reward based at least in part on a given amount of the scarcity grant pool reward, a total number of passengers traveling on a transportation vehicle for a travel segment, a duration of the travel segment, or a maximum number for a plurality of passengers for a travel segment.

5. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the hardware processor comprises: receiving an indication of completion of each interaction associated with a subset of the one or more rewards by one or more passengers traveling on the vehicle for the travel segment; receiving a second plurality of rewards, the second plurality of rewards including respective interactions and respective rewards associated with the communication session, the second plurality of rewards being associated with the one or more target characteristics; identifying second profile information for a second plurality of passengers scheduled for a second leg of travel of a second vehicle, the second profile information including one or more respective second user characteristics for the second plurality of passengers; selecting a second subset of the second plurality of rewards for a second passenger of the second plurality of passengers based at least in part on an indication of completion of each interaction associated with the one or more rewards; The system is further configured to:

6. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the hardware processor is further configured to determine completion by the passenger of an interaction of each previously selected reward; The selection of the subset of the one or more rewards for the passenger is based at least in part on completion of an interaction of each of the previously selected rewards.

7. 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the subset of one or more rewards is associated with one of a plurality of categories; the hardware processor is further configured to determine a category for each of the previously selected rewards; The selection of the subset of rewards for the passenger is based at least in part on each category of the previously selected rewards.

8. 7. The system of claim 6, wherein each of the subset of one or more rewards is associated with a category of a plurality of categories; the hardware processor is further configured to determine a category for each of the previously selected rewards; The system, wherein selecting the subset of the one or more rewards for the passenger includes excluding some rewards from the subset of the one or more rewards based in part on an associated category of the excluded reward and each category of the previously selected reward.

9. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the hardware processor is further configured to identify one or more past interactions associated with a unique identifier associated with a passenger; At least one reward of the subset of the one or more rewards is based at least in part on the identified one or more past interactions.

10. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the hardware processor is further configured to determine interaction history data associated with a pool of rewards; The selection of the subset of the one or more rewards is based at least in part on the determined interaction history data.

11. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the profile information includes one or more characteristics of a leg of travel; The one or more characteristics of the travel segment include an origin of the travel segment, a destination of the travel segment, a passenger class of each of the passengers of the transportation vehicle, a duration of the travel segment, a type of vehicle of the travel segment, or a combination thereof.

12. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the hardware processor is further configured to receive a request from a passenger to modify a subset of the one or more rewards, and to provide the modified subset of rewards to the passenger; The modified subset of rewards includes selected rewards.

13. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the subset of the one or more rewards includes two or more rewards; The system, wherein the hardware processor is further configured to receive from the passenger a selection of a reward from the offered subset.

14. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the characteristics of the communication session include a total amount of time allocated to the communication session, a data rate of the communication session, a total amount of data communicated for the communication session, access to one or more service types, access to one or more network destinations, or a combination thereof.

15. 1. A system for providing a communications session within a vehicle via a wireless communications link, the system comprising: a first data storage located external to the vehicle, the first data storage including a first plurality of information; a second data storage located on the vehicle, the second data storage including a second plurality of information; one or more third data storages located external to the vehicle, each storing a third plurality of information; a mobile device disposed on the vehicle and configured to participate in a communications session via the wireless communications link; the wireless communication link; a hardware processor disposed on the transportation vehicle and configured to execute computer-executable instructions to: receiving the first plurality of information from the first data storage, the first plurality of information comprising profile information regarding passengers using the mobility devices on the vehicle; receiving the third plurality of information from each of the one or more third data storages; aggregating the third plurality of information received from each of the one or more third data storages to obtain a collection pool including one or more rewards including communication sessions available to passengers associated with mobile devices having one or more completed interactions; selecting a subset of one or more rewards from the collection pool based on profile information about the passenger and one or more target characteristics specified by a partner, the subset of one or more rewards available to be provided to the passenger in exchange for the passenger completing an interaction; determining whether the passenger has completed an interaction based at least in part on one or more indications that an interaction has been completed by the passenger with respect to the subset of the one or more rewards; in response to determining that the passenger has completed the interaction, providing a subset of the one or more rewards to the passenger via the mobility device; establishing a communications session over the wireless communication link for the mobile device via a multi-user access terminal on a vehicle; Including, the system.

16. 1. A system for providing a communications session within a vehicle via a wireless communications link, the system comprising: a first data storage located external to the vehicle, the first data storage including a first plurality of information; a second data storage located on the vehicle, the second data storage including a second plurality of information; one or more third data storages located external to the vehicle, each storing a third plurality of information; a mobile device disposed on the vehicle and configured to participate in a communications session via the wireless communications link; the wireless communication link; A reward assessment device, comprising: receiving the first plurality of information from the first data storage, the first plurality of information comprising profile information regarding passengers using the mobility device on the vehicle; receiving the third plurality of information from each of the one or more third data storages; aggregating the third plurality of information received from each of the one or more third data storages to obtain a collection pool including one or more rewards including communication sessions available to passengers associated with mobile devices having one or more completed interactions; selecting a subset of one or more rewards from the collection pool based on profile information about the passenger and one or more target characteristics identified by the partner, wherein the subset of one or more rewards is available to be provided to the passenger in exchange for the passenger completing an interaction; a reward evaluation device configured to determine whether the passenger has completed an interaction based at least in part on one or more indications that the interaction has been completed by the passenger for the subset of the one or more rewards; A communication interface, in response to determining that the passenger has completed the interaction, providing a subset of the one or more rewards to the passenger via the mobile device; a communication interface configured to establish a communication session over the wireless communication link for the mobile device via a multi-user access terminal on a vehicle; Including, the system.

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