JPH04213237A - Credit call connection control system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To simplify the formation of mobile equipments without need of a verification means by verifying the relation of cross reference between a random number and number generated and returned by a mobile equipment based on a random number from an exchange of a fixed network. CONSTITUTION:A fixed network exchange station 23 receives a registration number and a destination number from a mobile equipment 28 and generates a random number and sends it to the mobile equipment 28 via a base station 27, extracts a cipher key corresponding to the received registration number in a reference list between the registration number and the cipher key or the like and ciphers the random number sent to the mobile equipment 28 by using the key. Upon the receipt of the random number from the station 23, the mobile equipment 28 uses the cipher key in the memory to cipher the random number and returns the result to the station 23. The station 23 rejects the connection when the returned ciphered random number and the numeral ciphered by its own station are dissident and connects the mobile equipment as a contract mobile equipment when they are coincident and starts communication when the opposite party replies. The station 23 starts charging of a communication charge of the fixed network and starts the charging of a talking charge for a radio block. Thus, the formation of the mobile equipment is simplified.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

[Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to a credit call connection control system, and in particular, when providing communication services to a mobile device in a mobile communication system, it is necessary to check whether the mobile device has officially joined the system. This invention relates to a credit call connection control method that authenticates a mobile device using an authentication function for fixed network credit calls.

In mobile communication systems such as car telephones, it is necessary to check whether the mobile device is an authorized subscriber before providing communication services to the mobile device. The reason for this is that mobile station subscribers do not settle communication charges on the spot as compensation for providing communication services; for example, communication service providers pay their charges in monthly installments. charge the person. However, the mobile station that provided the communication service is not an officially subscribed mobile station.
If a communication service is used illegally, communication charges cannot be collected.

[0003] In particular, when connecting mobile station equipment, including base station equipment, owned by a mobile network operator to fixed network equipment owned by a fixed network operator, the user uses the fixed network via the mobile network. Fixed network communication charges must be paid by the mobile network operator to the fixed network operator. Normally, the system is such that the mobile network operator collects this fee from the mobile device user along with the mobile network communication fee. However, mobile network operators cannot recover mobile network communication fees from users who illegally use the mobile network. Furthermore, there are cases in which a mobile network operator pays fixed network communication charges to a fixed communication carrier on behalf of an unauthorized user.

0004

[Prior Art] Generally, in order to authenticate a mobile device when a connection request is received from a mobile device, a mobile network operator has a list of subscribers and verifies the mobile device number against this list. A method is used to check whether this is the case. This method involves accessing and checking a subscriber list installed at a specific station when a call connection request is received from a mobile station.

[0005] Furthermore, as a method for easily authenticating a mobile station, there is a method of utilizing an authentication function of a credit call function in a fixed network. Fixed network credit calling is a contract between a fixed network user and a fixed network operator that charges calls made from any phone to a pre-registered phone number (hereinafter referred to as the registered number). . It has the advantage of being able to make calls, whether from someone else's phone or from a public phone, without having to worry about how to pay communication charges.

[0006] The fixed network operator assigns a credit number to each subscriber and stores this in the exchange in correspondence with the registration number. When making a credit card call, the subscriber must enter the service identification number "121" to indicate that the call is a credit card call.
”, the exchange sends a predetermined dial tone to the subscriber.After hearing this, the subscriber dials the registration number, credit card number, and destination phone number.The exchange sends the registration number and credit number. If it matches one of the ones stored in the exchange,
It authenticates you as an authorized subscriber and connects you to the other party's phone. The credit card number is a secret number, and the subscriber must be careful not to let others know this.

[0007] If the above fixed network authentication function is used for mobile communication, there is an advantage that as long as the fixed network authentication is trusted, there is no need to add authentication functions or devices within the mobile network. . In other words, although it is not known whether or not the subscriber has a direct contract with the mobile network operator, it is known that the subscriber is a regular credit card subscriber of the fixed network. The mobile network's own authentication is omitted by trusting that the user is a good user who will pay the communication charges.

[0008]

[Problem to be Solved by the Invention] However, the method of accessing and checking the subscriber list installed at a specific station when a call connection request is made from a mobile station requires an access line for access. , the cost will be high. In particular, in mobile communication systems such as mobile phone systems, which require base stations to be installed at extremely high density, approximately every few tens of meters, in addition to the complexity of base station equipment, it is difficult to maintain a high density of base stations from individual base stations to subscriber lists. The number of access lines becomes enormous, resulting in an uneconomical configuration.

Furthermore, in the case of a credit card call, if the combination of the registration number and credit number is stolen and used illegally by another person, the user will be forced to pay the charges for the credit card call made by the other person. When credit card calls are used for mobile communications, the combination of the user's contract number and credit card number can be heard at the base station of the mobile network, so there is room for mobile network carriers to commit fraud. . In particular, when there are many mobile network operators with small-scale base station equipment, such as mobile phones, which are expected to be realized in the future, it is difficult for users to check the credibility of each mobile network operator. It's not easy.

[0010] As described above, if a mobile network were to have its own authentication function, it would have the disadvantage of complicating the base station equipment due to access lines to subscriber memory and signal transmission functions for authentication. In order to avoid this, there is a problem in that it is not possible to prevent fraud by mobile carriers by using an authentication function for fixed-line credit card calls. The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and is a reliable connection control method that prevents mobile network operators from fraudulently obtaining credit numbers or equivalent password numbers when using fixed network authentication functions. The purpose is to provide

[0011]

[Means for Solving the Problems] FIG. 1 shows a diagram illustrating the principle of the present invention. A fixed network exchange that accepts and processes both credit calls from landlines and mobile networks;
Consists of fixed network subscriber lines, fixed network communication terminals, base stations connected to fixed network exchanges, and mobile devices, and authenticates credit call requests from fixed telephones by comparing registration numbers and credit numbers. In communication systems that perform
Step 12) is sent back to the fixed network exchange (Step 13).
), the fixed network exchange verifies whether the numerical value returned from the mobile device has a certain correspondence with the random number sent from the fixed network exchange (step 14).

0012

[Operation] The present invention uses cryptography to authenticate between a fixed network exchange and a mobile device in a mobile network, and instead of using a credit number, the cryptographic key is stored in the fixed network exchange and mobile device. When the fixed network switch determines that the application is for credit calling from the mobile network, it generates an arbitrary random number and sends it to the mobile device, which then converts this random number into a code. and sends it to the fixed network exchange. The fixed network exchange encrypts the sent random number with the encryption key of the subscriber of the mobile device, checks whether it is the same as the code sent back from the mobile device, and performs verification. Even if a combination of a random number and a corresponding return number is obtained, it cannot be used illegally because the random number sent from the fixed network exchange is different for each mobile call.

[0013]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 2 shows a simplified block diagram of a fixed network and a mobile network according to the present invention. In the figure, fixed network telephones 21 and 25 are connected to a fixed network exchange 23 through subscriber lines 22 and 24, and a base station 27 in the mobile network and the fixed network exchange 23 are connected through a subscriber line 26. . The mobile device 28 communicates with the fixed network exchange 23 via the base station 27.

First, the case of making a credit call from the current fixed network telephone 25 to the fixed network telephone 21 will be explained. FIG. 3 shows an explanatory diagram of the current connection control procedure for fixed network credit users. The subscriber takes the fixed telephone 25 off-hook (step 31) and dials the service identification number "121" to transmit a dial signal (step 32). This dial signal is transmitted to the fixed network exchange 23 via the subscriber line 24 (step 33). When the fixed exchange 23 receives the dial signal, the fixed exchange 23 transmits the second dial tone.
The telephone number is sent to the fixed telephone 25 (step 34). When the subscriber hears this, he dials the registration number, credit card number, and telephone number of the other party (step 35). Exchange machine 23
When receiving this dial signal, it searches the correspondence list of registration numbers, credit numbers, etc. stored in the exchange 23, and checks whether there is a combination that matches the received combination (step 36). If there is no match with the received combination, it is determined that the subscriber is not an authorized subscriber and the connection is rejected. On the other hand, if they match, it means that you are a legitimate subscriber, so connect to the other party's number (step 37).
), and if the other party answers, the call is started (step 38
, 39). At the same time, billing is started, and when the call ends, the charges are settled in the billing data section of the correspondence list of registration numbers, credit numbers, etc. (step 40).

Next, a case will be described in which the method shown in FIG. 3 is applied to communication in a mobile network and a mobile telephone subscriber communicates via the fixed network switching center 23 using the credit function. FIG. 4 shows an explanatory diagram of the connection control procedure according to the first embodiment of the present invention. When the user of the mobile device 28 goes off-hook (step 4)
1) A calling signal is automatically sent by radio to the base station 27 in which the mobile device 28 is located (step 42). When the base station 27 receives the calling signal, it sends a response signal to the mobile device 28 and sets up a communication channel with the mobile device 28 (
Step 43). Next, the mobile device 28 automatically dials the service identification number "122" to transmit a dial signal, and the dial signal is sent to the fixed network switching center 23 via the base station 27 (step 44). ). The dial number at this time may be any number as long as it is different from the dial number used when requesting a normal credit call from the fixed network.

When fixed network exchange 23 receives a dial signal from mobile station 28, it transmits a second dial tone to base station 27.
is sent to the mobile device 28 via (step 45). When the mobile device 28 receives the second dial tone from the fixed network switching center 23, it sends the registration number and the destination number to the fixed network switching center 23 via the base station 27 (step 46). When the fixed network switching center 23 receives this registration number and the destination number, it sends a random number to the mobile device 28 via the base station 27 (
Step 47).

Specifically, the fixed network switching center 23 is connected to the mobile terminal 28.
After receiving the registration number and other party's number from The encryption key corresponding to the registration number is extracted, and the random number sent to the mobile device 28 is encrypted with this key. Mobile device 2
When 8 receives the random number from the fixed network switching center 23, it encrypts the random number using the encryption key in the memory of the mobile device 28 (
Step 48), returns the encrypted random number to the fixed network switching center 23;

The fixed network switching center 23 compares the encrypted random number returned from the mobile device 28 with the number encrypted at its own station (step 49), and if they do not match, the mobile device is not a legitimate credit call contract mobile device. and rejects the connection (step 50). If they match, it is determined that the mobile device has a legitimate credit card contract and connects to the other party's number (Step 5).
1). If the other party answers, the call will begin (Step 5)
2), the fixed network exchange 23 simultaneously starts charging fixed network communication charges (step 53). Furthermore, the base station 27 starts charging communication fees for the wireless section (step 54).

When the call ends, the fixed network exchange 23 adds the communication fee to the billing data in the correspondence list of the registration number of the mobile device 28 and the encryption key. In addition, the base station 27
8. Record the registration number and communication fee. FIG. 5 shows an example of the structure of a correspondence list of fixed network credit subscriber registration numbers, credit numbers, etc. stored in the fixed network exchange 23 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. An example of the structure of a correspondence list of a mobile network user's registration number, encryption key, etc. is shown below. In the correspondence list of FIG. 5, r1, r2, r3, ... indicate the registration numbers of fixed network credit subscribers, and c1, c2,
c3, ... are credit numbers recorded corresponding to fixed network credit subscriber registration numbers, k1, k2, k3
, ... is the data indicating the cumulative value of charges corresponding to each registration number.
It is ta. Similarly, r1', r2', r3', . . . in FIG. 6 are the registration numbers of the users of the mobile device 28, s1, s2, s3, .
is the encryption key recorded corresponding to each registration number, k1'
, k2', k3', . . . are data indicating the cumulative value of charges.

FIG. 7 shows the base station 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
This is the registration number and communication fee list recorded in 7.
r1", r2", r3", ... are the registration numbers of credit card subscribers who communicated using the mobile network, t1, t2, t3
,... are the date and time of the call, and k1", k2", k3",... are the wireless communication charges for each call. These correspondence lists are recorded in chronological order for each connected call.

[0021] Based on the communication charge data recorded in correspondence with the registration number of the mobile device 28 as described above, the mobile network operator may request the fixed network operator to collect communication charges. Or, have the fixed network operator provide information such as the address of the subscriber of the mobile device 28 corresponding to the registration number,
Charge communication charges directly to that address. This makes it impossible for mobile network operators to commit fraud, and credit card subscribers can use the service with peace of mind.

FIG. 8 shows a connection control procedure for a credit call request from the mobile device 28 to the fixed network exchange 23 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which a credit call request is made from the mobile device 28 using the same dial number as the number for the credit call request from the fixed network. When the mobile device 28 goes off-hook (step 81), a calling signal is automatically transmitted wirelessly to the base station 27 (step 82). The base station 27 that received the calling signal sends a response signal to the mobile station 28 and sets up a communication channel (step 83). The mobile device 28 automatically sends the service identification number "121", which is similar to the dialed number from the fixed network, to the fixed network exchange 23 via the base station 27 (step 84). Next, the fixed network exchange 23 transmits the second dial tone to the base station 2.
7 is relayed and sent to the mobile device 28 (step 85).
, the mobile device 28 sends a signal to the effect that it is a credit call request (a number that can be distinguished from the registration number, credit number, destination number, etc. received when a credit call request is made from a landline telephone, and may be 100, for example). At this time 100
Assuming that there is no registration number starting with )), it is sent (step 86). Furthermore, the mobile device 28 sends the registration number and the destination number to the fixed network exchange 23 (step 87). When the fixed network exchange 23 receives the mobile unit credit call request signal, it knows that it is a credit call request from the mobile unit 28, generates a random number, and sends it to the mobile unit 28 (step 88). The following call and billing procedures are the same as those shown in FIG. 4, so illustration and explanation will be omitted.

[0023] As a result, the same service identification number ("121") can be used for both requests from the fixed network and mobile network for credit call requests, and even when using a fixed telephone. , even when using a mobile device, you can use it without having to worry about dialing numbers. Note that in the above embodiment, as the most preferable example, the mobile terminal 2
Although the mobile device 28 encrypts the random number and sends it back to the fixed network exchange 23, the present invention is not limited to this method. For example, the fixed network switching center 23 sends a random number to the mobile device 28, and the mobile device 28 sends the received random number back to the fixed network switching center 23 as is without converting it. Another method is to compare the random number sent to the mobile device 28 with the random number returned from the mobile device 28, and if the numbers are the same, the user is authenticated as a legitimate subscriber.

[0024]

[Effects of the Invention] As described above, according to the present invention, in order to utilize the authentication for credit calls on the fixed network without performing the authentication of the mobile device on the mobile network when making credit calls, the mobile network It does not require any means of authentication. This also simplifies the organization of the mobile device. Since subscribers do not need an access line for authentication, the configuration of the mobile network can also be simplified.

[0025] Furthermore, since mobile network operators cannot steal credit numbers or credit password numbers of mobile devices, even if an extremely large number of mobile network operators appear that only have base station equipment, Mobile device users do not have to worry about their credit contract being used fraudulently. Furthermore, since the mobile device 28 automatically sends out the dialing signals etc. necessary to use fixed network credits, the user of the mobile device is required to perform special operations when using fixed network credits. It is extremely useful in practice because it can be used in the same way as a regular telephone.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a diagram explaining the principle of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a simplified configuration diagram of a fixed network and a mobile network according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a current connection control procedure for fixed network credit users.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a connection control procedure according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a correspondence list of fixed-line credit subscriber registration numbers and encryption keys, etc. according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a correspondence list of mobile network user registration numbers and encryption keys, etc. according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a list of registration numbers and communication charges recorded in the base station according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a connection control procedure for a credit call request from a mobile device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

21, 25 Fixed network telephone 22, 24 Subscriber line 23 Fixed network exchange 27 Base station 28 Mobile device

Claims (2)

[Claims] Claim 1: A fixed network exchange that accepts and processes both credit calls from fixed telephones and credit calls from a mobile network, a fixed network subscriber line, a fixed network communication terminal, and a base connected to the fixed network exchange. In a communication system comprising a central office and a mobile device, in which a credit call request from the fixed telephone is authenticated by comparing a registration number and a credit number, the fixed network exchange In response, a random number is sent to the mobile device,
The mobile device returns a numerical value generated based on the received random number to the fixed network exchange, and the fixed network exchange establishes a certain correspondence between the numerical value returned from the mobile device and the random number sent from the fixed network exchange. A credit call connection control method characterized by authenticating whether or not a credit card exists. 2. The fixed network exchange records fixed network communication charges for each registration number, and the base station records wireless section usage charges together with the registration number.
Credit call connection control method described.