FR2866510A1 - Technical capability identifying process for mobile communication apparatus, involves establishing simplified identifier for each type of set of communication apparatuses, and transmitting identifier in format useable by server center - Google Patents

Abstract

The process involves processing a standard series identifier of a communication apparatus to store an indication of the apparatus capabilities in relation with a user coordination. A simplified identifier is established for each type of a set of communication apparatuses that share a set of technical capabilities and provided to a user. The simplified identifier is transmitted in a format useable by a server center (4). Independent claims are also included for the following: (A) an application of a process for identifying technical capability of a mobile communication apparatus in a wireless communication network (B) a server center of a wireless communication network.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFYING AND CONFIGURING DEVICES IN

  A WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK

  The invention relates to the field of wireless communication networks, in particular of the GSM type, which stands for the "Global System for Mobile Communication".

  It is particularly directed to a method and a host center for identifying and storing the features or technical capabilities of a fleet of mobile communication devices in use.

  More particularly, the invention finds application in the provision of services adapted to communication devices and, where appropriate, in their automatic configuration prior to the issuance or use of these services.

  As adapted services, mention may be made of MMS, ringing and logo offers.

  Nowadays access to complex multimedia, photo, video, audio data via different media, protocols or communication services such as WAP, MMS, GPRS, e-mail, SyncML, etc., requires prior identification and configuration mobiles, depending on the model, using multiple and complex parameters.

  There exists in particular a pre-configuration carried out by the manufacturer in the factory or a more or less manual configuration performed by the subscriber with the help of the indications of a person from a customer service department.

  The configurations can be made, step by step with oral explanations of the customer service or following a request from the subscriber on the internet of a need for configuration giving a provision of a description of the operations to be done on a website .

  Since these operations are relatively lengthy and complex for the user, the applicant has recently presented an automatic method of identification and configuration of the device in its offer called GemConnect Device Manager which consists of each introduction of the SIM card in a device of offer the user a configuration of his device; If accepted, the configuration is performed automatically via the network by a host center.

  The server is able to analyze the value of an automatically received identifier, so as to determine the corresponding model and device type.

  This information is used to know the highest capabilities of the device, such as the supported protocol for remote configuration, the available services (e-mail e-mail, multimedia MMS, WAP browser, etc ...). roaming to provide the best possible services.

  However, at present, not all mobiles work with a SIM card, or all cards do not contain the function necessary for this automation.

  In addition, it is not possible today, to an operator or possibly a service provider to directly interrogate the mobile to see if it has been configured and how and offer the best possible service supported by his mobile.

  There is also a method of recovering an identifier of the mobile directly via the network without resorting to a SIM card. However, not all network infrastructures are sufficiently standardized to allow easy and economical access to this information by network operators or service or content providers wishing to use this information to provide device-specific services.

  The problem also arises in the case of prepaid services and / or including a step of reloading an account by communication of a reload code. Indeed, the user can not know if his mobile capacity or is properly configured to implement the pre-paid service it has acquired, for example MMS type.

  In addition, the user naturally wants a necessary configuration of his mobile is performed with the minimum of intervention on his part.

  It is also desirable that the means implemented by the method of the invention are compatible or allow a lower cost transition with the means implemented by the various processes and infrastructures currently deployed or being standardized as mentioned above.

  The invention therefore aims to enable the identification and where appropriate the configuration of the current mobile fleet of different types, operating or not with SIM card, with the least intervention of the user, and which allows a transition with various automatic identification systems as the mobile fleet is renewed.

  To this end, the subject of the invention is a method of identifying the technical capabilities of communication apparatuses in a wireless communications network, said method comprising the steps of transmitting at least one identifier of the apparatus to a center server, process the identifier so as to store at least an indication of the capabilities of the device in relation to the coordinates of the user.

  It is distinguished in that it comprises the following steps: - establish a simplified identifier for each type of device sharing a set of technical capabilities and make it available to the user, transmit the identifier by the user and in a form exploitable automatically by the host.

  Thus, all current device models can be easily identified regardless of their generation, model, operation (with regard to the use or not of a SIM card).

  According to other characteristics of the method: - one exploits in parallel in the same host another type of identifier regardless of the simplified identifier, failing or in addition to the latter; - For error checking purposes, the server returns a message indicating the reference or model of the identified device corresponding to the identifier; - The identifier can be transmitted during a prepaid service activation including sending a prepaid number to a remote server, in particular with a reloading number.

  The invention also relates to an application of the above method to the configuration of wireless communication apparatus and / or the provision of services adapted to the apparatus.

  The invention also relates to a host in a wireless communication network system, comprising communication devices, said host having message receiving means adapted to receive at least a first type of device identifier processing means adapted to process at least a first type of identifier so as to store at least an indication of the capabilities of the device in relation to the user's coordinates.

  The host is distinguished in that the processing means are able to treat indifferently at least a second type of device identifier in addition or failing the first type of identifier to determine the capabilities of the corresponding device.

  Thus, an easy adaptation of the current server centers in expectation of a total renewal of the card stock or a standardization of the network infrastructures.

  According to other features: the first type of identifier is a standard serial device identifier (IMEI) and a second identifier is a simplified identifier relating to the type of device; The host comprises means for interpreting the simplified identifier received as an explicit request for device configuration from a user.

  An exemplary embodiment and implementation of the invention will now be described in relation to the following figures in which: - Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the communications network system implemented by the invention; FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an apparatus and user identification base; FIG. 3 is a diagram of a message comprising simplified requests according to the invention.

  In Figure 1, the invention uses a communications network system 1 for cellular communication devices 2, said ME mobile thereafter and operating with a subscriber identification card 3 said SIM or (U) SIM. In the example, the mobile could however be a mobile operating without a SIM card.

  Each mobile may include an IMEI identifier stored in a mobile memory. Networks can be multiple and have different characteristics. They can include in particular a network of GSM, GPRS, UMTS, WLAN ...

  The network can carry sophisticated multimedia MMS type data, video streams, audio.

  The system in the example comprises a host center 4 connected to the telecommunications network by an SMS short message channel. This host 4 comprises in a simplified form: message receiving means capable of receiving at least a first type of message and device identifier, a base of device identifiers associated with capabilities mobile, - processing means 7 and a database capable of processing at least the first type identifying it so as to store at least an indication of the capabilities of the device in relation to an indication of the user's coordinates .

  In a more complete form, the host may further comprise: a plurality of message receiving means comprising a mobile identifier, in particular a voice server, an interface for an SMS message, a voice message, a DTMF type audio message (included in the reception means 5); a database 6a relating to the subscription subscribed by the user indicating in particular the services to which it is entitled, a base 6b of configuration profiles, transmission means 8 able to transmit data or configuration instructions. mobile determined by the processing means 7.

  The means 8 can include or be connected to interfaces or mobile adapters supporting standard or proprietary protocols such as smart messagingTM, WAPTM, WLAN others ... to communicate according to the specificities of the mobile.

  With the aid of the base 6b, the processing means 7 can also be able to identify the necessary or optimal configuration corresponding to each identifier in response to the receipt of a message containing the simplified identifier which would be interpreted as a request from configuration.

  With the aid of transmission means 8, the processing means can remotely configure or leave a message containing a procedure to be followed in particular on a user's message.

  The preferred embodiment consists of processing means able to also process, in parallel with a second type of device identifier or more, in addition or in the absence of a first type of identifier. However, it is possible to operate the host only with a simplified identifier.

  For this, a program in the processing unit is provided for extracting each type of identifier implemented and compare them in the database 6 of identifiers, either in the form of a common list placed in the same memory space, or in separate lists arranged in separate memory spaces.

  In the example, the first type of identifier is a standard serial device identifier (IMEI) while the second identifier is a simplified identifier relative to the type of device or model or generally to a set devices, even of different brands sharing one or more features or identical functions.

  The processing means are also capable of interpreting the reception of a simplified identifier as an implicit request from the user for a configuration or a request for access to the various possible services from his device; This is not the case when the IMEI number is automatically retrieved via the network regardless of a voluntary action by the user.

  The method of the invention for identifying the technical capabilities of the network communication apparatus will now be described.

  In the example, a user has a device including a SIM card of an older generation that does not contain a program dedicated to an automatic configuration.

  The user wants to use a new service of which he is aware but who needs to configure his device. Because of the risks of error due to the complexity of the operation (connection addresses, speed of exchanges ...), it is very difficult for him to carry out this configuration himself. Then, at first, he consults a list of simplified identifiers established for each type of device, provided by his service operator and found the identifier corresponding to his mobile.

  This list includes for example simplified identifiers in the form of 4-digit numbers to identify a few hundred different types or models of devices.

  On the contrary, the IMEI identifier of the device has 13 characters and is therefore less easy to handle without risk of error or less easy to memorize by the user for use at any time, especially abroad, where a configuration and / or new service may be required.

  The list is made available to the subscriber; it can be made public by any means, available on a site or broadcast to each subscriber, including by mail from a wireless operator or manufacturer of the device.

  In another step, the user will transmit this simplified identifier to the dedicated server center described above. He communicates it preferably by a SMS type short message by typing on the keyboard of his device.

  It can also communicate itself manually or orally so as to be exploitable by means of automatic processing of the server, in particular the voice server.

  Alternatively, the user can have a contactless module, "blue-tooth", DTMF with the identifier that he just need to move closer to his mobile to communicate the identifier.

  Upon receipt of the message via the appropriate interface of the server, the server retrieves the identifier and processes it to identify the model of the corresponding device. This is done in particular with the aid of a processing program comprising a comparison test traversing a correspondence table identical to that broadcast to the users and pre-loaded in a database of the server.

  The processing program is therefore able to search for a model corresponding to the device from a list of identifiers including at least the simplified identifiers, and if necessary the program is able to search also among also a list of complementary identifiers such as IMEI.

  A test on the length of the identifier can be used to automatically eliminate the list or the irrelevant memory space.

  The host also extracts the user's contact information, such as his phone number and / or his name and / or address and any other information available on him.

  The host then proceeds, by storage, to the constitution of a database 10 (FIG. 2) comprising on the one hand at least the coordinates of each user 11 in relation to an identifier (IDS / 222, 233, 888. ..) of the given device model (TM, TD, DS, DM ...) and / or its capabilities or characteristics.

  The base may also include other IMEI identifiers (A, B, C,

  .). The host has an extracted data interpretation program that interprets an SMS message with the simplified number as a user-specific request resulting from a configuration requirement. This is not the case when the IMEI number is automatically retrieved via the network ... DTD: The host can also interpret in the same way as before, the reception of the identifier transmitted by voice or by DTMF.

  Thus, the invention makes it possible to distinguish simply by the nature of the transmission (voice, audio DTMF) and / or the type of coded identifier (simplified) between a configuration need or a simple census of devices. And in response to this distinction commit the proper actions.

  For example, when the simplified identifier is transmitted in the absence of the IMEI identifier, this makes it possible to identify otherwise non-identifiable devices and their users.

  When the simplified identifier is transmitted in addition to the IMEI identifier, this makes it possible to confirm a prior identification, and offers the advantage not only of discriminating the configuration requestors but also makes it possible to discriminate the users likely to be receptive to new services and able to implement them. The invention also makes it possible to detect, in addition to or not a need for configuration, the need for services and to respond to them as best as possible.

  If necessary, the host determines the necessary configuration information for the device concerned. It can also determine if the device is suitable for different services and in the favorable case trigger the sending of adapted services. It can also determine if the device is configurable automatically and perform it in the wake of the network.

  The configuration information is preferably sent via a short message to the subscriber and automatically by the server. They can be communicated directly also by an automatic voice message or other message on the user's e-mail that the user can consult when the time comes.

  The host may include an error checking function prior to sending configuration data or prior to automatic configuration; The error could result from the user or a transmission problem. In particular, the server can return an automatic message acknowledging receipt of the identifier and indicating the model of the corresponding mobile as identified with the simplified identifier.

  The server can warn the user that it will perform the configuration and how.

  In case of error, the user can return another identifier or decline an offer or an automatic configuration reception.

  In general, it is understood that the invention makes it possible to very easily identify the requests from users and to respond as best as possible to them.

  For example, sending a simplified identifier alone by SMS means a configuration request and a predisposition to receiving any available service.

  When the coded identifier is transmitted in association with another code, at the same time or successively, this is interpreted by the program as a request to activate a service and / or a configuration if necessary.

  For example, in the case of activation or reloading of a prepaid service, the identifier is transmitted (FIG. 3) with a reloading number (12482567) to a remote server.

  For this purpose, the host may also include a reload function of a user account or be connected to an account reloading center.

  Preferably, the identifier is transmitted with the reloading number in the same message, for example separated from a pound sign.

  Other requests for access to particular services expressed by the user, may be associated with the sending of the identifier, such as logo request, ringing, weather services, sports, tourist information or other. These specific requests are illustrated for example by complementary codes 02, 05. Lists specific to these different services may be available in the same way.

  For this purpose, the aforementioned means of interpretation are able to detect in a message of the user the presence of a code representative of a particular service associated with a device identifier, and to interpret it as a request. explicit access to or subscription to this particular service.

Claims (13)

R E V E N D I C A T IO N S   A method of identifying the technical capabilities of communication apparatuses in a wireless communications network, said method comprising the steps of transmitting at least one identifier of the apparatus to a host center, processing the identifier so as to storing at least one indication of the capabilities of the apparatus in relation to the coordinates of the user, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - establishing a simplified identifier for each type of apparatus sharing a set of technical capabilities and make it available to the user, - transmit the simplified identifier by the user and in a form exploitable automatically by the host.   2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that one operates in parallel in the same server center another type of identifier regardless of the simplified identifier, failing or in addition to the latter.   3. Method according to one of the claims   previous, characterized in that the simplified identifier is communicated using a short message type SMS.   4. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the server returns a message indicating the reference of the identified device corresponding to the identifier. 5. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the identifier is transmitted during a prepaid service activation including the sending of a prepaid number to a remote server.   6. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that the identifier is transmitted with the reloading number.   7. Application of the method according to one of the preceding claims to the configuration of wireless communication apparatus and / or the provision of services adapted to the apparatus.   8. Application according to the preceding claim, characterized in that configuration instructions to be followed by the user are communicated by a voice server in the form of automatic messages directly and / or on his mail or short message.   9. Host of a wireless communications network, comprising communication devices said server comprising: message receiving means (5) able to receive at least a first type of device identifier; for processing at least a first type the identifier so as to store at least an indication of the capabilities of the apparatus in relation to the coordinates of the user, characterized in that the processing means (7) ) are able to treat indifferently at least a second type device identifier (ID) in addition to or in the absence of the first type of identifier (IDS) to determine the capabilities of the corresponding device.   10. The server according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first type of identifier is a standard serial device identifier (IMEI) and a second identifier is a simplified identifier relating to the type of device.   11. Host according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the message receiving means are adapted to receive voice or audio messages or short messages.   12. Server according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises means for interpreting the simplified identifier received as an explicit request for configuration of network devices.   13. The server according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the interpretation means are capable of interpreting the association of a code relating to a particular service and a device identifier as an explicit request for access to this service. particular service.