JP2022108946A - Subscriber identification card automatic issuer and remote unlock system - Google Patents

Abstract

To safely control a door key of an automatic issuer.SOLUTION: In a subscriber identification card automatic issuer 10 that is mounted and used on a portable communication terminal, a remote unlock device 17 locks/unlocks a door 10d of the automatic issuer 10 with an electric lock 17a. A communication device 18 is connected to the remote unlock device 17 in a wireless or wired manner, and is connected to a remote unlock system via an external network, and when receiving an unlock command for the electric lock 17a from the remote unlock system, transmits the command to the remote unlock device 17.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

The present invention relates to a subscriber identification card automatic issuing machine and a remote unlocking system for the automatic issuing machine, which are used by being attached to a mobile communication terminal.

In order for mobile communication terminals such as smartphones, feature phones, tablets, and mobile routers to use mobile networks (e.g., 4G/5G networks), a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card, which is a form of a subscriber identification card, is installed. (unless using an eSIM). In Japan, it is common to purchase a mobile communication terminal, conclude a line contract, and receive a SIM card loan from a mobile phone shop or home appliance mass retailer set up by a telecommunications carrier. In this case, the contractor's identity is verified face-to-face with the store staff.

On the other hand, a sales form in which a line contract is concluded online and a mobile communication terminal and a SIM card are received by mail is also used. If the contractor has a separate mobile communication terminal, only the SIM card is mailed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this sales form, when signing up for an online contract, take a photo of your driver's license or other identity verification document, send it to a telecommunications carrier or MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator), and send it to the contracted address by limited mail. Confirm your identity by sending a mailing and confirming the arrival of the item.

JP-A-2003-50972

In store sales, it is necessary to go to the store during business hours. Also, when it's crowded, you have to wait for your turn for a long time. On the other hand, in mail-order sales based on online contracts, such troubles do not occur. However, it takes time from the completion of the contract until the SIM card is mailed, and the time lag from the completion of the contract to the actual use of the mobile communication terminal becomes longer.

Therefore, it is conceivable to install an automatic SIM card issuing machine in a convenience store or the like, and have the end user who has concluded a contract online receive the SIM card from the automatic issuing machine at a desired time. With this mechanism, every time a SIM card is replenished in an automatic issuing machine, the person in charge must use a key to open and close the door of the cabinet. When a large number of automatic issuing machines are installed, it is necessary to manage a large number of keys, increasing the risk of key loss or theft. For example, if 1000 or more automatic issuing machines are installed, it is necessary to manage 1000 or more keys, which increases the burden of key storage.

The present disclosure has been made in view of such circumstances, and one purpose thereof is to provide a technique for safely managing the key of the door of the automatic issuing machine.

In order to solve the above problems, an automatic issuing machine according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a subscriber identification card automatic issuing machine that is used by being attached to a mobile communication terminal, and stores a plurality of subscriber identification cards. A storage unit, a remote unlocking device that electrically locks/unlocks the door of the automatic issuing machine, is connected to the remote unlocking device wirelessly or by wire, and is connected to the remote unlocking system via an external network. and a communication device for remote unlocking, which is connected and transmits to the remote unlocking device when an unlocking command for the electric lock is received from the remote unlocking system.

Another aspect of the invention is a remote unlocking system. This remote unlocking system is a remote unlocking system that remotely controls the electric locks of the doors of a plurality of automatic issuing machines that issue subscriber identification cards that are attached to mobile communication terminals and used. When an unlocking command for the electric lock of a specific automatic issuing machine is received from the terminal device, the unlocking command is sent to the remote unlocking device of the automatic issuing machine connected wirelessly or by wire via an external network. and a processing unit for transmitting to a communication device for unlocking.

It should be noted that any combination of the above constituent elements and expressions of the present disclosure converted between devices, systems, methods, computer programs, recording media storing computer programs, etc. are also effective as aspects of the present disclosure. be.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to safely manage the key for the door of the automatic issuing machine.

It is a figure which shows an example of a SIM card. 1 is a schematic front view showing an appearance of an automatic SIM card issuing machine according to an embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic back view showing the appearance of the SIM card automatic issuing machine according to the embodiment; It is a figure which shows the structural example of the electric lock of a remote unlocking device, an opening/closing sensor receiving part, and the lock receiving part and opening/closing sensor which were installed inside the door. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the flow of a contract process using an automatic SIM card issuing machine; To explain the SIM card delivery using the automatic issuing machine, the inventory management system for the SIM cards held inside the automatic issuing machine, and the remote unlocking server that remotely manages the electric lock of the door of the automatic issuing machine. is an overall block diagram of the. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the automatic issuing machine which concerns on embodiment. 10 is a flow chart showing an example of stock registration processing for SIM cards replenished in an automatic issuing machine. It is a flowchart which shows an example of inventory subtraction processing of the SIM card discharged|emitted from the automatic issuing machine. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of a remote unlocking system. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the remote unlocking process of the door of an automatic issuing machine by a remote unlocking system.

This embodiment relates to an automatic SIM card issuing machine and management of a key for a door of the automatic issuing machine. A SIM card is an IC card that is used by being inserted into a SIM card slot of a mobile communication terminal. Automatic SIM card issuing machines are installed in various places such as convenience stores, train stations, airports, sports stadiums, and cafes.

A SIM card contains a non-volatile semiconductor memory. Various types of identification information such as a telephone number and an ICCID (Integrated Circuit Card Identifier) are stored in the semiconductor memory. ICCID is a unique identification number given to each SIM card to uniquely identify the SIM card itself. It consists of a maximum of 19 digits, and the issuer identification number is assigned to the first 6 to 7 digits. The issuer identification number contains the application (89 for telecommunication purposes), the country code (81 for Japan), and the carrier number. The remaining digits after the issuer identification number are assigned the identification number of each card issued by each business operator. The ICCID can also be said to be the manufacturing number of the SIM card.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a SIM card. The SIM card is provided to the end user in a detachable manner fitted in a plastic material mount. In this specification, the SIM card inserted into the mount is simply referred to as SIM card 3, and the SIM card separated from the mount is referred to as SIM card main body 3a. In the example shown in FIG. 1, an ICCID number and a bar code 3b are printed on the back surface of the mount of the SIM card 3. FIG. A sticker printed with the ICCID number and the bar code 3b may be attached to the back surface of the mount of the SIM card 3 .

FIG. 2 is a schematic front view showing the appearance of the SIM card automatic issuing machine 10 according to the embodiment. The automatic issuing machine 10 shown in FIG. 2 is a long, self-supporting issuing machine, and accommodates a plurality of SIM cards 3 inside. The SIM cards 3 housed inside are ejected one by one from the ejection section 13 . An outer paper case pocket 14 is installed below the discharge section 13 . The outer paper case pocket 14 accommodates a bag-shaped outer paper case 4 made of paper for inserting the SIM card 3. - 特許庁In addition, the automatic issuing machine 10 can be shortened in the longitudinal direction and installed on a desk.

In the outer paper case 4, there is an instruction manual describing the APN (Access Point Name) setting and the procedure for disconnecting the SIM card main body 3a, and a manual for inserting the SIM card main body 3a into the SIM card slot of the mobile communication terminal. contains the SIM pin used for The end user who receives the SIM card 3 ejected from the ejection part 13 takes out the outer paper case 4 from the outer paper case pocket 14, puts the SIM card 3 in the outer paper case 4 taken out, and takes the SIM card 3 home.

A display operation unit 11 is installed on the top of the automatic issuing machine 10 . The display operation unit 11 includes a touch panel display using a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. A screen indicating how to receive the SIM card 3 is displayed on the touch panel display. The touch panel display also functions as a digital signage, displaying PR images of the service and advertising images of other services.

A first reading unit 12 is installed above the ejection unit 13 . The first reading unit 12 includes a solid-state imaging device (for example, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor), and reads identification codes such as QR codes (registered trademark) and bar codes.

Each automatic issuing machine 10 is assigned unique identification information for uniquely identifying each automatic issuing machine 10 . For example, each automatic issuing machine 10 is given a serial number. A sticker printed with a serial number and an identification code (for example, bar code, QR code) is attached to each automatic issuing machine 10 in an inconspicuous place. The numbers of the serial number and the identification code may be printed or stamped directly on the housing of the automatic issuing machine 10 .

FIG. 3 is a schematic back view showing the appearance of the SIM card automatic issuing machine 10 according to the embodiment. A right-opening door 10d that opens to the right side is installed on the back surface of the automatic issuing machine 10.例文帳に追加FIG. 3 shows a state in which the door 10d is opened. A main body control device 16 is installed on a shelf one above the middle shelf in the cover housing of the automatic issuing machine 10 . The body control device 16 centrally controls the automatic issuing machine 10 as a whole. The processing section in the main body control device 16 can be realized by cooperation of hardware resources and software resources, or only by hardware resources. As hardware resources, CPU, ROM, RAM, GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and other LSIs can be used. Programs such as firmware can be used as software resources.

A storage section 15 and a remote unlocking device 17 are installed on a middle shelf one level below the shelf on which the main body control device 16 is installed. A storage unit 15 is installed on the right side of the middle shelf. Storage unit 15 has at least one cartridge for storing a plurality of SIM cards 3 . In this embodiment, the storage section 15 can store about several hundred (for example, 300) SIM cards 3 .

A remote unlocking device 17 is installed on the left side of the middle shelf. The remote unlocking device 17 is a device for locking/unlocking the door 10d of the automatic issuing machine 10 with an electromagnetic electric lock 17a. The remote unlocking device 17 has an electric lock 17a and an opening/closing sensor receiving portion 17c on the surface facing the inner side of the door 10d. A lock receiving portion 17b and an opening/closing sensor 17d are installed at positions inside the door 10d corresponding to the positions of the electric lock 17a and the opening/closing sensor receiving portion 17c of the remote unlocking device 17, respectively.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the electric lock 17a and the opening/closing sensor receiving portion 17c of the remote unlocking device 17, and the lock receiving portion 17b and the opening/closing sensor 17d installed inside the door 10d. When the opening/closing of the door 10d is detected by a physical mechanical switch, the opening/closing sensor receiving portion 17c is fixed to the remote unlocking device 17 via a spring. When the door 10d is manually closed, the opening/closing sensor 17d installed on the door 10d pushes the opening/closing sensor receiving portion 17c of the remote unlocking device 17 inward. The remote unlocking device 17 determines that the door 10d is closed when the open/close sensor receiving portion 17c is pushed inward, and the open/close sensor receiving portion 17c is pushed outward by a spring. It is determined that the door 10d is open when the door 10d is open.

When magnetically detecting opening/closing of the door 10d, a magnet is attached to the opening/closing sensor 17d, and a coil is attached to the opening/closing sensor receiving portion 17c. When the door 10d is manually closed and the magnet of the open/close sensor 17d and the coil of the open/close sensor receiving portion 17c come within a predetermined distance, a current flows through the coil and the remote unlocking device 17 detects that the door 10d is closed. To detect. When the door 10d is opened manually and the magnet of the open/close sensor 17d and the coil of the open/close sensor receiving portion 17c are separated from each other by a predetermined distance or more, a current flows in the coil in the direction opposite to that when the door is closed, and the remote unlocking device 17 is closed. It detects that the door 10d is opened.

The electric lock 17a of the remote unlocking device 17 has a solenoid coil and a hook portion at the tip of the solenoid coil. The lock receiving portion 17b installed on the door 10d is a member for locking the door 10d by engaging with the hook portion of the electric lock 17a. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the lock receiving portion 17b is screwed to the inside of the door 10d with a nut.

The solenoid type electric lock 17a includes an energized unlocking type and an energized locking type. In the energized unlocking type, the unlocked state is obtained when current is supplied to the solenoid coil, and the locked state is obtained when current is not supplied to the solenoid coil. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the hook portion rises when current is supplied to the solenoid coil, and the hook portion moves down when current is not supplied to the solenoid coil. The energized locking type has the opposite relationship. When the automatic locking (auto-locking) function is activated, when the remote unlocking device 17 detects that the door 10d is closed by the open/close sensor receiving portion 17c, current is supplied to the solenoid coil in the case of the power-on unlocking type. is stopped, and current supply to the solenoid coil is started in the locking type when the power is on.

Return to FIG. A first communication device 18 and a second communication device 19 are installed on a shelf one level above the shelf on which the body control device 16 is installed. The first communication device 18 is a router used for remote unlocking communication, and the second communication device 19 is a router used for SIM card inventory management communication.

The first communication device 18 is connected to the remote unlocking device 17 wirelessly (for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark)). Note that the first communication device 18 and the remote unlocking device 17 may be connected by a wire (for example, a LAN cable). The first communication device 18 is connected to a remote unlocking system 20 (see FIG. 6) via an external network. A SIM card is inserted into the first communication device 18 for using a mobile network of a carrier (eg, 4G network/5G network). The first communication device 18 connects to an access point for connecting to an external network via a mobile network.

When the first communication device 18 receives an unlocking command for the electric lock 17 a from the remote unlocking system 20 via the external network, it transmits the command to the remote unlocking device 17 . When the first communication device 18 receives the open/closed state notification signal of the door 10d from the remote unlocking device 17, it transmits the signal to the remote unlocking system 20 via the external network.

The second communication device 19 is connected to the main control device 16 wirelessly (for example, Wi-Fi). Note that the second communication device 19 and the main body control device 16 may be connected by a wire (for example, a LAN cable). The second communication device 19 is connected to the inventory control system 40 (see FIG. 6) via an external network separate from the external network for connecting to the remote unlocking system 20 . A SIM card is inserted into the second communication device 19 for using a mobile network of a telecommunications carrier (for example, a 4G network/5G network). The second communication device 19 connects to an access point for connecting to the other external network via the mobile network. The contents of communication with the inventory management system 40 will be described later.

The SIM card inserted into the first communication device 18 and the SIM card inserted into the second communication device 19 may be SIM cards of the same carrier or SIM cards of different carriers. good too.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the contract process flow using the automatic issuing machine 10 for the SIM card 3. As shown in FIG. In the description of FIG. 5, a smart phone is assumed as the mobile communication terminal to which the SIM card main body 3a should be attached.

(1) An end user who wishes to conclude a line contract with a telecommunications carrier (hereinafter referred to as telecommunications carrier A) that installs the automatic issuing machine 10 downloads contract conclusion application software to his/her smart phone. For example, the application software is downloaded to the smart phone via a mobile network using another carrier's SIM card or via Wi-Fi.

(2) The end user activates the application software on the smartphone and selects a contract plan. The contract plans include a plan with a voice call function and a plan dedicated to data communication, and each plan is further subdivided according to the data capacity. In addition, various options and incidental services can be added.

In the case of a new contract, one can be selected from a plurality of presented telephone number candidates. If you have an MNP (Mobile Number Portability) contract, enter the phone number you are currently using. When purchasing a new smartphone along with a line contract, select the smartphone to purchase. The purchased smartphone will be mailed to the specified location at a later date. Also, enter a bank account number or a credit card number as a payment method.

The end user inputs address, name, gender, date of birth, e-mail address, occupation, etc. as contractor information on the application software. At that time, attach the image data of the identity verification document. For example, take a picture of your driver's license and your face with a smartphone camera, and attach the generated image data of your driver's license and your own face. The end user confirms the content of the application and the image data of the personal identification document on the application software. After confirmation by the end user, the application software transmits the application data with image data to the customer management server 40b (see FIG. 6) of carrier A. FIG.

(3) Communication carrier A performs identity verification and credit screening based on the transmitted application data with image data. This identity verification and credit check can be completed in minutes. In this way, by using eKYC (electronic Know Your Customer), based on the identity verification documents uploaded online, contract documents are mailed to the applicant's address and receipt confirmation is received. , the period to complete the contract can be shortened.

(4) If there is no problem with identity verification and credit screening, the customer management server 40b of the telecommunications carrier A issues a QR code embedded with the receipt ID of the SIM card 3 to the smartphone of the contract applicant. The end user who has received the QR code goes to the place where the automatic issuing machine 10 is installed. For example, an automatic issuing machine 10 installed in a convenience store can receive the SIM card 3 for 24 hours.

The SIM card 3 held inside the automatic issuing machine 10 is a so-called "white SIM" in which information for identifying subscribers such as a telephone number and IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) is not written. be. In the white SIM state, only the ICCID is written. Therefore, the end user can receive the SIM card 3 from the automatic issuing machine 10 installed at any place. The end user does not have to wait for the SIM card 3 to be mailed, and can receive the SIM card 3 at a desired place and at a desired time.

(5) When the end user receives the SIM card 3 , the distributed QR code is displayed on the screen of the smartphone and held over the first reading unit 12 of the automatic issuing machine 10 . The receipt ID embedded in the QR code read by the first reading unit 12 is transmitted to the communication carrier A's customer management server 40b.

(6) The automatic issuing machine 10 ejects the SIM card 3 from the ejecting unit 13 when receiving confirmation that the receipt ID is valid from the customer management server 40b. The end user can thus receive the SIM card 3 .

The end user inserts the received SIM card 3 into the SIM card slot of the smartphone and activates the SIM card 3 . The SIM card 3 transmits its own ICCID to the communication carrier A's customer management server 40b from the attached smart phone. Based on the received ICCID, the customer management server 40b of carrier A identifies the contractor information linked to the ICCID, and returns the phone number and IMSI to be assigned to the contractor to the smart phone. The SIM card 3 attached to the smart phone writes the received telephone number and IMSI into an internal non-volatile memory. In this way, the SIM card 3 changes from a white SIM state to a black SIM state by OTA (Over the Air).

In the explanation of FIG. 5 above, the contract conclusion application software downloaded to the smartphone was used when the line contract was concluded online. In this regard, a line contract may be concluded by accessing the web page of carrier A. Moreover, you may use PC and a tablet instead of a smart phone. In the case of a PC, the distributed QR code may be printed on paper, and the printed QR code may be held over the first reading unit 12 of the automatic issuing machine 10 . Alternatively, instead of using the QR code, a method of receiving an identification number for issuing a SIM card and manually inputting the identification number into the display operation unit 11 of the automatic issuing machine 10 may be used.

FIG. 6 shows the delivery of the SIM card 3 using the automatic issuing machine 10, the inventory management system 40 for the SIM cards 3 held inside the automatic issuing machine 10, and the electric lock 17a of the door 10d of the automatic issuing machine 10. 2 is an overall block diagram for explaining a remote unlocking server 20a that remotely manages the .

The inventory management system 40 includes an issuing machine management server 40a, a customer management server 40b, and an inventory management server 40c. The issuing machine management server 40 a may be a server managed and operated by the manufacturer of the automatic issuing machine 10 . The customer management server 40b and the inventory management server 40c are basically managed and operated by the carrier A. The issuing machine management server 40a, the customer management server 40b, and the inventory management server 40c may each be installed in a data center, or may be installed in the manufacturer of the automatic issuing machine 10 or the carrier A's company.

The automatic issuing machine 10, the issuing machine management server 40a, the customer management server 40b, and the inventory management server 40c are connected via the Internet 1. FIG. The second communication device 19 connected to the main body control device 16 of the automatic issuing machine 10 connects to the Internet 1 via the mobile network (eg, 4G network/5G network) of the carrier A or another carrier. Connect to an access point. The issuing machine management server 40a, customer management server 40b, and inventory management server 40c are each connected to an access point of an ISP (Internet Service Provider) via a router.

Data is exchanged between the automatic issuing machine 10 and the issuing machine management server 40a, the customer management server 40b, and the inventory management server 40c by encrypted communication (for example, HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure)).

The issuing machine management server 40 a is a server that manages a plurality of automatic issuing machines 10 and the SIM cards 3 held inside each automatic issuing machine 10 . The issuer management server 40a holds a SIM card inventory management table. The SIM card inventory management table manages the IDs of the multiple automatic issuing machines 10 (hereinafter referred to as issuing machine IDs) in association with the ICCIDs of the multiple SIM cards 3 held inside each automatic issuing machine 10. . The ICCID is updated in real time when the SIM card 3 is replenished or issued, and the number of SIM cards 3 currently held by each automatic issuing machine 10 and the ICCID are managed in the SIM card inventory management table.

In addition, the issuing machine management server 40a has a function of calculating the fee to be paid to the facility manager who has installed the automatic issuing machine 10, and the function of making payment to the bank account designated by the facility manager in the bank where the telecommunications carrier A has an account. It has a function to instruct

The customer management server 40b is a server that manages customer information of the carrier A. FIG. The customer management server 40b holds a customer information table. The customer information table includes, for each contractor, address, name, gender, date of birth, e-mail address, occupation, line contract details, SIM card ICCID, telephone number, IMSI, payment method (for example, credit card number, Manage personal information such as bank account number) and contract information. In addition, the customer management server 40b has a function of calculating charges to be billed to the line contractor, a function of issuing an invoice to the line contractor, and a function of requesting payment to the payment system of the credit card company or bank designated by the line contractor. have.

The inventory management server 40c is a server that manages the inventory of general merchandise handled by the telecommunications carrier A. FIG. For example, the inventory information of the SIM card 3, various smartphones for sale, the outer paper case 4 containing the SIM pin, and other attached accessories are managed in a plurality of inventory management tables.

The user terminal 50 is a mobile communication terminal possessed by an end user who wishes to conclude a line contract with the telecommunications carrier A or who has completed a line contract with the telecommunications carrier A. FIG. A smart phone is assumed as the user terminal 50 below. A user terminal 50 connects to an access point to the Internet 1 via another carrier's mobile network or Wi-Fi.

After the user terminal 50 receives the QR code embedded with the receipt ID of the SIM card 3 from the customer management server 40b, the end user goes to the place where the automatic issuing machine 10 is installed. The end user displays the QR code on the screen of the user terminal 50 and holds it over the first reading unit 12 of the automatic issuing machine 10 to receive the SIM card 3 .

The remote unlocking system 20 comprises a remote unlocking server 20a. The remote unlocking server 20a is a server managed and operated by an external security provider that provides a remote unlocking service using the remote unlocking device 17. FIG. The remote unlocking server 20a may be installed in a data center, or may be installed inside the company of the security provider.

The automatic issuing machine 10 and the remote unlocking system 20 are connected via a VPN (Virtual Private Network) 2 . The first communication device 18 connected to the remote unlocking device 17 of the automatic issuing machine 10 uses the mobile network (eg, 4G network/5G network) to the access point to VPN2.

In this embodiment, a secure communication service provided by carrier B, which will be described in detail below, is used. The first communication device 18 accesses an SDN (Software Defined Network) gateway provided by the telecommunications carrier B via the mobile network of the telecommunications carrier B. The SDN gateway includes a mobile network router for connecting to a mobile network and a VPN router for connecting to VPN2. The VPN router of the SDN gateway accesses a PE (Provider Edge) router and connects to VPN2. Mobile network routers, VPN routers and PE routers are redundant.

The VPN router 25a (see FIG. 8) of the remote unlocking system 20 accesses the PE router and connects to VPN2. The VPN2 is a communication service using an IP (Internet Protocol)-based closed network operated by the communication carrier B. FIG. The VPN 2 has higher security than the Internet 1 and can be operated at a lower cost than a dedicated line.

The terminal device 30 is a terminal device installed in the monitoring center. The monitoring center may be a monitoring center managed and operated by the security business operator, or may be a monitoring center managed and operated by the communication business operator A. The terminal device 30 is composed of, for example, a client PC. The terminal device 30 connects to the access point of the ISP via the router. The terminal device 30 can be connected to the remote unlocking server 20a via the Internet 1. FIG.

If the remote unlocking server 20a and the monitoring center are managed and operated by the security company and the remote unlocking server 20a is installed inside the security company, the remote unlocking server 20a and the terminal device 30 are installed inside the company. It is connected by LAN. Further, when the remote unlocking server 20a and the monitoring center are managed and operated by the telecommunications carrier A and the remote unlocking server 20a is installed within the company of the telecommunications carrier A, the remote unlocking server 20a and the terminal device 30 are installed inside the company. It is connected by LAN.

When the monitoring center is managed and operated by the telecommunications carrier A, the terminal device 30 can also access the issuing machine management server 40a, the customer management server 40b, and the inventory management server 40c.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the automatic issuing machine 10 according to the embodiment. Matters not explained in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4 will be explained below.

The storage unit 15 has a number sensor 15a for detecting the number of SIM cards 3 stored. The sheet number sensor 15a can be composed of one or a plurality of combinations of an optical sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a contact sensor, and a weight sensor. The number sensor 15 a outputs the detected number of SIM cards 3 to the main control device 16 .

The first reading unit 12 includes a solid-state imaging device, reads the QR code displayed on the screen of the user terminal 50 held up by the end user, and outputs the read QR code image to the main body control device 16 . The body control device 16 reads the receipt ID from the QR code image input from the first reading section 12 .

The first reading unit 12 can also read the barcode of the ICCID printed or attached to the SIM card 3 held over by the person in charge of inventory management. The first reading unit 12 outputs the read barcode image to the main body control device 16 . The body control device 16 reads the ICCID from the barcode image input from the first reading section 12 .

The second reading unit 15b has metal contacts that contact metal terminals of the SIM card main body 3a that is inserted into the SIM card 3 that is pushed out from the storage unit 15 to the ejection unit 13 . The metal contact is connected to the signal terminal of the main control device 16 by wiring. The body control device 16 acquires the ICCID built in the IC chip from the IC chip of the SIM card body 3a via the second reading section 15b. It should be noted that the second reading section 15b may be configured by a reader that reads an image, similarly to the first reading section 12 . In this case, the second reading unit 15b is configured as a reader dedicated to reading the ICCID bar code printed or stuck on the SIM card 3 pushed out from the storage unit 15 to the ejection unit 13, including a solid-state imaging device. The second reading unit 15 b outputs the read barcode image to the main control device 16 . The body control device 16 reads the ICCID from the barcode image input from the second reading section 15b.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing an example of stock registration processing for the SIM cards 3 replenished in the automatic issuing machine 10. As shown in FIG. The person in charge of inventory management checks the first ICCID barcode and the last ICCID barcode of the SIM cards 3 of one lot printed or attached to the package containing the SIM cards 3 of one lot to be replenished in the automatic issuing machine 10 . Hold the ICCID bar code over the first reading unit 12 of the automatic issuing machine 10 . The body control device 16 of the automatic issuing machine 10 acquires the leading and trailing ICCIDs of the SIM cards 3 of one lot to be replenished from the bar code image read by the first reading unit 12 (S10). The main body control device 16 transmits its issuing machine ID and the leading and trailing ICCIDs of the SIM cards 3 of one lot to the issuing machine management server 40a via the second communication device 19 and the Internet 1 (S11).

The issuer management server 40a receives the issuer ID and the leading and trailing ICCIDs of the SIM cards 3 of one lot (S12). The issuer management server 40a derives the ICCIDs of all the SIM cards 3 included in one lot from the leading and trailing ICCIDs of the SIM cards 3 in one lot (S13). The issuer management server 40a adds the derived ICCID to the SIM card inventory management table in association with the received issuer ID (S14). When multiple lots of SIM cards 3 are replenished in the automatic issuing machine 10, the process from step S10 to step S14 is repeated for each lot.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing an example of stock subtraction processing for the SIM card 3 ejected from the automatic issuing machine 10 . The end user causes the screen of the user terminal 50 to display the QR code embedded with the receipt ID distributed from the customer management server 40 b and holds it over the first reading section 12 of the automatic issuing machine 10 . The body control device 16 of the automatic issuing machine 10 acquires the receipt ID from the QR code image read by the first reading section 12 (S20). The main control device 16 transmits the receipt ID to the issuing machine management server 40a via the second communication device 19 and the Internet 1. FIG. The issuing machine management server 40a transmits the receipt ID received from the automatic issuing machine 10 via the Internet 1 to the customer management server 40b (S21).

The customer management server 40b receives the receipt ID from the issuing machine management server 40a and determines whether the received receipt ID is valid (S22). If the receipt ID is one of the receipt IDs previously issued by the customer management server 40b and the receipt has not been completed and is within the valid period, the customer management server 40b determines that the received receipt ID is valid. . The customer management server 40b transmits the receipt ID determination result to the issuing machine management server 40a, and the issuing machine management server 40a transmits the receipt ID determination result received from the customer management server 40b to the automatic issuing machine 10 as the transmission source. (S23).

The main body control device 16 of the automatic issuing machine 10 receives the determination result of the receipt ID via the Internet 1 and the second communication device 19, and if the received determination result is valid, the SIM card 3 is ejected from the ejection unit 13. Sheets are discharged (S24). At this time, the body control device 16 acquires the ICCID from the IC chip of the SIM card body 3a inserted in the SIM card 3 ejected from the ejection portion 13 via the second reading portion 15b (S25). The main body control device 16 transmits its issuing machine ID and the ICCID of the ejected SIM card 3 to the issuing machine management server 40a via the second communication device 19 and the Internet 1 (S26).

When the issuer management server 40a receives the issuer ID and the ICCID of the ejected SIM card 3 via the Internet 1, the issuer management server 40a deletes the received ICCID from the SIM card inventory management table (S27). The issuing machine management server 40a decrements the number of owned SIM cards 3 linked to the received issuing machine ID, which is managed in the issuing machine management table (S28). The issuer management server 40a transmits the ICCID deleted from the SIM card inventory management table to the customer management server 40b (S29).

When the customer management server 40b receives the ICCID deleted from the SIM card inventory management table, the ICCID is added to the customer information of the contractor who received the SIM card 3 specified by the ICCID, which is managed in the customer information table. are linked and registered (S210).

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the remote unlocking system 20. As shown in FIG. The remote unlocking system 20 comprises a remote unlocking server 20a, a VPN router 25a and an Internet router 25b. The remote unlocking server 20a may be composed of a single server, or may be composed of a combination of a web server and an application server.

The remote unlocking server 20 a includes a processing section 21 and a storage section 22 . The processing unit 21 can be realized by cooperation of hardware resources and software resources, or only by hardware resources. CPU, ROM, RAM, GPU, ASIC, FPGA, and other LSIs can be used as hardware resources. Programs such as operating systems, middleware, and applications can be used as software resources. The storage unit 22 includes a non-volatile recording medium such as HDD and SSD.

The storage unit 22 includes a master data storage unit 221 and a log data storage unit 222 . The master data storage unit 221 stores master data of multiple automatic issuing machines 10 installed at multiple locations. Specifically, for each automatic issuing machine 10, the issuing machine ID, the installation location information, the ID of the remote unlocking device 17, the IP address of the first communication device 18, the SIM card inserted in the first communication device 18 Information is linked and stored.

When a new automatic issuing machine 10 is installed, the master data of the automatic issuing machine 10 is added to the master data storage unit 221 . A plurality of automatic issuing machines 10 can also be managed by grouping them for each area.

The log data storage unit 222 stores log data related to the open/close state of the door 10d of each of the automatic issuing machines 10. FIG. The log data stored in the log data storage unit 222 may be deleted after a certain period of time has passed.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of remote unlocking processing of the door 10d of the automatic issuing machine 10 by the remote unlocking system 20. As shown in FIG. In the example described below, it is assumed that the remote unlocking device 17 has activated the auto-lock function. Also, it is assumed that the person in charge who goes to the site where the automatic issuing machine 10 is installed does not possess an electronic device for unlocking the electric lock 17a. When the person in charge of the site wants to open the door 10d of the automatic issuing machine 10, the person in charge of key management (hereinafter referred to as "key manager") at the monitoring center is requested to unlock the electric lock 17a by telephone. The electric lock 17a is unlocked by being remotely operated by the operator. It should be noted that the key manager may be requested to unlock the electric lock 17a by a contact method other than telephone (e.g., e-mail or chat).

When the key manager of the monitoring center receives a request to unlock the electric lock 17a of the specific automatic issuing machine 10 from the person in charge on the site, he/she selects the specific automatic issuing machine 10 from the screen of the terminal device 30 and unlocks it. Press the lock button. When the unlock button on the screen is pressed, the terminal device 30 transmits a command to unlock the electric lock 17a of the specific automatic issuing machine 10 to the remote unlock server 20a via the Internet 1 (S30).

Upon receiving the unlocking command from the terminal device 30, the remote unlocking server 20a transmits the unlocking command to the first communication device 18 of the automatic issuing machine 10 via the VPN 2 (S31). More specifically, the remote unlocking server 20 a first sends a Ping message to the first communication device 18 and waits for a response message from the first communication device 18 . Upon receiving a normal response message from the first communication device 18, the remote unlocking server 20a transmits an unlocking command to the first communication device 18 as an SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) message. The remote unlocking server 20a registers the execution start log (including the reception time) of the unlocking command in the log data storage unit 222. FIG.

The first communication device 18 transmits the unlocking command to the remote unlocking device 17 upon receiving the unlocking command from the remote unlocking server 20a. Upon receiving an unlocking command from the first communication device 18, the remote unlocking device 17 controls the current supplied to the electric lock 17a (in the case of the power-on unlocking type, the current supply is started; If so, the current supply is stopped), and the electric lock 17a is unlocked (S32). The remote unlocking device 17 transmits an unlocking completion notification signal of the electric lock 17a to the first communication device 18 when the electric lock 17a is unlocked. Upon receiving the unlocking completion notification signal from the remote unlocking device 17, the first communication device 18 transmits the unlocking completion notification signal to the remote unlocking server 20a (S33). It is possible to omit the transmission of this unlocking completion notification signal.

After unlocking the electric lock 17a, the remote unlocking device 17 monitors the open/closed state of the door 10d based on the state of the open/close sensor receiving portion 17c. The remote unlocking device 17 transmits the open/closed state notification signal of the door 10d to the first communication device 18 at regular time intervals (for example, at intervals of 1 second). When receiving the open/closed state notification signal of the door 10d from the remote unlocking device 17, the first communication device 18 transmits the open/closed state notification signal of the door 10d to the remote unlocking server 20a (S34).

When the open/closed state of the door 10d changes from closed to open within the set time, the remote unlocking server 20a registers completion of the unlocking command in the log data storage unit 222 (S35). If an error occurs during execution of the unlocking command in the remote unlocking server 20a, if a normal response message cannot be received from the first communication device 18 in response to the Ping message, or if an SNMP message transmission error occurs. occurs, the remote unlocking server 20a registers an abnormality in the unlocking command in the log data storage unit 222. FIG.

The remote unlocking server 20a transmits the acceptance result of the unlocking command to the terminal device 30 (S36). The reception result of the unlocking command may be transmitted twice at the timing when the unlocking of the electric lock 17a is completed and at the timing when the door 10d is opened.

After a certain period of time (for example, 1 minute) has passed (Y in S37), the remote unlocking server 20a transmits a command to confirm the open/close state of the door 10d to the first communication device 18 of the automatic issuing machine 10 (S38). Upon receiving the confirmation command from the remote unlocking server 20 a , the first communication device 18 transmits the confirmation command to the remote unlocking device 17 . Upon receiving the confirmation command from the first communication device 18, the remote unlocking device 17 detects the open/closed state of the door 10d based on the state of the open/close sensor receiving portion 17c. The remote unlocking device 17 transmits an open/closed state notification signal of the door 10 d to the first communication device 18 . When receiving the open/closed state notification signal of the door 10d from the remote unlocking device 17, the first communication device 18 transmits the open/closed state notification signal of the door 10d to the remote unlocking server 20a (S39).

When the remote unlocking server 20a detects that the door 10d is open for a set time (for example, 15 minutes) or longer (Y in S310), the door 10d of the automatic issuing machine 10 is open for the set time or longer. to the terminal device 30 (S311). The remote unlocking server 20 a registers the transmission history of the alert signal in the log data storage unit 222 . The processes of steps S37 to S311 described above are repeatedly executed while the remote unlocking server 20a is monitoring the electric lock 17a (N in S312).

In the flowchart of FIG. 11, the remote unlocking system 20 sent an alert signal when it detected that the door 10d of the automatic issuing machine 10 was open for a set time or more. In this regard, the remote unlocking system 20 may transmit an alert signal when it detects that the electric lock 17a of the automatic issuing machine 10 has been unlocked for a set time or longer.

It is assumed that the command for confirming the open/closed state shown in step S38 is broadcast to all the automatic issuing machines 10 at regular time intervals. It may be transmitted only to the machine 10. Alternatively, the information may be transmitted only to the automatic issuing machine 10 whose electric lock 17a is in the unlocked state.

The flow chart of FIG. 11 is based on the premise that the remote unlocking device 17 operates the auto-lock function. In this regard, if the remote unlocking device 17 does not operate the auto-locking function, or if the remote unlocking device 17 does not have the auto-locking function, the person in charge at the site closes the door 10d of the automatic issuing machine 10. When he wants to close it, he calls the key manager of the monitoring center and asks him to lock the electric lock 17a. When the key manager of the monitoring center receives a request to lock the electric lock 17a of the specific automatic issuing machine 10 from the person in charge on the site, he/she selects the specific automatic issuing machine 10 on the screen of the terminal device 30 and presses the lock button. Press When the lock button on the screen is pressed, the terminal device 30 transmits a lock command for the electric lock 17a of the specific automatic issuing machine 10 to the remote unlocking server 20a. Thereafter, the remote unlocking device 17 locks the electric lock 17a according to the flow shown in the flowchart of FIG.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, by installing the automatic issuing machine 10 for the SIM card 3, the end user can use the automatic issuing machine at any time after concluding a line contract with the telecommunications carrier A. A SIM card 3 can be received from 10 . The end user can receive the SIM card 3 earlier than when the SIM card 3 is mailed after the conclusion of the contract. Complicated tasks such as specifying redelivery due to absence do not occur. In addition, there is no need to wait for your turn for a long time during busy times, unlike store sales. As described above, in the present embodiment, it is possible to improve convenience for the end user.

Further, by using the electric lock 17a as the key for the door 10d of the automatic issuing machine 10 and unlocking/locking the door 10d by remote control, the key of the automatic issuing machine 10 can be managed safely. Key management by remote control using the electric lock 17a is particularly effective when a large number of automatic issuing machines 10 are installed. When a large number of automatic issuing machines 10 are installed, using physical keys increases the number of keys, increasing the risk of loss or theft of keys. In this regard, key management by remote control using the electric lock 17a does not cause the risk of loss or theft of the key.

Further, in the present embodiment, the person in charge at the site does not have an electronic device for unlocking/locking the electric lock 17a, and the electric lock 17a is unlocked by contacting the key manager of the monitoring center. there is This eliminates the risk of loss or theft of the electronic device for unlocking/locking the electric lock 17a. In addition, since operation by the key manager of the monitoring center is required, the person in charge on site cannot open the door 10d of the automatic issuing machine 10 by himself, so that fraud by the person in charge is unlikely to occur. In particular, fraud is less likely to occur when the monitoring center is installed not by the telecommunications carrier A but by an external security company.

Further, in the present embodiment, the log data storage unit 222 stores the opening/closing history of the door 10d. Therefore, even if some kind of trouble occurs in the automatic issuing machine 10, the cause can be pursued by tracing the opening/closing history of the door 10d. Storing the opening/closing history of the door 10d also contributes to deterrence of fraud by the person in charge.

In addition, when each person in charge records the opening/closing history of the door 10d, it becomes a troublesome work for each person in charge, and it is easy for recording omissions to occur. In this regard, by centrally managing the log in the remote unlocking system 20, the log can be managed accurately and efficiently.

Further, in the present embodiment, when changing the specification of the key, it is sufficient to replace the remote unlocking device 17, and it is easy to change the specification of the key. On the other hand, if a combination lock embedded in the cover housing is used, the entire cover housing must be replaced. Further, in the present embodiment, when changing the key management method, it can be easily done by software update.

In the present embodiment, the line used for communication for inventory control of SIM cards 3 (hereinafter referred to as the first line) and the line used for communication for remote unlocking (hereinafter referred to as the second line) are separated. are operating. As a result, robustness of management of the automatic issuing machine 10 using the network can be improved. In addition, by dividing the person in charge of inventory management and the person in charge of key management, the robustness of management of the automatic issuing machine 10 can be further improved.

Also, by using a line with a higher security level than the first line for the second line, it is possible to reduce the risk of unauthorized operation of the remote unlocking device 17 by hacking while suppressing the overall network cost. Also, by using a VPN line for the second line, it is possible to improve security while suppressing costs.

In addition, in the present embodiment, a router for the first line and a router for the second line are separately installed inside the automatic issuing machine 10 without using the wireless LAN router of the store where the automatic issuing machine 10 is installed. , is connected to the Internet 1 or VPN 2 via a mobile network. As a result, it is possible to build a robust mechanism against network device failures. In addition, maintenance management of network equipment is easy.

The present invention has been described above based on the embodiments. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments are merely examples, and that various modifications can be made to the combination of each component and each treatment process, and that such modifications are within the scope of the present invention. .

For example, a human sensor is installed on the door 10d of the automatic issuing machine 10, and after the door 10d of the automatic issuing machine 10 is manually closed, the human sensor does not detect a person in front of the door 10d. You may use the mechanism which an auto-lock operates.

1 Internet, 2 VPN, 3 SIM card, 3a SIM card body, 3b barcode, 4 outer paper case, 10 automatic issuing machine, 10d door, 11 display operation unit, 12 first reading unit, 13 ejection unit, 14 outer paper Case pocket 15 storage section 15a number sensor 15b second reading section 16 main body control device 17 remote unlocking device 17a electric lock 17b lock receiving section 17c opening/closing sensor receiving section 17d opening/closing sensor 18 first Communication device 19 Second communication device 20 Remote unlocking system 20a Remote unlocking server 21 Processing unit 22 Storage unit 221 Master data storage unit 222 Log data storage unit 25a VPN router 25b Internet router 30 Terminal device 40 Inventory management system 40a Issuing machine management server 40b Customer management server 40c Inventory management server 50 User terminal.

Claims (11)

An automatic subscriber identification card issuing machine attached to a mobile communication terminal and used,
a storage unit for storing a plurality of subscriber identification cards;
a remote unlocking device for locking/unlocking the door of the automatic issuing machine with an electric lock;
connected wirelessly or by wire to the remote unlocking device and connected to a remote unlocking system via an external network; and receiving an unlocking command for the electric lock from the remote unlocking system, the remote unlocking device a communication device for remote unlocking that transmits to
automatic issuing machine. The remote unlocking communication device is installed inside the automatic issuing machine and connects to the external network via a mobile network.
The automatic issuing machine according to claim 1. The remote unlocking communication device notifies the remote unlocking system via the external network of the open/closed state of the door of the automatic issuing machine at regular time intervals.
The automatic issuing machine according to claim 1 or 2. The remote unlocking device does not accept the unlocking operation of the person in charge on site,
The remote unlocking device automatically locks the door when the door is closed by on-site personnel.
The automatic issuing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3. a reading unit for reading identification information;
a discharge unit for discharging the subscriber identification card stored in the storage unit when identification information distributed to a contractor who has completed a contract in advance is read by the reading unit;
A main body control device that comprehensively controls the automatic issuing machine,
a communication device for inventory management, which is wirelessly or wiredly connected to the main body control device and connected to an inventory management system via an external network separate from the external network;
When the subscriber identification card is ejected from the ejection unit, the communication device for inventory management outputs the identification information of the automatic issuing machine and the identification information distributed to the contractor read by the reading unit. receiving the identification information of the subscriber identification card ejected from the ejecting unit from the main body control device and transmitting it to the inventory management system via the separate external network;
The automatic issuing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The remote unlocking communication device and the remote unlocking system are connected via a VPN (Virtual Private Network),
The automatic issuing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A remote unlocking system that remotely controls the electric locks of the doors of a plurality of automatic issuing machines that issue subscriber identification cards that are attached to mobile communication terminals and used,
When an unlocking command for the electric lock of a specific automatic issuing machine is received from the terminal device of the monitoring center, the unlocking command is connected wirelessly or by wire to the remote unlocking device of the automatic issuing machine via an external network. a processing unit that transmits to the remote unlocking communication device that has been received,
Remote unlocking system. The processing unit receives the open/closed state of the door at regular time intervals from each remote unlocking communication device of the plurality of automatic issuing machines via the external network,
8. Remote unlocking system according to claim 7. The processing unit transmits an alert signal to the terminal device of the monitoring center when an automatic issuing machine whose door is open for a set time or longer is detected.
Remote unlocking system according to claim 7 or 8. Further comprising a log data storage unit that accumulates the opening and closing history of each door of the plurality of automatic issuing machines,
Remote unlocking system according to any one of claims 7-9. The remote unlocking communication device and the remote unlocking system are connected via a VPN,
Remote unlocking system according to any one of claims 7-10.

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