Method of providing communications services under an advertising model

Abstract

The group of inventions relates to the field of mobile communications, and more particularly to a method of providing communications services under an advertising model. The result is that of guaranteeing that advertising content is shown on a subscriber device according to the profile of the specific user and on the basis of communications services consumed by said user, as compensation for the communications services consumed and / or for the use of said subscriber device. This result is achieved by a method of providing communications services under an advertising model, comprising the steps of: providing a subscriber device; providing a user with access to user functions of said subscriber device; recording data about events related to the use of user functions and system functions of the subscriber device, as well as about the external context of their use; calculating a balance of communications tokens on the basis of the recorded events related to the use of user functions and system functions of the subscriber device; modifying the user's access to at least some of the user and system functions of the subscriber device; calculating a balance of attention tokens related to the showing of advertising content on the subscriber device; topping up the balance of attention tokens by means of an advertising content request from one or more servers of a system for distributing advertising demand and showing advertising content; converting the balance of attention tokens into a balance of communications tokens on the basis of a conversion algorithm; and unlocking and / or modifying the user's access to user functions and system functions of the subscriber device once the balance of communications tokens reaches a set second threshold value. Also proposed are a system, a subscriber device and a computer-readable medium for implementing the claimed method.

Description

METHOD OF PROVIDING COMMUNICATION SERVICES USING AN ADVERTISING MODEL

[0001] The proposed invention relates to the field of mobile communications and, more specifically, to a method for providing communications services using an advertising model.

[0002] Mobile phones (smartphones) are increasingly used not only for making calls and messaging, but also for internet access. The amount of time spent using various internet-related services, such as browsing websites, using social media and instant messaging apps, watching videos, and so on, is increasing every year. In middle- and low-income countries, the main barrier is the cost of a modern smartphone with sufficient technical specifications for watching videos, using instant messaging apps, playing games, and so on, a factor exacerbated by inflation.

[0003] On the other hand, a significant share of the market is currently occupied by mobile device sellers, who use advertising to generate additional revenue from devices, and by technology companies, who use apps and web resources to place ads. Furthermore, the advertising market is experiencing a shortage of inventory (advertising platforms) and is experiencing a growing problem with targeting high-quality audiences.

[0004] As one of the possible options for expanding advertising space through the implementation of communication services (in particular, providing the user with the ability to make phone calls, send messages and access the Internet), a model was proposed (as a non-limiting example, implemented by the Canadian operator TextNow, which has its own messenger, within the framework of which the user is provided with free mobile calls, messages and traffic towards critical services in exchange for the user viewing advertising, and mobile calls, messages and traffic outside this messenger are provided for a separate fee).

[0005] US 2017055143 A1 (Vacek Aaron, published February 23, 2017) discloses a system for delivering advertising to a wireless subscriber unit (WUD), comprising the WUD, a host server (CS), and a business object server (BES). The WUD has a graphical user interface for presenting selection options and receiving a user selection with respect to one of the selection options. The WUD includes a processor for executing computer program instructions (CPI) and transmitting said selection as data to the CS over a communication network. The CS contains a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (NCRSM) for storing CPI determined by system modules. The processor is communicatively coupled to the NCRSM for executing the CPI. The data exchange module (DCM) receives said selection. The analysis module dynamically analyzes the selection and generates data variables, which it then transmits to the BES and the WUD over the communication network.WUD displays advertisements provided by the business and accepts free wireless services.

[0006] The disadvantages of this known solution include, firstly, the fact that this known solution does not provide the business entity (such as the company advertising its product on WUD) with any data on the consumption of the aforementioned "free wireless services" that the WUD user receives in exchange for viewing advertising from BES. Essentially, all user information received by the business entity is limited to the aforementioned user choices made regarding the advertising content provided by BES (for example, in the form of ratings of the advertisements served to the user). As a result, the business entity (or other advertising content provider) cannot control the volume of advertising content displayed or its cost, which prevents it from managing user revenue per view.

[0007] Moreover, the absence in the known solution of any information about the user other than his “choice” in relation to advertisements, and in particular such information as social and demographic status, geographic location, interests, preferences, etc., does not allow for the proper “targeting” of advertising content for a given specific user.

[0008] Secondly, this well-known solution displays advertising content only on the main screen of the WUD graphical user interface, where users spend the least amount of time while using their device. At the same time, there is no provision for displaying advertising content, specifically over apps or in any other way. This does not ensure sufficient advertising content delivery.

[0009] US 2024104602 A1 (YAHOO AD TECH LLC, published 03 / 28 / 2024) describes methods for "targeting" electronic content, including receiving electronic content data associated with an electronic content provider, containing, in particular, identification data of an advertising campaign associated with a virtual token, and identification data of the platforms on which the advertising campaign can be initiated; receiving user input containing identification data of the user and the virtual token, identification data of an advertising campaign associated with the virtual token, and identification data of the platforms on which the user agrees to receive content in accordance with the advertising campaign; determining the advertising campaign and platforms in relation to which the user has given consent, and generating a notification of the initiation of an advertising campaign directed at the given user on those platforms in relation to which the user has given consent.The disadvantages of this known solution include the fact that it displays ads to users on third-party platforms by requesting their consent to receive advertising content and specifying the platforms on which they agree to receive content, which necessitates actions the user has no interest in performing. Furthermore, this known solution does not provide user access to the subscriber device's user functions in post-paid mode.

[0010] This section, which discloses various aspects of the claimed invention, is intended to provide a brief overview of the claimed objects and their embodiments. Detailed characteristics of the technical means and methods by which the combinations of features of the present invention are implemented are provided below. Neither this disclosure nor the detailed description provided below, together with the accompanying drawings, should be construed as defining the scope of legal protection for the claimed invention. The scope of legal protection for the invention is defined solely by the following claims.

[0011] Taking into account the shortcomings of the prior art discussed above, the technical problem solved by the invention consists in the need to create a method, subscriber device and system that could implement a user-friendly “post-paid” mode for using communication services based on an advertising model, in which the user would first receive services and then guarantee to “pay” for them by viewing advertising content from one or more specific advertising content providers.

[0012] The problem solved by the invention consists in creating a method, device and system that make it possible to take into account the volume of use of communication services and / or user functions of a subscriber device by a given user and to ensure the display of the corresponding volume of advertising content on the subscriber device.

[0013] The technical result consists of ensuring the guaranteed playback of advertising content on a subscriber device, selected according to a specific user profile and based on the communication services consumed by said user, as compensation for the consumed communication services and / or the use of the subscriber device. Furthermore, a balance is ensured between the advertising load and the provision of communication services, precise targeting of advertising content, and determination of the volume of advertising content to be played. Flexible adaptation of the system to user behavior in relation to the subscriber device and advertising content is ensured, allowing the user to use communication services and the user and system functions of the device free of charge, provided they regularly interact with advertising.The functionality of the communication system is also expanded on the subscriber side, on the service provider side, and on the advertising content provider side.

[0014] In the first aspect, the above-mentioned problem is solved by a method for providing communication services using an advertising model, comprising the following stages: providing a subscriber device; ensuring user access to the user functions of the subscriber device; recording data on events related to the use of the user and system functions of the subscriber device, as well as the external context of their use; calculating the balance of communication tokens based on the registered events related to the use of the user and system functions of the subscriber device;in the event that the balance of communication tokens is less than or equal to a specified first threshold value, dynamically determined on the basis of one or more parameters from a set of parameters, modifying the user's access to at least a portion of the user and system functions of the subscriber device, wherein the balance of communication tokens is reduced in response to events associated with the use of the user and system functions of the subscriber device; calculating the balance of attention tokens associated with the playback of advertising content on the subscriber device;replenishing the balance of attention tokens by requesting advertising content from one or more servers of the advertising demand distribution system and playing the advertising content received from the server of the advertising demand distribution system, as well as on the basis of one or more parameters of the methods and quality of user interaction with the advertising content, wherein the advertising content for playback on the subscriber device is selected by means of an auction mechanism based on the data received from the user profile determination module in relation to this subscriber device; converting the balance of communication tokens into the balance of attention tokens on the basis of a conversion algorithm;and unlock and / or modify the user's access to the user and system functions of the subscriber device after the balance of communication tokens reaches a specified second threshold. Said specified first and / or second threshold may represent a dynamic characteristic set and / or modified on the server side of the service operator, wherein the specified first threshold and the specified second threshold are not the same.

[0015] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the external context of the use of the user and system functions of the subscriber device includes at least one of the time at which said use event occurs and geolocation data of the subscriber device. Said modification may comprise a step in which the data transfer rate is limited and / or reduced or the data transfer to and / or from the subscriber device is suspended. In one or more embodiments, the events associated with the use of the user and system functions of the subscriber device comprise at least one of the following actions: making an incoming and / or outgoing call, exchanging data with external servers via mobile or fixed data transmission, calling applications installed on the subscriber device or being system / pre-installed on the subscriber device, as well as exchanging text or MMS messages.Calculating the balance of communication tokens may include a step in which information about mobile traffic is transmitted to the service operator's server.

[0016] In one or more embodiments of the invention, calculating the communication token balance further comprises the steps of calculating the balance of consumed communication services and / or the subscriber device cost compensation balance. In one or more embodiments of the invention, calculating the communication token balance and / or calculating the attention token balance is performed at a certain time interval and / or upon reaching the required instantaneous traffic consumption volume.

[0017] In one or more embodiments of the invention, converting a communication token balance to an attention token balance comprises debiting the attention token balance and crediting it to the communication token balance in a ratio dynamically determined by the service operator. The balance of consumed communication services may be calculated before the subscriber device enters standby mode.

[0018] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the reproduction of advertising content received from the server of the advertising demand distribution system is carried out by displaying it on at least one of the subscriber device unlock screens, on top of one or more applications running on the subscriber device, in the notification area, on one or more user desktops, within one or more applications, on the locked screen of the device, and / or by playing advertising audio and video recordings in the form of a ringtone, messages and / or notifications.

[0019] In a second aspect of the invention, the above-mentioned problem is solved by a system for providing access to communication services using an advertising model, comprising: at least one subscriber device; at least one service operator server; a server of an advertising demand distribution system; wherein the at least one subscriber device, at least one service operator server and the server of the advertising demand distribution system are connected to at least one wireless communication network; wherein the subscriber device comprises: a module for providing access to user and system functions of the subscriber device, configured to provide and modify user access to user and system functions of the subscriber device;a user profile determination module configured to register data on events related to the use of user and system functions of the subscriber device, the external context of their use, and parameters of the methods and quality of user interaction with advertising content; a communication token balance calculation module configured to calculate the communication token balance based on registered events related to the use of user and system functions of the subscriber device, wherein the communication token balance is reduced in response to events related to the use of user and system functions of the subscriber device;an attention token balance calculation module configured to calculate the balance of attention tokens associated with the playback of advertising content on a subscriber device, a mobile data transfer volume accounting module configured to determine the volume of received / transmitted mobile data and their type; a module for converting the communication token balance into an attention token balance based on a conversion algorithm; and an advertising content access module configured to access one or more servers of the advertising demand distribution system to receive advertising content for playback on a subscriber device;wherein the module for providing access to the user functions of the subscriber device is configured to modify access to the user functions of the subscriber device in the event that the balance of communication tokens is less than a certain threshold value, dynamically determined on the basis of one or more parameters from a set of parameters, and to unblock or modify access to the user functions of the subscriber device when the balance of communication tokens reaches a specified threshold value; wherein the module for accessing advertising content is configured to replenish the balance of attention tokens by reproducing advertising content received from one or more servers of the advertising demand distribution system on the subscriber device and on the basis of one or more parameters of the methods and quality of user interaction with the advertising content;wherein the server of the advertising demand distribution system is configured to select advertising content for playback on the subscriber device by implementing an auction mechanism based on data received from the user profile determination module in relation to the given subscriber device.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the auction mechanism is implemented on an advertising demand distribution system server via a bidding mechanism that is responsible for dynamically bidding for the playback of advertising content based on one or more advertising content bidding parameters. In one or more embodiments, the one or more advertising demand distribution system servers are connected via a communication network to at least one business object server configured to transmit advertising content to the advertising demand distribution system server.

[0021] In a third aspect of the present invention, the above-mentioned problem is solved by a subscriber device, configured to access communication services using an advertising model, and comprising: a communication module, configured to communicate with at least one server of a communication network and at least one server of an advertising demand distribution system via at least one wireless communication network; a memory, configured to store program instructions; and at least one processor, connected to the memory and configured to implement, when executing the said program instructions: a graphical user interface, configured to implement user and system functions of the subscriber device and reproduce advertising content;a module for providing access to user and system functions of a subscriber device, configured to provide and modify user access to user and system functions of the subscriber device; a module for determining a user profile, configured to register data on events related to the use of user and system functions of the subscriber device; a module for calculating the balance of communication tokens, configured to calculate the balance of communication tokens based on registered events related to the use of user and system functions of the subscriber device, as well as on the external context of their use;an attention token balance calculator module configured to calculate a balance of attention tokens associated with the playback of advertising content on a subscriber device, wherein the attention token balance is replenished by requesting advertising content from the advertising demand distribution system server and by playing back advertising content received from the advertising demand distribution system server, and based on one or more parameters of the methods and quality of user interaction with the advertising content; wherein the advertising content for playback on the subscriber device is selected by means of an auction mechanism based on data received from the user profile determination module in relation to the given subscriber device; a module for accounting for the volume of mobile data transfer configured to determine the volume of received / transmitted mobile data; a module for converting the communication token balance into an attention token balance based on a conversion algorithm;and an access module to advertising content, configured to access one or more servers of the advertising demand distribution system to receive advertising content for playback on the subscriber device.

[0022] In one or more embodiments of the invention, events associated with the use of the user functions of the subscriber device comprise at least one of the following actions: making an incoming and / or outgoing call, exchanging data with external servers via mobile or fixed data transmission, calling applications installed on the subscriber device or system / pre-installed on the subscriber device, and exchanging text or MMS messages. The external context of the use of the user and system functions of the subscriber device may include at least one of the time at which the said use event occurs and geolocation data of the subscriber device.

[0023] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, the above problem is solved by a machine-readable medium on which program instructions are stored which, when executed by at least one processor, cause said at least one processor to implement the method according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0024] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the inventive concept is not limited to the aspects set forth above, and that the invention may take the form of other inventive objects, such as at least one device, computer program, or computer program product comprising a computer-readable medium on which the computer program is recorded. Additional features that may characterize specific embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description of the embodiments provided below.

[0025] The drawings provided in this document are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention. The drawings are schematic and not drawn to scale. They are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to define the scope of the present invention. Figure 1

[0026] Fig. 1 – block diagram of the operation of the software shell for implementing the method according to the invention; Figure 2

[0027] Fig. 2 is a block diagram of the key stages of the method according to the invention; Figure 3

[0028] Fig. 3 is a block diagram of the architecture of a system for providing access to communication services using an advertising model according to the invention; Figure 4

[0029] Fig. 4 is a block diagram of the modules of the subscriber device 200 implementing the method according to the invention.

[0030] Various embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings are merely illustrative and are used only to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way.

[0031] The proposed invention implements a model for providing a subscriber device and ensuring access to communication services for a user based on the principles of "pay as you go" and / or "post-pay", according to which the user first uses the functions of the subscriber device associated with making incoming and / or outgoing calls, viewing the content of web pages, accessing various types of audiovisual content, etc., and then views a certain amount of advertising content received from one or more business entities (advertising content providers) in accordance with his profile, formed on the basis of registered events associated with the use of user and system functions of the subscriber device.Moreover, in addition to the subscriber device's functions related to data exchange over one or more communication networks, user functions unrelated to data exchange (e.g., the execution of one or more applications on the subscriber device, the facts and types of payment transactions, the web pages viewed, etc.) can also be taken into account when determining the volume of advertising content. Unlike traditional payment models for communication services, the proposed invention provides a unique opportunity to receive communication services without paying for them, provided that the user interacts with advertising content. The proposed invention integrates the advertising model at a deeper level than various known systems offering bonuses for viewing advertising content, by managing access to key functions of the subscriber device, making the model more flexible and beneficial for both users and communication service providers.

[0032] The determination of the volume of advertising content that the user must view as compensation for the use of the subscriber device and communication services is carried out in accordance with the present invention on the basis of the balance of tokens calculated depending on the period of use and in the process of performing the user functions of the subscriber device and displaying advertising content received from one or more suppliers of advertising content, respectively.

[0033] The proposed invention is a method for providing communications services using an advertising model. In one or more embodiments, the method is characterized by the following steps, which represent actions performed on a tangible object using tangible means. It should be noted that the specific order in which the method steps are described throughout this description does not imply that the scope of legal protection for the invention is limited to the execution of the method steps in that order. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that some of the method steps may be performed in parallel, simultaneously, or in an order different from the order in which they are described, unless otherwise expressly stated or unless doing so conflicts with the overall logic of the inventive concept.

[0034] The method comprises providing a subscriber device to a user and providing the user with access to user and system functions of the subscriber device, such as, as a non-limiting example, incoming and / or outgoing calls, data exchange with external servers via mobile or fixed data transmission, calling applications installed on the subscriber device or that are system / pre-installed on the subscriber device, as well as the exchange of text or MMS messages.

[0035] The method comprises recording data on events related to the use of user and system functions of a subscriber device, as well as the external context of their use. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the external context of the use of user and system functions of a subscriber device may include, by way of non-limiting example, at least one of the time at which said use event occurs and geolocation data of the subscriber device.

[0036] The method involves calculating a communication token balance based on registered events related to the use of user and system functions of the subscriber device. The communication token balance is determined primarily by the use of user and system functions of the subscriber device and characterizes the volume of use of user and system functions of the subscriber device available to the user. The communication token balance is reduced in response to registered events related to the use of user and system functions of the subscriber device.

[0037] The method comprises modifying user access to at least a portion of the user and system functions of the subscriber device in the event that the balance of communication tokens is less than or equal to a specified first threshold value. In the context of this stage of the method, the term “modification” may include, as a non-limiting example, restricting, blocking, suspending user access to one or more user and system functions of the subscriber device, reducing the data transfer rate, limiting the volume of incoming / outgoing traffic, etc.

[0038] Said first threshold value is dynamically determined, by way of example but not limitation, based on at least one of the following factors:

[0039] - analysis of average consumption indicators in the services market,

[0040] - segmentation of users by type of service usage,

[0041] - user segmentation based on demographic data,

[0042] - the use of one or more increasing coefficients, as a non-limiting example, in the context of developing a loyalty program and conducting marketing activities,

[0043] - adaptive mechanics for measuring threshold values, depending on the dynamics of service consumption,

[0044] - comparative analysis with competitors.

[0045] The method comprises calculating the balance of attention tokens associated with the playback of advertising content on a subscriber device. The balance of attention tokens is determined by the playback of advertising content presented to the user on the subscriber device. The balance of attention tokens may be determined by various factors, such as, but not limited to, the volume of advertising content actually played on the subscriber device and / or delivered to the subscriber device, the types of advertising content, the playback duration of specific elements of advertising content, and the user's actions in response to the playback of advertising content (such as, but not limited to, stopping or starting playback of an element of advertising content, rating an element of advertising content, or clicking on a link).

[0046] The method comprises replenishing the attention token balance by requesting advertising content from one or more advertising demand distribution system servers and playing the advertising content received from the advertising demand distribution system server, as well as based on one or more parameters of the methods and quality of user interaction with the advertising content. The analysis of the quality and methods of user interaction with the advertising content takes into account at least one of the following factors, the final set of which is selected depending on the type of advertising content being played on a given subscriber device at a given time:

[0047] - click-through rate (CTR),

[0048] - conversion,

[0049] - average interaction time,

[0050] - return rate,

[0051] - failure rate,

[0052] - views before click,

[0053] - interaction with interactive elements,

[0054] - retargeting effectiveness,

[0055] - frequency of interaction,

[0056] - the level of viewing / listening to the advertising message (as a non-limiting example, 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%),

[0057] - installation rate,

[0058] - post-view and post-click methods.

[0059] In accordance with the method according to the invention, advertising content for playback on a subscriber device is selected by means of an auction mechanism based on data received from the user profile determination module in relation to the given subscriber device;

[0060] The method comprises converting a communication token balance into an attention token balance. The principle of converting the communication token balance, which characterizes the volume of communication services and user and system functions of the subscriber device available to the user, into an attention token balance replenished by the playback of advertising content on the subscriber device, is as follows. Essentially, the communication token contains information about the subscriber's "account" balance, which has already been pre-paid by the subscriber through the playback of advertising content on the subscriber device, if its value is greater than 0 and / or a certain threshold, or contains information about the subscriber's "debt" for consumed communication services and / or the use of user or system functions of the subscriber device, if the communication token value is negative.

[0061] The communication token balance depends, by way of non-limiting example, on factors such as the volume of SMS messages used, minutes of voice calls, traffic consumed in megabytes (MB), and device usage statistics over the past three months. Thus, in essence, the communication token is a variable that expresses, in some notional internal "calculation currency," the total balance of consumed communication services and subscriber device usage in the case of a negative token value (i.e., the value of this variable is less than 0), or prepaid services in the case of a variable value greater than or equal to 0.

[0062] The balance of attention tokens depends on the volume of advertising content played on a given subscriber device and the user's interactions with the played advertising content (expressed, by way of non-limiting example, in the form of clicks, link clicks, etc.). Thus, multiplying this variable by a (for example, dynamically changing) coefficient for the cost of advertising content impressions and other user interactions with the advertising content allows us to express in a notional internal "calculation currency" both the total cost of advertising content playback for the period since the last conversion and the approximate cost per playback unit for a given user in the near future.

[0063] In general, based on the condition that a minimum threshold value P is set for a given subscriber for the full provision of communication services, for example, for the next 24 hours, the formula for converting communication tokens into attention tokens can be carried out in accordance with the following expression:

[0064] X=(TV-TS-P) / i (1)

[0065] where X is the volume of advertising content to be played on a given subscriber device during a given period of time; TC is the balance of communication tokens, TV is the balance of attention tokens, i is the average cost of playing one unit of advertising content for the user; P is the minimum threshold value of a positive balance of communication tokens.

[0066] The minimum threshold value P for a positive communication token balance for calculating conversion rules is calculated as follows. It is initially set equal for all subscribers and dynamically changes under the following conditions:

[0067] - subscriber device activity over the last 24 hours;

[0068] - statistics on the balance of communication tokens for the last month.

[0069] The link tokens are calculated as follows:

[0070] TS = (a*SMS, b*minutes, c*MB, t) (2)

[0071] where ТС is the balance of communication tokens, a, b, c are the coefficients of the cost of services (as a non-limiting example, SMS, minutes of outgoing calls, the volume of data transmission / reception in MB, respectively), t is time.

[0072] As a non-limiting example, the conversion may be performed as follows. If the subscriber device's activity was high over the past 24 hours (e.g., exceeded a certain threshold), and the sum of attention tokens over the past 24 hours exceeded the required threshold, and the attention token balance was positive for more than X days over the past month, then the P coefficient is reduced by one level. If the subscriber device's activity was low, then the P coefficient is increased by one level.

[0073] Moreover, the communication token contains information not only about the balance of services consumed, but also about the time when the last conversion of communication tokens into attention tokens took place.

[0074] The method comprises modifying (such as, as a non-limiting example, unlocking, removing restrictions, increasing the data transfer rate) the user's access to the user and system functions of the subscriber device after the balance of communication tokens reaches a specified second threshold value.

[0075] In one or more embodiments of the invention, said specified first and / or second threshold value is a dynamic characteristic that is set and / or changed on the server side of the service operator, wherein said specified first threshold value and said specified second threshold value are preferably not the same.

[0076] As noted above, in accordance with the invention, advertising content for playback on a subscriber device is selected based on an auction mechanism implemented on the advertising demand distribution system server, which is responsible for dynamically setting bids for advertising content playback based on one or more bidding parameters. The advertising demand distribution server receives advertising content from one or more advertising content provider servers (business entities) with which it is connected via one or more data networks.

[0077] Dynamic bidding for advertising content playback is implemented through a bidding system, which dynamically sets bids for advertising playback based on competition between advertisers. The auction mechanism includes a winner-determining mechanism, which determines which advertising content will be played on a subscriber device based on a combination of factors, such as bid size, relevance, user profile compliance with the desired targeting, and the availability of sufficient advertising inventory. Furthermore, the auction mechanism includes a pricing mechanism—a first- or second-price auction, depending on the demand for the relevant advertising lot.The auction mechanism also includes an advertising ranking mechanism that takes into account such metrics as CTR, quality score, audience relevance, and historical data; and a dynamic auction management mechanism that includes such modules as automatic bid adjustment, forecasting algorithms, and response time. Moreover, the auction mechanism in accordance with the present invention can be implemented based on the principles disclosed, for example, in US 11720930 B2 (LOOP ME LTD, published 08 / 08 / 2023), which discloses an automated system for a hybrid, optimized advertising auction. This reference is fully incorporated herein by reference.

[0078] In another aspect, the present invention includes a system that utilizes an advertising model to provide communications services and / or subscriber devices free of charge or through subsidization. The system's basic operating principle is the use of communications tokens and attention tokens, analysis of user activity and user profiles, modification of the communications services provided and the user and system functions of the subscriber device, and dynamic playback of advertising content elements based on the user's activity level.

[0079] In the context of the present invention, a subscriber device capable of operating the system according to the invention may be, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, smartphone, smart TV, tablet computer, media player, or any other device with advanced multimedia capabilities, supporting a connection to one or more networks, such as, but not limited to, the Internet, and the playback of content, such as, but not limited to, video content, audio content, images, text, etc. It should be noted that the scope of the invention is not limited to the specific types of subscriber devices capable of operating the proposed system. Essentially, these may include both currently known subscriber devices and various types of devices that may be developed and introduced into mass production in the future.

[0080] To operate the system according to the invention, the subscriber device must have the following components and functional capabilities:

[0081] - Content display screen: The devices are equipped with a display that can display various forms of advertising content, such as videos, banners, text messages, images, etc.

[0082] - Processor: the subscriber device is equipped with a processor to perform the calculations necessary for processing user data, calculating tokens and interacting with the operator's server and the advertising demand distribution system server, as well as other system calculations required for the operation of the device itself.

[0083] - Communication module: the subscriber device comprises at least one communication module configured to communicate with at least one data transmission network, such as, but not limited to, a mobile network, Wi-Fi, Ethernet or other types of communication, to provide access to the Internet for receiving advertising content, to transmit data about the user's interaction with the device and other types of data.

[0084] - Memory: The subscriber device contains built-in memory for storing user interaction data, advertising content timing metrics and system parameters, as well as system and user data.

[0085] - Operating system: The subscriber device operates under an operating system that supports the installation and execution of applications and access control to device functions. By way of non-limiting example, the operating system may be Android, iOS, Tizen, etc. The scope of legal protection for the invention is not limited by the specific choice of operating system for the subscriber device and / or the system according to the invention.

[0086] As is known to those skilled in the art, a subscriber device contains a software shell, which is essentially a program that provides an interface for user interaction with system functions. The proposed invention is essentially implemented at the level of the subscriber device's software shell.

[0087] A method of providing communication services using an advertising model

[0088] Fig. 1 shows a block diagram illustrating the basic operating principle of the software shell for implementing the method according to the first aspect of the proposed invention.

[0089] The main aspects of the functioning of the software shell of the subscriber device for implementing the method according to the invention are:

[0090] - monitoring the use of communication services;

[0091] - token management; and

[0092] - display of advertising content.

[0093] The above aspects are implemented based on principles that will be described in detail below in relation to the operation of the corresponding components of the subscriber device and the system according to the invention, implementing the method according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0094] Fig. 2 shows a flow chart illustrating the key steps of the method according to the invention. It should be understood that this flow chart is presented with a high degree of simplification for understanding the main steps of the method and does not contain all the steps necessary for implementing the method in all embodiments of the present invention. In addition, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the steps indicated in Fig. 2 can be performed in an order different from that shown in the flow chart. In particular, some steps can be performed in parallel and / or simultaneously or in a different order different from that shown, if a strict order of performing the steps is not determined by the implementation logic of the present invention. In addition, it should be understood that some or all of the steps of the method shown in the flow chart can be repeated one or more times, performed once or multiple times, in one or more iterations.The scope of legal protection of an invention is not limited by a specific strict sequence of steps, the number of iterations of the method, etc.

[0095] At step S1 in Fig. 2, the user of the subscriber device interacts with the advertising content based on the principles described above.

[0096] At stage S2, attention tokens are added to the user's attention token balance for interactions with advertising content. Attention tokens are awarded to the user after successful interaction with advertising content based on principles discussed in more detail below.

[0097] At stage S3, communication tokens are converted into attention tokens. Communication tokens, calculated based on consumed communication services and / or subscriber device functionality, are converted into attention tokens on the service operator's server using a dynamic coefficient based on principles discussed in more detail below.

[0098] At stage S4, attention tokens are used to compensate for consumed communication services and use of subscriber device functions.

[0099] Description of the operation of the system for providing communication services using the advertising model at the software shell level of the subscriber device

[0100] The above-described method according to the first aspect of the present invention is implemented by a system according to the following aspect of the present invention for providing communication services using an advertising model. In one or more non-limiting embodiments of the present invention, the software shell of the subscriber device, interacting with other elements of the system according to the invention, implements the following operations, which correspond to the steps of the method according to the invention and / or operations within the corresponding steps of the method.

[0101] 1. Usage event recording: The subscriber device's software shell records user actions, such as the use of applications and system functions, calls, messaging, and internet traffic consumption. This data is transmitted to the service operator's server for recording and subsequent analysis. However, in some embodiments of the invention or in certain usage scenarios, if data transmission to the service operator's servers is impossible or limited, data processing and analysis may be performed on the user device itself. It should be noted that in the system architecture of the present invention, the service operator's server is responsible, in particular, for both the provision of communication services and the provision of a service related to the display of advertisements, compensation for the cost of communication services and the subscriber device and / or its use (i.e.This server is essentially an intermediary between the subscriber device and one or more servers of the communications network operator).

[0102] 2. Request for advertising content based on the user profile: The system, operating through the software shell of the subscriber device, analyzes the user profile, including, but not limited to, the following data: user behavior in relation to the user and system functions of the device, demographic data of the user of the subscriber device, geolocation and history of use of the subscriber device.

[0103] Based on this data, the subscriber device's software requests the most relevant advertising messages from one or more advertising distribution system servers. According to the invention, one or more advertising distribution servers may utilize an auction mechanism to select advertising content elements that match the user's profile and specified parameters (such as, by way of non-limiting example, click-through rate, audience relevance, advertiser bids, etc.). Alternatively, in one or more other embodiments of the invention, advertising content elements may be delivered from one or more advertising distribution system servers and / or business object servers directly to the user's device, bypassing the auction mechanism.

[0104] 3. Advertising content and user interaction: The subscriber device's software displays the advertising content selected in the previous step. According to the invention, the displayed advertising content may include, but is not limited to, one or more of video data, banners, audio data, text notifications, application icons offered for installation on the subscriber device, static images, etc. Depending on user activity, the system initiates playback of the advertising content.

[0105] 4. Advertising interaction analysis: The subscriber's device software analyzes how the user interacts with advertising content, assessing metrics such as, but not limited to, viewing time, clicks, link clicks, and other metrics. This data is used to calculate the number of attention tokens awarded to the subscriber.

[0106] 5. Attention token accrual: Depending on the level of interaction with the advertising content and the type of advertising content itself, the user of a given subscriber device is awarded attention tokens. The number of attention tokens awarded is directly related to the user's activity and duration of interaction with the advertising content, the cost of the advertising content, and other factors.

[0107] 6. Conversion of communication tokens into attention tokens: The primary process of compensating for provided communication services and the cost of using the subscriber device's features and, if necessary, the subscriber device itself involves converting communication tokens into attention tokens. The subscriber device's software and / or one or more service operator servers calculate the number of communication tokens required to compensate for the communication services used, the subscriber device's features, and, if necessary, the cost of the subscriber device itself. The subscriber device's software and / or one or more service operator servers then convert the calculated number of communication tokens into attention tokens. The conversion factor may be dynamic and change depending on external factors such as, but not limited to, user activity, advertising load, network congestion, etc.

[0108] 7. Communication token usage: The user accumulates attention tokens by interacting with advertising content and uses them to offset consumed communication services, subscriber device features, and, if necessary, the cost of the subscriber device itself. The subscriber device's software automatically deducts attention tokens from the user's balance as services (calls, internet, messaging) are used. If the user has insufficient attention tokens, the system may restrict access to communication services, device features, and applications until the balance is replenished by viewing advertising.

[0109] 8. Dynamic access control: Depending on the user's activity and the state of the communication token balance and the balance of attention tokens, the system may change threshold values, controlling access to device functions and communication services through the software shell and / or one or more service operator servers.

[0110] Below, the operations of the method for providing communication services using an advertising model, implemented by the system and subscriber device according to the invention, will be described. It should be understood that the operations described using the wording characteristic of the method steps essentially correspond to the functions of the corresponding elements of the subscriber device and the system according to the invention. The corresponding functions can be implemented using one or more programmable (configurable) multifunctional means (such as, as a non-limiting example, one or more general-purpose or specialized processors, one or more integrated circuits, etc.) under the control of appropriate software stored on one or more machine-readable media and containing program instructions that, when executed by said programmable (configurable) multifunctional means, cause said means to perform the corresponding functions.

[0111] Registration of events regarding the use of user and system functions of the subscriber device

[0112] Usage event logging is a key stage during which the subscriber device's software records various user actions, interactions with the device's system functions, and the use of communication services. This process involves several technical aspects.

[0113] The first aspect is the recording of user actions. The subscriber device's software shell, running at the operating system level, tracks every user action related to the device's core functions, such as:

[0114] - Making incoming and outgoing calls (call duration, called party number, connection status and other parameters are tracked).

[0115] - Use of a mobile Internet connection and data transfer (e.g. the volume of transmitted and received traffic, the type of connection used - 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G or Wi-Fi).

[0116] - Sending and receiving SMS and MMS messages (message text, date and time of sending, and recipient are registered).

[0117] - Application launch and usage (for example, which applications were open, how long the user interacted with them, whether the Internet was accessed, the type of application, the load on the user's device, the time the application was running in the background and in active mode, and other parameters are recorded).

[0118] Each of the above actions is represented as an event, which is registered by the software shell and stored for further processing on the side of the subscriber device and / or the server of the service operator or third-party data operator.

[0119] In addition to recording user actions, the system according to the invention also processes the system functions of the subscriber device, and more specifically, monitors the use of the system functions of the device, such as:

[0120] - Network resource usage: The software shell records network connection parameters, such as signal strength, network type used, and the volume and types of data transferred.

[0121] - Geolocation: Tracks changes in the device's location using GPS or network data, allowing for contextualization of usage (e.g., displaying advertising content based on the current geolocation).

[0122] - Subscriber device activity time: The system records the duration of the subscriber device's active state, which helps determine how often and for how long the user interacts with the device.

[0123] Every recorded user action or use of a subscriber device's system function is converted into structured data in the form of generated and recorded events. The subscriber device's software shell creates records for each event containing the following parameters:

[0124] - event type (e.g. call, mobile data usage, app launch);

[0125] - date and time of the event;

[0126] - the volume of resources consumed (for example, the amount of traffic used, call time);

[0127] - context of use (e.g. location, time of day, network through which the connection was established);

[0128] - user identifier and / or identifier of the subscriber device on which the event was registered;

[0129] - other parameters that can be individually set for each specific type of event.

[0130] Data about recorded events is transmitted to the service operator's servers for further analysis and storage. Data transmission can occur in real time or in batches (e.g., every few minutes or at the end of a user session), depending on system settings and usage conditions. In certain cases where data transmission may be difficult or impossible for a significant period of time, determined by the service operator, data analysis and processing for further interpretation and use may be performed on the user device.

[0131] Data collected by the software shell may be processed using anonymization methods to prevent identification of a specific user. This is especially important in the context of compliance with local data protection laws (e.g., GDPR). A secure connection (e.g., using TLS or other encryption protocols) is used to transmit data to one or more service operator servers, ensuring the confidentiality of the transmitted data.

[0132] The subscriber device's software can also interact with external modules, such as device sensors (e.g., accelerometers, light sensors, or microphones), to obtain additional information about the context of use. For example, an accelerometer can be used to determine the device's orientation (horizontal or vertical), which can influence the type of advertising content played, and / or be used to detect critical situations, such as a user falling dangerously.

[0133] At this stage, the system records all important events related to the use of the device and its system functions, collects user behavior data, and transmits it to the service operator's servers for subsequent processing. This data serves as the basis for decisions regarding the provision of advertising content and access management to communications services.

[0134] Request advertising content based on the user profile

[0135] To request advertising content to be played on a given subscriber device, the invention involves analyzing the user profile. The subscriber device's software, interacting with the service operator's servers, analyzes the user profile based on previously collected data. The user profile may include, but is not limited to, the following key characteristics:

[0136] - demographic data: age, gender, location, which may be provided by the user when registering a subscriber device or collected through interaction with the device (for example, through the use of applications) or obtained by enriching data from third-party data providers, based on the user and device identifier;

[0137] - subscriber device usage history: data about how the user uses the subscriber device, including the frequency and type of application use, the volume of mobile traffic, content preferences and the type of interaction with advertising;

[0138] - geolocation data: information about the user's current and previous location (collected via GPS or network data), which helps select locally relevant elements of advertising content (such as, for example, advertising of local services or stores);

[0139] - Advertising interaction history: records of which advertising content elements have already been played for the user on a given subscriber device, which ones the user interacted with, and which ones they skipped. This allows the system to select the most effective advertising content elements for a given user.

[0140] In addition, when analyzing a user profile, other data may be taken into account that may be obtained by enriching data through external services or by analyzing additional user behavioral data or data from additional sensors associated with the subscriber device (as a non-limiting example, financial and transaction data, analysis of the user's speed of movement, data on sports activities, analysis of search queries entered by the user, etc.).

[0141] Forming a request to the advertising demand distribution system

[0142] The subscriber device's software generates a request to one or more servers of the advertising demand distribution system based on analyzed user profile data. The request includes the following parameters:

[0143] - user profile: a description of a user or an association of a user with one of the existing user profiles / cohorts used on the advertising demand distribution system server, where the user description contains information that allows the system to select relevant elements of advertising content (for example, his preferences and interests);

[0144] - context of use of the subscriber device: current conditions of use of the subscriber device (for example, time of day, location, network type - mobile or Wi-Fi);

[0145] - advertising type and format: the system may request advertising content elements of a certain type depending on the user's activity and the technical characteristics of the device (for example, video content for large-screen devices or banners for smartphones).

[0146] Auction mechanism for selecting advertising content

[0147] A request for advertising content from the subscriber device's software shell is sent to the advertising demand distribution system server, which organizes an auction among one or more business entities (advertisers). The process of selecting advertising content to deliver to a given user on their subscriber device proceeds as follows:

[0148] a) Bidding mechanism: Advertisers interested in displaying their advertising content to users of subscriber devices with a profile similar to the user's profile submit their bids. The bid amount depends on the competition among advertisers for the user's attention.

[0149] b) Determining the auction winner: The advertising demand distribution system server determines the winner based on a number of factors, including:

[0150] - bet size;

[0151] - relevance of advertising content to the user profile;

[0152] - historical data (for example, how successfully similar advertising content has generated a response from users with similar profiles.

[0153] c) Ranking mechanism: advertising content elements are ranked based on click-through rate (CTR), targeting quality, and other metrics. This allows the system to select not only advertising content with a high bid but also that which is most likely to resonate with the user.

[0154] Transfer of selected advertising content to the subscriber device

[0155] After the auction is completed, the selected advertising content elements are transmitted via one or more data networks to the subscriber device's software for playback to the user. Advertising content can be presented in various formats, including, but not limited to:

[0156] - video content: for example, full-screen video ads that can play during active app use or on the lock screen;

[0157] - banners: graphic advertisements that are displayed in the application interface or on the screen of the subscriber's device.

[0158] - audio content: advertising messages played while using multimedia applications or as a ringtone for incoming calls.

[0159] In some cases, elements of advertising content may be pre-downloaded onto the subscriber device in accordance with previously generated requests for playback on the subscriber device under conditions where operational interaction with the advertising content distribution system server is limited.

[0160] In one or more non-limiting embodiments of the invention, the subscriber device's software also checks the conditions for playing advertising content based on the subscriber device's current state. For example, if the subscriber device is connected to a Wi-Fi network, heavier advertising video content may be selected. If a mobile network is used, preference may be given to banners that consume less data. The system may also take into account the battery level or performance of the subscriber device when selecting an advertising format to avoid degrading the user experience.

[0161] In addition, the system analyzes the user's context (e.g., making a call, high-speed movement of the user's device, resource-intensive processes running on the subscriber's device, etc.) to select advertising content that is optimal for playback in this context.

[0162] At this stage, the subscriber device's software requests and / or receives the most relevant advertising content elements from the advertising demand distribution system based on the user profile. An auction-based ad selection mechanism ensures that the user is shown the advertising content that has the highest likelihood of engagement, ultimately resulting in the accrual of more attention tokens.

[0163] Interaction of the subscriber device user with advertising content

[0164] The subscriber device's software shell receives the advertising content selected by the advertising demand distribution system and initiates its playback. The format and location of the advertising content playback depend on the subscriber device type and the current state of the software shell. As a non-limiting example, the following advertising content display scenarios are possible in one or more embodiments of the invention.

[0165] a) Video content: At least one piece of video advertising content may be played on the lock screen, during app launch or use, over part or all of the app screen, or in place of an existing video ad. Video advertising content may occupy the entire screen or a portion of the screen and may require user interaction (e.g., a "Watch to the end" button) or may not require user interaction.

[0166] b) Banners and image ads: Banners can be placed on the desktop, in the notification area, or within applications, on top of running applications, with or without the ability to click to go to the advertiser's website or application or perform another programmed action.

[0167] c) Audio content: in certain cases, such as when playing music or receiving an incoming call, message or notification, advertising audio content may be used, which is broadcast as an audio recording or replaces the ringtone set by the user.

[0168] Advertising content is played on the subscriber device subject to the following conditions. The subscriber device's software determines the best conditions for playing advertising content based on the subscriber device's state and the user's current activity. As a non-limiting example, if the subscriber device is connected to a Wi-Fi network, priority may be given to video formats of advertising content, as this minimizes the load on mobile data. If the subscriber device's battery is low, the software may prioritize displaying banners, which require fewer resources to display and play.Advertising content may be displayed on the lock screen, with the user being given the option to unlock the subscriber device only after interacting with the advertising content, except in the case of an incoming call, or with the option to answer a call without interrupting the ad. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, other specific scenarios are possible in which the advertising content playback logic is modified to have the least negative impact on device usage. It should be understood that the scope of legal protection for this invention is not limited to a specific selection of advertising content playback scenarios on the subscriber device, and various advertising content playback scenarios are possible, combining the above-mentioned options or representing other options not explicitly described.

[0169] The user can interact with advertising content in various ways, and the subscriber device's software records each interaction. As a non-limiting example, the following forms of user interaction with advertising content are possible.

[0170] - Ad viewing: If a user views advertising video content on their subscriber device, the viewing duration is recorded (for example, viewing up to 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% of the time). If the advertising content is a banner or swiped static image, the user's time spent in the relevant app and / or screen displaying the advertising content may be measured.

[0171] - Clicks on advertising messages: if an advertising banner contains a link or other programmed action, the software shell registers the fact that the banner was clicked and the transition to the advertiser's website or the performance of this action.

[0172] - Bounce rate: The software shell records if the user closes the advertising content quickly enough or minimizes the application without viewing the advertising content, if the user has the opportunity to do so.

[0173] - Interactive interaction: In some cases, advertising can be interactive, for example, asking the user to select an answer to a question or participate in a short survey. The subscriber's device software records the user's participation in these interactive elements.

[0174] The software shell records various metrics of user interaction with advertising content, which are then used to calculate the balance of attention tokens. The following parameters, but not limited to, may be considered during data recording:

[0175] - Interaction time: how much time the user of the subscriber device spent interacting with advertising content (for example, the duration of viewing video content or the time spent clicking on banners);

[0176] - Depth of interaction: how deeply the user was immersed in the advertising content, i.e. whether he completed watching the video content, followed the link, or only partially viewed the advertising content presented;

[0177] - Interaction frequency: The number of times a user interacted with the ad content over a given period of time (e.g. daily or weekly impression and interaction frequency).

[0178] - Data on user actions after interaction with advertising content: as a non-limiting example, data on the performance of a target action with a delayed effect, if it is possible to establish an association between the given user and / or the subscriber device from which the interaction took place, with previously reproduced advertising content.

[0179] Based on recorded data on user behavior regarding advertising content and / or user interaction with the advertising content, the subscriber device's software and / or the service operator's server analyzes the quality of the user's interaction with the advertising content. This provides information on the user's level of interest in the displayed advertising content and allows for the determination of the number of attention tokens awarded and / or the multiplier for their accrual based on this information. As a non-limiting example, if a user watches a video content element to the end or actively interacts with interactive elements of the advertising content, this may result in an increased number of attention tokens being awarded to the user's attention token balance.Conversely, if a user quickly closes or ignores an advertising content element, the system may reduce the number of attention tokens credited to the user's attention token balance, or not credit them at all.

[0180] Thus, at this stage, the subscriber device's software displays the selected advertising content and records every aspect of the user's interaction with it. This data is then used to calculate the number of attention tokens credited to the user's attention token balance, which affects the user's access to communication services and the use of subscriber device functions by converting the attention token balance into a communication token balance.

[0181] Attention tokens accrual

[0182] After the subscriber's device software records the user's interaction with the advertising content, the recorded data about the user's interaction with the advertising content is transmitted to one or more service operator servers for processing. The transmitted data includes, but is not limited to:

[0183] a) type of advertising content (video content, banner, audio content);

[0184] b) user interaction metrics (viewing duration, number of clicks, completion rate, etc.);

[0185] c) the context of interaction (time of day, user location, type of network with which the interaction occurred).

[0186] The service operator's servers analyze the data and generate final interaction quality indicators, which will be used to calculate attention tokens and multipliers used in settlements.

[0187] Algorithm for calculating the balance of attention tokens

[0188] The attention token balance calculation algorithm takes into account the frequency and quality of interactions between the subscriber device user and advertising content. The device's software and the service operator's servers may also consider the subscriber device's usage context when calculating the attention token balance. As a non-limiting example, the context is characterized by the following parameters:

[0189] - location: users who interact with locally relevant advertising content can earn additional attention tokens for higher engagement;

[0190] - network type: if a user interacts with advertising content via a mobile network, which potentially consumes their traffic, this may be taken into account to award a smaller number of attention tokens as compensation for the cost of communication services;

[0191] - Time of day: Advertising campaigns targeting specific time periods can award bonus attention tokens to users who engage with advertising content during certain hours.

[0192] In one or more non-limiting embodiments of the invention, other parameters collected from external sensors connected to the subscriber device may further allow for the context of use to be clarified (e.g., data on the speed of movement of the user and / or subscriber device based on data from an accelerometer, which allows for the determination that the user is currently in a moving vehicle or on an airplane).

[0193] The system also supports dynamic allocation of attention tokens, allowing the number of attention tokens to be adjusted based on user activity. For example, if a user actively engages with an ad on a regular basis, they may be awarded bonus attention tokens, further incentivizing them to engage with the ad content. Conversely, if a user has not engaged with the ad content for a long period, the system may lower the threshold for awarding attention tokens to encourage them to return.

[0194] If the system detects problems displaying advertising content (for example, incomplete video playback due to network issues) or interaction issues, token allocation may be adjusted. In this case, the system may award fewer tokens or none at all to avoid unjustified allocations. Thus, at this stage, data on user interaction with advertising content is processed and attention tokens are allocated to the attention token balance based on the recorded metrics and the context of the subscriber's device usage.

[0195] Calculation of consumed communication services and conversion into attention tokens

[0196] The subscriber's device software and / or the service operator's servers regularly monitor and record the volume of communication services consumed by the user. As a non-limiting example, communication services consumed include:

[0197] - mobile data: the volume of transmitted and received Internet traffic (in megabytes or gigabytes);

[0198] - calls (calls): the number of minutes spent on voice calls;

[0199] - Messages: The number of text messages sent, such as, but not limited to, SMS and MMS.

[0200] For each of these service types, the software shell collects statistics in real time and stores them for subsequent analysis. Based on the recorded data on consumed services, the system calculates their cost, expressed in communication tokens. Each type of communication service has its own coefficient for converting the volume of communication service usage into communication tokens.

[0201] As a non-limiting example, each minute of a voice call, megabyte of internet traffic, and message sent are converted into communication tokens based on a specified coefficient, which can dynamically change depending on external factors, as described above. For example, if a user has used 100 MB of internet traffic and 10 minutes of calls, the software shell determines that this is equivalent to 50 communication tokens. It should be noted that this ratio is provided for example purposes only and does not limit the scope of legal protection for the invention.

[0202] In addition to accounting for communication services, the system can also account for the cost of the subscriber device provided to the user (e.g., a smartphone or other smart device) and / or the use of the subscriber device's functions (including system functions). The cost of the subscriber device is calculated as a residual amount that the user must compensate for by interacting with advertising content. This calculation is also performed in communication tokens.

[0203] As a non-limiting example, if a user received a subscriber device for free or at a subsidized cost, the system determines a monthly or periodic amount, expressed in communication tokens, to be compensated through the accumulation of attention tokens.

[0204] After the software shell has calculated the number (balance) of communication tokens required to cover the consumed services and the cost of the subscriber device, the communication tokens are converted into attention tokens.

[0205] The conversion rate of communication tokens to attention tokens can be dynamic and change depending on external factors, such as:

[0206] - advertising activity: the more advertising content a user views, the more profitable the conversion rate can be;

[0207] - user behavior: if the user actively uses communication services or interacts with advertising content, the system can lower the coefficient, providing more favorable conversion conditions;

[0208] - data network type: when consuming mobile network resources, the coefficient may increase, which will require the user to interact more with advertising content;

[0209] - external incentive and marketing activities: it is possible to use incentive / marketing multipliers (which can be either greater or less than 1).

[0210] As a non-limiting example, 50 communication tokens are required to offset the cost of communication services. The system can convert these to 100 attention tokens depending on the current conversion rate. After conversion, the attention tokens are automatically added to the user's attention token balance and can be used to offset the cost of communication services.

[0211] As another non-limiting example to illustrate the principle of converting attention tokens and communication tokens, let's assume that a user of a given subscriber device used 200 minutes of calls, 500 MB of mobile data, and sent 100 SMS messages per month. Based on this data, the system calculated that 150 communication tokens were required to cover the cost of these services.

[0212] The service operator's software shell and / or servers determine that attention tokens must be accumulated to compensate for these communication tokens and initiate the conversion process using a dynamic conversion ratio. If the conversion ratio is currently 1:2 (1 communication token = 2 attention tokens), the user is required to accumulate 300 attention tokens to fully compensate for the cost of communication services consumed.

[0213] Thus, the device's software and / or the service operator's servers automatically calculate the cost of consumed communication services and the cost of the subscriber device, expressing them in communication tokens. Communication tokens are then converted into attention tokens using a dynamic coefficient, which can change depending on the aforementioned external factors, such as user activity and advertising load. The user accumulates attention tokens through interaction with advertising content, allowing them to offset the cost of communication services and the device.

[0214] Dynamic control of access to device functions

[0215] Depending on the balance of communication tokens, the software shell may modify the user's access to certain functions of the subscriber device, such as, but not limited to:

[0216] 1) Internet access: If the number of communication tokens for Internet traffic is below the threshold, the software shell and / or servers of the service operator may modify access to the Internet, notifying the user of the need to replenish the balance of attention tokens by viewing advertising content.

[0217] 2) Calls and Messages: If the balance of communication tokens for voice calls or messages is below the threshold, the service operator's software shell and / or servers may block the ability to make outgoing calls or send messages until the user accumulates a sufficient number of communication tokens through interaction with advertising content.

[0218] 3) Modifying the use of user and system apps: If the balance of communication tokens is below a specified threshold, the software shell can modify the usage patterns of user and system apps, encouraging the user to accumulate additional attention tokens. As a non-limiting example, when using the camera, after the user takes a photo, the system can display additional elements of advertising content before displaying a preview of the captured photo.

[0219] The system dynamically manages communication service access thresholds based on user activity and behavior. As a non-limiting example, the system can lower communication service access thresholds if the user regularly interacts with advertising content and actively uses the device. Lowering the access thresholds allows the user to access more services even with a small communication token balance.

[0220] On the other hand, if the user's activity decreases (as determined, for example, by infrequent viewing of advertising content or irregular use of the device), the thresholds for access to communication services may be increased, requiring the user to interact more with advertising content in order to maintain free access to communication services.

[0221] As a non-limiting example, given for illustrative purposes only, let's assume a user actively uses the internet and makes voice calls throughout the day. In the evening, their communication token balance approaches zero, and the system notifies the user to top up their balance by viewing advertising content. The user decides to watch the advertising video, after which their communication token balance is replenished with 10 minutes of calls and 100 MB of internet traffic. The software automatically updates (modifies) access to services, unlocking outgoing voice calls and internet connections. If the user does not interact with advertising content for a long time, the system can increase the number of attention tokens required to convert them into minutes of voice calls or megabytes of internet traffic, thereby encouraging the user to interact with advertising content more frequently.

[0222] Thus, at this stage, the system uses communication tokens to provide access to communication services and dynamically manages access to subscriber device functions depending on the user's activity and the balance of communication tokens.

[0223] Thus, the present invention represents an innovative system for providing communications services based on an advertising model, where user interaction with advertising content is used to obtain virtual tokens. The system is integrated into the subscriber device's software and operates at the operating system level. The software and the service operator's server collect data on user interaction with the subscriber device and advertising content and transmit it to the service operator's servers, where analysis and access to communications services are performed.

[0224] The system according to the invention flexibly adapts to user behavior, allowing users to access communication services and device features and applications free of charge, provided they regularly interact with advertising content. Dynamically managing communication service access thresholds allows the system to automatically adapt to user activity, ensuring a balance between advertising load and the provision of communication services. An auction-based system for selecting advertising content allows service operators and advertisers to effectively manage ad impressions based on user profiles, improving targeting and increasing audience engagement. Multi-format interaction with advertising content allows for coverage across a wide range of devices—from smartphones and tablets to smart TVs and media players.Users themselves can choose how to interact with advertising content to maintain access to communications services and subscriber device features, while maintaining a high level of control and transparency. An additional benefit is the ability to provide devices to users at a subsidized or free rate. Conversely, telecom operators gain the opportunity to attract more users by offering free communications services while monetizing interactions with advertising. Advertisers can precisely target their audiences based on user profiles, increasing the effectiveness of advertising campaigns and improving engagement metrics (CTR, conversion, and engagement).

[0225]

[0226] Example 1

[0227] Referring to Fig. 3, in a specific example given below as an illustration, but not as a limitation of the scope of legal protection of the invention, a system 100 for accessing communication services according to an advertising model is implemented, comprising: at least one subscriber device 200; at least one service operator server 300; at least one advertising demand distribution system server 400. The mentioned at least one subscriber device 200, at least one service operator server 300 and the advertising demand distribution system server 400 are connected to at least one wireless communication network. Possible types and kinds of wireless communication networks that can be used in the context of the present invention are obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0228] Referring to Fig. 4, the subscriber device 200 comprises: a module 210 for providing access to user and system functions of the subscriber device, a module 220 for determining a user profile, a module 230 for calculating the balance of communication tokens, a module 240 for calculating the balance of attention tokens, a module 250 for accounting for the volume of mobile data transmission, a module 260 for converting the balance of attention tokens into the balance of communication tokens based on a conversion algorithm, and a module 270 for accessing advertising content.

[0229] The subscriber device is a mobile telephone, such as, for example, a smartphone. It should be noted that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the implementation of the subscriber device in the form of a smartphone; other embodiments of the subscriber device are listed above. The specified modules of the subscriber device are implemented at the level of the software shell of the subscriber device 200 by executing the corresponding software instructions by a configurable (programmable) multifunctional means, such as at least one processor of the subscriber device and / or other components of the system according to the invention. The software shell of the subscriber device is generally indicated in Fig. 1 by the number 500.

[0230] As a non-limiting example, the system 100 according to the invention operates as follows. The user of the subscriber device 200 launches an application on his subscriber device 200 to perform everyday tasks, such as, for example, sending text messages or making voice calls. The software shell of the subscriber device, via the above-mentioned modules, records all actions of the user and transmits the data via the communication network to the server 300 of the service operator for analysis. The software shell of the subscriber device 200 requests advertising messages via the advertising content access module 270 from one or more servers 400 of the advertising demand distribution system based on the user profile (e.g., based on demographic data and the previous behavior of the user of this subscriber device in relation to the subscriber device and / or advertising content, determined and issued to the system by the user profile determination module 220).Advertising content received from one or more servers 400 of the advertising demand distribution system via at least one communication network is reproduced by displaying the received video content (video clip) on the lock screen of the subscriber device 200. The user interacts with the advertising content, for example, by watching a video, clicking on a banner, or following a link, which is recorded by the system 100. Based on the user's activity, the system 100 accrues attention tokens, information about which is transmitted to the attention token balance calculation module 240. The attention token balance to communication token balance conversion module 260 converts the attention tokens into communication tokens based on the conversion algorithm described above and transmits the information to the communication token balance calculation module 230.

[0231] It should be noted that in one or more specific embodiments of the invention, if necessary, token balance information may be stored on at least one token database and billing service server 600. Furthermore, the mobile data volume accounting module 250 may transmit information to said token database and billing service server 600. It should be noted that in other embodiments of the invention, the functions of the token database and billing service server 600 may be implemented by one or more service operator servers 300.

[0232] If the user's attention token balance is sufficiently high, the user continues to use communication services without restrictions. If the communication token balance, calculated based on the attention token balance, falls below a predetermined threshold, the software shell, via the subscriber device user and system function access module 210, can modify access to the corresponding user and / or system functions until the communication token balance is replenished by viewing advertising content.

[0233] Example 2

[0234] In system 100, implemented similarly to Example 1 described above, dynamic access control to communication services is implemented based on user activity. As an example, a user actively uses subscriber device 200 throughout the day, consuming significant Internet traffic and making numerous voice calls. Subscriber device 200's software monitors its activity and records the data on one or more service operator servers 300. At a certain point in time, the subscriber device's software, via advertising content access module 270, requests advertising content for the user from one or more servers 400 of the advertising demand distribution system to replenish their communication token balance.Based on the user profile determined by the user profile determination module 220, one or more servers 400 of the advertising demand distribution system select advertising content that should be most relevant to the given user, taking into account his user profile and / or context (for example, based on preferences or time of day) and sends the selected advertising content to the subscriber device 200 for playing the advertising content to the user.

[0235] The user interacts with the advertising content in at least one of the above-described ways, which is recorded by system 100, which also determines the quality of the user's interaction with the advertising content (e.g., based on how much time was spent viewing the advertising content or how many times the user clicked on the banner). For this interaction, the user receives attention tokens, the balance of which is calculated by attention token balance calculation module 240.

[0236] The software shell dynamically manages access to device functions via the subscriber device's user and system function access module 210, depending on user activity and the balance of communication tokens and attention tokens. If the user has been active, the communication service access threshold may be lowered, providing the user with more free access to communication services and / or the subscriber device's user and system functions. If the user's activity has been low, the communication service access threshold may be increased, requiring the user to interact more with advertising content to maintain access to communication services and / or use the subscriber device's user and system functions.

[0237] The above detailed description of all aspects of the implementation of the present invention is intended for illustrative and explanatory purposes only, but is not intended to define and / or limit the scope of legal protection of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that each of the above-mentioned modules of system 100 and / or subscriber device 200 can be implemented in practice using various combinations of hardware and software components, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to specific combinations of the aforementioned hardware and software components, various variations of which can be envisaged by those skilled in the art.

[0238] Those skilled in the art should understand that the scope of the invention is not limited to the above-mentioned material and technical means implementing the components of the system and subscriber device according to the invention, and other means may be used to implement all or some of the above-mentioned modules, such as one or more integrated circuits (ASIC), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), one or more microprocessors, etc. In addition, the system may include other components in addition to those listed above, for example, at least one read-only memory (ROM), which may be implemented by one or more types of memory known to those skilled in the art.

[0239] Furthermore, as noted above, in one or more aspects, the invention may be implemented, for example, by one or more processors executing instructions, such as computer-readable program instructions, stored on one or more computer-readable media and / or transmitted via one or more network connections. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, the invention may be implemented in a single device or system physically located in one specific location. In other embodiments, the invention may be implemented by a distributed network of one or more computing devices, such as one or more processors, servers, one or more storage devices, etc., connected by one or more data networks, as known to those skilled in the art. All of the above embodiments are within the scope of the present invention.The aforementioned machine-readable program instructions may be assembly language instructions, machine instructions, firmware instructions, integrated circuit configuration data, or other source code or object code written using any combination of programming languages. A separate aspect of the present invention is a machine-readable medium containing program instructions recorded thereon that, when executed by a programmable (configurable) multifunctional device, such as at least one processor, cause said processor to perform the above-described method steps. Practical implementations of such a machine-readable medium are well known to those skilled in the art.

[0240] Those skilled in the art should understand that the above-described and illustrated drawings represent only a few possible examples of technologies and material and technical means by which embodiments of the present invention may be implemented. All prior art references cited and discussed herein are hereby incorporated by reference into this description, to the extent applicable. While the present invention has been described and illustrated with respect to various embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that various changes may be made in its form and specific details without departing from the scope of the present invention, which is defined only by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

A method for providing communication services using an advertising model, comprising the steps of: providing a subscriber device; ensuring user access to the user functions of the subscriber device; registering data on events related to the use of the user and system functions of the subscriber device, as well as the external context of their use; calculating the balance of communication tokens based on the registered events related to the use of the user and system functions of the subscriber device; if the balance of communication tokens is less than or equal to a specified first threshold value, dynamically determined based on one or more parameters from a set of parameters, modifying the user access to at least a portion of the user and system functions of the subscriber device, wherein the balance of communication tokens is reduced in response to the events related to the use of the user and system functions of the subscriber device;calculating the balance of attention tokens associated with the playback of advertising content on the subscriber device; replenishing the balance of attention tokens by requesting advertising content from one or more servers of the advertising demand distribution system and playing the advertising content received from the server of the advertising demand distribution system, as well as on the basis of one or more parameters of the methods and quality of user interaction with the advertising content, wherein the advertising content for playback on the subscriber device is selected by means of an auction mechanism on the basis of data received from the user profiling module in relation to this subscriber device; converting the balance of communication tokens into the balance of attention tokens on the basis of a conversion algorithm;and unlock and / or modify the user's access to the user and system functions of the subscriber device after the balance of attention tokens reaches a specified second threshold value. The method according to paragraph 1, wherein said specified first and / or second threshold value is a dynamic characteristic set and / or changed on the server side of the service operator, wherein said specified first threshold value and said specified second threshold value are not the same. The method according to claim 1, wherein the external context of use of the user and system functions of the subscriber device includes at least one of the time at which said use event occurs and geolocation data of the subscriber device. The method according to claim 1, wherein said modification comprises a step in which the data transfer rate is limited and / or reduced or the data transfer to and / or from the subscriber device is suspended. The method according to paragraph 1, in which the events associated with the use of user and system functions of the subscriber device contain at least one of the following actions: making an incoming and / or outgoing call, exchanging data with external servers via mobile or fixed data transmission, calling applications installed on the subscriber device or that are system / pre-installed on the subscriber device, as well as exchanging text or MMS messages. The method according to claim 1, wherein the calculation of the balance of communication tokens comprises a step in which information about mobile traffic is transmitted to the server of the service operator. The method according to paragraph 1, in which the calculation of the balance of communication tokens additionally comprises steps in which the balance of consumed communication services and / or the balance of compensation for the cost of the subscriber device are calculated. The method according to paragraph 1, in which the calculation of the balance of communication tokens and / or the calculation of the balance of attention tokens is carried out at a certain time interval and / or upon reaching the instantaneous consumption of traffic of the required volume. The method according to paragraph 1, in which the conversion of the balance of communication tokens into the balance of attention tokens comprises a step in which the balance of communication tokens is written off and the balance of attention tokens is credited in a ratio that is dynamically determined on the side of the service operator. The method according to paragraph 7, in which the balance of consumed communication services is calculated before the subscriber device switches to standby mode. The method according to paragraph 1, in which the reproduction of advertising content received from the server of the advertising demand distribution system is carried out by displaying it on at least one of the subscriber device unlock screens, on top of one or more applications running on the subscriber device, in the notification area, on one or more user desktops, within one or more applications, on the locked screen of the device, and / or by playing advertising audio and video recordings in the form of a ringtone, messages and / or notifications. A system for providing access to communication services using an advertising model, comprising: at least one subscriber device; at least one service operator server; a server of an advertising demand distribution system; wherein said at least one subscriber device, at least one service operator server and the server of the advertising demand distribution system are connected to at least one wireless communication network; wherein the subscriber device comprises: a module for providing access to user and system functions of the subscriber device, configured to provide and modify user access to user and system functions of the subscriber device;a user profile determination module configured to register data on events related to the use of user and system functions of the subscriber device, the external context of their use, and parameters of the methods and quality of user interaction with advertising content; a communication token balance calculation module configured to calculate the communication token balance based on registered events related to the use of user and system functions of the subscriber device, wherein the communication token balance is reduced in response to events related to the use of user and system functions of the subscriber device;an attention token balance calculation module configured to calculate the balance of attention tokens associated with the playback of advertising content on a subscriber device, a mobile data transfer volume accounting module configured to determine the volume of received / transmitted mobile data and their type; a module for converting the communication token balance into an attention token balance based on a conversion algorithm; and an advertising content access module configured to access one or more servers of the advertising demand distribution system to receive advertising content for playback on a subscriber device;wherein the module for providing access to the user functions of the subscriber device is configured to modify access to the user functions of the subscriber device in the event that the balance of communication tokens is less than a certain threshold value, dynamically determined on the basis of one or more parameters from a set of parameters, and to unblock or modify access to the user functions of the subscriber device when the balance of communication tokens reaches a specified threshold value; wherein the module for accessing advertising content is configured to replenish the balance of attention tokens by reproducing advertising content received from one or more servers of the advertising demand distribution system on the subscriber device and on the basis of one or more parameters of the methods and quality of user interaction with the advertising content;wherein the server of the advertising demand distribution system is configured to select advertising content for playback on the subscriber device by implementing an auction mechanism based on data received from the user profile determination module in relation to the given subscriber device. The system of claim 12, wherein the auction mechanism is implemented on the server of the advertising demand distribution system by means of a bidding mechanism that is responsible for dynamically assigning bids for the playback of advertising content based on one or more parameters for assigning bids for the playback of advertising content. The system according to claim 12, in which the one or more servers of the advertising demand distribution system are connected via a communication network to at least one business object server configured to transmit advertising content to the server of the advertising demand distribution system. A subscriber device capable of accessing communication services using an advertising model, comprising: a communication module capable of communicating with at least one communication network server and at least one advertising demand distribution system server via at least one wireless communication network; a memory capable of storing software instructions; and at least one processor connected to the memory and capable of implementing, when executing said software instructions: a graphical user interface capable of implementing user and system functions of the subscriber device and reproducing advertising content; a module for providing access to user and system functions of the subscriber device, capable of providing and modifying user access to user and system functions of the subscriber device;a user profile definition module capable of registering data on events related to the use of user and system functions of the subscriber device; a communication token balance calculation module capable of calculating the communication token balance based on registered events related to the use of user and system functions of the subscriber device, as well as on the external context of their use; an attention token balance calculation module capable of calculating the balance of attention tokens related to the playback of advertising content on the subscriber device, wherein the attention token balance is replenished by requesting advertising content from the server of the advertising demand distribution system and playing the advertising content received from the server of the advertising demand distribution system, and based on one or more parameters of the methods and quality of user interaction with the advertising content;wherein the advertising content for playback on the subscriber device is selected by means of an auction mechanism based on data received from the user profile determination module in relation to the given subscriber device; a module for accounting for the volume of mobile data transmission, configured with the possibility of determining the volume of received / transmitted mobile data; a module for converting the balance of communication tokens into the balance of attention tokens based on a conversion algorithm; and an advertising content access module, configured with the possibility of accessing one or more servers of the advertising demand distribution system for receiving advertising content for playback on the subscriber device. The device according to claim 15, wherein the events associated with the use of the user functions of the subscriber device comprise at least one of the following actions: making an incoming and / or outgoing call, exchanging data with external servers via mobile or fixed data transmission, calling applications installed on the subscriber device or that are system / pre-installed on the subscriber device, and exchanging text or MMS messages. The device of claim 15, wherein the external context of use of the user and system functions of the subscriber device includes at least one of the time at which said use event occurs and geolocation data of the subscriber device. A machine-readable medium on which are stored program instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause said at least one processor to perform the method according to one of paragraphs 1-11.

Images