ITMI20091464A1 - MOBILE TELEPHONE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM WITH HYBRID TERMINATION AND ITS USER AUTOMATIC PRESENCE MANAGEMENT EQUIPMENT - Google Patents

Description

MOBILE TELEPHONE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM WITH HYBRID TERMINATION AND RELATED EQUIPMENT FOR AUTOMATIC MANAGEMENT OF USER PRESENCE.

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a mobile telephone communication system and relative apparatus for the automatic management of the "presence" of users.

Previous technique

As is known, a telephone network comprises both mobile operators and fixed telephone operators. While fixed telephone operators can traditionally rely on an infrastructure that has existed and developed for many years, often built with strong public participation, mobile telephone operators (MNOs, Mobile Network Operators) use a relatively recent and not yet fully developed infrastructure. .

The MNOs own a mobile network, which they have undertaken to build and develop, substantially comprising a series of base stations, for radio telecommunication, and a communication frequency obtained in operation by the host country.

To bridge the "gap" existing between the two types of infrastructures and, especially, to encourage the development of the mobile telephone infrastructure, in many countries the authorities that supervise this sector - with the dual purpose of preventing undue monopolies and, at the same time , to ensure adequate tariffs for the growth of the sector - conventionally establish or authorize much higher traffic tariffs in the field of mobile telephony than in the field of fixed telephony.This allows MNOs to have sufficient financial resources to develop the network widely.

In particular, significant tariffs controlled by the authority are the so-called mobile termination tariffs, i.e. the costs associated with the use of the mobile terminal network, on which the receiving mobile user is attested, which a specific MNO can charge to terminate the calls. or SMS on your own network. The termination rates (MTR = Mobile Termination Rate) of an MNO, precisely for the reasons indicated above, are particularly high when the mobile infrastructure is relatively young and underdeveloped, while they are progressively lowered as the operator was able to amortize the mobile network infrastructures (in Europe, as of June 2008, it was calculated that on average the cost of mobile termination is 9 times higher than the cost of fixed termination).

In fig. 1 illustrates by way of example a mobile / fixed / mobile communication scheme which makes clear the cost (in terms of traffic tariff) of the individual network sections. A mobile device (so-called mobile station in a network of base stations) calling TX, customer of the MNO indicated with the abbreviation TI, spends, in order to communicate with a mobile device (user) receiving RX, customer of another MNO indicated with the abbreviation V, 10 eurocent / min. Of this amount, the IT operator - who invoices his calling customer - must pay 8 eurocent / min to operator V as the termination rate. In mobile / mobile communication, the TI operator has a profit of 2 eurocent / min. When the mobile TX user calls a receiving user on the fixed network, the TI operator pays only 0.7 eurocent / min to the fixed telephony operator FX for fixed termination and therefore can bill his customer a much smaller amount, to for example 3 eurocent / min but gaining 2.3 eurocent / min, which is more than in the mobile / mobile case.

The same happens if the calling user is a customer of a fixed telephony operator: in essence, the termination rate significantly affects the cost for the customer and the profit sharing of the MNOs.

Recently, commercial agreements have been developed that have allowed the creation of so-called MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators), i.e. mobile telephone operators that exploit the infrastructure (network and assigned frequency) owned by an MNO, which they rent out for use. . MVNOs have their own mobile phone customers (to whom they assign telephone SIMs with their own numbering) to whom they offer the service in a transparent way. An MVNO has a series of servers to manage and route phone calls, but rents the mobile network to an MNO (fig. 2). The M-VNO invoices its customer for the service, according to established contractual rates, and then pays its host or tenant an agreed rate for the rental of the infrastructure and the voice / data traffic (also depending on the termination rates of the operators who calls end). In this case, when the MVNO acts as a termination network to its customers, the termination rate it receives from the calling operator is partly (for example 75%) transferred to the host MVNO whose infrastructure ensures its reachability. of its mobile customers (fig. 3).

Therefore, the mobile termination rate, which already has a significant influence on the costs of an MNO - depending on the numerical ratio between its mobile users compared to those of competing MNOs - has a high impact on the earning possibilities of an MVNO, which does not has no proprietary mobile network.

Brief description of the invention

The object of the present invention is therefore to create a telecommunication system which allows to reduce as much as possible the impact of the costs of the termination network for a telephony operator, in particular for an MVNO.

This object is achieved with the system and the relative equipment for the automatic management of the "presence" of the users (for the termination of calls directed towards them) described in their essential terms in the independent claims attached hereto. Other inventive aspects of the invention are described in the subordinate claims.

Brief description of the drawings

Further characteristics and advantages of the system and of the apparatus according to the invention will in any case become more evident from the following detailed description of some preferred embodiments, given by way of example and illustrated in the attached drawings, in which:

figs. 1-3, as already mentioned, represent schemes of the interactions existing, according to the known art, in a telephone network comprising mobile stations;

fig. 4 is a conceptual connection diagram of the system according to the invention; And

fig. 5 is a diagram of the system according to the invention in operation.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments

The innovative intuition underlying the invention is not to follow the traditional and consolidated scheme of mobile / mobile communication - also through the usual business models operating in the sector - but to implement a communication system with contemporary heterogeneous networks, on which the termination is hybrid and therefore can be performed in the most convenient way based on pre-established criteria, for example based on the lowest termination cost available based on the location of the receiving user.

For this purpose, an MVNO, within a host MNO, maintains a first communication channel with its mobile (mobile) user via the mobile infrastructure of the host MNO (host MNO in fig. 4), so as to conventional in itself; at the same time, according to the invention, the MVNO activates a series of further communication channels with its users, channels having a termination cost lower than that of the standard mobile termination rate.

The additional channels opened with its users by the MVNO, can be VOIP connections (for example, a communication via widely used Client, offered by skype <®> or ring <®>, or even proprietary), or a traditional landline or other.

The MVNO therefore collects in its database, in correspondence with its users, as well as the respective SIM numbers (for mobile telephony) that it itself assigns to users, also the coordinates to be able to communicate with the individual user through one or more of the additional channels, at low terminal tariffs, to which your user is subscribed. The methods of collecting these coordinates can be multiple, for example at the time of signing the contract, or through a web interface, or through a specific command via text message or e-mail and so on.

Basically, each customer of the MVNO provides its own coordinates (data) to be able to trace it on communication channels, alternative to the main mobile one, with a low termination rate.

The system also includes a device capable of communicating to the M-VNO, automatically and in real time, when the single user (MVNO customer) is able to easily use one of the alternative communication channels, i.e. a device able to detect the user's "presence". For this purpose, the MVNO server is arranged to receive signals from presence or "presence" detection means which indicate, for each user, which communication channels are available at a certain instant.

Some of these channels already intrinsically possess presence detection means: typically, the skype <®> Client - or similar - is able to signal whether the respective user is connected to the VoIP line and makes himself available for a telephone conversation. The presence signal can be automatically collected on the IP network by the MVNO server.

Where these means are not already incorporated, according to the invention the user is provided with a suitable "presence" detection device. Typically, when the user is at home or in the office, they can be reached via a fixed telephony channel, if they have been subscribed. A presence device, suitable for signaling that the user is within range of the landline phone, is for example a box equipped with an activation button, which the user can press when he returns to the home / office and disable when he leaves the house. /office. The activation of the presence device sends a signal to the MVNO server so as to make it clear that for that user, in correspondence with his mobile telephone number (SIM), the alternative fixed telephone channel is also available.

Different embodiments of the presence device can be devised, to make the process more automatic and not to bore the user with unwelcome or attention-requiring activities. For example, it can be envisaged that the presence device D, after appropriate configuration by the user or the authorized dealer, automatically detects the presence of the user's mobile phone via Bluetooth communication or by listening - in low range, in order to have a range that is small enough not to go outside the perimeter of the house - the cellular frequency band.

The presence device D can send the presence message via the same fixed telephone line, or via IP protocol on ADSL connection, or as sms via mobile network, or again with waves conveyed on the electrical distribution network, provided that it has been suitably interfaced with these lines of communication.

To carry out a correct communication with the MVNO, the user, or the authorized dealer, must configure the device to provide him with his identity (i.e. the mobile phone number of his SIM) and the coordinates (telephone number, for example) of the alternative communication channel to be activated when the device detects the presence of the user.

If you wish to register multiple mobile users on the same presence device, all connected to the same alternative communication channel, it is possible to set up the MVNO management server so that when it uses that alternative communication channel for a certain SIM, at the same time it sends a ring to that same SIM. In this way, only the user who also received a ring on his mobile phone at the same time will answer on that alternative communication channel.

Alternatively, the presence signal can be sent to the MVNO from the user's mobile phone itself, instead of from the presence device D. For example, a suitable application can be provided to be installed on the user's smart-phone, suitable for communicating to the control panel. of the MVNO when the telephone detects (via bluetooth <®> or other known systems) that it is within the range of action of the presence device. This inverse mode allows to further simplify the construction of the presence device, which could also be completely devoid of means of communication with the MVNO control unit. The software application installed on the telephone automatically communicates its identification to the MVNO (even if only with a ring, the server is able to read the OLI of the calling telephone), without the need to enter it manually by the user.

The proximity between the presence device and the mobile phone of the receiving user can also be detected by contact, rather than by radio. For example, the presence detection device can comprise a base with two contacts on which the mobile phone is engaged; in this case, the presence device can also recharge the battery of the mobile phone via the contacts.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the presence device is incorporated in a proprietary telephone apparatus of the MVNO, having its own telephone handset (possibly portable) and interfaced with the desired alternative communication channel (fixed line, VoIP, ...).

An apparatus of this type, in addition to making the installation more convenient for the user (the determination of the alternative receiving channel occurs automatically due to the built-in interface), allows the development of other more complex functions. For example, in an initial configuration phase, it is possible to register a multiplicity of user SIMs (for example all the mobile phones of the members of a household) on the same device and then activate different light or sound signals depending on which SIM is called. taking advantage of that alternative communication channel. For the mechanism to work, the MVNO server must route the call on the alternative terminal communication channel, heading it with a string that identifies the desired receiving user and that can be recognized by the device to activate the corresponding light or sound signal. .

The same concept can be extended to an office telephone switchboard: depending on the receiving SIM that is called using that alternative communication channel, one extension is expected to ring rather than another based on the initial configuration set in the switchboard.

The presence detection device can also be incorporated, and act in synergy, in a set-top-box, in a DECT base, in an access point or in a wireless router and so on.

Furthermore, a mobile telephone with a double circuitry can be provided, alternatively suitable for communication via mobile network and via wireless communication (DECT). With the presence apparatus according to the invention, once the mobile telephone is placed on the relative base, the DECT mode is automatically activated between the base and the mobile telephone. In this way, it is also possible to exploit the alternative communication channel provided in the base, for example fixed telephony or VoIP, to communicate with the mobile telephone. To restore mobile mode only (to be used exclusively when the telephone is not within range of the DECT system), it is sufficient for the user to press a special rehabilitation button (arranged on the DECT base or on the mobile telephone).

Once the elements forming the system of the invention have been described, its operation can be easily explained as follows.

Let us suppose that a mobile TX apparatus initiates a call to another mobile RX apparatus, the first belonging to an MNO (MN02) and the second belonging to an MVNO hosted on an MNO host (fig. 5). If the presence detection means have not activated any alternative channel for the receiving user (the client of the MVNO), the call is routed to RX via the usual mobile communication channel on the infrastructure of the host MNO.

If, on the other hand, at that moment the MVNO server considers enabled the use of one or more alternative channels for the RX user - because, for example, the presence device D has detected that RX is within its range of action at inside the home and has sent a special presence signal to the server - the TX call is diverted to one of these alternative communication channels, which have a much lower termination rate, for example to the "fixed" home telephone or the "VoIP" connection of the mobile RX user.

In both cases, the MVNO collects the same mobile termination rate from the HM02 to which the calling mobile phone TX belongs. In the example cited, the MVNO collects 8 eurocent / min from MN02, of the 10 eurocent / min that the latter invoices to its TX customer.

However, in the first conventional case, the MVNO renounces a good part of this collection, because it has to transfer it to its MNO host, thus earning, in the example considered, only 2 eurocent / min (because 6 belong to the MNO host) . In the second case, however, having to bear a much lower termination fee disbursement (for example 0.7 eurocent / min for the fixed line), it is able to achieve a much higher gain (in the example, 8-0, 7 = 7, 3 eurocent / min).

This advantageous result can be obtained, of course, only if the M-VNO manages to obtain the collaboration of its customers (receiving users in the considered scheme), if only at least to install the presence detection device and accept to receive mobile calls on a alternative channel, such as landline or VoIP. The business model that fully exploits the communication system of the invention therefore provides that the economic advantage achievable by the MVNO is shared with the user: essentially, every time the user is called using the alternative termination channel, earns a credit, for example equal to half of the savings achieved by the MVNO, which he can then use for his own calls.

This virtuous mechanism induces the user to accept and prepare the infrastructure of the hybrid system according to the invention, which therefore reaches the full operation and satisfaction of both parties.

However, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the particular configurations illustrated above, which constitute only non-limiting examples of the scope of the invention, but that numerous variants are possible, all within the reach of a person skilled in the art, without thereby abandoning from the scope of the invention itself.

For example, although the system of the invention has been described considering only an MVNO in the terminal network, because it is particularly advantageous for virtual mobile operators, it is not excluded that it can be used by the same MNOs if, for some reason, they believe it is more It is convenient (based on pre-established criteria) to use an alternative communication channel as a termination channel instead of their own mobile network.

Furthermore, the calling user is not necessarily on a mobile network, but can be a fixed telephone network user, without substantially changing the operating principles of the system according to the invention.

Finally, it should be considered that, unless otherwise indicated, in the context of this discussion a telephone or mobile device has been intended as a highly mobile telephone capable of communicating (voice, text, data) on cellular networks by exploiting the standards in force, currently with standard GSM, UMTS, GPRS and so on.

Claims (10)

CLAIMS 1. Telephone communication system for mobile telephone users, comprising at least a first communication network for a telephone apparatus of a calling user (TX) and a second terminal mobile communication network (MNO, MVNO), to which an apparatus is connected mobile telephone of a receiving user (RX) and to which a predetermined mobile termination rate is coupled, characterized by what alternative terminal communication channels are provided, to which termination rates lower than said predetermined mobile termination rate are combined, available to said receiving user, in said second mobile communication network (MVNO), a routing server is installed on said second mobile communication network and on said alternative terminal communication channels, and from what moreover, means are provided for detecting (D) the "presence" of said receiving user (RX) able to define a presence signal in correspondence with at least one of said alternative communication channels when said receiving user (RX) is available to use said alternative communication channels, said presence signal being communicated to said routing server so as to temporarily enable the respective alternative communication channel on which to route the communications directed to said receiving user (RX) as an alternative to said second terminal mobile communication network. 2. System as in claim 1), in which said server is inserted in a communication network of a Virtual Mobile Network Operator (MVNO) connected to said second terminal mobile communication network (MNO). 3. System as in claim 1) or 2), in which one of said alternative terminal communication channels is a VoIP line. 4. System as in claim 1), 2) or 3), in which one of said alternative terminal communication channels is a fixed telephone line. 5. System as in any one of the preceding claims, in which said presence detection means (D) are in the form of a contactless detection device adapted to detect or be detected when in proximity to at least one mobile telephone apparatus of said user receiver (RX). 6. System as in claim 5), in which said mobile telephone apparatus of the receiving user (RX) is provided with a Client application which, at the moment in which said presence detection device (D) has been detected, transmits to said routing server said presence signal at a predetermined alternative communication channel in the presence device (D). System as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said presence detection means (D) comprise an interface which can be attested to a respective alternative terminal communication channel. 8. System as in any one of the preceding claims, in which said presence detection means (D) comprise a base provided with contacts which can be coupled to respective contacts of a mobile telephone apparatus of the receiving user (RX) to determine their presence and / o supply electrical power. Presence detection apparatus in a system as in any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one communication line with a routing server of a terminal mobile communication network (MVNO) and a communication line with a terminal communication channel alternative (VoIP, fixed, etc.) available to a receiving user (RX), a presence signal being sent to said server for enabling a corresponding alternative terminal communication channel (VoIP, fixed, etc.) upon detection of presence of said receiving user (RX). 10. Apparatus as in claim 9), further comprising a base for engaging a cellular mobile telephone apparatus of the receiving user (RX), further comprising means for establishing a DECT connection with said cellular mobile telephone apparatus.