MXPA01003165A - Over the air programming of mobile radio telephones - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to programming subsidised radio telephones with NAM data. The invention provides a subsidy code to allow a user to programme the NAM. This code changes once programming is complete in response to an incoming call.

Description

Communication Device DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to the programming of a communication device with identification information. Previously, a communication device such as a radiotelephone bought from a dresser must be fully functional for the buyer to sign with a service provider. Although a telephone is manufactured with a unique ESN Electronic Serial Number, to connect to a radiotelephone system of the buyers option (for example AWS or Bell Mobile), the radiotelephone must be provided with sufficient information to identify the user of the radiotelephone. and the system to which you are connected to direct calls to it. This information is provided in the Number Assignment Module (NAM) of information. The NAM information includes a Number of Mobile Identification (MIN) and the data that indicate the chosen service provider. In addition to this information that relates to the specific radiotelephone and the service provider, the NAM includes the -. security data used during the registration to confirm the Ref: 127187 identity of the radiotelephone and the data that provide the details of a "Domestic Traffic Area" and "System Control Channels". The details of the "System Control Channels" may include information relating to the level of service requested as an access overload class that provides information that relates to the relative priority given to calls made by the specific subscriber. The radiotelephone uses all this information from NAM together with its ESN to gain access to the chosen radiotelephone system. With the increase in band use made by radiotelephones, the need arises for these to be purchased with distributors instead of traditional specialty stores. The phones are available for purchase at convenience stores and self-service stations. Traditionally, the cost of a handset has been subsidized when the buyer signs a contract for a period with a particular service provider. Without this subsidy the cost of a handset is unattractive to the buyer and in order to encourage customers to buy the phones through non-specialized stores it is important that there is the potential for handsets to be available with a subsidy. - A problem arises when the phones are not sold by the specialized sales stores, which leads the buyer not to take hold of a service provider and program the relevant NAM information on the telephone. Under these circumstances, as the programmer is inevitably inexperienced, the procedure needs to be simple but also the service provider subsidize the cost of the telephone needs to have the certainty that the buyer will sign a contract with them instead of with a provider of the competition. Under these circumstances, as will generally be the buyer who programs the telephone, this process must be clear as well as the programmer will inevitably have to have a relative experience. The NAM is important for the operation of the phone and the information stored in the NAM therefore it must be protected from inadvertent changes. The code is protected to prevent the NAM from inadvertently changing the storage in the relevant locations. It is therefore necessary for the buyer to know the code in order to program the NAM. This is where the problem arises. If the code is known to the buyer, the NAM can be programmed with any data including the data that relate to a system provider, ie the provider that subsidizes the cost of the phone. To prevent > customer is free to choose any service provider when a subsidized telephone has been purchased, the code It has generally been prepared specifically for a particular telephone and retained by the service provider. This is because if a universal code will be used this would soon be public knowledge and subsidized phone buyers would no longer need to sign a contract with the subsidy provider. Most likely, this will inevitably lead to the end of subsidized telephones through non-specialized stores. According to the present invention there is provided an addressable communication device with the reference for identifying the data and consisting of the memory addresses for storing the identification data comprising a code sensitive processor for controlling the storage of the data of identification in memory addresses, the processor is responsive to an incoming signal that is directed to the device with reference to the stored identification data to change the code for the subsequent control of the storage of identification data as a consequence of the memory addresses. According to a second aspect of the invention, a radiotelephone for operating in a telecommunications network is provided, which is addressable using the user-specific identification data, the radiotelephone comprises a memory for storing the user-specific identification data.; sensitive to a code for controlling the storage of data specific user identification in the memory and an incoming message that is directed to radiotelephone with reference to the identification data stored to change the code and control the storage of the data processor of user-specific identification. According to a third feature of the invention a method for activation of a communication device for operation in a telecommunications network is provided, the communications device has a memory for storing data specific user identification, the method comprising the steps of entering a code to enter a mode to program the identification data; to enter the identification data for storage in the memory addresses; and changing the code in response to receive a message that is directed to the device with reference to the stored identification data. With a code to access the NAM storage area that changes once the phone has been addressed, the code change is a concession under the control of the service provider. The provider can end any programming session by making a call to the programmed handset. This will have two advantages, the first is that the service provider can verify that the handset has been programmed correctly. The second is that the code can be changed so that a second code is required before the NAM can be reprogrammed. The second code is advantageously another telephone specific code. This second code is then only known to the service provider who can provide the information to the telephone purchaser once the conditions of the initial contract have been met. Once the second code is known to the user, any service provider can be used as the NAM can be programmed and reprogrammed at will. In this way once the initial period of the contract has expired, the user can select a new service provider and at liberty to change the operator. Changing the code only when the phone has been programmed correctly, the user can use the first code to correct any programming error. If the code was changed immediately, the second code will need to be released if a programming error is made. Of course, a third or even more codes could be used to make corrections but allow advantages are provided in a code change to a retained by the service provider in response to an incoming message code. The second code can be stored in the phone. In one mode, the second code can be generated randomly. The application will now be described in more detail with reference to the drawing figures, wherein: Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a radiotelephone of one embodiment of the present invention; __- g Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a radiotelephone of one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a flow diagram showing a process for storing identification information in the NAM according to one embodiment of the invention; and Figure 4 is a flow chart showing the user the operation of the radiotelephone during the process of Figure 3. Figures 1 and 2 are schematic representations of a radiotelephone 1. As is conventional, the radiotelephone 1 includes a transceiver 2 which includes the RF circuit 3 (Figure 2) connected to an external antenna 4 and coupled to a microprocessor unit (MPU) 5 that receives the signals from a keypad 6, controls the functions of the telephone 7 and displays the information on a screen 8. The telephone 1 has its own inherent telephone number under a NAM 9 contained within the main unit of the radiotelephone. The NAM contains the user-specific information that is programmed into the phone to allow calls to be made and received. Figure 3 is a diagram that shows the process of programming the specific information of the NAM user in the telephone to replace the existing data that in this modality are given of manufacturing. To initiate the use of a subsidiary handset purchased in a retail store, for example, the user must contact a service provider. The instructions provided with the telephone will inform the purchaser of the telephone number of the service provider and probably the programming method. The subsidy code necessary for the NAM to program the mode to be entered will not be provided. The user will turn on the phone (block 30) for the first time and call the service provider. The service provider may, however, be contacted in other ways, for example, by means of a computer. During this call, the buyer provides the information to the service provider (block 31). This will include the ESN of the telephone and the personal information necessary to verify the important credit to be carried out (block 32). Once the service provider is satisfied with the buyer's credentials, the customer is provided with the subsidy code, specific to the phone. This code will have been provided to the service provider by the phone manufacturer together with the ESN of the particular device and perhaps the additional authentication data. The client will also be provided with the specific information of the user such as the MIN and SID that need to be entered into the telephone (block 33). Armed with the subsidy code, and the NAM data, the user follows the programming instructions that will be provided with the purchased phone (block 34). Preferably, the user performs this programming while still connecting to the service provider. Once the programming is completed, the user informs the service center that the process is complete (block 35) and the service provider places a call at this time to the programmed handset (block 36) using the programmed identity. Figure 4 which is a flow chart illustrating in greater detail an embodiment of the invention that describes how data can be entered. To start NAM programming, the phone turns on, (block 41) and a function code is entered (block 42). In this example the code is in * # 639 This would be, in a non-subsidized telephone, enough to enter the programming mode of the NAM. However, with a subsidized telephone the user must follow this with a subsidy code such as 1234 and an additional The signal of the initial program is verified (block 43). This determines if the phone is being programmed for the first time or if it is a subsequent reprogramming. The signal of the initial program in this modality determines which subsidy code is required to allow programming of the NAM. If this is the first time the NAM is being programmed, the first subsidy code will be required. If it is a subsequent programming, the second subsidy code will be needed. If the initial programming signal is fixed, the entered code is compared with the first subsidy code to ensure that it is correct and that the next programming phase can continue (block 44). If the code is correct, the phone will suggest the user to enter the telephone number (MIN) and once this has been entered the send key is pressed. The MIN must be a 10-digit number. The phone verifies that the correct number of digits has been entered (block 45) and if so, suggests the SID and options ?.

At this point, you enter the system ID which is a 5-digit number and any other n cesario data. Once the data has been entered, the entry is completed by pressing the send key again. If it finds the required protocol, the data is accepted (block 46). To validate the data, a check can be generated from the MIN and SID entered. This check can then be verified with the operator over the telephone line or, this check may have been provided by the operator together with the first subsidy code and the MIN and SID information (block 47). If the check is not confirmed, the user can press the end key and return to the normal operation of the telephone where the point for the NAM programming mode can be reintroduced using the function code * # 639 # and the same code is repeated of subsidy and the process. If the check is correct, the remaining NAM information is generated from the MIN and SID (block 48). The information generated may include, for example, the class of access overload or the control channel of the system. This information will be stored in the NAM along with the MIN and SID entered through the keyboard and possibly others already predefined. The NAM data entered replaces the existing data in the NAM in this mode (? .as the check occurs (block 49). Once the NAM has been programmed with the user-specific data, the phone is ready to receive a At this point, the process can be initialized again if, for example, an error has been made and the entire programming session is started again by entering the code * # 639 # of NAM programming and the security grant provided by This is possible as long as an "initial programming signal" is indicated on the E2PROM With the data entered correctly, the radiotelephone must now have its own individual identity and can be used to make and receive calls. alters the subsidy code of the telephone It is still possible that all the data has not been entered correctly even when the verification has been used. Subsidy is not altered until the correct operation of the telephone has been confirmed. This can be done by making sure the phone can receive a call. As part of the final check, the service provider can send a call through the new user. If the NAM has been programmed correctly, the phone can receive and act on the signals sent from the network. In this mode, once the telephone has received an alert signal and begins to ring (block 49), the "initial programming signal" is reset (block 50) and the subsidy code is changed to a new value known only from the service provider, to the second subsidy code (block 51). The new subsidy code for example 5678 will be necessary since then to introduce the NAM programming mode. The second subsidy code may already be stored on the telephone, although other options, such as air provision, are possible. Also for a new subsidy code, a new function code may also be necessary to reprogram the NAM. Other messages may be used instead of the alert message to reset the signal although the alert signal has the advantage that it not only achieves the objectives of the network where the subsidy code is changed but also provides tangible confirmation to the user that the telephone at that moment it is activated. A non-exclusive list of messages that could be used to reset the signal is: 1. Page (valid telephone number required) 2. Voice Channel Assignment (one page already received) 3. Alarm (audible confirmation that the phone is activated) 4 Maintenance (silent confirmation) 5. Audit (valid telephone number required, minimum answer of the telephone) It is not important in itself the particular message, rather it is that the programmed telephone can identify that the message is addressing and acts to restore the signal in response. The different protocols will have different signals that meet the requirements. Once the NAM has been properly programmed for the first time and the subsidy insurance changed, to open the NAM and the reprogramming of a second code function may be required as well as the new subsidy code. In an alternative for the present modality, the code * # 775 # 5678 can be introduced so that the telephone suggests the entry of the new NAM data. Then, the processes described with reference to Figure 4 will be repeated with the new NAM data. The second subsidy code can be used to protect different functions that the operator does not want the user to access. It is also possible in the embodiments of the invention where the user can still access a subset of the NAM to reprogram without requiring the second subsidy code. For example, the second subsidy code may be required for the entire NAM to be reprogrammed considering that in the reprogramming in an existing network it is still possible to use the first subsidy code. The present invention includes any feature of novelty or combination of the features described herein either explicitly or any generalization thereof regardless of whether or not they relate to the claimed invention or mitigate any or all of the problems addressed. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description that various modifications may be made within the scope of the invention.

It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects or products to which it refers.

Claims (22)

1. CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property: 1. A communication device that can be steered with reference to identify the data and that has the memory addresses for storing the identification data, characterized in that it comprises a processor sensitive to a code for controlling the storage of the identification data in the memory addresses, the processor is responsive to an incoming signal that is directed to the device with reference to the stored identification data to change the code and subsequently control the storage of the stored data. the identification data in the memory addresses.
2. 2. A communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that the identification data includes the data identifying a particular service provider.
3. 3. A communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that the communication device is a radiotelephone and the incoming signal that is directed to the device is the first call received by the device having a new identity.
4. 4. A communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that a second code is stored in the telephone so that the code is changed.
5. 5. A communication device according to claim 4, characterized in that the second code is specific to the communication device.
6. 6. A communication device according to claim 4, characterized in that the second code is generated randomly.
7. 7. A communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that the code is specific to the communication device.
8. 8. A communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that the code is generated randomly.
9. 9. A communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that the identification data includes the MIN data. v- 10.
10. A radiotelephone for operating in a telecommunications network which is steerable using the user-specific identification data, characterized in that it comprises a memory for storing user-specific identification data; a code-sensitive processor for controlling the storage of data in the memory and for receiving an incoming message that is directed to the radiotelephone with reference to the stored identification data for changing the code and subsequently programming the identification data.
11. A radiotelephone according to claim 10, characterized in that the identification data includes the data identifying a particular service provider.
12. 12. A radiotelephone according to claim 10, characterized in that the incoming signal that is directed to the device is the first call received by the device having a new identity.
13. 13. A radiotelephone according to claim 10, characterized in that a second code is stored in the telephone so that the code is changed.
14. 14. A radiotelephone according to claim 13, characterized in that the second code is specific to the radiotelephone.
15. 15. A radiotelephone according to claim 13, characterized in that the second code is generated randomly.
16. 16. A radiotelephone according to claim 10, characterized in that the code is specific to the radiotelephone.
17. 17. A radiotelephone according to claim 10, characterized in that the code is generated randomly.
18. 18. A radiotelephone according to claim 10, characterized in that the identification data includes the MIN data.
19. 19. A method of activating a communication device for operation in a telecommunications network, the communication device has a memory for storing user-specific identification data, characterized in that it comprises the steps of entering a code to enter a mode to program the identification data; enter the identification data for storage in the memory addresses; and changing the code in response to receive a message that is directed to the device with reference to the stored identification data.
20. 20. A method according to claim 19, characterized in that the step of receiving a message that is directed to the device with reference to the stored identification data is the first call received by the device having a new identity.
21. 21. A method according to claim 19, characterized in that the step of changing the code comprises storing a second code in the device for the code to be changed.
22. 22. A method according to claim 21, characterized in that the second code is stored in the device prior to the programming of the identification data.