MXPA99011539A - Method for dynamic management of a prepaid terminal subscription - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention concerns a method for the dynamic management of a prepaid terminal subscription data in a telecommunication network, whereby the client possessing such a terminal, acquires two numbers, and whereby, on first accessing the network from this terminal, the following two steps are carried out:requesting remote customisation from said terminal by inputting the first number followed by the network uploading an identity for identifying the latter;calling the network server from the terminal which indicates its identity and dialling by the user of the second number, followed, if authentication is correct, by the network sending to the terminal a voice memo indicating the call number associated with said terminal and the credit balance.

Description

PROCESS FOR. THE DYNAMIC HANDLING OF A SUBSCRIPTION FOR A TERMINAL IN "PREPAID" MODE DESCRIPTION TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to a process for handling a subscription for a terminal in "prepaid" mode Previous Technology Status This invention relates to a process for the dynamic management of subscriptions in prepaid mode in a telecommunications network, within the work framework of the payment of services The domain of the invention is that of telecommunications networks with mobile telephones (for example CTM, DECT) and more generally with any system that accepts remote charges through a headset The invention does not claim the concept of prepaid or card services, or the use of an intelligent network to implement the service itself, but instead an innovative process to create a "subscription" making use of the information obtained with prepaid cards purchased by the client, through of creating an account for the client which is really a subscription number. A prepaid card allows the carrier to receive a service from a service provider, the payment for this service is made in advance when the card is purchased. A distinction must be made between a virtual prepaid card and a prepaid card that is not virtual. For a virtual prepaid card, all the characteristics of the card, and particularly its credit, are handled through a centralized server. As for the prepaid card that is not virtual, the card itself contains this information. The phone card is an example of the prepaid card that is not virtual. The invention relates only to virtual prepaid cards. Unlike prepaid cards that are not virtual, which are necessarily comprised of a material device, there are two types of virtual prepaid cards: cards composed of a single number; these are then immaterial virtual prepaid cards. cards composed of a physical device; These are virtual material prepaid cards. The use of prepaid cards has the following advantages: • A prepaid card, when used with a mobile wireless phone, allows an operator to protect against unpaid bills and limits client / information service interactions. • The billing system is simplified. The operator offers a conventional system to open a subscription, involving the use of the information system for customer management (opening a commercial file, sending invoices, etc.) and a prepayment system for other clients (children, etc.). The "Mobicarte" service (registered trademark) is an example of the rechargeable prepaid card. This service is based on a process for which French patent applications (number 96 07761 and 96 07762 dated June 21, 1996) have been deposited, and which uses a GSM smart card (SIM card) that provides a credit of communications that can be recharged at any time and that offers a service that operates with two steps: The customer starts by buying a package "Mobicarte" containing a smart card (SIM) with thirty minutes of national communications valid for two months starting from the first call. This card is designed for the user to insert it into their phone so they can make phone calls immediately. The client calls the Mobicarte server to determine his phone number, and then the card allows him to use a phone number for four months. • Once the communications credit has been completed, the customer can top-up his account using a thirty-minute "scratch card". The price of the handling service is included in the price of communications. In order to make calls, the client must first dial the number of the voice server that manages the service (number 222). The server activates the account and all that needs to be done then is to dial the corresponding number. A message indicates the remaining credit of the communication at the end of each call. The customer must buy a refill in order to keep their credit. This is the way in which a "raspable card" that can be purchased at GSM points of sale, in which it will gradually be made available in all tobacco shops (shops approved by the Government). This "raspable card" includes a code of fourteen digits that will be entered on the keyboard, after being connected to the server. The effect of this simple manipulation is to accredit the card with 30 minutes of communication. The "Mobicarte" is designed to be used by anyone who occasionally needs a mobile phone, for example, during a trip in France or in the case of a vacation rental. It is also suitable for anyone wishing to remain accessible, at the same time making some calls. With a "Mobicarte", the subscription data is created in advance in the network and is contained in the SIM card. However, the purpose of the invention is a process for the dynamic handling of subscription data (in a prepaid mode); the creation and elimination through the database, making use of the information in a "scratch card".

Description of the invention This invention proposes a process for the dynamic management of subscription data for a terminal conformed with a standard radio, in such a way that the data can be downloaded by teleprocessing through a radio channel such as DECT, PHS, IS -95, CT2, in "prepaid" mode, within a telecommunications network comprising at least one server, characterized in that the customer who has possession of this type of terminal acquires two numbers, for example hidden in a prepaid card and because, when a first access to the network is made from this terminal, at least the following two steps occur: • A remote customization is requested from this terminal through entering the first number (certification code provided with the card) , followed by teleworking an identity through the network inside the terminal so that the terminal can be recognized. • Call the network server for this service from the terminal that indicates your identity and then the user dials this number, and if the certification is correct, followed by the network sending a voice message to the terminal indicating the telephone number associated with the terminal and the remaining credit. Advantageously, the process according to the invention is comprised of a third step in which the terminal certification is verified, and at the end of this step, the real one actually credits the terminal account. Advantageously, this process is such that: • in the first step: the network assigns a personal identity number of the user (IPUI) and a directory number, for this terminal, the network sends an acknowledgment to the terminal concerning the request of access rights and containing the user's identity number, - the network assigns an associated telephone number a number associated with the user's identity number, in its database. the network establishes a subscription flag T to be equal to "remote personalization pending", in the second step: the network receives a call from the terminal. This message contains the user's identity number and account number, the network searches for the user's identity number in the database and reviews that the value of the T flag is equal to "pending", starting from the account number, the network looks for the certification key and the credit associated with this account, the network initiates a key assignment procedure, at the end of this procedure, the network stores the user's long certification key, the number of identity of the user, the identity number of the equipment, the certification code and the account number. This data is retained in case the remote customization is not carried out correctly, if the certification is correct, the network sends a voice message to the terminal indicating the new credit and the telephone number associated with the terminal, the network sets the subscription flag T towards 'remote custom'; • in the third step, during the first certification (call of departure, call of location or call of entrance): the network verifies that the value of the flag T is really the one of "remote custom", 15 if the certification is correct, the network really credits the account of the terminal, delete the certification code and the associated account number and set the T flag to to be equal to "certified subscription"; • for subsequent outgoing calls, after the correct certification, the network is able to: verify that the terminal has enough units to make the call, send voice messages to inform that the client has exceeded some thresholds, cut off the current communication in case the terminal has used all its units, decrease the units used at the end of the call and update the remaining credit. Advantageously, when the client wishes to credit his account, he enters a new certification code given on a new scratch card and then: the network receives a call containing a request for access right; this message contains the terminal equipment identity number; - the network searches for this identity number of the equipment in the database; find the identity number of the user assigned during the first access; the network sends the message "Acceptance of access right" which contains the user's identity number to the terminal assigned at the time of the first access. The following steps are carried out in exactly the same way as the second step and the third step described previously, the telephone number assigned during the first access no longer changes. Advantageously, the customer can call a voice server at any time in order to determine his telephone number and the remaining credit in his account. The invention implements this process using a prepaid card that contains two scratchable hidden numbers; a certification code and an account number. The process according to the invention has many advantages: the operator can use a prepaid card to protect against unpaid bills and to limit the interactions between the clients and the information system; - there is no billing sequence for the subscription considered; the information system is not used for this type of subscription, which is created dynamically during the first access to the network; - the prepaid card enables the range of potential customers who can not or do not wish to pay for subscriptions, installation costs or other costs for starting the service, so that they have access to the mobile service; It makes it possible to keep the same phone number, even when you increase the credit with a new prepaid card. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS - Figure 1 illustrates an example of an embodiment of a telecommunications system with mobiles that are based on an intelligent network structure. Figure 2 illustrates a prepaid card usable with the process according to the invention; Figure 3 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the processes according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS Figure 1 illustrates an example of the embodiment of a mobile telecommunications system, for example using the standard DECT, in radio access based on an intelligent network structure. This figure shows a service database 10, connected through a link X500 to X25 at a service control point 11, both located within an intelligent network 12. The service control point 11 is connected to a hub 13, this being connected to the base stations 14, 15 connected to mobile terminals or headphones 16 and 17 respectively. In the process according to the invention, a customer first supplies a terminal conformed with a standard radio in order to download data by teleprocess through the radio (eg DECT, CT2, PHS, IS-95, etc.). In order to make the radio channel operate, the customer acquires two numbers, for example hidden in a prepaid card that is purchased with any sales distributor.

These two hidden numbers are a certification key and an account number. The first number (for example a 4-digit code) is used to register the terminal in the network, then, the data is created dynamically, and an identity used to recognize the client during the next access to the network is downloaded by teleprocessing In the terminal. Then the customer can establish a call. By dialing the second number registered on the card, the network credits the customer's account for the amount corresponding to the credit on the card. The network then informs the customer of their telephone number and the remaining credit, in a voice message. Before these steps, the operator will have to put "scratch cards" for sale that contain a certification code and an account number (the network uses this account number to deduct the number of units that will be credited). The database knows all the "scratch cards" that are for sale. These cards are characterized by a certification code and an even account number. If the various steps in the process, according to the invention, are summarized, they are viewed from the end of the client in the following manner: the client provides a terminal, for example from a store, for example of the type of a DECT, PHS, etc., characterized by its equipment identity number; he does not have to get a subscription with the operator or with the service provider; he can buy specific "scratch cards" with different values in stores, so he can make calls from his terminal; there is a short certification key and an account number on this card, which are obtained by scraping; - the customer enters the certification code given on the "scratch card"; a "beep" informs him that he must go to the next step, and then he hangs up; pick up the phone, establish a communication with the network, and enter on the numeric keypad the account number shown on the "scratch card"; a voice message informs you of your telephone number and the credit in your account, for example "your telephone number is 06 55 20 21 22, your account has a credit for 100 francs." Then a phone number is assigned that the client will keep under specific conditions specified elsewhere. When the client wishes to credit his account.

He will buy a new card and redo the previous manipulation. At the end of this operation, the client is informed of his new credit corresponding to the amount of the previous card plus the new credit. The customer can call the service server at any time in order to know his phone number and the remaining credit in his account. When implementing the process according to the invention, the network first receives a remote customization request from a terminal characterized by an unknown equipment identity number (IPEI) for the database. During this remote customization, when an access right is received with an identity number of the terminal equipment that is a feature of the equipment, the network must determine: if this equipment identity number corresponds to a terminal that has previously deleted a subscription standard; if the equipment identity number corresponds to a terminal that has already operated in prepaid mode, it is known by the service database, and it already has a previously assigned user number that is characteristic of that customer, and a number phone for incoming calls; if this equipment identity number corresponds to an unknown terminal for the service database, it does not correspond to a terminal that has deleted a subscription and therefore is registering with the network for the first time to operate in the mode of service. prepaid Then a distinction is made between the three steps in the accreditation of the terminal account. • Step 1 The network assigns a user identity number (IPUI) and a directory number for this terminal; the network sends an acknowledgment for the access right request that contains the user's identity number (IPUI), to the terminal; the network assigns a telephone number associated with the user's identity number, in its database; the user establishes a subscription T flag to be equal to "remote personalization pending" (flag T = "pending"). Step 2 The network receives a call from the terminal; this message contains the user's identity number and the account number obtained through scraping a card; the network searches for the identity number of the user in a database and verifies that the flag T is equal to "pending"; Starting from the account number, the network looks for the certification key and the credit associated with the account; the network starts the procedure for assigning the key; after this procedure, the network stores the long user certification key (UAK), the user identity number (IPUI), the equipment identity number (IPEI), the certification code (AC) and the number of account, these data are retained in case remote customization is not carried out correctly; if the certification is correct, the network sends a voice message to the terminal indicating the new credit and the telephone number associated with that terminal; the network sets the subscription flag to be equal to "remote custom" (flag T = "Remote Custom"). • Step three During the first subsequent certification (exit calls, location or incoming calls): the network checks that the value of the T flag is really in "remote custom"; - if the certification is correct, the network will actually credit the terminal account, delete the AC certification code and the associated account number and set the flag T equal to "certified subscription" (flag T = "certified"). For subsequent exit calls, after correcting the certification, the network is able to: check that the terminal has enough units to make the call; - send voice messages to inform the customer when the client has exceeded a specific threshold (for example, "there are only 50 units left, etc."); - cut the current call in case the terminal has used all these units; - decrease the units used at the end of the call and update the remaining credit. When the client wishes to credit his account, he enters a new AC certification code given on a new raspable card, and then: the network receives a call containing a request for access right; this message contains the terminal equipment identity number; - the network searches for this identity number of the equipment in a database; locate the identity number of the user assigned during the first access; sends the message "Acceptance of access right" that contains the user's identity number to the terminal. The following steps are carried out in exactly the same way as the second step and the third step described above. When the first certification is made with the new UAK user certification key, calculated from the AC certification code, it is when the accreditation is actually made in the terminal account which is calculated from the AC certification code. The phone number assigned during the first access will no longer change later. The customer can call the voice server at any time to determine his phone number and the remaining credit in his account. The flow chart shown in Figure 3 illustrates an example of the operation of the process according to the invention as described above, and particularly the different values of the flag T. Appendix A illustrates the first step for: • the first sequence (unknown earphone for the network) with remote personalization and prepayment. • the record Nm (known receiver for the network); Appendix B illustrates the second step for: • the first call that leaves (after the "right of entry acceptance") in order to charge the account. Appendix C illustrates the third step for: • the second exit call in the mode prepaid. Appendix D illustrates a subsequent standard call (No outgoing call in prepaid mode).

GLOSSARY PHS Personal Cordless Telephone System (Japan) DECT Cordless Telephone European Digital Electronic Standard CT2 Second Generation Wireless Telephone System BDS SGS Service Database Service Management System PCS-R Service Control Point of the CTM Network System wireless mobile IPEI International personal identification number of the equipment (serial number) IPUI International personal identity number of the user AC UAK Certification Code User Certification Key SIM Subscriber Identification Module IS-XX Provisional Standard -xx PHS Management System Personal APPENDICES A / DESCRIPTION OF MESSAGE SEQUENCES 1 / First record (unknown earphone for the network) Remote personalization (right of access) prepaid Handset Radio Terminal Network Enter AC Request right Request right on access keypad (X25) numeric IPEI IPEI Unknown IPEI in the subscriptions table pending remote customization of IPEI and unknown in the subscriber base with the prepaid formula. Choose an IPUI and an unassigned phone number. Flag T = < pending > Rights of Right of access access access accepted accepted accepted (X25) IPUI IPUI SP 13845C DB 2 / Nmo record (handset unknown to the network) Handset Radio Network Terminal Enter AC Request right Request right at the access access keyboard (X25) numeric IPEI IPEI Unknown IPEI in the pending subscription table for remote customization of and unknown IPEI in the subscriber base with the prepaid formula. Record the previously assigned IPUI. Flag T = < pending > Rights of Right of access access access accepted accepted accepted (X25) IPUI IPUI SP 13845C DB B / FIRST CALL OF DEPARTURE (DEPENDS ON THE RIGHT OF ACCESS) IN ORDER TO ACCREDIT THE ACCOUNT Radio Terminal Terminal Network SET ESTABLISH (PCS access number) IPUI CALLING CALL ON ROUTE CONNECTION CONNECTION Voice INFORMATION INFORMATION = (Facility) IPUI Account Number IPUI account number with prepayment with flag T = < pending > : look for AC + credit in the table of valid cards starting from the account number ASSIGN KEY ASSIGN KEY (Facility) (1) APPLICATION REQUEST FOR CERTIFICATION OF CERTIFICATION (Facility) IPUI RESULT CERTIFICATION CERTIFICATION RESULT (Ease) Voice message (*) RELEASE CONNECTION RELEASE CONNECTION BREAK FREE FREE COMPLETE CONFIRM RELEASE (*) Calculate certification key Your new credit is X Francs Your number is xx xx xx xx xx SP 13845. C DB C / PREPAYMENT OF SECOND CALL THAT COMES Terminal of Radio Network Terminal SET ESTABLISH (PCS access number) IPUI CALLING CALL ON ROUTE CONNECTION CONNECTION Voice INFORMATION INFORMATION = (Facility) Number Call IPUI Call Number The IPUI value determines the type of subscription if flag T = remote custom REQUEST CERTIFICATION CERTIFICATION APPLICATION (Ease) IPUI CERTIFICATION CERTIFICATION RESPONSE RESPONSE (Ease) Question the rate server to determine the authorized call time REQUEST FOR DECODING INFORMATION - (Alert) If the certification is correct, validate the IPUI. Flag T = certificate Service status Certifies the voice message. Remove the remaining Credit entry corresponding to the account number from the table of valid cards CALL Check the time ALERT used during the call RELEASE CALL RELEASE RELEASE COMPLETE RELEASE CONFIRM RELEASE Update the remaining credit D / Nma CALL PREPAYMENT THAT LEAVES Radio Network Terminal Headset SET ESTABLISH (PCS access number) IPUI CALLING CALL ON ROUTE CONNECTION CONNECTION Voice INFORMATION INFORMATION = (Facility) Number Call IPUI Call Number The IPUI value determines the type of subscription if the flag T = certificate APPLICATION CERTIFICATION CERTIFICATION APPLICATION (Ease) IPUI CERTIFICATION CERTIFICATION RESPONSE RESPONSE (Ease) Question the rate server to determine the authorized call time REQUEST FOR DECODING INFORMATION - (Alert) If the certification is correct, validate the IPUI. Flag T = certificate State of the voice message service Remaining credit CALL Check the ALERT time used during RELEASE CALL called RELEASE CONNECTION BREAK FREE FULL RELEASE CONFIRM RELEASE Update the remaining credit

Claims (1)

CLAIMS 1. A process for the dynamic management of subscription data for a terminal conformed with a standard radio, in such a way that the data can be downloaded by teleprocessing through a radio channel in "prepaid" mode, within a network of telecommunications comprising at least one server, characterized in that the client that owns this type of terminal acquires two hidden numbers, and that when a first access to the network is made from this terminal, at least two of the following steps occur : request for remote personalization from this terminal by entering the first number, followed by downloading an identity via the network within the terminal via teleprocess so that the terminal can be recognized. - call the network server from the terminal that indicates your identity and then the user dials the second number, and if the certification is correct, the network then sends a voice message to the terminal indicating the telephone number associated with the terminal and the remaining credit. The process according to Claim 1 is comprised of a third step in which the certification of the terminal is verified, and the network actually credits the terminal account at the end of this step. 3. The process according to the Claim 2, wherein two numbers are two numbers hidden in a prepaid card. 4. The process according to claim 3, wherein the two numbers are obtained by scraping. 5. The process according to Claim 3, wherein the first step includes the. following steps: - the network assigns a user's personal identity number (IPUI) and a directory number to this terminal; the network sends an acknowledgment to the terminal concerning the request for the access rights and which contains the user's identity number; the network assigns a telephone number associated with the user's identity number, in its database; the network establishes a subscription flag T to be equal to "remote personalization pending". 6. The process according to the Claim 5, wherein the second step includes the following steps: the network receives a call from the terminal, this message contains the user's identity number and the account number; the network searches for the identity number of the user in the database and checks that the value of the flag T is equal to "pending"; Starting from the account number, the network looks for the certification key and the credit associated with the account; - the network initiates a procedure for assigning the key; At the end of this procedure, the network stores the user's long certification key, the user's identity number, the team's identity number, the certification code and the account number, these data are retained in case the Remote customization is not carried out correctly; if the certification is correct, the network sends a voice message to the terminal indicating the new credit and the telephone number associated with the terminal; the network sets the subscription flag to "remote custom"; The process according to Claim 6, wherein the third step includes the following steps during the first certification: the network verifies that the value of the T flag is really "remote custom", - if the certification is correct, the network actually credits the terminal account, deletes the certification code and the associated account number and sets the T flag to be equal to "certified subscription"; 8. The process according to the Claim 7, in which the network is able to follow the steps below, after the correct certification: - verify that the terminal has enough units to make the call, send voice messages to inform the customer that it has exceeded in some thresholds, - cut the current communication in case the terminal had already used all its units, decrease the units used at the end of the call and update the remaining credit. 9. The process according to the Claim 2, in which when the client wishes to credit his account, he enters a new certification code in which: the network receives a call containing a request for access right; this message contains the terminal equipment identity number; the network searches for this team identity number in the database; find the identity number of the user assigned during the first access; - the network sends the message "Acceptance of access right" that contains the user's identity number to the terminal; and in which the following steps are carried out in the same way exactly as in the second step and the third step described previously, where the telephone number assigned during the first access will no longer change. 10. The process according to the
1. Claim 1, includes a step in which the client "can consult a local server at any time his telephone number and the remaining credit in his account.