JP2011097516A - Message distribution system, and message distribution method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a message distribution system and message distribution method capable of appropriately distributing a regulation-time allowable message. <P>SOLUTION: In a message distribution system according to this embodiments, if a message class of a first message and that of a second message to be distributed next to the first message are different in messages accumulated in an accumulation section 12 in order of distributions, the second message is set as an authentication required message by an authentication necessity setting section 15c. Thus, since user authentication is required each time the message class changes, even if a regulation-time non-allowable message becomes a distribution error in user authentication, user authentication is performed on a regulation-time allowable message accumulated thereafter and if determined as distributable, the relevant regulation-time allowable message is distributed. Therefore, regulation-time allowable messages can be appropriately distributed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a message distribution system and a message distribution method for distributing a message to a communication terminal.

  Conventionally, systems and methods for distributing messages such as short messages to communication terminals such as mobile phones are known. For example, in the method described in Patent Document 1, the urgency is identified for each message, and the time of traffic equalization of data traffic is changed by changing the message delivery time according to the level of urgency. I am trying.

JP 2003-47057 A

  By the way, a message distributed to a mobile phone may be provided with a standard related to regulation as well as urgency. For example, there is a case of distribution regulation in which a predetermined message is not distributed to a user who has not paid a communication fee. At the time of this distribution restriction, the message is provided with a distinction between a restriction non-permission message that is not distributed to the restriction target user and a restriction permission message that can be distributed to the restriction target user. The restriction allowable message is a special message that needs to be distributed to the restriction target user, for example, a message for terminal control by a communication carrier.

  When distributing a series of messages in which a restriction non-permissible message and a restriction allowable message are mixed, user authentication, which is a determination as to whether a message can be delivered to a user, is usually performed. Further, when urgency is set for a message, the order in which the messages are delivered is set in the order of urgency. However, in the method described in Patent Document 1 described above, when a highly urgent non-regulatory message is distributed to a regulated user and a distribution error occurs due to user authentication, message distribution is interrupted due to the distribution error. It was. For this reason, the distribution control of the permitted message at the time of restriction is not performed, and the allowable message at the time of restriction may not be properly distributed. As described above, there is a problem that it is difficult to deal with message delivery in which a standard related to regulation is provided.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a message distribution system and a message distribution method that enable appropriate distribution of an allowable message at the time of regulation.

  In order to solve the above problems, a message delivery system of the present invention is a message delivery system for delivering a message to a communication terminal, and receiving means for receiving a message transmitted from the message creation device to the communication terminal; The storage means for storing the messages received by the receiving means in the order of distribution, and the messages stored by the storage means are non-permissible messages at the time of restriction that are not distributed to the communication terminal if there is a predetermined factor. Or a determination means for determining a message type of whether the message is an allowable message at the time of regulation that can be distributed to the communication terminal when a predetermined distribution condition relating to the user of the communication terminal is satisfied even when there is a predetermined factor. And the first message of the accumulated messages and the delivery after the first message by the judging means Authentication necessity setting for setting the second message as an authentication required message indicating that user authentication is necessary for determining whether or not message delivery is possible for the user when it is determined that the message type is different from the second message. And means.

  In the message distribution system of the present invention, the message types of the first message and the second message distributed next to the messages stored in the order of distribution, that is, the message types of two consecutive messages are determined. If they are different, the second message is set as an authentication required message by the authentication necessity setting means. In this way, since user authentication is required every time the message type changes in a series of accumulated messages, user authentication is performed for a non-permissible message at the time of restriction, and even if a delivery error occurs due to a predetermined factor, Thereafter, user authentication is performed on the permitted messages at the time of regulation. Then, as a result of user authentication, when it is determined that distribution is possible because a predetermined distribution condition relating to the user is satisfied, the restriction allowable message is distributed. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately distribute the restriction allowed message.

  In the message delivery system of the present invention, the authentication means for performing user authentication for the authentication required message set by the authentication necessity setting means, and the authentication required message based on the result of the user authentication performed by the authentication means. It is preferable to provide a distribution means for distributing to the network.

  According to the present invention, the authentication unit performs user authentication for the authentication required message, and the distribution unit distributes the authentication required message to the communication terminal based on the result of the user authentication. That is, if the user authentication result is normal, the authentication required message is distributed to the communication terminal, and if the user authentication result is an error, the authentication required message is not distributed. In this way, it is possible to appropriately distribute the authentication required message.

  Further, in the message delivery system of the present invention, when the result of user authentication for the authentication required message is an error by the authentication means, the message is delivered after the authentication required message and allowed at the time of regulation by the judgment means. It is preferable that search means for searching for a subsequent restriction time allowable message determined to be a message is provided, and that the authentication necessity setting means sets the subsequent restriction time allowable message searched by the search means as an authentication required message.

  According to the present invention, when the result of user authentication for the authentication required message is an authentication error, the search means allows the subsequent restriction time allowable message to be searched and set in the authentication required message, thereby allowing the subsequent restriction time allowable message. User authentication is performed for. Therefore, only the allowable message at the time of subsequent regulation is distributed to the user having a predetermined factor. Therefore, it is possible to continuously deliver the restriction time allowable message to the user having the predetermined factor.

  Further, in the message delivery system of the present invention, the authentication necessity setting means determines that the first message and the second message when the determination means determines that both the first message and the second message are allowable messages at the time of restriction. Each is preferably set as an authentication required message.

  There are cases where the distribution conditions of the allowable message at the time of restriction differ for each message. For this reason, even a user who can deliver a certain restriction time acceptable message may not be able to deliver another restriction time acceptable message. According to the present invention, since the restriction allowance message is always set to the authentication necessity message by the authentication necessity setting means, the user authentication for the restriction allowance message is performed step by step. Therefore, even when the distribution conditions of the restriction-permitted message are different, appropriate distribution can be performed for each message.

  In the message delivery system of the present invention, the authentication necessity setting means determines that the authentication means determines that the first message and the second message are both non-permitted messages at the time of restriction. It is preferable to set an authentication unnecessary message indicating that authentication is unnecessary.

  A user whose user authentication result is normal for a certain non-permissible message at the time of regulation is considered to be a user having no predetermined factor. According to the present invention, when the restriction non-permission messages are continuously accumulated, the user authentication is not performed for the restriction non-permission message that follows the first restriction non-permission message. Therefore, continuous non-permissible messages at the time of regulation can be smoothly distributed.

  In the message delivery system of the present invention, the authentication necessity setting means determines that the authentication means determines that the first message is a non-permissible message at the time of restriction and the second message is a permissible message at the time of restriction. Preferably, one message is set as the final message indicating that there are no unacceptable messages delivered next.

  Normally, in continuous message delivery, line resources are secured in the message delivery system. According to the present invention, when a restriction time allowed message is accumulated after a restriction time non-permission message, the restriction time non-permission message is set as a final message by the authentication necessity setting means. For this reason, when the non-permissible message at the time of restriction is distributed, it is possible to cancel the reservation because it is no longer necessary to secure the line resource. This makes it possible to effectively use line resources.

  In the message delivery system of the present invention, it is preferable that the storage unit determines the delivery order based on the priority assigned to each message by the message creation device.

  According to this invention, the order of distribution is determined by the storage means based on the priority of each message, and the messages are stored in this order. Therefore, it is possible to distribute the restriction allowed message while following the priority of the message.

  By the way, the present invention can be described as an invention of a message distribution system as described above, and can also be described as an invention of a message distribution method as follows. This is substantially the same invention only in different categories, and has the same operations and effects.

  That is, the message delivery method of the present invention is a message delivery method for delivering a message to a communication terminal by a message delivery system, the reception step receiving a message transmitted to the communication terminal, and the reception step receiving the message. The accumulation step for accumulating messages in the order of distribution, and the messages accumulated in the accumulation step are non-permitted messages at the time of restriction that are not distributed to the communication terminal if there are predetermined factors, or the predetermined factors are Even if there is a case, if a predetermined distribution condition relating to the user of the communication terminal is satisfied, it is stored in the determination step for determining whether the message is a restriction-allowable message that can be distributed to the communication terminal, and in the determination step. Next to the first message and the first message When it is determined that the message type is different from the received second message, the second message is set as an authentication required message indicating that user authentication is necessary to determine whether message delivery to the user is possible. A non-setting step.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately distribute a restriction allowance message.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the message delivery system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the temporary error factor in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of accumulation | storage of the short message in a message storage and delivery apparatus. It is a figure which shows the function structure of a message storage delivery apparatus and an exchange. It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of a message storage delivery apparatus and an exchange. It is explanatory drawing of the state of a message storage delivery apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence by a message storage delivery apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence by an exchange. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence from an empty state. 10 is a flowchart showing a part of the processing procedure shown in FIG. 9. 10 is a flowchart showing a part of the processing procedure shown in FIG. 9. 10 is a flowchart showing a part of the processing procedure shown in FIG. 9. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence from a delivery result waiting state (single shot). It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence from a delivery result waiting state (continuous delivery). It is a flowchart which shows a part of process sequence shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows a part of process sequence shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence from the delivery result waiting state (single shot in continuous delivery). It is a flowchart which shows a part of process sequence shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of accumulation | storage of the short message in a message storage and delivery apparatus. It is a sequence diagram which shows the message delivery process with respect to the communication terminal of an unregulated user in the example shown in FIG. It is a sequence diagram which shows the message delivery process with respect to the communication terminal of the control target user in the example shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of accumulation | storage in the case of delivering a short message by a prior art.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a message delivery system and a message delivery method according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a message delivery system and a message delivery method related to a short message service (hereinafter referred to as SMS (Short Message Service)) will be described. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the message delivery system according to this embodiment. 1 includes a message creation device MA, MB, MC, a message storage / delivery device 1, an exchange 2, an HLR (Home Location Register) 3, and communication terminals PA, PB. Has been. Note that the message distribution system S includes a base station, a radio control device, and the like in addition to the components shown in FIG. The exchange 2, the HLR 3, the base station, the radio control device and the like constitute a normal mobile communication network.

  Each of the message creation devices MA, MB, and MC is a device that creates a short message addressed to the communication terminals PA, PB, etc., and transmits the created short message to the message storage / delivery device 1. Short message creation and transmission by the message creation devices MA, MB, and MC are intermittently performed in each device. Also, information indicating a predetermined priority is assigned to each short message created by the message creation devices MA, MB, and MC. That is, the message creation devices MA, MB, and MC create short messages of priority A, priority B, and priority C, respectively. Here, in order to simplify the description, the priority of the short message created by each device is in the order of priority A> priority B> priority C.

  Here, in the SMS of the present embodiment, when there is a predetermined factor, distribution restriction is made. The predetermined factor here is a factor relating to the user or the network, and various error factors as shown in FIG. These are not temporary error factors, but temporary error factors. In FIG. 2, “error factor” is represented as “RP-CS (Relay Layer Protocol-Cause)”. For example, there is an error factor related to an unauthorized subscriber that restricts delivery of a short message to an unauthorized subscriber who has a breach of contract (this error factor is referred to as “illegal-subscriber”). In addition, there is an error factor related to individual regulation that regulates delivery of short messages to users subject to regulation such as non-payment of communication charges (this error factor is called “call-barred”). In addition, when the network is congested, there is an error factor related to the congestion state that restricts delivery of the short message (this error factor is referred to as “congestion”). As described above, when there is an error factor as shown in FIG. 2, the short message becomes a delivery error and is not delivered.

  However, on the other hand, the SMS of the present embodiment is provided with a special message that needs to be delivered even when there is the above error factor. That is, as shown in the “Example” column of FIG. 2, when there is an error factor related to an unauthorized subscriber, a special message (such as a short message for warning) to be delivered to the unauthorized subscriber is displayed. Provided. Further, when there is an error factor related to individual restriction, a special message (such as a short message for terminal control) to be distributed to the restriction target user is provided. Further, when there is an error factor related to the congestion state, a priority message to be delivered is provided even during congestion.

  Thus, in order to deliver a special message even when there is an error factor, in the SMS of the present embodiment, a message type related to delivery restriction is provided in the short message in addition to the priority described above. That is, there are provided a non-permitted message at the time of restriction that is not distributed when there is an error factor and a permissible message at the time of restriction that can be distributed even if there is an error factor. This restriction allowance message is distributed to the communication terminal only when a predetermined distribution condition regarding the user of the communication terminal that is the destination is satisfied. As an example of this distribution condition, in the case of individual regulation, there is a condition such as “a user whose unpaid amount of communication fee is a certain amount or more”. If there is no error factor, both the non-permitted message during restriction and the permissible message during restriction are delivered.

  When creating a short message, the message creation devices MA, MB, and MC shown in FIG. 1 include destination information indicating communication terminals PA, PB, and the like serving as the destination in the short message. In addition, when the short message is a restriction allowable message, the message creation devices MA, MB, and MC together with a flag indicating the fact and information indicating the type of the error factor and the distribution condition regarding the error factor in the short message. include.

  The message storage / delivery device 1 receives the short message transmitted from the message creation devices MA, MB, and MC, and performs predetermined processing based on the priority, message type, and the like of the received short message, thereby each short message. Is distributed to the communication terminals PA, PB, etc. via the exchange 2. The message storage / delivery device 1 stores the received short messages in the order of distribution. An example of short message storage in the message storage / delivery device 1 is shown in FIG. In the message storage / delivery device 1, the order of delivery is determined based on the priority of each received message. As shown in FIG. 3, short messages m1 to m4 are stored in descending order of priority. The priorities A to X shown in FIG. 3 are the order in which short messages are distributed. Here, the short messages m2 and m3 to which the flag is attached indicate that they are allowed messages at the time of restriction. As described above, the message storage / delivery device 1 stores the restriction non-permissible message and the restriction allowable message in a mixed state. Further, the message storage / delivery device 1 determines the message type of the short message stored in this manner, and determines whether or not user authentication, which is a determination as to whether or not the message can be distributed, is necessary based on the determination result. The message storage / delivery device 1 sets whether or not user authentication is necessary for each short message. The message storage / delivery device 1 controls the delivery of the short message for each destination.

  The exchange 2 is a device that receives a short message distributed from the message storage and distribution device 1 and performs user authentication for the received short message. In practice, a plurality of exchanges 2 are provided according to the communication area of the mobile communication network. Each of the plurality of exchanges 2 is connected to the message storage / delivery device 1 by a line. The HLR 3 is a database that manages user information of each user. The user information managed in the HLR 3 includes information on the contract contents, information on whether or not it is a restriction target, and information on distribution conditions for various error factors. When the exchange 2 receives a short message that requires user authentication, the exchange 2 requests the user information of the destination user from the HLR 3. When the exchange 2 reads the user information from the HLR 3, the exchange 2 performs user authentication, which is a determination as to whether or not the short message can be delivered to the destination user, by collating the delivery condition indicated in the short message with the user information. When the exchange 2 determines that the delivery is possible, the exchange 2 delivers the short message to the communication terminal of the destination user and notifies the message storage / delivery device 1 that the authentication result is normal. On the other hand, when it is determined that the distribution is impossible, the exchange 2 notifies the message storage / delivery device 1 of a distribution error indicating a temporary error without distributing the short message. When the exchange 2 receives a short message that does not require user authentication, the exchange 2 distributes the short message to the communication terminal of the destination user without performing user authentication.

  Next, the functional configurations of the message storage / delivery device 1 and the exchange 2 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. First, the functional configuration of the message storage / delivery device 1 will be described. The message storage / delivery device 1 includes a reception unit 11, a storage unit 12, a distribution unit 13, an authentication result acquisition unit 14, and a distribution control unit 15.

  The receiving unit 11 is a receiving unit that receives a short message transmitted from the message creation devices MA, MB, MC to the communication terminals PA, PB. The accumulating unit 12 is an accumulating unit that accumulates the short messages received by the receiving unit 11 in the order in which the short messages are delivered, that is, in the order of priority. The delivery control unit 15 is a unit that controls delivery of the short message for each destination by performing predetermined processing based on the priority and message type of the short message stored in the storage unit 12. The distribution unit 13 is means for distributing the short message to the exchange 2 under the control of the distribution control unit 15. The authentication result acquisition unit 14 is means for receiving and acquiring a result of user authentication for a short message performed by the exchange 2. Upon obtaining the user authentication result from the exchange 2, the authentication result acquisition unit 14 determines whether the user authentication result is normal or a distribution error, and outputs information indicating the determination result to the distribution control unit 15. . Further, if the result of user authentication is a delivery error, the authentication result acquisition unit 14 determines whether the delivery error is “call-barred” among the temporary delivery errors shown in FIG. 2 or “call-barred”. The information indicating the determination result is output to the distribution control unit 15.

  Further, the distribution control unit 15 includes an acquisition unit 15a, a determination unit 15b, an authentication necessity setting unit 15c, a line selection unit 15d, a search unit 15e, a distribution time setting unit 15f, and a deletion unit 15g. ing. The acquisition unit 15 a is a part that sequentially acquires the short messages accumulated in the accumulation unit 12 for the distribution control processing performed in the distribution control unit 15. Specifically, when the acquisition unit 15a detects a delivery opportunity, the acquisition unit 15a acquires the short messages in the order in which they are stored in the storage unit 12, that is, in the order in which they are distributed. This distribution opportunity is, for example, a time at regular intervals, and is set in advance by a timer in the acquisition unit 15a. The acquisition unit 15a may acquire a notification that the predetermined number of short messages stored in the storage unit 12 has been reached from the storage unit 12, or the communication terminal may move from outside the service area to within the service area. It is good also as a delivery opportunity by acquiring the notification of that from the exchange 2. Furthermore, it is good also as a delivery opportunity by acquiring the message delivery request | requirement from a communication terminal. The acquiring unit 15a determines whether there is a short message to be distributed next to the acquired short message, includes information indicating the determination result in the acquired short message, and outputs the information to the determining unit 15b. Specifically, the acquisition unit 15a makes this determination by acquiring information on whether there is an unacquired short message from the storage unit 12.

  The determination unit 15b is a determination unit that determines the message type of the short message output from the acquisition unit 15a. Specifically, the determination unit 15b detects whether each short message output from the acquisition unit 15a is flagged, thereby determining whether the short message is a restriction allowable message or not. Determine if it is an unacceptable message. Based on the determination result, the determination unit 15b determines the type of message delivery described below for each short message, includes information indicating the determination result in each short message, and outputs the information to the authentication necessity setting unit 15c.

  Here, the message delivery in the message storage and delivery device 1 according to the present embodiment is a single delivery, a continuous delivery, and a continuous delivery in order to properly deliver a series of messages in which a restriction non-permissible message and a restriction acceptable message are mixed. It is classified into three types of single delivery during delivery. In the message storage / delivery device 1, the type of message delivery is determined based on the sequence of message types of a series of short messages determined by the determination unit 15b. Single delivery is message delivery when only one short message is delivered and there is no subsequent short message. Continuous delivery is message delivery in which part or all of a series of short messages acquired by the acquisition unit 15a is continuously distributed. This continuous distribution is further classified into three types: first time / continuation / final. Continuous delivery (first time) is message delivery for a short message that is first delivered in continuous delivery. Continuous delivery (continuation) is message delivery for a short message that is continuously delivered following a continuous delivery (first time) or continuous delivery (continuation), followed by a short message that is delivered continuously. Continuous delivery (final) is message delivery for short messages that are continuously delivered following continuous delivery (first time) or continuous delivery (continuation), and short messages that are continuously delivered are not following. Single delivery during continuous delivery is message delivery when only one short message is delivered, but there is a subsequent short message.

  Specifically, the type of message delivery is determined by the determination unit 15b as follows. That is, when the determination unit 15b determines that the first short message in the series of short messages is an allowable message at the time of restriction, and the acquisition unit 15a determines that there is some short message to be distributed next, the message The type of delivery is determined as single delivery during continuous delivery. In addition, even when the determination unit 15b determines that the first short message is a non-permitted message at the time of restriction and the next short message to be distributed is a permissible message at the time of restriction, the type of message distribution is the single delivery during continuous delivery. It is judged. If the determination unit 15b determines that the first short message is a non-permissible message at the time of restriction and the short message to be distributed next is also a non-permissible message at the time of restriction, the type of message distribution is continuous distribution (first time). It is judged. If the acquisition unit 15a determines that there is no short message to be delivered next, regardless of whether the first short message is a restriction acceptable message or a restriction non-permissible message, the message delivery type is It is judged as a single delivery. If the acquisition unit 15a determines that there is no short message to be distributed, the message distribution determination is not made, and the acquisition unit 15a waits for the next distribution opportunity.

  Also for the short message acquired after one short message distributed in the single distribution during continuous distribution, the type of message distribution is determined in the same manner as the above determination. In this case, the short message distributed next to the one short message corresponds to the “first short message” in the above determination, and the short message distributed next is “next distributed in the determination”. Corresponds to “Short Message”. In this way, the message delivery type is sequentially determined based on the message types of two consecutive short messages.

  Also in continuous delivery, similar to the above determination, the type of message delivery is determined one by one based on the message types of two consecutive short messages, and the next short message to be delivered is an unacceptable message at the time of regulation. As long as there is, the type of message delivery is determined to be continuous delivery (continuation). The next short message to be distributed is a non-permitted message at the time of restriction, but the acquisition unit 15a determines that there is no further short message to be distributed, or the determination unit 15b determines that the short message is to be distributed at the time of restriction. In this case, the message delivery type is determined to be continuous delivery (final).

  The authentication necessity setting unit 15c is an authentication necessity setting unit that sets whether or not user authentication is necessary for each short message according to information indicating the type of message delivery included in the short message output from the determination unit 15b. is there. This user authentication necessity setting is performed by including in each short message a user authentication flag indicating that user authentication is required. In addition, the authentication necessity setting unit 15 c outputs a short message in which the necessity of user authentication is set to the line selection unit 15 d and the distribution unit 13. Specifically, the authentication necessity setting unit 15c includes information indicating “no initial / subsequent message” and a user authentication flag in one short message determined to be single delivery or single delivery during continuous delivery. The short message is set to an authentication required message indicating that user authentication is required (such setting processing is also referred to as “single delivery signal assembly”). Further, the authentication necessity setting unit 15c includes the information indicating "there is a first time / subsequent message" and a user authentication flag in the short message determined to be continuous delivery (first time), thereby making the short message an authentication required message. Setting (such setting processing is also referred to as “assembling continuous delivery initial signal”). In addition, the short message determined to be continuously delivered (continuation) includes information indicating “continuation / following message exists”, and the short message is set as an authentication unnecessary message indicating that user authentication is unnecessary. (Such setting processing is also referred to as “assembly of continuous delivery continuation signal”). Furthermore, by including information indicating “no final / following message” in the short message determined to be continuous delivery (final), the short message is set as a final message and set as an authentication unnecessary message ( Such setting processing is also referred to as “assembly of continuous delivery final signal”).

  As described above, the authentication necessity setting unit 15c sets the short message to be the authentication required message for the short message distributed at the head of the various message distributions regardless of the message type. As described above, the authentication necessity setting unit 15c performs the later delivery when the message types of two consecutive short messages (the first message and the second message) are different, that is, when the message delivery type changes. The short message (second message) of the person to be authenticated is set as the authentication required message. The two consecutive short messages here are two adjacent short messages among the short messages acquired by the acquisition unit 15a. That is, the short message m1 and the short message m2 or the short message m2 and the short message 3 will be described using the accumulation example shown in FIG. Further, the authentication necessity setting unit 15c determines that continuous two short messages (first message and second message) are both non-permitted messages at the time of restriction, that is, continuous distribution (first time or continuation). The short message (second message) to be delivered later of the two is set as an authentication unnecessary message. Further, the authentication necessity setting unit 15c always sets the short message as an authentication-necessary message when the short message is an allowable message at the time of restriction, that is, when it is determined as single delivery or single delivery during continuous delivery. Furthermore, if the short message (second message) delivered after the restriction non-permissible message (first message) is a restriction allowable message, the authentication necessity setting unit 15c sets the restriction non-permission message. Is set as a final message indicating that there is no non-permitted message at the time of restriction distributed next time, and is set as an authentication unnecessary message. In addition to the above description, the authentication necessity setting unit 15c sets the subsequent restriction allowable message searched by the search unit 15e described later as the authentication required message.

  The line selection unit 15d is a part that selects a line for connecting the message storage / delivery device 1 and the exchange 2 in order to distribute the short message to the destination of the short message output from the authentication necessity setting unit 15c. Specifically, the line selection unit 15d refers to the destination information indicated in the short message, and selects a line with the exchange 2 corresponding to the destination from among a plurality of exchanges provided in the message distribution system S. The search unit 15e inputs information indicating the result of user authentication for the non-permitted message at the time of restriction, which is a message requiring authentication, from the authentication result acquisition unit 14 in continuous distribution, and the determination result indicated by the input information is a predetermined result. In the case of (details will be described later), the search means searches for a restriction time allowed message distributed after the restriction non-permission message. The short message searched by the search unit 15e in this way is referred to as a subsequent restriction allowable message. On the other hand, the distribution time setting unit 15f inputs information indicating the result of user authentication for the authentication-required message from the authentication result acquisition unit 14 in single distribution, continuous distribution, and single distribution during continuous distribution, and is shown in the input information. This is a part for updating the scheduled delivery time of the authentication-required message and / or the short message delivered thereafter when the determined result is a predetermined result (details will be described later) different from the above result. Specifically, the distribution time setting unit 15f refers to the timer time set in the acquisition unit 15a, and stores the corresponding message in the storage unit 12 so that the corresponding message is acquired again at the next distribution trigger. Let The deletion unit 15g receives the authentication-required message from the storage unit 12 when the user authentication result for the authentication-required message is normal and information indicating the determination result is input from the authentication result acquisition unit 14. This is the part to be deleted.

  Next, the functional configuration of the exchange 2 will be described. The exchange 2 includes a reception unit 21, a user authentication unit 22, an authentication result transmission unit 23, a distribution control unit 24, and a distribution unit 25.

  The receiving unit 21 is means for receiving a short message distributed by the distribution unit 13 of the message storage / delivery device 1. The user authentication unit 22 is an authentication unit that determines whether or not user authentication is necessary for the short message received by the reception unit 21 and performs user authentication. Specifically, when a short message is received by the receiving unit 21, the user authentication unit 22 detects whether or not a user authentication flag is included in the short message, so that the short message is an authentication required message. It is determined whether it is an authentication unnecessary message or not. Further, when determining that the message is an authentication required message, the user authentication unit 22 requests the user information of the destination of the authentication required message from the HLR 3. When the user authentication unit 22 reads the user information from the HLR 3, the user authentication unit 22 determines whether or not the destination user is a restriction target user. Further, when the user authentication unit 22 determines that the user is a regulated user, the user authentication unit 22 determines whether or not the distribution condition is satisfied by comparing the distribution condition indicated in the authentication required message with the user information. If the user authentication unit 22 determines that the destination user is a non-regulation target user even if it is an authentication required message, the user authentication unit 22 determines that the short message can be distributed. Thus, individual user authentication itself performed in the user authentication unit 22 is the same as that of the conventional technique. The authentication result transmission unit 23 is means for transmitting and notifying the message storage / delivery device 1 of the result of user authentication by the user authentication unit 22. The authentication result transmission unit 23 determines that the authentication result is normal when it is determined that the result of user authentication by the user authentication unit 22 is normal (distribution is possible) and a notification that the distribution result is normal is received from the destination communication terminal. To the authentication result acquisition unit 14 of the message storage / delivery device 1. On the other hand, when it is determined that the result of user authentication by the user authentication unit 22 is an error (distribution is impossible), a distribution error including information indicating an error factor is notified to the authentication result acquisition unit 14.

  The delivery control unit 24 is means for controlling delivery of the authentication required message based on the result of user authentication of the authentication required message by the user authentication unit 22. Specifically, the distribution control unit 24 controls the distribution unit 25 to distribute the authentication-required message to the communication terminal of the destination user only when the result of user authentication by the user authentication unit 22 is determined to be normal. . Also, if the message is an authentication unnecessary message, the distribution control unit 24 controls the distribution unit 25 to distribute the authentication unnecessary message to the communication terminal of the destination user. The distribution unit 25 is a distribution unit that distributes the authentication required message and the authentication unnecessary message, which are determined to be distributed by being controlled by the distribution control unit 24, to the communication terminal of the destination user.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the message storage / delivery device 1 and the exchange 2. As shown in FIG. 5, the message storage / delivery device 1 and the exchange 2 include a central processing unit (CPU) 101, a random access memory (RAM) 102 that is a main storage device, a read only memory (ROM) 103, and a communication module 104. In addition, the computer includes a computer including hardware such as an auxiliary storage device 105 such as a hard disk. By operating these components, the above-described functions of the message storage / delivery device 1 and the exchange 2 are exhibited.

  Next, the state of the message storage / delivery device 1 will be described. In the message storage / delivery device 1 according to the present embodiment, four states corresponding to the types of message delivery are defined as states relating to message delivery. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the state of the message storage / delivery device. The empty state ST1 is a state where message delivery is not in progress, that is, a state waiting for delivery opportunity. Result waiting state (single) ST2 is a state in which the result of user authentication is awaited in single delivery (message delivery in which a short message is delivered in a single state without a subsequent short message). Result waiting state (continuous) ST3 is a state in which the result of user authentication is awaited in continuous distribution (message distribution in which short messages are continuously distributed). Result waiting state (single continuous) ST4 is a state of waiting for the result of user authentication in single distribution during continuous distribution (message distribution in which a short message is distributed in a single state when there is a subsequent short message). In the following description, message distribution performed while transitioning between the above states is referred to as distribution by transition state.

  Next, processing (message delivery method) performed by the message storage / delivery device 1 and the exchange 2 will be described. In the description of the message delivery method below, among the error factors described above, the delivery restriction related to the individual restriction, which is a temporary error factor relating to the user, is made, and the delivery restriction relating to the network factor, that is, the congestion state is not made. Assumes the case. The processing by the message storage / delivery device 1 is performed for each short message destination according to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, the receiving unit 11 sequentially receives short messages transmitted from the message creation devices MA, MB, MC to the communication terminals PA, PB (S101, reception step). Next, the short messages received by the receiving unit 11 are accumulated by the accumulation unit 12 in descending order of priority (S102, accumulation step). In a state where one or a plurality of short messages are accumulated in this way, the message accumulation / delivery device 1 enters the empty state ST1 shown in FIG. 6 waiting for a delivery opportunity, and shifts to processing from the empty state (S103).

  The processing by the exchange 2 is performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, the receiving unit 21 receives a short message distributed by the distribution unit 13 of the message storage and distribution device 1 (S201). Next, the user authentication unit 22 determines whether or not user authentication is necessary for the short message received by the receiving unit 21 (S202). Here, if it is determined that the short message is an authentication required message, the user authentication unit 22 performs user authentication. That is, the user information of the destination of the authentication-required message is read from the HLR 3, and it is determined whether or not the destination user is a restriction target user, and the delivery condition for the authentication-required message is determined according to the determination result. A determination is made as to whether or not it is satisfied (S203, authentication step). Next, the user authentication unit 22 determines the authentication result (S204). When it is determined that the user authentication result is normal, the distribution control unit 24 controls the distribution unit 25 so that the authentication-required message is distributed to the destination communication terminal, and distribution by the distribution unit 25 is performed (S205). , Delivery step). When the notification that the delivery result is normal is received from the destination communication terminal, information that the authentication result is normal is notified to the authentication result acquisition unit 14 of the message storage and delivery device 1 (S206). ). If the user authentication result is determined to be an error, a delivery error including information indicating the error cause is notified to the authentication result acquisition unit 14 (S207). When it is determined in step S202 that the short message is an authentication unnecessary message, the distribution unit 25 is controlled such that the authentication unnecessary message is distributed to the destination communication terminal, and distribution by the distribution unit 25 is performed ( S205, distribution step).

  Then, the process from each state ST1-ST4 of the message storage delivery apparatus 1 is demonstrated. First, processing from the empty state ST1 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 9, first, a delivery opportunity is detected by the acquisition unit 15a (S1). Here, a delivery opportunity is detected by a timer or the like provided in the acquisition unit 15a. Next, the acquisition unit 15a acquires the first message accumulated at the beginning in the accumulation unit 12 (S2). Next, the next message accumulated after the first message is acquired by the acquisition unit 15a (S3). Next, the message type is determined for each of the first message and the next message by the determination unit 15b (S4, determination step). Here, it is determined whether the short message is a restricted message or a restricted message by detecting whether a flag is attached to each message. If it is determined in step S4 that the head message is an allowed message at the time of restriction and there is some next message, the determination unit 15b determines that the type of delivery of the head message is single delivery during continuous delivery, and single delivery during continuous delivery. Is performed (S5). Also, when it is determined in step S4 that the first message is a non-permitted message at the time of restriction and the next message is a permitted message at the time of restriction, the determination unit 15b determines that the type of distribution of the first message is a single message during continuous distribution. The distribution is determined, and single distribution is performed during continuous distribution (S5). If it is determined in step S4 that the first message is a non-permissible message at the time of restriction and the next message is also a non-permissible message at the time of restriction, the determination unit 15b determines that the type of distribution of the first message is continuous distribution (first time). Then, continuous distribution (first time) is performed (S6a). In addition, when another determination is made in step S4, for example, when the acquisition unit 15a determines that there is no next message, the determination unit 15b determines that the type of delivery of the head message is single delivery, and single delivery is performed. Performed (S7).

  Single delivery during continuous delivery in step S5 is performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, the one-time delivery signal indicating “no first time / following message” is assembled by the authentication necessity setting unit 15c (S51). Here, the first allowable message at the time of restriction is set as an authentication-required message, and information indicating “no initial message / no subsequent message” indicating that there is no short message to be distributed subsequently is included in the first message. Next, the line selection unit 15d selects a line according to the destination of the short message (S52). Next, the head unit message is transmitted (distributed) to the exchange 2 by the distribution unit 13 (S53). Then, a transition is made to the result waiting state (single-shot during continuous) ST4 (S54, state transition t14 in FIG. 6).

  The continuous distribution (first time) in step S6a of FIG. 9 is performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, the initial / continuous / final determination is performed by the authentication necessity setting unit 15c (S61). Here, since it is continuous distribution (first time), the authentication necessity setting unit 15c determines that it is the first time. Next, a continuous delivery initial signal indicating “first time / subsequent message present” is assembled by the authentication necessity setting unit 15c (S62). Here, the first non-permitted message at the time of restriction is set as a message that requires authentication, and information indicating that there is a non-permissible message at the time of restriction that is subsequently distributed is included in the first message. It is done. Next, the line selection unit 15d selects a line according to the destination of the short message (S63). Next, the head unit message is transmitted (distributed) to the exchange 2 by the distribution unit 13 (S66). Then, a transition is made to the result waiting state (continuous) ST3 (S67, state transition t13 in FIG. 6).

  Single delivery in step S7 of FIG. 9 is performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, a single delivery signal indicating “no initial / following message” is assembled by the authentication necessity setting unit 15c (S71). Here, the head message is set as an authentication-necessary message, and information indicating “no initial message / subsequent message” indicating that there is no short message to be distributed subsequently is included in the head message. Next, the line selection unit 15d selects a line according to the destination of the short message (S72). Next, the head unit message is transmitted (distributed) to the exchange 2 by the distribution unit 13 (S73). Then, a transition is made to a result waiting state (single shot) ST2 (S54, state transition t12 in FIG. 6).

  Next, processing from the result waiting state (single shot) ST2 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the result of user authentication is acquired by the authentication result acquisition unit 14 (S21). Next, the authentication result acquisition unit 14 determines whether the result of the user authentication is normal or a delivery error (S22). If the result of the user authentication is normal, the deletion unit 15g deletes the corresponding message (the authentication-required message that has been the latest processing target) from the storage unit 12 (S23). On the other hand, when the result of the user authentication is “user-dependent temporary delivery error”, the delivery time setting unit 15f updates the scheduled delivery time of the message (S24). After the corresponding message is deleted in step S23 or the corresponding message delivery scheduled time is updated in step S24, the state transits to the empty state ST1 (S25, state transition t21 in FIG. 6), and a series of short message delivery ends. Although not shown in FIG. 13, if it is determined in step S <b> 22 that the user-dependent permanent distribution error that is not subject to distribution regulation in the present embodiment is detected, the corresponding message is deleted. In addition, if it is determined that the message is not a user-dependent message-dependent delivery error, the message is deleted if the delivery error is permanent, and if it is temporary, the scheduled delivery time is updated. Is done.

  Next, processing from the result waiting state (continuous) ST3 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 14, first, the result of user authentication is acquired by the authentication result acquisition unit 14 (S31). Next, the authentication result acquisition unit 14 determines whether the result of the user authentication is normal or a delivery error (S32). If the result of the user authentication is normal, the deletion unit 15g deletes the corresponding message (the authentication-required message that was the latest processing target) from the storage unit 12 (S33). Next, the acquisition unit 15a determines whether or not there is a short message to be subsequently distributed (S34). Here, when it is determined that there is no subsequent short message to be delivered, a transition is made to the empty state ST1 (S35, state transition t31 in FIG. 6), and the delivery of a series of short messages is completed. If it is determined that there is a short message to be subsequently distributed, distribution by transition state is performed (S36). On the other hand, when the result of the user authentication is “user-dependent temporary delivery error” in step S32, the delivery result, that is, the RP-CS is “call-barred” indicating delivery restriction by the authentication result acquisition unit 14. It is determined whether there is any other than “call-barred” (S37). When it is determined that the RP-CS is “call-barred”, the restriction-permitted message distributed after the corresponding message is searched and distributed (S38). By retrieving / distributing the permitted message at the time of restriction in step S38, the permitted message at the time of restriction can be continuously distributed to the users who are subject to the restriction of “call-barred”. When it is determined that RP-CS is other than “call-barred”, the delivery time setting unit 15f updates the scheduled delivery time of the subsequent message delivered after the message (S39). Although not shown in FIG. 14, if it is determined in step S <b> 32 that the user-dependent permanent distribution error that is not subject to distribution regulation in the present embodiment is detected, the corresponding message is deleted. In addition, if it is determined that the message is not a user-dependent message-dependent delivery error, the message is deleted if the delivery error is permanent, and if it is temporary, the scheduled delivery time is updated. Is done. In the present embodiment, when the RP-CS is determined to be “call-barred”, the restriction-allowed message is searched and distributed. However, other distribution different from “call-barred” is performed. Similar search / distribution may be performed when it is determined that an error has occurred.

  The search / distribution of the restriction allowance message in step S38 of FIG. 14 is performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, the acquisition unit 15a acquires the next message accumulated after the corresponding message (S81). (In the following description, the short message accumulated after the corresponding message (the authentication-necessary message that has been processed most recently) is called the next message, and the short message accumulated after the next message is called the message one after another.) The acquisition unit 15a determines whether or not there is a next message, that is, whether or not there is a short message to be subsequently distributed (S82). When it is determined that there is a short message to be subsequently distributed, the determination unit 15b determines whether or not the short message is a restriction time allowable message (S83, determination step). If it is determined that the message is not an allowable message at the time of restriction, the delivery time setting unit 15f updates the scheduled delivery time of the short message (S84), and the process returns to the next message acquisition process in step S81. If it is determined that the message is an allowable message at the time of restriction, the search unit 15e sets the allowable message at the time of restriction to an allowable message at the time of subsequent restriction, and the single delivery during continuous distribution shown in FIG. 10 is performed (S85). In step S82, when it is determined that there is no short message to be subsequently distributed, the state transits to the empty state ST1 (S86, state transition t31 in FIG. 6).

  The distribution by transition state in step S36 of FIG. 14 is performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, the acquisition unit 15a acquires a next message and a message that are subsequently distributed (S11). Next, the determination unit 15b determines the message type of the acquired next message and the subsequent message (S12, determination step). When it is determined in step S12 that the next message is an allowed message at the time of restriction and there is any subsequent message, the determination unit 15b determines that the type of delivery of the next message is single delivery during continuous delivery, as shown in FIG. Single delivery is performed during continuous delivery (S5, state transition t34 in FIG. 6). If it is determined in step S12 that the next message is an allowed message at the time of restriction and there is no message after another, the determination unit 15b determines that the type of delivery of the next message is single delivery, and the single delivery shown in FIG. Is performed (S7, state transition t32 in FIG. 6). Further, when it is determined in step S12 that the next message is a non-permitted message at the time of restriction and the next message is also a non-permitted message at the time of restriction, the determination unit 15b determines that the type of distribution of the next message is continuous distribution (continuation). Then, continuous distribution (continuation) is performed (S6b, state transition t33 in FIG. 6). If another determination is made in step S12, for example, if it is determined that the next message is a non-permitted message at the time of restriction but the next message is a permissible message at the time of restriction, the determination unit 15b distributes the next message. Is determined to be continuous distribution (final), and continuous distribution (final) is performed (S6b, state transition t33 in FIG. 6).

  When it is determined that the next message (second message) is an allowed message at the time of continuous delivery, that is, during delivery of an unacceptable message at the time of restriction, as in step S5 or step S7 in the distribution by transition state of FIG. The continuous delivery is interrupted, and the single delivery or the single delivery during the continuous delivery similar to that described in the processing from the empty state ST1 is performed for the next message. Then, the allowed message at the time of regulation (second message) which is the single delivery during continuous delivery or the head of the single delivery is set as an authentication required message by the authentication necessity setting unit 15c (S51 in FIG. 10 or S71 in FIG. 12). , Authentication necessity setting step). As described above, in the message storage / delivery device 1 of the present embodiment, user authentication is required every time the message type changes in a series of short messages to be distributed.

  The continuous distribution (continuation) in step S6b in FIG. 16 and the continuous distribution (final) in step S6c are performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, the initial / continuous / final determination is performed by the authentication necessity setting unit 15c (S61). Here, in the case of continuous distribution (continuation), it is determined that it is continuation, and the continuous distribution continuation signal indicating “continuation / subsequent message exists” is assembled by the authentication necessity setting unit 15c (S64). Here, the next message, which is a non-permitted message at the time of restriction, is set as an authentication unnecessary message, and the information “continuation / following message present” indicating that there is a non-permitted message at the time of restriction to be distributed subsequently is the next message. Included in If it is continuous delivery (final), it is determined in step S61 that it is final, and the continuous delivery final signal indicating "no final / following message" is assembled by the authentication necessity setting unit 15c (S65). Here, the next message, which is a non-permitted message at the time of restriction, is set as an authentication unnecessary message and the final message, and the information “No final / following message” indicating that there is no short message to be distributed subsequently is the next message. Included in Next, the next message is transmitted (distributed) to the exchange 2 through the same line as that for the first delivery without the line selection by the line selection unit 15d (S66). Then, a transition is made to the result waiting state (continuous) ST3 (S67, state transition t33 in FIG. 6).

  Next, the processing from the result waiting state (single continuous) ST4 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 17, first, the result of user authentication is acquired by the authentication result acquisition unit 14 (S41). Next, the authentication result acquisition unit 14 determines whether the result of user authentication is normal or a distribution error (S42). If the result of user authentication is normal, the deletion unit 15g deletes the corresponding message (the authentication-necessary message that was the latest processing target) from the storage unit 12 (S43). Next, the acquisition unit 15a determines whether there is a short message to be subsequently distributed (S44). Here, when it is determined that there is no subsequent short message to be delivered, a transition is made to the empty state ST1 (S45, state transition t41 in FIG. 6), and the delivery of a series of short messages is completed. If it is determined that there is a short message to be subsequently distributed, distribution by transition state is performed (S46). On the other hand, when the result of the user authentication is “user-dependent temporary delivery error” in step S32, the delivery time setting unit 15f updates the scheduled delivery time of the message and the subsequent message delivered after the message. (S47). Although not shown in FIG. 17, if it is determined in step S <b> 42 that the user-dependent permanent distribution error that is not subject to distribution regulation in the present embodiment is found, the corresponding message is deleted. Further, when it is determined that the message is not a user-dependent message-dependent delivery error, the message is deleted if the delivery error is permanent, and if the message is temporary, the message and subsequent messages are deleted. The scheduled delivery time of is updated.

  The distribution by transition state in step S46 of FIG. 17 is performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, the acquisition unit 15a acquires a next message and a message that are subsequently distributed (S13). Next, the determination unit 15b determines the message type of the acquired next message and the subsequent message (S14, determination step). If it is determined in step S14 that the next message is an allowed message at the time of restriction and there is any subsequent message, the determination unit 15b determines that the type of distribution of the next message is single distribution during continuous distribution, as shown in FIG. Single delivery is performed during continuous delivery (S5, state transition t44 in FIG. 6). Also, in the case where it is determined in step S14 that the next message is a non-permitted message at the time of restriction and the next message is a permissible message at the time of restriction, the determination unit 15b determines that the type of distribution of the next message The distribution is determined, and the single distribution during continuous distribution shown in FIG. 10 is performed (S5, state transition t44 in FIG. 6). Further, when it is determined in step S14 that the next message is a non-permitted message at the time of restriction and the next message is also a non-permitted message at the time of restriction, the determination unit 15b determines that the distribution type of the next message is continuous distribution (first time). Then, the continuous distribution (first time) shown in FIG. 11 is performed (S6a, state transition t43 in FIG. 6). If another determination is made in step S14, for example, if it is determined that the next message is a non-permitted message at the time of restriction but the next message is a permissible message at the time of restriction, the determination unit 15b distributes the next message. Is determined as single delivery, and the single delivery shown in FIG. 12 is performed (S7, state transition t43 in FIG. 6).

  As in step S6a or step S7 in the distribution by transition state in FIG. 18, in the single distribution during continuous distribution, that is, during the distribution of the allowable message at the time of restriction, the next message (second message) is a non-permissible message at the time of restriction. If it is determined, the continuous delivery (first time) or single delivery similar to that described in the processing from the empty state ST1 is performed for the next message. Then, the restriction non-permissible message (second message) that is the head of continuous delivery (first time) or single delivery is set as an authentication required message by the authentication necessity setting unit 15c (S62 in FIG. 11 or FIG. 12). S71, authentication necessity setting step). As described above, in the message storage / delivery device 1 of the present embodiment, user authentication is required every time the message type changes in a series of short messages to be distributed.

  As described above, the message storage / delivery device 1 receives the short messages transmitted from the message creation devices MA, MB, and MC to the communication terminals PA and PB while changing the state, in the descending order of priority. A series of short messages is distributed for each destination by performing predetermined processing based on the priority and message type of the stored short messages.

  Next, a delivery example of a short message in the message delivery system S will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following description, it is assumed that the user UA of the communication terminal PA illustrated in FIG. 1 is a non-regulated user who is not a target of distribution regulation. In addition, the user UB of the communication terminal PB is a regulated user who is a target of distribution regulation. Further, the communication terminal PA is also referred to as a non-regulated communication terminal PA, and the communication terminal PB is also referred to as a regulated communication terminal PB. Now, as shown in FIG. 19, a plurality of short messages α to ε are stored in the storage unit 12 of the message storage and delivery apparatus 1 in the order in which they are distributed according to priority. In the example shown in FIG. 19, short messages α and β that are non-permitted messages at the time of restriction are stored as priority A. Further, short messages γ and δ, which are allowable messages at the time of regulation, are stored as priorities B and C, respectively. Then, the short message ε, which is a non-permitted message at the time of restriction, is accumulated in the priority order X as the last short message. In the following description, these short messages are distributed to the non-regulated communication terminal PA that is the communication terminal of the non-regulated user UA in FIG. 1 and to the regulated communication terminal PB of the regulated user UB. A description will be given of the case.

  First, a case where a short message is delivered to a non-regulated communication terminal PA will be described. FIG. 20 is a sequence diagram showing message delivery processing for the non-regulated communication terminal PA. First, the short message α is delivered to the exchange 2 as the first continuous delivery by the message storage / delivery device 1 (S110). Next, user authentication is performed by the user authentication unit 22 of the exchange 2 (S111). Next, if the result of user authentication for the non-regulated target user UA is normal, the short message α is distributed to the non-regulated target communication terminal PA by the distribution unit 25 of the exchange 2 (S112). Upon receiving a response from the non-regulated communication terminal PA that the distribution result is normal (S113), the authentication result transmission unit 23 of the exchange 2 notifies that the user authentication result is normal (S114). ). Subsequently, the short message β is delivered to the exchange 2 as the final of continuous delivery by the message storage / delivery device 1 (S115). Next, the delivery unit 25 of the exchange 2 delivers the short message β to the non-regulated communication terminal PA without performing user authentication (S116), the response that the delivery result is normal (S117), and the user A notification that the authentication result is normal is made (S118). The exchange 2 continues to secure line resources in the continuous delivery of the short messages α and β. On the other hand, the exchange 2 stops securing the line resource as soon as the delivery of the short message β, which is the final message of the continuous delivery, is finished.

  Subsequently, the short message γ is delivered to the exchange 2 as a single delivery during continuous delivery by the message storage / delivery device 1 (S119). Next, user authentication is performed by the user authentication unit 22 of the exchange 2 (S120). If the result of user authentication for the unregulated target user UA is normal, the distribution unit 25 of the exchange 2 distributes the short message γ to the unregulated communication terminal PA (S121), and the distribution result is normal. (S122) and a notification that the user authentication result is normal (S123). The subsequent short message δ is also delivered by single delivery during continuous delivery, similarly to the short message γ (S124 to S128). Next, the short message ε is delivered to the exchange 2 as a single delivery by the message storage delivery device 1 (S129). Next, user authentication is performed by the user authentication unit 22 of the exchange 2 (S130). If the result of user authentication for the unregulated target user UA is normal, the distribution unit 25 of the exchange 2 distributes the short message ε to the unregulated communication terminal PA (S131), and the distribution result is normal. (S132) and that the result of user authentication is normal (S133).

  Through the series of processes described above, in the message distribution system S, the plurality of short messages α to ε are distributed according to the priority order.

  Then, the case where a short message is delivered with respect to the control object communication terminal PB is demonstrated. FIG. 21 is a sequence diagram showing a message delivery process for the restriction target communication terminal PB. First, the short message α is delivered to the exchange 2 as the first continuous delivery by the message storage / delivery device 1 (S140). Next, user authentication is performed by the user authentication unit 22 of the exchange 2 (S141). Next, when the result of user authentication for the regulated user UB results in a “call-barred” distribution error, the authentication result transmission unit 23 of the exchange 2 indicates that the user authentication result is a “call-barred” distribution error. The message storage / delivery device 1 is notified (S142).

  Subsequently, the message storage / delivery device 1 searches for an allowable message at the time of delivery distributed after the short message α (S143). When the short message γ (allowable message at the time of subsequent regulation) is searched in step S204, the short message γ is delivered to the exchange 2 as a single delivery during continuous delivery by the message storage / delivery device 1 (S144). Next, user authentication is performed by the user authentication unit 22 of the exchange 2 (S145). As a result of user authentication for the restriction target user UB, when a predetermined distribution condition is satisfied, it is assumed that the result of user authentication is normal, and the short message γ is distributed to the restriction target communication terminal PB by the distribution unit 25 of the exchange 2. (S146). Upon receiving a response from the restriction target communication terminal PB that the distribution result is normal (S147), the authentication result transmission unit 23 of the exchange 2 notifies that the user authentication result is normal (S148). . The subsequent short message δ is also delivered by single delivery during continuous delivery, similarly to the short message γ (S149 to S153). Further, the non-permissible message ε during regulation delivered after the short message δ ends without being delivered due to a delivery error.

  Through the series of processes described above, in the message distribution system S, only the short messages γ and δ satisfying a predetermined distribution condition among the plurality of short messages α to ε are distributed according to the priority order.

  As described above, in the message distribution system S according to the present embodiment, among the messages stored in the storage unit 12 in the order of distribution, the first message and the second message distributed next to the first message. When the message types, that is, the message types of two consecutive messages are different, the second message is set as an authentication required message by the authentication necessity setting unit 15c. In this way, user authentication is required every time the message type changes in a series of accumulated messages, so even if a non-permitted message during restriction results in a delivery error due to user authentication, When the user authentication is performed for the allowable message and it is determined that distribution is possible, the allowable message at the time of distribution is distributed. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately distribute the restriction allowed message.

  In the message delivery system S according to the present embodiment, the user authentication unit 22 performs user authentication for the authentication required message. Based on the result of the user authentication, the distribution unit 25 sends the authentication required message to the communication terminals PA and PB. Delivered to. That is, if the user authentication result is normal, the authentication required message is distributed to the communication terminals PA and PB. If the user authentication result is a distribution error, the authentication required message is not distributed. In this way, it is possible to appropriately distribute the authentication required message.

  Further, in the message delivery system S according to the present embodiment, when the result of user authentication for the authentication required message is an authentication error, the search unit 15e searches for the allowable message at the time of subsequent regulation, and the authentication necessity setting unit 15c By setting the authentication required message, user authentication is performed for the subsequent restriction allowable message. For this reason, only the allowable message at the time of subsequent regulation is distributed to the user UB having a predetermined factor. Therefore, it is possible to continuously distribute the restriction allowance message to the user UB having a predetermined factor.

  In addition, since the distribution conditions of the restriction allowance message may be different for each message, even if the user is allowed to deliver a certain restriction allowance message, other restriction allowance messages may not be deliverable. There is. In the message delivery system S according to the present embodiment, the restriction-permitted message is always set to the authentication-required message by the authentication necessity setting unit 15c, so that user authentication for the restriction-permitted message is performed step by step. Therefore, even when the distribution conditions of the restriction-permitted message are different, appropriate distribution can be performed for each message.

  In addition, a user whose user authentication result is normal for a certain non-permissible message at the time of restriction is considered to be a user UA that does not have a predetermined factor (non-restricted target). In the message delivery system S according to the present embodiment, when the restriction non-permission messages are continuously accumulated, the user authentication is not performed for the restriction non-permission message that follows the first restriction non-permission message. Therefore, continuous non-permissible messages at the time of regulation can be smoothly distributed.

  Usually, in continuous message delivery, line resources are secured in the exchange 2 of the message delivery system S. In the message delivery system S according to the present embodiment, when the restriction allowed message is accumulated after the restriction non-permissible message, the restriction non-permissible message is set as the final message by the authentication necessity setting unit 15c. . For this reason, when the non-permissible message at the time of restriction is distributed, it is possible to cancel the reservation in the exchange 2 because it is no longer necessary to secure the line resource. This makes it possible to effectively use line resources.

  In the message delivery system S according to the present embodiment, the storage unit 12 determines the order of delivery based on the priority of each short message, and the short messages are stored in this order. Therefore, it is possible to distribute the allowable message at the time of restriction while following the priority of the short message.

  In the conventional message delivery system, for example, as shown on the left side of FIG. 22, when delivering a series of messages in which restricted messages and restricted messages are mixed, the restricted message m1 at the time of restriction is high. When the message is distributed to the regulated user UB and a distribution error occurs due to user authentication, the message distribution is interrupted due to the distribution error. Therefore, in order to distribute the subsequent restriction time allowable message to the restriction target user UB, as shown on the right side of FIG. 22, all restriction time permission messages m2 and m3 are all restriction time non-permission messages m1. , M4 had to be set to a higher priority. By doing so, there is a problem that the delivery order of the short messages to the non-regulated communication terminal PA is inconsistent with the existing priority order to be delivered.

  On the other hand, the message distribution system S according to the present embodiment can appropriately distribute a series of messages in which the restriction non-permissible message and the restriction allowable message are mixed while maintaining the existing priority. That is, it is possible to distribute a restriction-permitted message to the restriction target user UB, and it is possible to perform message distribution to the restriction target user UB and terminal control using SMS. As a result, the usage of the message is expanded to the restriction target user UB. Further, the order of message reception at the communication terminal can be guaranteed, and the risk of terminal control failure can be avoided. Further, in the message distribution system S according to the present embodiment, the message storage / distribution device 1 is responsible for continuous distribution control and the switch 2 is responsible for user authentication by requiring user authentication every time the message type changes. Yes. This eliminates the need for user profile management in the message storage / delivery device 1, avoids the risk of user profile mismatch between systems, and increases authentication variations only by remodeling the HLR. In addition, when the exchange shares the control of continuous delivery, there arises a problem that the risk of deterioration in serviceability at the time of quasi-normality increases due to complicated processing, which can be prevented. Further, in the message delivery system S according to the present embodiment, user authentication for each message is omitted when a non-permissible message at the time of restriction continues, so that the processing amount in the exchange 2 and the HLR 3 can be reduced. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the allowable message at the time of restriction is a limited message, and the number of distributions is smaller than that of the non-permissible message at the time of restriction. By omitting the user authentication for the non-permissible message at the time of restriction with a large number of distributions as described above, it is possible to prevent the message distribution processing from being delayed due to excessive user authentication processing.

  The preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, in the above embodiment, the case of distribution restriction (call-barred) related to individual restriction has been described as a main example, but the present invention is also applicable to other error factors shown in FIG. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, a special message can be distributed in the case of an illegal subscriber (illegal-subscriber) or teleservice-not-provisioned. In the case of congestion or service conflict (ms-busy-for-mt-sms), a priority message can be delivered. When the service memory capacity is exceeded (memory-capacity-exceeded), a message with a memory deletion function can be delivered. When the MWD list capacity is exceeded (message-waiting-list-full), a message with an MWD list overwriting function can be distributed. Further, the present invention is not limited to these cases, but is not limited to unidentified-subsriber, SMS-lower-layers-capabilities-not-provisioned, facility-not-supported, The present invention can also be applied to cases where there is no subscriber (absent-subsriber), system failure (system-failure), and illegal device (illegal-equipment).

  In the above embodiment, in the user authentication by the user authentication unit 22 of the exchange 2, it is determined whether or not the user is a regulated user (whether there is a predetermined factor). When the distribution restriction regarding the factor, that is, the congestion state is performed, the exchange 2 may make a determination on whether or not the network is in a congestion state in advance separately from the user authentication. In this case, communication terminals belonging to a communication area in a congested state are subject to distribution restrictions (there are predetermined factors). Similarly to the above-described embodiment, a non-regulatory message at the time of restriction that is not distributed to a communication terminal that is subject to restriction, and even a communication terminal that is subject to restriction may be delivered if a predetermined distribution condition is satisfied. A message type of an allowable message at the time of restriction is provided. The predetermined distribution condition here is information as to whether or not the user is a privileged user who is a distribution target of the restriction-permitted message even during distribution restriction, and is stored in the HLR 3.

  When the exchange 2 determines that the network is in a congestion state, the restriction non-permissible message is regarded as a delivery error, and the same processing as in the above-described embodiment is performed. Similarly, when it is determined that the message is in a congested state, user authentication, which is a determination of whether or not distribution is possible, is performed by the exchange 2 that has read the distribution condition from the HLR 3 for the restriction allowance message. As a result of this user authentication, the restriction allowance message is distributed only to the privileged user. In this way, it is possible to appropriately distribute the restriction allowance message while reducing the load on the line at the time of congestion.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Reception part (reception means), 12 ... Accumulation part (accumulation means), 15b ... Judgment part (determination means), 15c ... Authentication necessity setting part (authentication necessity setting means), 15e ... Search part (search means) , 22 ... user authentication unit (authentication unit), 25 ... delivery unit (distribution unit), A, B, C ... priority, MA, MB, MC ... message creation device, m1 to m4, α, β, γ, δ , Ε ... Short message (message), PA ... Non-regulated communication terminal (communication terminal), PB ... Restricted communication terminal (communication terminal), S ... Message delivery system, UA ... Non-regulated target user (user), UB ... Restricted users (users).

Claims (8)

A message delivery system for delivering a message to a communication terminal,
Receiving means for receiving a message transmitted from the message creation device to the communication terminal;
Storing means for storing the messages received by the receiving means in the order of distribution;
The message stored by the storage means is a non-regulated message that is not delivered to the communication terminal when there is a predetermined factor, or even if there is the predetermined factor, the user of the communication terminal A determination unit that determines whether the message is a restriction-allowable message that can be distributed to the communication terminal when the predetermined distribution condition is satisfied;
When the determination means determines that the message type of the first message among the accumulated messages and the second message delivered next to the first message are different, the second message is: Authentication necessity setting means for setting an authentication required message indicating that user authentication is necessary for determining whether message delivery is possible for the user;
A message delivery system comprising: Authentication means for performing the user authentication for the authentication required message set by the authentication necessity setting means;
Distribution means for distributing the authentication-required message to the communication terminal based on the result of the user authentication performed by the authentication means;
The message delivery system according to claim 1, further comprising: When the authentication means determines that the result of the user authentication for the authentication required message is an error, the message is delivered after the authentication required message, and the determination means is the restriction allowance message. A search means for searching for the permitted message at the time of subsequent regulation,
3. The message delivery system according to claim 2, wherein the authentication necessity setting means sets the subsequent restriction time allowed message searched by the search means to the authentication required message.   The authentication necessity setting means determines that each of the first message and the second message is determined when the determination means determines that both the first message and the second message are the allowable messages at the time of restriction. The message delivery system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the message delivery system is set to an authentication required message.   The authentication necessity setting means determines that the user authentication is not required when the determination means determines that the first message and the second message are both non-permitted messages at the time of restriction. The message delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the message is set to an authentication unnecessary message indicating that the message exists.   The authentication necessity setting means determines that the determination means determines that the first message is the restriction non-permission message and the second message is the restriction permission message. 6. The message delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the message delivery system is set to a final message indicating that there is no non-permissible message to be delivered next.   The message distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit determines the distribution order based on a priority assigned to each message by the message creation device. . A message delivery method for delivering a message to a communication terminal by a message delivery system,
Receiving a message transmitted to the communication terminal; and
An accumulating step for accumulating the messages received in the receiving step in the order of distribution;
The message stored in the storing step is a non-regulatory message at the time of restriction that is not distributed to the communication terminal if there is a predetermined factor, or even if there is the predetermined factor, the user of the communication terminal A determination step of determining a message type of whether or not the message is a restriction-allowable message that can be distributed to the communication terminal when the predetermined distribution condition is satisfied;
In the determination step, when it is determined that the message type is different between the first message of the accumulated messages and the second message delivered next to the first message, the second message is: An authentication necessity setting step for setting an authentication necessity message indicating that user authentication is necessary for determining whether message delivery is possible for the user;
A message delivery method comprising:

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