Method, apparatus and computer program

Abstract

There is provided an internet protocol multimedia subsystem apparatus comprising: means for inserting, into a signalling message, information of one or more user feedback actions and information of one or more associated feedback report endpoints; and means for transmitting the signalling message to a user equipment.

Description

[0001] METHOD, APPARATUS AND COMPUTER PROGRAM

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] Various example embodiments of this disclosure relate to a method, apparatus, system and computer program and in particular but not exclusively to providing information of user feedback actions and information of associated feedback report endpoints to a user equipment.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] A communication network can be seen as a facility that enables communications between two or more communication devices, or provides communication devices access to a data network. A mobile or wireless communication network is one example of a communication network. A communication device may be provided with a service by an application server.

[0006] Such communication networks operate in according with standards such as those provided by 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project) or ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute). Examples of standards are the so-called 5G (5th Generation) standards provided by 3GPP.

[0007] A feature of modern communication systems is known as feedback reporting, wherein a user of a user equipment (UE) is able to provide feedback in order to improve the future user’s experience.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] Some example embodiments of this disclosure will be described with respect to certain aspects. These aspects are not intended to indicate key or essential features of the embodiments of this disclosure, nor are they intended to be used to limit the scope of thereof. Other features, aspects, and elements will be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art in view of this disclosure.

[0010] According to a first aspect, there is disclosed an internet protocol multimedia subsystem apparatus comprising: means for inserting, into a signalling message, information of one or more user feedback actions and information of one or more associated feedback report endpoints; and means for transmitting the signalling message to a user equipment.

[0011] According to some examples, the apparatus further comprises means for exposing an application programming interface of the apparatus to a network function for receiving, from the network function, the information of the one or more user feedback actions and for receiving, from the network function, the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints. According to some examples, the information of the one or more user feedback actions comprises information for a user of the user equipment to provide feedback either: during an internet protocol multimedia subsystem session setup; during an internet protocol multimedia subsystem session; after the internet protocol multimedia subsystem session has ended; or upon receiving a non-session associated signalling message.

[0012] According to some examples, the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints comprises information of where the user equipment is required to send one or more feedback reports to and a manner in which the user equipment is to provide the one or more feedback reports.

[0013] According to some examples, the apparatus further comprises means for transmitting, to the user equipment, the information of the one or more user feedback actions and the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints, within one or more web links in one or more headers of the signalling message or within in the body of the signalling message.

[0014] According to some examples, the apparatus further comprises means for transmitting, to the user equipment, the information of the one or more user feedback actions and the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints, within a parameter of one or more headers of the message or within the body of the signalling message.

[0015] According to some examples, the apparatus further comprises means for exposing the application programming interface of the apparatus to the network function for receiving a set of criteria from the network function informing the apparatus: when to insert, into the signalling message, the information of the one or more user feedback actions and the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints; and which information to insert, into the signalling message, as the information of the one or more user feedback actions and the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints.

[0016] According to some examples, the set of criteria comprises information of at least one of: the one or more headers of the signalling message; content of the signalling message; a date and time of the signalling message; and an identity and location of the user equipment in which the signalling message is transmitted to.

[0017] According to some examples, the apparatus further comprises means for removing information of one or more user feedback actions received from another internet protocol multimedia subsystem.

[0018] According to some examples, the apparatus further comprises means for exposing the application programming interface of the apparatus to the network function for retrieving, or being notified about, one or more feedback reports provided by the user equipment at the network function. According to some examples, the apparatus further comprises means for retrieving one or more feedback reports from the user equipment.

[0019] According to some examples, after the apparatus has retrieved the one or more feedback reports from the user equipment, the apparatus comprises means for providing one or more follow-up actions based on the one or more feedback reports.

[0020] According to some examples, the signalling message is one of: a session initiation protocol invite request; a notify message; or a publish message.

[0021] According to some examples, the non-session associated signalling message is a session initiation protocol message.

[0022] According to some examples, the one or more feedback reports are transmitted by the user equipment in a session initiation protocol ok message.

[0023] According to a second aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: inserting, into a signalling message, information of one or more user feedback actions and information of one or more associated feedback report endpoints; and transmitting the signalling message to a user equipment.

[0024] According to a third aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: means for receiving information of one or more user feedback actions and for receiving information of one or more associated feedback report endpoints, in a signalling message of an internet protocol multimedia subsystem; means for displaying the information of the one or more user feedback actions, for prompting a user of the apparatus to provide user feedback; and means for transmitting one or more feedback reports, to associated feedback report endpoints, wherein the one or more feedback reports comprise the user feedback, related to the received information of the one or more user feedback actions, provided by the user.

[0025] According to some examples, the information of the one or more user feedback actions is received after subscribing to a session initiation protocol event package in the internet protocol multimedia subsystem.

[0026] According to some examples, the information of the one or more user feedback actions comprises information for the user of the apparatus to provide feedback either: during an internet protocol multimedia subsystem session setup; during an internet protocol multimedia subsystem session; after the internet protocol multimedia subsystem session has ended; or upon receiving non-session related signalling messages.

[0027] According to some examples, the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints comprises information of where the apparatus is required to send the one or more feedback reports to and a manner in which the apparatus is to provide the one or more feedback reports. According to some examples, the apparatus further comprises means for receiving the information of the one or more user feedback actions via a session initiation protocol request or a response message.

[0028] According to some examples, the apparatus further comprises means for displaying the information of the one or more user feedback actions after downloading at least one icon related to the user feedback actions.

[0029] According to some examples, the apparatus further comprises means for transmitting the one or more feedback reports to one or more web links received in one or more headers of the signalling message received from the internet protocol multimedia subsystem.

[0030] According to some examples, the apparatus further comprises means for transmitting the one or more feedback reports in one or more headers of the signalling message, or in the body of one or more response messages to the signalling message received from the internet protocol multimedia subsystem.

[0031] According to some examples, the apparatus further comprises means for transmitting the one or more feedback reports in one or more headers of the signalling message, or in the body of one or more request messages that are separate to the signalling message received from the internet protocol multimedia subsystem.

[0032] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: receiving information of one or more user feedback actions and for receiving information of one or more associated feedback report endpoints, in a signalling message of an internet protocol multimedia subsystem; displaying the information of the one or more user feedback actions, for prompting a user of the apparatus to provide user feedback; and transmitting one or more feedback reports, to associated feedback report endpoints, wherein the one or more feedback reports comprise the user feedback, related to the received information of the one or more user feedback actions, provided by the user.

[0033] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: means for interacting with an application programming interface of an internet protocol multimedia subsystem to provide, to the internet protocol multimedia subsystem, information of one or more user feedback actions and information of one or more associated feedback report endpoints; and means for retrieving one or more feedback reports from a user equipment.

[0034] According to some examples, the apparatus further comprises means for interacting with the application programming interface of the internet protocol multimedia subsystem to provide a set of criteria informing the internet protocol multimedia subsystem: when to insert, into a signalling message, the information of the one or more user feedback actions and the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints; and which information to insert, into the signalling message, as the information of the one or more user feedback actions and the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints.

[0035] According to some examples, the set of criteria comprises information of at least one of: one or more headers of the signalling message; content of the signalling message; a date and time of the signalling message and; an identity and location of the user equipment in which the signalling message is transmitted to.

[0036] According to some examples, the information of the one or more user feedback actions comprises information for a user of the user equipment to provide feedback either: during an internet protocol multimedia subsystem session setup; during an internet protocol multimedia subsystem session; after the internet protocol multimedia subsystem session has ended; or upon receiving non-session related signalling messages.

[0037] According to some examples, the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints comprises information of where the user equipment is required to send the one or more feedback reports to and a manner in which the user equipment is to provide the one or more feedback reports.

[0038] According to some examples, after the apparatus has retrieved the one or more feedback reports from the user equipment, the apparatus further comprises means for providing one or more follow-up actions based on the one or more feedback reports.

[0039] According to some examples, the means for retrieving the one or more feedback reports from the user equipment comprises receiving the one or more feedback reports directly from the user equipment.

[0040] According to some examples, the means for retrieving the one or more feedback reports from the user equipment comprises interacting with the application programming interface of the internet protocol multimedia subsystem.

[0041] According to some examples, the means for retrieving the one or more feedback reports from the user equipment comprises subscribing to a session initiation protocol event package at the user equipment.

[0042] According to some examples, the apparatus is one of: an application server; a trusted application server external to the internet protocol multimedia subsystem; a network data analytics function of a 5G core network; or an application function of a 5G core network.

[0043] According to a sixth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: interacting with an application programming interface of an internet protocol multimedia subsystem to provide, to the internet protocol multimedia subsystem, information of one or more user feedback actions and information of one or more associated feedback report endpoints; and retrieving one or more feedback reports from a user equipment. According to a seventh aspect, there is provided a method comprising: inserting, into a signalling message, information of one or more user feedback actions and information of one or more associated feedback report endpoints; and transmitting the signalling message to a user equipment.

[0044] According to some examples, the method further comprises exposing an application programming interface of an internet protocol multimedia subsystem apparatus to a network function for receiving, from the network function, the information of the one or more user feedback actions and for receiving, from the network function, the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints.

[0045] According to some examples, the information of the one or more user feedback actions comprises information for a user of the user equipment to provide feedback either: during an internet protocol multimedia subsystem session setup; during an internet protocol multimedia subsystem session; after the internet protocol multimedia subsystem session has ended; or upon receiving a non-session associated signalling message.

[0046] According to some examples, the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints comprises information of where the user equipment is required to send one or more feedback reports to and a manner in which the user equipment is to provide the one or more feedback reports.

[0047] According to some examples, the method further comprises transmitting, to the user equipment, the information of the one or more user feedback actions and the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints, within one or more web links in one or more headers of the signalling message or within in the body of the signalling message.

[0048] According to some examples, the method further comprises transmitting, to the user equipment, the information of the one or more user feedback actions and the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints, within a parameter of one or more headers of the message or within the body of the signalling message.

[0049] According to some examples, the method further comprises exposing the application programming interface of the apparatus to the network function for receiving a set of criteria from the network function informing the internet protocol multimedia subsystem apparatus: when to insert, into the signalling message, the information of the one or more user feedback actions and the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints; and which information to insert, into the signalling message, as the information of the one or more user feedback actions and the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints.

[0050] According to some examples, the set of criteria comprises information of at least one of: the one or more headers of the signalling message; content of the signalling message; a date and time of the signalling message; and an identity and location of the user equipment in which the signalling message is transmitted to.

[0051] According to some examples, the method further comprises removing information of one or more user feedback actions received from another internet protocol multimedia subsystem.

[0052] According to some examples, the method further comprises exposing the application programming interface of the apparatus to the network function for retrieving, or being notified about, one or more feedback reports provided by the user equipment at the network function.

[0053] According to some examples, the method further comprises retrieving one or more feedback reports from the user equipment.

[0054] According to some examples, after the apparatus has retrieved the one or more feedback reports from the user equipment, the method comprises providing one or more follow-up actions based on the one or more feedback reports.

[0055] According to some examples, the signalling message is one of: a session initiation protocol invite request; a notify message; or a publish message.

[0056] According to some examples, the non-session associated signalling message is a session initiation protocol message.

[0057] According to some examples, the one or more feedback reports are transmitted by the user equipment in a session initiation protocol ok message.

[0058] According to an eighth aspect, there is provided a method comprising: receiving information of one or more user feedback actions and receiving information of one or more associated feedback report endpoints, in a signalling message of an internet protocol multimedia subsystem; displaying the information of the one or more user feedback actions, for prompting a user of the apparatus to provide user feedback; and transmitting one or more feedback reports, to associated feedback report endpoints, wherein the one or more feedback reports comprise the user feedback, related to the received information of the one or more user feedback actions, provided by the user.

[0059] According to some examples, the information of the one or more user feedback actions is received after subscribing to a session initiation protocol event package in the internet protocol multimedia subsystem.

[0060] According to some examples, the information of the one or more user feedback actions comprises information for the user of the apparatus to provide feedback either: during an internet protocol multimedia subsystem session setup; during an internet protocol multimedia subsystem session; after the internet protocol multimedia subsystem session has ended; or upon receiving non-session related signalling messages.

[0061] According to some examples, the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints comprises information of where the apparatus is required to send the one or more feedback reports to and a manner in which the apparatus is to provide the one or more feedback reports.

[0062] According to some examples, the method further comprises receiving the information of the one or more user feedback actions via a session initiation protocol request or a response message.

[0063] According to some examples, the method further comprises displaying the information of the one or more user feedback actions after downloading at least one icon related to the user feedback actions.

[0064] According to some examples, the method further comprises transmitting the one or more feedback reports to one or more web links received in one or more headers of the signalling message received from the internet protocol multimedia subsystem.

[0065] According to some examples, the method further comprises transmitting the one or more feedback reports in one or more headers of the signalling message, or in the body of one or more response messages to the signalling message received from the internet protocol multimedia subsystem.

[0066] According to some examples, the method further comprises transmitting the one or more feedback reports in one or more headers of the signalling message, or in the body of one or more request messages that are separate to the signalling message received from the internet protocol multimedia subsystem.

[0067] According to a ninth aspect, there is provided a method comprising: interacting with an application programming interface of an internet protocol multimedia subsystem to provide, to the internet protocol multimedia subsystem, information of one or more user feedback actions and information of one or more associated feedback report endpoints; and retrieving one or more feedback reports from a user equipment.

[0068] According to some examples, the method further comprises interacting with the application programming interface of the internet protocol multimedia subsystem to provide a set of criteria informing the internet protocol multimedia subsystem: when to insert, into a signalling message, the information of the one or more user feedback actions and the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints; and which information to insert, into the signalling message, as the information of the one or more user feedback actions and the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints.

[0069] According to some examples, the set of criteria comprises information of at least one of: one or more headers of the signalling message; content of the signalling message; a date and time of the signalling message and; an identity and location of the user equipment in which the signalling message is transmitted to.

[0070] According to some examples, the information of the one or more user feedback actions comprises information for a user of the user equipment to provide feedback either: during an internet protocol multimedia subsystem session setup; during an internet protocol multimedia subsystem session; after the internet protocol multimedia subsystem session has ended; or upon receiving non-session related signalling messages.

[0071] According to some examples, the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints comprises information of where the user equipment is required to send the one or more feedback reports to and a manner in which the user equipment is to provide the one or more feedback reports.

[0072] According to some examples, after the network function apparatus has retrieved the one or more feedback reports from the user equipment, the method comprises providing one or more follow-up actions based on the one or more feedback reports.

[0073] According to some examples, retrieving the one or more feedback reports from the user equipment comprises receiving the one or more feedback reports directly from the user equipment.

[0074] According to some examples, retrieving the one or more feedback reports from the user equipment comprises interacting with the application programming interface of the internet protocol multimedia subsystem.

[0075] According to some examples, retrieving the one or more feedback reports from the user equipment comprises subscribing to a session initiation protocol event package at the user equipment.

[0076] According to a tenth aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions for causing an internet protocol multimedia subsystem apparatus to perform at least the following: inserting, into a signalling message, information of one or more user feedback actions and information of one or more associated feedback report endpoints; and transmitting the signalling message to a user equipment.

[0077] According to some examples, the computer program comprises instructions for causing the apparatus to perform exposing an application programming interface of an internet protocol multimedia subsystem apparatus to a network function for receiving, from the network function, the information of the one or more user feedback actions and for receiving, from the network function, the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints.

[0078] According to some examples, the information of the one or more user feedback actions comprises information for a user of the user equipment to provide feedback either: during an internet protocol multimedia subsystem session setup; during an internet protocol multimedia subsystem session; after the internet protocol multimedia subsystem session has ended; or upon receiving a non-session associated signalling message.

[0079] According to some examples, the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints comprises information of where the user equipment is required to send one or more feedback reports to and a manner in which the user equipment is to provide the one or more feedback reports.

[0080] According to some examples, the computer program comprises instructions for causing the apparatus to perform: transmitting, to the user equipment, the information of the one or more user feedback actions and the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints, within one or more web links in one or more headers of the signalling message or within in the body of the signalling message.

[0081] According to some examples, the computer program comprises instructions for causing the apparatus to perform: transmitting, to the user equipment, the information of the one or more user feedback actions and the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints, within a parameter of one or more headers of the message or within the body of the signalling message.

[0082] According to some examples, the computer program comprises instructions for causing the apparatus to perform: exposing the application programming interface of the apparatus to the network function for receiving a set of criteria from the network function informing the internet protocol multimedia subsystem apparatus: when to insert, into the signalling message, the information of the one or more user feedback actions and the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints; and which information to insert, into the signalling message, as the information of the one or more user feedback actions and the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints.

[0083] According to some examples, the set of criteria comprises information of at least one of: the one or more headers of the signalling message; content of the signalling message; a date and time of the signalling message; and an identity and location of the user equipment in which the signalling message is transmitted to.

[0084] According to some examples, the computer program comprises instructions for causing the apparatus to perform: removing information of one or more user feedback actions received from another internet protocol multimedia subsystem.

[0085] According to some examples, the computer program comprises instructions for causing the apparatus to perform: exposing the application programming interface of the apparatus to the network function for retrieving, or being notified about, one or more feedback reports provided by the user equipment at the network function.

[0086] According to some examples, the computer program comprises instructions for causing the apparatus to perform: retrieving one or more feedback reports from the user equipment.

[0087] According to some examples, after the apparatus has retrieved the one or more feedback reports from the user equipment, the computer program comprises instructions for causing the apparatus to perform: providing one or more follow-up actions based on the one or more feedback reports.

[0088] According to some examples, the signalling message is one of: a session initiation protocol invite request; a notify message; or a publish message.

[0089] According to some examples, the non-session associated signalling message is a session initiation protocol message.

[0090] According to some examples, the one or more feedback reports are transmitted by the user equipment in a session initiation protocol ok message.

[0091] According to an eleventh aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions for causing a user equipment apparatus to perform at least the following: receiving information of one or more user feedback actions and receiving information of one or more associated feedback report endpoints, in a signalling message of an internet protocol multimedia subsystem; displaying the information of the one or more user feedback actions, for prompting a user of the apparatus to provide user feedback; and transmitting one or more feedback reports, to associated feedback report endpoints, wherein the one or more feedback reports comprise the user feedback, related to the received information of the one or more user feedback actions, provided by the user.

[0092] According to some examples, the information of the one or more user feedback actions is received after subscribing to a session initiation protocol event package in the internet protocol multimedia subsystem.

[0093] According to some examples, the information of the one or more user feedback actions comprises information for the user of the apparatus to provide feedback either: during an internet protocol multimedia subsystem session setup; during an internet protocol multimedia subsystem session; after the internet protocol multimedia subsystem session has ended; or upon receiving non-session related signalling messages.

[0094] According to some examples, the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints comprises information of where the apparatus is required to send the one or more feedback reports to and a manner in which the apparatus is to provide the one or more feedback reports.

[0095] According to some examples, the computer program comprises instructions for causing the apparatus to perform: receiving the information of the one or more user feedback actions via a session initiation protocol request or a response message.

[0096] According to some examples, the computer program comprises instructions for causing the apparatus to perform: displaying the information of the one or more user feedback actions after downloading at least one icon related to the user feedback actions.

[0097] According to some examples, the computer program comprises instructions for causing the apparatus to perform: transmitting the one or more feedback reports to one or more web links received in one or more headers of the signalling message received from the internet protocol multimedia subsystem.

[0098] According to some examples, the computer program comprises instructions for causing the apparatus to perform: transmitting the one or more feedback reports in one or more headers of the signalling message, or in the body of one or more response messages to the signalling message received from the internet protocol multimedia subsystem.

[0099] According to some examples, computer program comprises instructions for causing the apparatus to perform: transmitting the one or more feedback reports in one or more headers of the signalling message, or in the body of one or more request messages that are separate to the signalling message received from the internet protocol multimedia subsystem.

[0100] According to a twelfth aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions for causing a network function apparatus to perform at least the following: interacting with an application programming interface of an internet protocol multimedia subsystem to provide, to the internet protocol multimedia subsystem, information of one or more user feedback actions and information of one or more associated feedback report endpoints; and retrieving one or more feedback reports from a user equipment.

[0101] According to some examples, the computer program comprises instructions for causing the apparatus to perform: interacting with the application programming interface of the internet protocol multimedia subsystem to provide a set of criteria informing the internet protocol multimedia subsystem: when to insert, into a signalling message, the information of the one or more user feedback actions and the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints; and which information to insert, into the signalling message, as the information of the one or more user feedback actions and the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints.

[0102] According to some examples, the set of criteria comprises information of at least one of: one or more headers of the signalling message; content of the signalling message; a date and time of the signalling message and; an identity and location of the user equipment in which the signalling message is transmitted to.

[0103] According to some examples, the information of the one or more user feedback actions comprises information for a user of the user equipment to provide feedback either: during an internet protocol multimedia subsystem session setup; during an internet protocol multimedia subsystem session; after the internet protocol multimedia subsystem session has ended; or upon receiving non-session related signalling messages.

[0104] According to some examples, the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints comprises information of where the user equipment is required to send the one or more feedback reports to and a manner in which the user equipment is to provide the one or more feedback reports. According to some examples, after the network function apparatus has retrieved the one or more feedback reports from the user equipment, the computer program comprises instructions for causing the apparatus to perform: providing one or more follow-up actions based on the one or more feedback reports.

[0105] According to some examples, retrieving the one or more feedback reports from the user equipment comprises receiving the one or more feedback reports directly from the user equipment.

[0106] According to some examples, retrieving the one or more feedback reports from the user equipment comprises interacting with the application programming interface of the internet protocol multimedia subsystem.

[0107] According to some examples, retrieving the one or more feedback reports from the user equipment comprises subscribing to a session initiation protocol event package at the user equipment.

[0108] According to a thirteenth aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: inserting, into a signalling message, information of one or more user feedback actions and information of one or more associated feedback report endpoints; and transmitting the signalling message to a user equipment.

[0109] According to a fourteenth aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: receiving information of one or more user feedback actions and receiving information of one or more associated feedback report endpoints, in a signalling message of an internet protocol multimedia subsystem; displaying the information of the one or more user feedback actions, for prompting a user of the apparatus to provide user feedback; and transmitting one or more feedback reports, to associated feedback report endpoints, wherein the one or more feedback reports comprise the user feedback, related to the received information of the one or more user feedback actions, provided by the user.

[0110] According to a fifteenth aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: interacting with an application programming interface of an internet protocol multimedia subsystem to provide, to the internet protocol multimedia subsystem, information of one or more user feedback actions and information of one or more associated feedback report endpoints; and retrieving one or more feedback reports from a user equipment.

[0111] According to a sixteenth aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: inserting, into a signalling message, information of one or more user feedback actions and information of one or more associated feedback report endpoints; and transmitting the signalling message to a user equipment.

[0112] According to a seventeenth aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: receiving information of one or more user feedback actions and receiving information of one or more associated feedback report endpoints, in a signalling message of an internet protocol multimedia subsystem; displaying the information of the one or more user feedback actions, for prompting a user of the apparatus to provide user feedback; and transmitting one or more feedback reports, to associated feedback report endpoints, wherein the one or more feedback reports comprise the user feedback, related to the received information of the one or more user feedback actions, provided by the user.

[0113] According to an eighteenth aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: interacting with an application programming interface of an internet protocol multimedia subsystem to provide, to the internet protocol multimedia subsystem, information of one or more user feedback actions and information of one or more associated feedback report endpoints; and retrieving one or more feedback reports from a user equipment.

[0114] According to a nineteenth aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: inserting, into a signalling message, information of one or more user feedback actions and information of one or more associated feedback report endpoints; and transmitting the signalling message to a user equipment.

[0115] According to a twentieth aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: receiving information of one or more user feedback actions and receiving information of one or more associated feedback report endpoints, in a signalling message of an internet protocol multimedia subsystem; displaying the information of the one or more user feedback actions, for prompting a user of the apparatus to provide user feedback; and transmitting one or more feedback reports, to associated feedback report endpoints, wherein the one or more feedback reports comprise the user feedback, related to the received information of the one or more user feedback actions, provided by the user.

[0116] According to a twenty-first aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: interacting with an application programming interface of an internet protocol multimedia subsystem to provide, to the internet protocol multimedia subsystem, information of one or more user feedback actions and information of one or more associated feedback report endpoints; and retrieving one or more feedback reports from a user equipment.

[0117] According to a twenty-second aspect, there is provided a computer readable medium comprising program instructions that, when executed by an internet protocol multimedia subsystem apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: inserting, into a signalling message, information of one or more user feedback actions and information of one or more associated feedback report endpoints; and transmitting the signalling message to a user equipment.

[0118] According to a twenty-third aspect, there is provided a computer readable medium comprising program instructions that, when executed by a user equipment apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: receiving information of one or more user feedback actions and receiving information of one or more associated feedback report endpoints, in a signalling message of an internet protocol multimedia subsystem; displaying the information of the one or more user feedback actions, for prompting a user of the apparatus to provide user feedback; and transmitting one or more feedback reports, to associated feedback report endpoints, wherein the one or more feedback reports comprise the user feedback, related to the received information of the one or more user feedback actions, provided by the user.

[0119] According to a twenty-fourth aspect, there is provided a computer readable medium comprising program instructions that, when executed by a network function apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: interacting with an application programming interface of an internet protocol multimedia subsystem to provide, to the internet protocol multimedia subsystem, information of one or more user feedback actions and information of one or more associated feedback report endpoints; and retrieving one or more feedback reports from a user equipment.

[0120] According to a twenty-fifth aspect, there is provided a computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: inserting, into a signalling message, information of one or more user feedback actions and information of one or more associated feedback report endpoints; and transmitting the signalling message to a user equipment.

[0121] According to a twenty-sixth aspect, there is provided a computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: receiving information of one or more user feedback actions and receiving information of one or more associated feedback report endpoints, in a signalling message of an internet protocol multimedia subsystem; displaying the information of the one or more user feedback actions, for prompting a user of the apparatus to provide user feedback; and transmitting one or more feedback reports, to associated feedback report endpoints, wherein the one or more feedback reports comprise the user feedback, related to the received information of the one or more user feedback actions, provided by the user.

[0122] According to a twenty-seventh aspect, there is provided a computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: interacting with an application programming interface of an internet protocol multimedia subsystem to provide, to the internet protocol multimedia subsystem, information of one or more user feedback actions and information of one or more associated feedback report endpoints; and retrieving one or more feedback reports from a user equipment.

[0123] In the above, many different aspects of the various example embodiments have been described. It should be appreciated that further aspects may be provided by the combination of any two or more of the aspects described above.

[0124] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0125] Some example embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting and illustrative example only, with reference to the accompanying FIGs. in which:

[0126] FIG. 1 shows a representation of a 5thgeneration communication system;

[0127] FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of an originating user equipment communicating with a terminating user equipment via a communication network comprising two internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS) networks.

[0128] FIG. 3 shows signalling diagram according to an example embodiment;

[0129] FIG. 4 shows signalling diagram according to an example embodiment;

[0130] FIG. 5 shows signalling diagram according to an example embodiment;

[0131] FIG. 6 shows a representation of a control apparatus according to some example embodiments;

[0132] FIG. 7 shows a representation of an apparatus for the communication system of FIG. 1 according to some example embodiments;

[0133] FIG. 8 shows a flow chart of a method according to an example embodiment;

[0134] FIG. 9 shows a flow chart of a method according to an example embodiment;

[0135] FIG. 10 shows a flow chart of a method according to an example embodiment;

[0136] FIG. 11 shows a representation of an apparatus according to some example embodiments.

[0137] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0138] In the following various example embodiments are explained with reference to communication devices capable of communication with a communication system. Before explaining in detail some example embodiments of the methods and apparatuses of this disclosure, a 5thgeneration communication system (5GS), an access network and a core network (5GC) thereof, and communication devices are briefly explained with reference to FIGs. 1 , 6 and 7. It is noted that whilst some example embodiments are described in relation to 5G networks, similar principles can be applied in relation to other networks and communication systems such as EPS GN (4G), 5G-Advanced networks or 6G networks.

[0139] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a 5G communication system (5GS). The 5GS may comprise a user equipment (UE), an access network such as a 5G radio access network (5G-RAN) or next generation radio access network (NG-RAN), a 5G core network (5GC), and one or more application functions. An application function may be deployed in the 5GS as trusted application function or may be deployed or host on one or more application servers of the data network. Such application functions are untrusted application functions. The 5GS connects the UE to a data network the access network and the 5GC (e.g., a UPF of the 5GC).

[0140] The 5G-RAN may comprise one or more radio access nodes, such as gNodeB (GNB). A gNB may include one or more gNodeB (GNB) distributed units connected to one or more gNodeB (GNB) centralized units.

[0141] The 5GC may comprise the following network functions: Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF); Network Exposure Function; Network Repository Function (NRF); Policy Control Function (PCF); Unified Data Management (UDM); Application Function (AF); Authentication Server Function (AUSF); an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF); and Session Management Function (SMF), and a user plane function (UPF). FIG. 1 also shows the various interfaces (N1 , N2 etc.) that may be implemented between the various elements of the system.

[0142] FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of an originating user equipment (UE-A) communicating with a terminating user equipment (UE-B) via a communication network comprising two internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS) networks. The IMS network serving UE-A may be referred to as an originating IMS network and the IMS network serving UE-B may be referred to as a terminating IMS network. The communication network may comprise one or more public land mobile networks (PLMN). The communication network may comprise one or more (radio) access networks ((R)AN) (not illustrated), one or more core networks (5GC) (not illustrated) in addition to the two IMS networks shown. The 5GC may be connected to the IMS network (e.g., the originating IMS network or the terminating IMS network). The 5GC may manage traffic and routing from a UE via the (R)AN towards an IMS network (e.g., from the UE-A towards the originating IMS network or the UE-B towards the terminating IMS network). An IMS network (e.g., the originating IMS network or the terminating IMS network) may comprise a proxy call session control function (P-CSCF), a serving call session control function (S-CSCF), an interrogating call session control function (l-CSCF, not illustrated), an IMS application level gateway (IMS-AGW), an IMS home subscriber server (IMS HSS), an IMS application server (IMS AS), a media function (MF) or media repository function (MRF), a transition gateway (TrGW), an interconnection border control function (IBCF), a terminating IMS core, a data channel signalling function (DCSF), an XR application server (AS), a digital asset container (DAC) or a web server (not represented).

[0143] 3GPP S1-232190 discusses a case for enabling end-users of a UE to react on a Customized Altering Tone (CAT) or a Customized Ringing Signal (CRS). For example, an end-user may like, dislike or subscribe on a CAT and / or a CRS.

[0144] 3GPP TS 23.228 defines a data channel (DC) support in an internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS) for enabling the setup of a DC via the IMS and for enabling downloading and use applications in the context of an IMS multimedia session.

[0145] GSMA NG.129 “IMS Data Channel White Paper V1.0” details possible use cases based on a DC. For example, DC use cases may include interactive calling user stories based on DC application. For example, in a user story a business may enhance an incoming call from a consumer with a visual interactive menu, a pre-call multimedia information presentation, an interactive ringback tone, an enterprise interactive ringing service or CSP marketing offers. However, using dedicated IMS DC connections and applications as described in GSMA NG.129 may be seen as an excessive solution to handle some of the use cases and do not address the standardizations of experiences for the most common feedback actions.

[0146] IETF defines a generic framework providing a IETF SIP framework defining specifications such as Call-Info and Alert-Info headers to carry additional information about a call. An IETF Web Linking framework is defined to provide links (e.g., as a header that could be used in SIP) to related resources.

[0147] The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) defines ActivityPub and Activitystreams as standard specifications for federated social networks. For example, the standard protocol ActivityPub is used to exchange activities from client-to-server and server-to-server.

[0148] ATIS-1000081 provides a technical report for the display of a verified caller ID. For example, the technical report provides a framework for signalling verified caller ID information from the network to a UE.

[0149] However, there is no standard framework (i.e. , signalling support) in the IMS network for users or UEs to report feedback information in the context of IMS services. An IMS session may refer to an audio call, a video call, an avatar call, and / or an IMS data channel established between two communication devices (e.g., UE-A and UE-B) via the originating and terminating IMS networks. An avatar call between the UE-A and the UE-B may be a call wherein a user of the UE-A may be represented by an avatar representation in a user interface at the UE-B and another user of the UE-B may be represented by an avatar representation in a user interface at the IIE-A. An avatar representation of a user may comprise a two dimensional or three-dimensional representation of a face, a part of a body or an entire body of the user.

[0150] Therefore, there is no standard framework in the IMS network to report feedback information to the originating and / or terminating network, or to other UEs involved in the communication. For example, there are no standard mechanisms for UEs to report feedback information against robocall or spam calls. In some examples, feedback information in the context of an IMS session may include at least one of: a like / dislike indication provided by one or several entities to the network for feeding user preferences; call quality / rating feedback (e.g., QoE indication ranging from “poor” to “excellent” quality) for feeding recommender systems within the network to improve user experience; an indication of inappropriate / abuse content, avatars or robocall / spam callers for collection by the network and for use to feed a spam database; and reporting the quality of IMS DC applications. In some examples, followup actions can be taken by the network based on the feedback information received from different entities involved in an IMS session. In some examples, follow-up actions can be taken by the network such as: blocking spam calls in future; marking calls originating from certain numbers as potential spam; removing poorly rated IMS DC applications from the app store.

[0151] Using data channels, for example as discussed in GSMA NG.129, for proposing feedback actions to a user could be achieved by developing a DC application that displays an action button as web content. The DC application server (AS) may handle the feedback actions. However, when using DC applications, the type of feedback actions provided to the user / UE and the feedback reported by the user / UE are not standardized. Further, the Graphical User Interface (GUI) of the DC AS or application provider is not harmonized. Yet, the possible feedback actions provided via DC applications are limited to the context on IMS sessions.

[0152] Certain example embodiments herein provide a framework in the context of IMS services, e.g., sessions or messaging to incentivize user feedback reporting. For example, user feedback reporting may be incentivized at one or more of: IMS session setup; during an IMS session; at the end of an IMS session; after an IMS session has ended; upon receiving a non-session associated signalling message; or spontaneously. In some examples, user feedback reporting is initiated towards the involved network(s) and / or towards any peer users (in case of multi-party calls and conferences where more than two UEs may be involved). User feedback reporting may occur, for example, after the IMS session has ended to provide feedback about an already terminated session, or to provide feedback about an incoming standalone message.

[0153] In comparison to using a GUI provided by an application provider or by a communication service provider (CSP) as a web application for proposing user feedback actions to a UE, some example embodiments herein propose to use a simple-registered name and / or tag of the user feedback actions for providing user feedback actions to a UE. For example, a tag could be represented as a string, web link or Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) to identify a specific feedback action. In some examples, the tag / name of the user feedback actions are standardized. In some examples, the tag / name of the user feedback actions are URI of Activity Types standardized by W3C Activitystreams vocabulary. In some examples, the tag / name of the user feedback actions are standardized by 3GPP. In some examples, the tag / name of the user feedback actions are defined by an application provider or by a CSP. In some examples, the tag / name of the user feedback actions are mapped as a native user interface (Ul) into the dialler of the UE. In some examples, the tag / name of the user feedback actions are mapped as icons into the dialler of the UE. In some examples, the tag / name of the user feedback actions can be dereferenced to retrieve a related icon.

[0154] Some advantages of the disclosed examples may include: avoiding the need to create a dedicated web application or a DC application for simple user feedback actions; avoiding the setup of a DC channel; avoiding the use of unharmonized Uls. Further advantages of the example embodiments herein include providing a more standardized access to common user feedback actions, in an extensible manner. Standardizing user feedback actions, as proposed herein, also enhances security by clearly defining the information that is shared together with the user feedback, which otherwise may be unclear in the case of non-standard DC applications for the same purpose. Moreover, a standardized method for feedback reporting can be applied in inter-public land mobile network (inter-PLMN) and roaming scenarios, whereas, use of DC applications has interoperability restrictions across IMS networks.

[0155] FIG. 3 shows an example signalling procedure for enabling a user of a UE to provide user feedback related to IMS sessions or messages. In some examples, the signalling procedure occurs between an IMS apparatus 300, a network function (NF) 302 and a UE 304. In some examples, the IMS apparatus 300 is an IMS server within an IMS network. In some examples, the IMS apparatus 300 is an IMS application server (AS) within an IMS network. In some examples, the IMS apparatus 300 is an IMS node within an IMS network. In some examples, the IMS network is an originating IMS network. In some examples, the IMS network is a terminating network. In some examples, the NF 302 is an application server (AS). In some examples, the NF 302 is a trusted AS external to the IMS network. In some examples, the NF 302 is a network data analytics function (NWDAF) of a 5GC network. In some examples, the NF 302 is an application function of a 5GC network. In some examples, the NF 302 is an application function outside of a 5GC network. In some examples, the NF 302 is any other NF.

[0156] In this example, at S301 , an IMS apparatus 300 exposes an application programming interface (API) of the IMS network to the NF 302. In some examples, the IMS apparatus 300 exposes the API to the NF 302 for receiving information of one or more user feedback actions from the NF 302. In some examples, the IMS apparatus 300 exposes the API to the NF 302 for receiving information of one or more associated feedback report endpoints from the NF 302. In some examples, the IMS apparatus 300 exposes the API to the NF 302 for receiving a set of criteria from the NF 302. In some examples, the set of criteria may be to request specific user feedback actions from the UE 304. In some examples, the set of criteria comprises information of when the IMS apparatus 300 should insert information of the one or more user feedback actions and the information of the associated feedback report endpoint into a message. In some examples, the set of criteria comprises information of which information to insert, into the message, as the information of the one or more user feedback actions and the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints. In some examples, the set of criteria comprises information of at least one of: one or more headers of the message; information and / or content of the message; time of the message; date of the message; location of the UE 304; an identity of the UE 304 or group of UE etc. In some examples, the IMS apparatus 300 exposes the API to the NF 302 for receiving one or more web link. In some examples, the one or more received web links are for sending the information of the one or more user feedback actions and the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints, from the IMS apparatus 300 to the UE 304. In some examples, the IMS apparatus 300 may overwrite the web links provided by the NF 302 with its own web links.

[0157] At S302, the NF 302 interacts with the API of the IMS network. In some examples, the NF 302 interacts with the API to provide, to the IMS apparatus 300, information of one or more user feedback actions and information of one or more associated feedback report endpoints, for the IMS apparatus 300 to insert in a message at the IMS apparatus 300. In some examples, the NF 302 interacts with the API to provide, to the IMS apparatus 300, a set of criteria to request specific user feedback actions from the UE 304. In some examples, the NF 302 interacts with the API to provide, to the IMS apparatus 300, a set of criteria to request when the IMS apparatus 300 should insert information of the one or more user feedback actions and the information of the associated feedback report endpoint into a message. In some examples, the message at the IMS apparatus 300 is a signalling message. In some examples, information of one or more user feedback actions are identified and / or triggered and / or authorized based on at least one of: the service and / or application used (for example, an avatar call); location of the UE 304; subscription of the UE 304; a set of criteria provided by the NF 302 etc. In some examples, information of the one or more user feedback actions may comprise information for a user of the UE 304 to provide feedback. In some examples, the user of the UE 304 may provide feedback either: during an IMS session setup; during an IMS session; at the end of the IMS session; after the IMS session has ended; upon receiving a non-session associated signalling message; or spontaneously. In some examples, the nonsession associated signalling message is a SIP MESSAGE message. In some examples, the non-session associated signalling message is a SIP NOTIFY message. In some examples, the non-session associated signalling message is an HTTP message. In some examples, the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints comprises information of where the UE 304 is required to send a feedback report to. For example, the feedback endpoint may be the NF 302 or the IMS apparatus 300. In some examples, the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints comprises information of the manner in which the UE 304 is required to send a feedback report. For example, the manner in which the UE may send the feedback report may comprises one of: via a web link and / or URL provided in one or more headers of a message received from the IMS apparatus at the UE 304; via the body of the message received from the IMS apparatus 300 at the UE 304; via a response message to the message received from the IMS apparatus 300 at the UE 304; or via a request message that is separate to the message received from the IMS apparatus 300 at the UE 304. In some examples, the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints provides the feedback report endpoint for one or more of the user feedback actions. In some examples, information of the one or more user feedback actions may include user feedback action types. In some examples, user feedback action types may prompt the user to provide feedback in the form of at least one of: a “like” or approval; a “dislike” or disapproval; a flag as inappropriate; a subscription request; a quality rating; a spam indication; a blocking indication etc.

[0158] At S303, the IMS apparatus 300 inserts the information of the one or more user feedback actions and the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints into a message. For example, the message may be a signalling message. In some examples, the IMS apparatus 300 inserts the information of the one or more user feedback actions and the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints for targeting the UE of its own IMS network. For example, an originating IMS network targets a UE-A and a terminating IMS network targets a UE-B. In some examples, before the IMS apparatus 300 inserts the information of the one or more user feedback actions and the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints into the message, the IMS apparatus 300 may remove information of one or more user feedback actions received from another IMS network for security purposes. In some examples, the IMS apparatus 300 inserts one or more headers into the message. In some examples, the one or more headers may be a “alert-info” header, a “call-info” header or an “identity” header. In some examples, the one or more headers may be a “link” header or a novel header. In some examples, the one or more headers contain the information of the one or more user feedback actions and the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints. In some examples, the IMS apparatus 300 inserts the information of the one or more user feedback actions and the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints into a relNVITE and / or UPDATE message to provide additional and / or contextual user feedback actions. In some examples, the message is a session initiation protocol (SIP) message. In some examples, the message is a SIP INVITE request message. In some examples, the message is a NOTIFY message. In some examples, the message is a MESSAGE message. In some examples, the message is a session description protocol (SDP) message. In some examples, the IMS apparatus 300 inserts the information of the one or more user feedback actions and the information of the associated feedback report endpoint into a SIP message. In some examples, the IMS apparatus 300 inserts one or more headers into a SIP message containing the information of the one or more user feedback actions and the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints. In some examples, the IMS apparatus 300 inserts the information of the one or more user feedback actions and the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints into an SDP message. In some examples, the IMS apparatus 300 inserts one or more fields into an SDP message containing the information of the one or more user feedback actions and the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints. In some examples, one or more web link and / or URL is inserted into one or more headers of the message.

[0159] At S304, the IMS apparatus transmits the message to the UE 304 via IMS signalling. In some examples, the message contains the information of the one or more user feedback actions and the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints. In some examples, the IMS apparatus 300 transmits information of the one or more user feedback actions and the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints to the UE 304 within one or more web links and / or URLs in one or more headers of the message. For example, the IMS apparatus 300 may transmit information of the one or more user feedback actions and the information of the associated feedback report endpoint within IMS signalling as one or more web links and / or URLs via a SIP header. In some examples, the one or more web links and / or URLs are generic (e.g., are directed to an API endpoint), userspecific or unique (e.g., are related to a one-time session). In some examples, a new web link header is introduced as part of the one or more headers of the message. In some examples, the web link header has a web link and / or URL which points to the exact or specific NF 302 in which the user feedback report of the UE 304 is to be sent to. In some examples, the web link header comprises a “rel” parameter. For example, the “rel” parameter of each web link header corresponds to a specific user feedback action. In some examples, a “rel” parameter may include at least one of the following user feedback action types: like; dislike; flag; subscribe; rate; block; spam etc.

[0160] In some examples, the web link header of the message is an extension of application RFC 8288 existing in an HTTP domain. In some examples, the IMS apparatus 300 transmits information of the one or more user feedback actions and information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints to the UE 304 within a parameter of one or more headers of the message. For example, the IMS apparatus 300 transmits information of the one or more user feedback actions and information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints to the UE 304 via a dedicated purpose parameter within an existing header of the message. For example, the IMS apparatus 300 transmits information of the one or more user feedback actions and information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints to the UE 304 via a dedicated purpose parameter within an existing SIP “Call-Info” header of the message. In some examples, the IMS apparatus 300 may transmit information of the one or more user feedback actions and information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints to the UE 304 via a new dedicated header of the message. For example, the new dedicated header may be a new dedicated SIP header or a new dedicated SDP field. In some examples, the IMS apparatus 300 may transmit information of the one or more user feedback actions and information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints to the UE 304 as part of the body of the message. In some examples, the IMS apparatus 300 may transmit information of the one or more user feedback actions and information of the associated feedback report endpoint to the UE 304 as part of a SIP message body, for example, using a Jcard format or other JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) and / or Extensible Markup Language (XML) encoded body content.

[0161] At S305, the UE 304 receives the message containing the information of the one or more user feedback actions and the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints, from the IMS apparatus 300. In some examples, the UE 304 displays the information of the one or more user feedback actions that are available, for prompting a user of the apparatus to provide user feedback using the one or more user feedback actions. For example, the UE 304 displays specific icons and / or actions in the native dialler that are selectable by the user, prompting the user to take action. For example, the specific icon associated to a user feedback action is already stored in the UE. For example, the specific icon associated to a user feedback action is downloaded from the NF based on the tag / name of the user feedback action. For example, the UE may prompt the user to provide feedback on an incoming call and / or message and / or notification, during the call or at the end of the call. In some examples, a user of the UE 304 may manually provide user feedback in response to receiving the information of the one or more user feedback actions. In some examples, the UE 304 may automatically trigger user feedback and / or one or more feedback reports in response to receiving the information of the one or more user feedback actions. In some examples, an application installed and / or downloaded via DC to the UE 304 may automatically trigger user feedback and / or a feedback report in response to receiving the information of the one or more user feedback actions. At S306a, the UE 304 transmits one or more feedback reports to one or more feedback report endpoints. For example, the feedback report endpoint may be the NF 302. In this example, the NF 302 may directly receive the feedback report from the UE 304. In some examples, the NF 302 may receive feedback reports from the UE 302 which are related to a CAT and / or CRS based on an alert-info header received from the IMS apparatus 300, an incoming avatar and / or caller based on a call-info header received from the IMS apparatus 300, or at the end of a call for call quality feedback.

[0162] As an alternative to S306a, at S306b, the UE 304 may transmit one or more feedback reports to one or more feedback report endpoints. For example, the feedback report endpoint may be the IMS apparatus 300.

[0163] In both of S306a and S306b, the UE 304 may transmit one or more feedback reports to one or more feedback report endpoints based on the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints. In some examples, the user feedback report may be in the form of at least one of a: like; dislike; flag; subscribe; rate; block; spam etc. In some examples, the user of the UE 304 may provide feedback either: during an IMS session setup; during an IMS session; at the end of the IMS session; after the IMS session has ended; upon receiving a non-session associated signalling message, or spontaneously. In some examples, the UE 304 may transmit one or more feedback reports based on the user feedback provided by the user of the UE 304. In some examples, the UE 304 transmits one or more feedback reports in the manner in which is provided by the received information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints. For example, the UE 304 may transmit one or more feedback reports using the one or more web links and / or URLs in the one or more headers provided in the message received from the IMS apparatus 300. For example, the UE 304 provides a feedback report via sending a request to the provided endpoint URL in the message received from the IMS apparatus 300. In some examples, a HTTP session based on the URL of the link header for a specific user feedback action may be setup to report feedback. In some examples, the UE 304 transmits one or more feedback reports as activity submissions according to the W3C ActivityPub specification. In some examples, the UE 304 transmits one or more feedback reports as part of a response message to the message received from the IMS apparatus 300. In some examples, the UE 304 may transmit one or more feedback reports via one or more of: an ActivityPub activity message; an Activitystreams message; an SIP message; SDP message; a special feedback application that is downloaded via IMS DC and provided to the user at the beginning of the IMS session (e.g., at the beginning of a call); a DC reporting the feedback report to an AS; a DC reporting the feedback report inline the DC to a media function (MF) and / or a media resource function (MRF) using a DC application; or an HTTP request to a MF and / or MRF which are acting as an HTTP proxy. In some examples, the UE 304 transmits one or more feedback reports in one or more request messages that are separate to the message received from the IMS apparatus 300. For example, the separate request message may be a SIP PUBLISH request message or a SIP MESSAGE request message. In some examples, depending on the user feedback, some information related to the received message from the IMS apparatus 300 and / or information related to an incoming, ongoing or terminated IMS session, may be inserted into one or more feedback reports. For example, if the user feedback relates to reporting a robocall, the UE 304 may insert information from one or more headers (e.g., from a Call-Info header and / or from a header related to the IMS session) into one or more feedback reports, if the information from the one or more headers was not verified with an identity header.

[0164] At S307 (wherein the feedback report endpoint is the IMS apparatus 300), the IMS apparatus 300 exposes the API of the IMS network to the NF 302 so that the NF 302 can retrieve, or be notified about, the one or more feedback reports provided by the UE 304. In some examples, the IMS apparatus 300 exposes the API of the IMS network to the NF 302 so that the NF 302 can retrieve one or more feedback reports from a group of UEs. In some examples, the IMS apparatus 300 exposes the API of the IMS network to the NF 302 so that the NF 302 can retrieve a certain type of feedback report for a UE, a group of UE and / or any UE. In some examples, after the IMS apparatus 300 has received the one or more feedback reports, the IMS apparatus 300 provides one or more follow-up actions based on the one or more feedback reports.

[0165] At S308, the NF 302 interacts with the API of the IMS network in order to retrieve and / or subscribe to the one or more feedback reports provided by the UE 304. In some examples, the NF 302 may retrieve and / or subscribe to feedback reports based on specific criteria (for example, based on the UE or the type of feedback etc).

[0166] At S309, the NF 302 provides a follow-up action based on the one or more feedback reports retrieved from the UE 304. In some examples, the NF 302 provides one or more followup actions based on the one or more feedback reports received directly from the UE 302 (as per S306a). In other examples, the NF 302 provides one or more follow-up actions based on the one or more feedback reports received by interacting with the API of the IMS network (as per S308). In some examples, the one or more feedback reports can be stored inside and / or outside the IMS network. For example, a NF 302 inside the 5GC network (e.g., a NWDAF) or a NF 302 outside the IMS network (e.g., a trusted AS) may use the one or more feedback reports from the UE 304 to detect, for example, a spam call. The NF 302 inside and / or outside the IMS network may then expose this information to an external “spam number” database, where the numbers are stored. In another example, if a certain number of users (e.g., during a multi-party call) have provided feedback that one of the user’s (e.g., user A) avatar is fake, then the IMS network may not allow user A to use that avatar anymore. As discussed above at S304, a new web link header is introduced as part of the one or more headers of the message received by the UE from the IMS apparatus. In some examples, the web link header has a web link and / or URL which points to the exact NF and / or AS in which the user feedback report of the UE is to be sent to. In some examples, the web link header comprises a “rel” parameter that corresponds to a specific user feedback action. An example link header and associated “rel” parameter is shown below. In this example, the link header and associated “rel” parameter may be comprised in a message received by a UE- B, from an IMS apparatus in an IMS Network B.

[0167] INVITE ... SIP / 2 . 0

[0168] Link : <https : / / mnob . com / api / ims / vl / feedbacks> ; rel="https : / / www . 3gpp . org / ns / f eedbacktfreport-number "

[0169] Link : <https : / / mnob . com / api / ims / vl / feedbacks>; rel= "https : / / www . 3gpp . org / ns / f eedback#imssession-qoe"

[0170] Another example link header and associated “rel” parameter is shown below. In this example, the link header and associated “rel” parameter may be comprised in a message received by a UE-A, from an IMS apparatus in an IMS Network A.

[0171] SIP / 2 . 0 180 Ringing

[0172] Link : <https : / / mnoa . com / api / ims / vl / f eedbacks>; rel=https : / / www . 3gpp . org / ns / f eedback#imssession-qoe

[0173] Link : <https : / / mnoa . com / api / ims / vl / f eedbacks>; rel= "https : / / www . mnoa . com / ns / feedback# co nt ent -sub scribe " Link : <https : / / mnoa . com / api / ims / vl / f eedbacks>; rel="https : / / www . w3 . org / ns / activitystreams#Like"

[0174] A communication network may comprise two IMS network (an originating IMS network which may serve UE-A, and a terminating IMS network which may serve UE-B. In some examples, the originating and terminating IMS networks can share user feedback reports offline.

[0175] In some examples, the originating IMS network may comprise an originating IMS apparatus. The originating IMS apparatus may insert information of one or more user feedback actions as one or more link headers in a SIP message directed to a UE-A. In other examples, the originating IMS apparatus may insert a link field as part of an SDP message directed to a UE-A. The UE-A may send a feedback report (e.g., a reaction and / or feedback data) to the links, provided by the link header. In some examples, the UE-A may send a feedback report to the links either: when receiving UE-B avatar information; when listening to CAT based on an alert-info header (e.g., to like / dislike provided content); or during / at the end of a call for quality feedback and / or to provide a survey. In some examples, the terminating IMS network may comprise a terminating IMS apparatus. The terminating IMS apparatus may insert one or more user feedback actions as one or more link headers in an incoming SIP message (e.g., an incoming INVITE SIP message) or an SDP message, directed to a IIE-B. The terminating IMS apparatus may insert the one or more user feedback actions when an alert-info header, call-info header and / or identity headers are provided. The terminating IMS apparatus may insert the one or more user feedback actions for generic feedback about a call quality. The IIE-B may send a feedback report (e.g., a reaction and / or feedback data) to the links, provided by the link header. In some examples, the IIE-B may send a feedback report to the links either: when receiving an incoming call (e.g., in case of identity and / or call-info headers); when listening to CRS based on an alert-info header (e.g., to like / dislike provided content); or during / at the end of a call for quality feedback and / or to provide a survey.

[0176] FIG. 4 shows an example signalling procedure for transmitting information of one or more user feedback actions using a new event package. In some examples, the signalling procedure occurs between an IMS apparatus 400, a network function (NF) 402 and a UE 404. In some examples, this new event package may be a “UserFeedback” event package. In some examples, the IMS apparatus 400 is an IMS server within an IMS network. In some examples, the IMS apparatus 400 is an IMS application server (AS) within an IMS network. In some examples, the IMS apparatus 400 is an IMS node within an IMS network. In some examples, the IMS network is an originating IMS network. In some examples, the IMS network is a terminating network. In some examples, the NF 402 is an application server (AS). In some examples, the NF 402 is a trusted AS external to the IMS network. In some examples, the NF 402 is a network data analytics function (NWDAF) of a 5GC network. In some examples, the NF 402 is an application function of a 5GC network. In some examples, the NF 402 is any other NF.

[0177] In this example, at S401 , the NF 402 may subscribe at the UE 404, using the event package, to receive one or more feedback actions from the IMS 400. In some examples, the UE 404 may subscribe to the event package after IMS registration is successful at the IMS 400 at S400. In some examples, support for this event package may be exchanged as a capability in a REGISTER message of the UE 404. In some examples, subscription of the UE 404 to the event package will be terminated once IMS registration is terminated. In some examples, the event package triggers the IMS apparatus 400 to send one or more notifications to the UE 404 based on at least one of: the IMS session state; the UE subscription; and location.

[0178] At S402, the IMS apparatus 400 transmits one or more notifications to a UE 404 containing information of one or more user feedback actions using the event package. In some examples, the IMS apparatus 400 transmits one or more notifications to a UE 404 containing information of one or more associated feedback report endpoints using the event package. For example, information of the one or more user feedback actions may comprise information for a user of the UE 404 to provide feedback. In some examples, the user of the UE 404 may provide feedback either: during an IMS session setup; during an IMS session; at the end of the IMS session; after the IMS session has ended; or upon receiving a non-session associated signalling message. In some examples, the non-session associated signalling message is a SIP message. In some examples, the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints comprises information of where the UE 404 is required to send a feedback report to. For example, the feedback endpoint may be the NF 402 or the IMS apparatus 400. In some examples, the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints comprises information of the manner in which the UE 404 is required to send a feedback report. In some examples, an event triggering notification of information of the one or more user feedback actions may include at least one of: initiating a Call Event to indicate a possible spammer; and terminating a call event to provide QoE report feedback. In some examples, the one or more notifications sent to the UE 404 from the IMS apparatus 400 can be linked to a specific message or IMS session (for example, the notification may be related to a SIP Call-ID). In some examples, the one or more notifications sent to the UE 404 from the IMS apparatus 400 may not be linked to a specific message or IMS session, and instead the one or more notifications may be sent as a generic survey by the IMS apparatus 400. In some examples, the one or more notifications from the IMS apparatus 400 may contain a feedback web link and / or URL for the user of the UE 404 to provide one or more feedback reports.

[0179] At S403, the NF 402 may subscribe at the UE 404, using the event package, to receive one or more user feedback reports from the UE 404. In some examples, the IMS 400 of the IMS network may subscribe at the UE 404, using the event package, to receive one or more user feedback reports from the UE 404

[0180] At S404, the UE 404 transmits one or more feedback reports to one or more feedback report endpoints. For example, the feedback report endpoint may be the IMS apparatus 400 of the IMS network. In some examples, the UE 404 transmits one or more feedback reports in the manner in which is provided by the received information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints. For example, the UE 404 transmits the one or more feedback reports using the event package. For example, the UE 404 transmits the one or more feedback reports in the response message to the notification sent from the IMS apparatus 400. For example, the UE 404 transmits the one or more feedback reports in a PUBLISH message to the IMS apparatus 400. In some examples, the UE 404 transmits the one or more feedback report using the provided feedback web links in the notification sent from the IMS apparatus 400. In some examples, a dual approach is possible, wherein the IMS apparatus 400 subscribes directly to notifications from the UE 404 containing the user feedback reports.

[0181] At S405, the UE 404 may send one or more feedback reports to one or more feedback report endpoints. For example, the feedback report endpoint may be the NF 402. In some examples, the UE 404 transmits one or more feedback reports in the manner in which is provided by the received information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints. In some examples, the UE 404 sends the feedback report to the NF 402 inside a notification request message. In some examples, the UE 404 sends the feedback report to the NF 402 inside a MESSAGE request message. In some examples, the UE 404 sends the feedback report to the NF 402 using the web links and / or URLs provided by the IMS apparatus 400.

[0182] FIG. 5 shows an example signalling procedure for transmitting information of one or more user feedback actions using a SIP-based message request. In some examples, the SIP- based message may be a SIP MESSAGE.

[0183] In this example, at S501 , the IMS apparatus 500 of the IMS network can send a SIP- based message request to a UE 504 containing information of one or more user feedback actions. In some examples, the IMS apparatus 500 transmits a SIP-based message request to a UE 504 containing information of one or more associated feedback report endpoints . For example, information of the one or more user feedback actions may comprise information for a user of the UE 504 to provide feedback. In some examples, the user of the UE 504 may provide feedback either: during an IMS session setup; during an IMS session; at the end of the IMS session; after the IMS session has ended; upon receiving a non-session associated signalling message; or spontaneously. In some examples, the non-session associated signalling message is a SIP message. In some examples, the information of the associated feedback report endpoint comprises information of where the UE 504 is required to send a feedback report to. In some examples, the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints comprises information of the manner in which the UE 504 is required to send a feedback report. In some examples, the SIP-based message request may be linked to a specific IMS session (e.g., a Call-Id). In some examples, the SIP-based message request sent to the UE 504 from the IMS apparatus may not be linked to a specific IMS session, and instead the SIP-based message request may be sent as a generic survey by the IMS apparatus 500. In some examples, the SIP-based message request transmitted from the IMS apparatus 500 may contain a feedback web link and / or URL for the user of the UE 504 to provide a feedback report.

[0184] At S502, the UE 504 transmits one or more feedback reports to one or more feedback report endpoints. For example, the feedback report endpoint may be the IMS apparatus 500 of the IMS network. For example, the feedback report endpoint may be the NF 502. In some examples, the UE 504 transmits one or more feedback reports in the manner in which is provided by the received information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints. For example, the UE 504 transmits the one or more feedback reports in one or more responses to the SIP-based message request. For example, the UE 504 transmits one or more feedback reports in one or more SIP-based message requests. In some examples, the UE 504 transmits one or more feedback reports using the provided feedback web links in the SIP-based message request sent from the IMS apparatus 400. In some examples, the UE 504 transmits one or more feedback reports to the NF 502.

[0185] The following example is an example of a network-based automated follow-up action based on a received feedback report. In this example, the feedback report relates to a fake avatar detection by the user and request for removal of the fake avatar. In this example, the IMS apparatus receiving the user feedback report takes action, when inside the IMS network and / or 5G network, to block a user using a fake avatar. In some examples, the IMS apparatus may block the user using the fake avatar based on a threshold of the number of users that have reported the user using the fake avatar. In some examples, the IMS apparatus may insert the feedback report into a UDM of the network as user preference. In some examples, the IMS apparatus will expose the UDM to the NF (for example, an AS or NWDAF). For example, the IMS network maintains a repository to store (for example in a UDM) like / dislike preferences and / or reporting of inappropriate avatars received from a user. If user-A is using an avatar-A1 in a call, and a certain number of people have reported abuse of the avatar (for example by using a dislike or fake action in a feedback report), the IMS network may decide to block or ban user-A to use avatar-A1. Based on operator policy, if a certain number of feedback reporting has been received for an avatar, then the IMS network shall not let the user use that avatar. For example, if user-A is using a fake avatar of user-B and user-A makes an avatar call to user-C, user-C can share a dislike feedback report to the network. Subsequently, if user-A makes an avatar call to user-D, the call will be rejected by the IMS network.

[0186] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a control apparatus 600 for controlling a function of the access network (e.g., a 5G-RAN or the NG-RAN illustrated in FIG. 1) illustrated on FIG. 1. The control apparatus 600 may comprise at least one random access memory (RAM) 611a, at least on read only memory (ROM) 611 b, at least one processor 612, 613 and a network interface 614. The at least one processor 612, 613 may be coupled to the RAM 611a and the ROM 611 b. The at least one processor 612, 613 may be configured to execute an appropriate software code 615. Execution of the software code 615 may for example cause the apparatus to perform operations for controlling a function of the access network. The software code 615 may be stored in the ROM 611b. The control apparatus 600 may be interconnected with another control apparatus 600 for controlling another function of the 5G-RAN or the NG-RAN. In some example embodiments, each function of the 5G-RAN or the NG-RAN is deployed or hosted on a control apparatus 600. In alternative example embodiments, two or more functions of the 5G-RAN or the NG-RAN may share a control apparatus.

[0187] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a communication device 700, such as the UE illustrated on FIG. 1. The communication device 700 may be provided by any device capable of sending and receiving radio signals. Non-limiting examples of a communication device 700 comprise a user equipment, a mobile station (MS) or mobile device such as a mobile phone or what is known as a ’smart phone’, a computer provided with a wireless interface card or other wireless interface facility (e.g., USB dongle), a personal data assistant (PDA) or a tablet provided with wireless communication capabilities, a machine-type communications (MTC) device, an Internet of things (loT) type communication device or any combinations of these or the like. The communication device 700 may comprise a transceiver for transmitting and / or receiving, for example, wireless signals carrying communications, for example radio signals. The communications may be one or more of voice, electronic mail (email), text messages, multimedia data, machine data and so on.

[0188] The communication device 700 may receive wireless signals (e.g., radio signals) over an air or radio interface 707 via appropriate apparatus for receiving and may transmit wireless signals via appropriate apparatus for transmitting radio signals. In FIG. 7 transceiver is designated schematically by block 706. The transceiver 706 may comprise, for example, a radio part and associated antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement may be arranged internally or externally to the mobile device and may comprise one or more antenna elements. The antenna arrangement may be a multi-input multi output (MIMO) antenna.

[0189] The communication device 700 may be provided with at least one processor 701 , at least one memory ROM 702a, at least one RAM 702b and other possible components 703 for use in software and hardware aided execution of tasks it is designed to perform, including control of access to and communications with access networks (e.g., the 5G-RAN or NG-RAN illustrated in FIG. 1) and other communication devices. The at least one processor 701 is coupled to the RAM 702b and the ROM 702a. The at least one processor 701 may be configured to execute an appropriate software code 708. The software code 708 may for example allow to perform one or more operations of the communication device 700. The software code 708 may be stored in the ROM 702a.

[0190] The processor, the ROM, and the RAM, the transceiver and other circuitry of the communication device (e.g., a modem) can be provided on a circuit board, in chipsets, or in a system on chip. This circuit board, chipsets or system on chip is denoted by reference 704. The communication device 700 may optionally have a user interface such as key pad 705, touch sensitive screen or pad, combinations thereof or the like. Optionally one or more of a display, a speaker and a microphone may be provided depending on the type of the communication device.

[0191] FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a method according to an example. The flow chart of FIG. 8 is viewed from the perspective of an apparatus. For example, the apparatus may comprise a IMS apparatus or be configured to operate as an IMS apparatus. In some examples, the IMS apparatus is an IMS server within an IMS network. In some examples, the IMS apparatus is an IMS application server (AS) within an IMS network. In some examples, the IMS apparatus is an IMS node within an IMS network. In some examples, the IMS network is an originating IMS network. In some examples, the IMS network is a terminating network. As shown at S801 , the method comprises inserting, into a signalling message, information of one or more user feedback actions and information of one or more associated feedback report endpoints.

[0192] At S802, the method comprises transmitting the signalling message to a user equipment.

[0193] FIG. 9 is a flow chart of a method according to an example. The flow chart of FIG. 9 is viewed from the perspective of an apparatus. For example, the apparatus may comprise a UE apparatus or be configured to implement a UE apparatus.

[0194] As shown at S901 , the method comprises receiving information of one or more user feedback actions and receiving information of one or more associated feedback report endpoints, in a signalling message of an internet protocol multimedia subsystem;

[0195] At S902, the method comprises displaying the information of the one or more user feedback actions, for prompting a user of the apparatus to provide user feedback.

[0196] At S903, the method comprises transmitting one or more feedback reports, to associated feedback report endpoints, wherein the one or more feedback reports comprise the user feedback, related to the received information of the one or more user feedback actions, provided by the user.

[0197] FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a method according to an example. The flow chart of FIG. 10 is viewed from the perspective of an apparatus. For example, the apparatus may comprise a NF apparatus or be configured to operate as an NF apparatus. In some examples, the NF is an application server (AS). In some examples, the NF is a trusted AS external to the IMS network. In some examples, the NF is a network data analytics function (NWDAF) of a 5GC network. In some examples, the NF 302 is an application function of a 5GC network. In some examples, the NF is an application function outside of a 5GC network. In some examples, the NF is any other NF.

[0198] As shown at S1001 , the method comprises interacting with an application programming interface of an internet protocol multimedia subsystem to provide, to the internet protocol multimedia subsystem, information of one or more user feedback actions and information of one or more associated feedback report endpoints. At S1002, the method comprises retrieving one or more feedback reports from a user equipment.

[0199] FIG. 11 shows a schematic representation of non-volatile memory media 1100a (e.g. computer disc (CD) or digital versatile disc (DVD)) and 1100b (e.g. universal serial bus (USB) memory stick) storing instructions and / or parameters 1102 which when executed by a processor allow the processor to perform one or more of the steps of the method of FIGs. 8, 9 and 10.

[0200] It is understood that references in the above to various network functions (e.g., to an AMF, an SMF, TNF etc.) may comprise apparatus that perform at least some of the functionality associated with those network functions. Further, an apparatus comprising a network function may comprise a virtual network function instance of that network function.

[0201] It should be understood that the apparatuses may comprise or be coupled to other units or modules etc., such as radio parts or radio heads, used in or for transmission and / or reception. Although the apparatuses have been described as one entity, different modules and memory may be implemented in one or more physical or logical entities.

[0202] It is noted that whilst some example embodiments have been described in relation to 5G networks, similar principles can be applied in relation to other networks and communication systems. Therefore, although certain example embodiments were described above by way of example with reference to certain example architectures for wireless networks, technologies and standards, example embodiments may be applied to any other suitable forms of communication systems than those illustrated and described herein.

[0203] It is also noted herein that while the above describes example embodiments, there are several variations and modifications which may be made to the disclosed solution without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0204] As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar wording, where the list of two or more elements are joined by “and” or “or”, mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all the elements.

[0205] In general, the various embodiments may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuitry, software, logic or any combination thereof. Some aspects of the disclosure may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device, although the disclosure is not limited thereto. While various aspects of the disclosure may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other pictorial representation, it is well understood that these blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques or methods described herein may be implemented in, as non-limiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0206] As used herein, the term “circuitry” may refer to one or more or all of the following:

[0207] (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry) and

[0208] (b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (as applicable):

[0209] (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuit(s) with software / firmware and

[0210] (ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions) and

[0211] (c) hardware circuit(s) and or processor(s), such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation.”

[0212] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term herein, including in any claims. As a further example, as used herein, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0213] The various example embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented by computer software executable by a data processor of the mobile device, such as in the processor entity, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Computer software or program, also called program product, including software routines, applets and / or macros, may be stored in any apparatus-readable data storage medium and they comprise program instructions to perform particular tasks. A computer program product may comprise one or more computer-executable components which, when the program is run, are configured to carry out any of the various example embodiments. The one or more computer-executable components may be at least one software code or portions of it.

[0214] Further in this regard it should be noted that any blocks of the logic flow as in the FIGs. may represent program steps, or interconnected logic circuits, blocks and functions, or a combination of program steps and logic circuits, blocks and functions. The software may be stored on such physical media as memory chips, or memory blocks implemented within the processor, magnetic media such as hard disk or floppy disks, and optical media such as for example DVD and the data variants thereof, CD. The physical media is a non-transitory media. The term “non-transitory,” as used herein, is a limitation of the medium itself (e.g., tangible, not a signal) as opposed to a limitation on data storage persistency (e.g., RAM vs. ROM).

[0215] The memory may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory. The data processors may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment, and may comprise one or more of general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), FPGA, gate level circuits and processors based on multi core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples.

[0216] Various example embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced in various components such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integrated circuits is by and large a highly automated process. Complex and powerful software tools are available for converting a logic level design into a semiconductor circuit design ready to be etched and formed on a semiconductor substrate.

[0217] The scope of protection sought for various example embodiments of the disclosure is set out by the independent claims. The example embodiments and features thereof, if any, described in this disclosure that do not fall under the scope of the independent claims are to be interpreted as examples useful for understanding various example embodiments of the disclosure.

[0218] The foregoing description has provided, by way of non-limiting and illustrative examples, a full and informative description of the various example embodiments of this disclosure. However, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the claims. However, all such and similar modifications of the teachings will still fall within the various example embodiments of the disclosure as set forth in the claims. By way of non-limiting and illustrative example, there is a further example embodiment comprising a combination of one or more example embodiments with any of the other example embodiments previously discussed.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An internet protocol multimedia subsystem apparatus comprising: means for inserting, into a signalling message, information of one or more user feedback actions and information of one or more associated feedback report endpoints; and means for transmitting the signalling message to a user equipment.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , comprising means for exposing an application programming interface of the apparatus to a network function for receiving, from the network function, the information of the one or more user feedback actions and for receiving, from the network function, the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the information of the one or more user feedback actions comprises information for a user of the user equipment to provide feedback either: during an internet protocol multimedia subsystem session setup; during an internet protocol multimedia subsystem session; after the internet protocol multimedia subsystem session has ended; or upon receiving a non-session associated signalling message.

4. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints comprises information of where the user equipment is required to send one or more feedback reports to and a manner in which the user equipment is to provide the one or more feedback reports.

5. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the apparatus comprises means for transmitting, to the user equipment, the information of the one or more user feedback actions and the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints, within one or more web links in one or more headers of the signalling message or within in the body of the signalling message.

6. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the apparatus comprises means for transmitting, to the user equipment, the information of the one or more user feedback actions and the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints, within a parameter of one or more headers of the message or within the body of the signalling message.

7. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the apparatus comprises means for exposing the application programming interface of the apparatus to the network function for receiving a set of criteria from the network function informing the apparatus: when to insert, into the signalling message, the information of the one or more user feedback actions and the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints; and which information to insert, into the signalling message, as the information of the one or more user feedback actions and the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the set of criteria comprises information of at least one of: the one or more headers of the signalling message; content of the signalling message; a date and time of the signalling message; and an identity and location of the user equipment in which the signalling message is transmitted to.

9. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the apparatus comprises means for removing information of one or more user feedback actions received from another internet protocol multimedia subsystem.

10. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the apparatus comprises means for exposing the application programming interface of the apparatus to the network function for retrieving, or being notified about, one or more feedback reports provided by the user equipment at the network function.11 . The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the apparatus comprises means for retrieving one or more feedback reports from the user equipment.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein after the apparatus has retrieved the one or more feedback reports from the user equipment, the apparatus comprises means for providing one or more follow-up actions based on the one or more feedback reports.

13. A user equipment apparatus comprising: means for receiving information of one or more user feedback actions and for receiving information of one or more associated feedback report endpoints, in a signalling message of an internet protocol multimedia subsystem;means for displaying the information of the one or more user feedback actions, for prompting a user of the apparatus to provide user feedback; and means for transmitting one or more feedback reports, to associated feedback report endpoints, wherein the one or more feedback reports comprise the user feedback, related to the received information of the one or more user feedback actions, provided by the user.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the information of the one or more user feedback actions is received after subscribing to a session initiation protocol event package in the internet protocol multimedia subsystem.

15. The apparatus of claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the information of the one or more user feedback actions comprises information for the user of the apparatus to provide feedback either: during an internet protocol multimedia subsystem session setup; during an internet protocol multimedia subsystem session; after the internet protocol multimedia subsystem session has ended; or upon receiving non-session related signalling messages.

16. The apparatus of any of claims 13 to 15, wherein the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints comprises information of where the apparatus is required to send the one or more feedback reports to and a manner in which the apparatus is to provide the one or more feedback reports.

17. The apparatus of any of claims 13 to 16, wherein the apparatus comprises means for receiving the information of the one or more user feedback actions via a session initiation protocol request or a response message.

18. The apparatus of any of claims 13 to 17, wherein the apparatus comprises means for displaying the information of the one or more user feedback actions after downloading at least one icon related to the user feedback actions.

19. The apparatus of any of claims 13 to 18, wherein the apparatus comprises means for transmitting the one or more feedback reports to one or more web links received in one or more headers of the signalling message received from the internet protocol multimedia subsystem.

20. The apparatus of any of claims 13 to 18, wherein the apparatus comprises means for transmitting the one or more feedback reports in one or more headers of the signallingmessage, or in the body of one or more response messages to the signalling message received from the internet protocol multimedia subsystem.

21. The apparatus of any of claims 13 to 18, wherein the apparatus comprises means for transmitting the one or more feedback reports in one or more headers of the signalling message, or in the body of one or more request messages that are separate to the signalling message received from the internet protocol multimedia subsystem.

22. A network function apparatus comprising: means for interacting with an application programming interface of an internet protocol multimedia subsystem to provide, to the internet protocol multimedia subsystem, information of one or more user feedback actions and information of one or more associated feedback report endpoints; and means for retrieving one or more feedback reports from a user equipment.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the apparatus further comprises means for interacting with the application programming interface of the internet protocol multimedia subsystem to provide a set of criteria informing the internet protocol multimedia subsystem: when to insert, into a signalling message, the information of the one or more user feedback actions and the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints; and which information to insert, into the signalling message, as the information of the one or more user feedback actions and the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the set of criteria comprises information of at least one of: one or more headers of the signalling message; content of the signalling message; a date and time of the signalling message and; an identity and location of the user equipment in which the signalling message is transmitted to.

25. The apparatus of any of claims 22 to 24, wherein the information of the one or more user feedback actions comprises information for a user of the user equipment to provide feedback either: during an internet protocol multimedia subsystem session setup; during an internet protocol multimedia subsystem session; after the internet protocol multimedia subsystem session has ended; or upon receiving non-session related signalling messages.

26. The apparatus of any of claims 22 to 25, wherein the information of the one or more associated feedback report endpoints comprises information of where the user equipment is required to send the one or more feedback reports to and a manner in which the user equipment is to provide the one or more feedback reports.

27. The apparatus of any of claims 22 to 26, wherein after the apparatus has retrieved the one or more feedback reports from the user equipment, the apparatus comprises means for providing one or more follow-up actions based on the one or more feedback reports.

28. The apparatus of any of claims 22 to 27, wherein the means for retrieving the one or more feedback reports from the user equipment comprises receiving the one or more feedback reports directly from the user equipment.

29. The apparatus of any of claims 22 to 27, wherein the means for retrieving the one or more feedback reports from the user equipment comprises interacting with the application programming interface of the internet protocol multimedia subsystem.

30. The apparatus of any of claims 22 to 27, wherein the means for retrieving the one or more feedback reports from the user equipment comprises subscribing to a session initiation protocol event package at the user equipment.31 . The apparatus of any of claims 22 to 30, wherein the apparatus is one of: an application server; a trusted application server external to the internet protocol multimedia subsystem; a network data analytics function of a 5G core network; or an application function of a 5G core network.

32. A method comprising: inserting, into a signalling message, information of one or more user feedback actions and information of one or more associated feedback report endpoints; and transmitting the signalling message to a user equipment.

33. A method comprising: receiving information of one or more user feedback actions and receiving information of one or more associated feedback report endpoints, in a signalling message of an internet protocol multimedia subsystem; displaying the information of the one or more user feedback actions, for prompting a user of the apparatus to provide user feedback; andtransmitting one or more feedback reports, to associated feedback report endpoints, wherein the one or more feedback reports comprise the user feedback, related to the received information of the one or more user feedback actions, provided by the user.

34. A method comprising: interacting with an application programming interface of an internet protocol multimedia subsystem to provide, to the internet protocol multimedia subsystem, information of one or more user feedback actions and information of one or more associated feedback report endpoints; and retrieving one or more feedback reports from a user equipment.

35. A computer program comprising instructions for causing an internet protocol multimedia subsystem apparatus to perform at least the following: inserting, into a signalling message, information of one or more user feedback actions and information of one or more associated feedback report endpoints; and transmitting the signalling message to a user equipment.

36. A computer program comprising instructions for causing a user equipment apparatus to perform at least the following: receiving information of one or more user feedback actions and receiving information of one or more associated feedback report endpoints, in a signalling message of an internet protocol multimedia subsystem; displaying the information of the one or more user feedback actions, for prompting a user of the apparatus to provide user feedback; and transmitting one or more feedback reports, to associated feedback report endpoints, wherein the one or more feedback reports comprise the user feedback, related to the received information of the one or more user feedback actions, provided by the user.

37. A computer program comprising instructions for causing a network function apparatus to perform at least the following: interacting with an application programming interface of an internet protocol multimedia subsystem to provide, to the internet protocol multimedia subsystem, informationof one or more user feedback actions and information of one or more associated feedback report endpoints; and retrieving one or more feedback reports from a user equipment.

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