WO2011117556A1

WO2011117556A1 - Telephone that can operate with a dead battery

Info

Publication number: WO2011117556A1
Application number: PCT/FR2011/050658
Authority: WO
Inventors: Murielle Greusard
Original assignee: Stmicroelectronics (Rousset) Sas
Priority date: 2010-03-26
Filing date: 2011-03-25
Publication date: 2011-09-29
Also published as: FR2958105B1; FR2958105A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for establishing a communication between a first telecommunication device and a telephone network, in which: the first device (2), which is provided with a near field communication module, is positioned close to a second telecommunication device (1) that is provided with a near field communication module and a power source (12); and the second device powers the first by means of near field communication modules.

Description

OPERATIONAL TELEPHONE WITH DISCHARGE BATTERY

Technical area

The present invention relates to mobile telephone systems. More particularly, the invention aims to enable the management of call (s) or the exchange of data via a radio telecommunications network, even when the battery of the mobile is discharged, while allowing to ensure easy execution of the 'call.

Technological background

With the various technological evolutions of the last years, the energy retention time and the weight / power ratios of the batteries used in nomadic objects evolve every day.

However, the functionality of mobile phones to perform data exchange and increasing phone calls, the average time of autonomy of such a nomadic communicating object does not increase. It decreases even more clearly in mobiles of the "smart phone" type with numerous features, such as for example a camera, a video camera, a game console, a diary, a radio device or, for example, a music player.

One solution is to use backup batteries, for example chemical, single-use, or a battery additional the same type as the battery delivered with the nomad object communicating. These batteries are used to replace the conventional battery of the phone.

This solution of an additional battery offers the advantage of always having an operational battery available, provided, however, to ensure that you always have the battery on you and that this battery is always charged, which is not always possible, especially for example for frequent travelers and other "businessmen".

The solution of a single-use chemical battery offers the advantage of being able to make a phone call without worrying about energy management problems such as the maintenance of the phone and more particularly the recharging of its battery. In the case of a single-use chemical battery, however, it is necessary to perform various delicate and technical manipulations, namely to remove an insulating film that releases a chemical component and provides energy for a few minutes to make his call. This solution also has the disadvantage of being disposable, therefore expensive, particularly polluting. In addition, this type of battery does not exist for all types of mobile.

In addition, whether with an additional battery or with a single-use battery, it is necessary to perform a manipulation of exchanging the battery, which involves manipulations sometimes delicate and not necessarily within the reach of everyone.

Another solution is to transfer the subscriber identification module (SIM or USIM card), which generally follows a standardized format (for example, known as ISO Plug IN), the mobile phone whose battery is discharged to a mobile whose battery is operational. Thus, it is possible to use a telephone loaned for example to make a phone call, without use the value units of the subscription or prepaid account of the person who lends his phone.

However, this solution involves a complex manipulation with replacement of the SIM card of the phone holder by that of the person who wishes to make a phone call. At the end of the call, reverse manipulation must be performed again.

Document US-A-2006/0154659 describes a communication system in which information contained in the SIM card of a first telephone is sent to a second telephone by a short-range radio link. The second phone uses this information to perform the communication. Both phones must be powered by their own batteries.

The document EP-A-2114098 describes a system in which the identifiers contained in a SIM card equipped with near-field means of communication are transmitted to a telephone equipped with a SIM card emulator to perform the communication.

Document US-A-2009/0140692 describes a system in which a mobile terminal is able to recharge its contactless battery by taking the energy from another mobile terminal. Both mobiles must have a functional battery during the energy transfer process.

US-A-2006/0111136 discloses a system for redirecting a card from a first phone to a second. Both phones must have a functional battery to be able to perform this redirection. Summary of the invention

There is therefore a need to allow a user to make a phone call easily, while the battery of his own mobile phone is discharged.

An object of an embodiment of the present invention is to overcome all or some of the disadvantages of known systems. Another object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide an inexpensive solution.

Another object of an embodiment of the present invention is to propose an easy-to-use solution and, in particular, avoiding manipulation of the subscriber identification module.

To achieve all or part of these objects as well as others, there is provided a method of establishing a communication between a first telecommunication device and a telephone network, wherein:

the first device, equipped with a near field communication module, is placed close to a second telecommunication device equipped with a near field communication module and comprising a power source; and

the second device feeds the first via the near-field communication modules.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the telephone communication uses a subscriber identifier of the first device.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the telephone communication is performed by the first device.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second device is used to establish communication with the network.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the communication passes between the devices by the near-field communication modules.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the distance between the devices is less than 10 cm.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first device is a mobile phone.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second device is a fixed telephone. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second device is a mobile phone.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the telephone network is a cellular network of EDGE, 3G or LTE type.

There is also provided a computer program including instructions for carrying out the above method.

There is also provided a telephone communication system comprising:

a first telecommunication device equipped with a near-field communication module;

a second telecommunication device equipped with a near field communication module and a power source;

wherein the second device is used to establish telephone communication with a telephone network, the communication passing between the devices through their near-field communication modules.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second device provides the energy required by the first device.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the establishment of the telephone communication uses data from the first device, required by the network to establish the communication.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the system comprises means adapted to implement the method above.

Brief description of the drawings

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the description which will to follow. This is purely illustrative and should be read in conjunction with the attached drawings in which:

Figure 1 schematically illustrates a system consisting of a mobile whose battery is discharged and a telephone according to one embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 2 is a flow diagram of steps implemented in a method according to an embodiment of the invention.

detailed description

The same references have been designated by the same references in the different figures. For the sake of clarity, only the elements and steps useful for understanding the embodiments have been shown and will be described. In particular, the establishment of the communication by the telephone network to the recipient of the call has not been detailed, the described embodiments being compatible with the usual operations. Similarly, the data, energy and data transfers between the near-field communication modules have not been detailed, the invention being again compatible with the usual operating protocols of such modules. Furthermore, the embodiments will be described in connection with an example of application to a telephone call, but they apply more generally to the establishment of a communication with a telecommunications network, whether for a telephone call , a data transfer (SMS, MMS, etc.), an internet query, etc.

For example, there is provided a method of telephone call in which a first mobile phone (mobile phone) whose battery is discharged is approached from a second phone provided with a contactless functionality (field communication capability close in the manner of an electromagnetic transponder).

The first mobile phone whose battery is discharged has a power source (power supply unit of energy), that is to say in our preferred example a battery pack, or batteries or other portable energy storage system. The first mobile phone whose battery is discharged also includes a near field communication module (contactless) and a subscriber identification module (a set of access authorization keys) to a telephone network.

In a preferred embodiment, the telephone network is an EDGE, 3G or LTE type cellular radio communication network.

In a simplified variant, a user having a mobile phone equipped with a contactless communication module and wishing to make a phone call can, while the energy source of the phone is discharged, approach his mobile phone from the second phone equipped with the functionality without touching. The communication between the second telephone and the first mobile phone is then of the contactless type.

The user can then directly make his telephone call, using the second telephone, the set of access authorization keys to a telephone network used being that of the first mobile phone that transits from the first to the second phone by the interface of near field communication. The user thus makes a call or exchange of data using his own telephone data (IMSI / Ki) related to his prepaid account or subscription and whose keys are in his USIM card in ISO Plug IN format.

It is thus proposed to the user to move his mobile phone to a second phone equipped with the contactless functionality, in order to use the features of the second phone, while taking advantage of his own telephone data (in particular, his own phone number). call, his subscription with a telephone operator or his prepaid communication contract). For example, the user can borrow the phone from a friend or from his employer, or an association.

According to a preferred mode, the first mobile and the second telephone do not belong to the same individual. The identifiers or keys are different.

The user can also, in another variant, approach a telephony terminal provided with the contactless functionality and made available for this purpose, in specific locations such as airports, hotel lounges, hotels and restaurants. bars, post offices, subway stations, other public places, etc. These public telephone terminals, provided with the contactless functionality, are adapted to operate in collaboration and they comprise, for example, a so-called ^x base band block, providing the telecommunication functionality with the telecommunication radio network, a source of energy and a near field communication module (providing contactless functionality).

The method of a telephone call in which a mobile telephone comprising an electromagnetic transponder and a set of telephone network access authorization keys (IMSI / Ki) is approached from a telephone provided with the contactless functionality thus enables make phone calls while the battery of the first mobile phone is discharged.

According to a first type of variant, the energy required for the telephone call is provided by the second telephone to the mobile whose battery is discharged. The mobile is then in the configuration where it benefits from the energy of the second phone to allow its user to perform for example a phone call, or an exchange of data, relying on the functional blocks of the mobile. The communication does not pass through the second phone, the mobile is tele-powered by the phone.

According to another type of variant, the set of access authorization keys to a telephone network is transferred from the first mobile phone to the second telephone via the modules of communication in the near field (the contactless link), thereby allowing the user to perform for example a telephone call or an exchange of data, relying on the functional blocks of the second telephone. The telephone call is made from the second telephone, the mobile being tele-powered by this telephone to enable it to transfer through the interface in the near field its identifiers (keys).

According to yet another type of variant, the communication established by the second telephone is transferred to the mobile by the near-field communication interface. In embodiments, the method may further include the steps of:

1. Approach the mobile whose battery is discharged from a second phone, preferably with a distance between the phone and the mobile less than 10 cm;

2. Set up, automatically or manually, a contactless link between the mobile and the telephone, this link may preferentially be of the NFC (Near Field Communication) type;

3. Check whether or not the phone agrees to work with this mobile according to the method described;

4. Check, also optionally, whether the mobile accepts to work with this phone according to the method described;

5. Encrypt or not the communications between the mobile phone and the phone;

6. Allow or disallow the use of the phone to make a phone call, by using the telephone network access authorization key set (IMSI / Ki) contained in the mobile whose battery is discharged;

7. Make a phone call (or any other exchange with a partner such as exchange of SMS, MMS, or other types of data); 8. End the communication with this interlocutor;

9. Terminate the contactless link between the mobile phone and the phone or, if another immediate use is desired, loop back to one of the previous steps 3 through 7, depending on the level of security required.

In embodiments, the security levels required for the use of the phone may indeed vary.

Thus, depending on the context of use of the mobile battery is discharged, we can change the level of verification of rights associated with the mobile, depending on the level of trust granted by the owner of the phone holder of the mobile whose battery is discharged .

It can be expected to identify the mobile whose battery is discharged by a telephone via the exchange of data when the mobile is closer to the phone.

A preprogrammed telephone can also be provided to operate only with a series of mobiles, in particular when for example one of their batteries is discharged, these mobiles being well identified beforehand.

The second phone can take the form of a mobile phone with the contactless functionality but it can also be in the form of a mobile terminal or fixed. In the case of a terminal, it may for example be associated with a contactless payment terminal

(POS - "point of sale") or at a bank machine (ATM).

In a first embodiment, the communication is made possible by the fact that energy is transferred via the contactless link between the telephone and the mobile, thus enabling the user of the invention to make a telephone call. using the mobile, according to a "usual" use of his mobile.

According to a second embodiment, only the set of access authorization keys to the radio telecommunication network (IMSI / Ki) is transferred via the contactless link between the mobile and the phone. Then the user, in order to make a phone call, must use the features of the phone.

According to yet another embodiment, the communication passes through the communication modules in the near field of the mobile and the telephone. Other embodiments may be envisaged, such as mobiles and telephones according to the invention, for which the contactless functionality is added a posteriori on telephones not provided with this contactless functionality when they are placed on the market, for example via self-adhesive labels, thus making the phones compatible with the invention.

According to other aspects, it is also planned:

a computer program comprising instructions for carrying out the method of establishing communication, when the program is executed by the mobile and the telephone;

a system consisting of a telephone and a mobile;

a telephone call system comprising at least one telephone provided with the contactless functionality and a mobile comprising itself:

a power supply block,

an electromagnetic transponder; and

a set of keys granting access to a telephone network.

According to a first variant, in this call system, the telephone provided with the contactless functionality provides the energy required for the telephone call.

According to a second variant, in this call system, the call method is based on the functional blocks of the telephone, the set of access authorization keys (or subscriber identifier) to the telephone network used being the one mobile phone. The communication between the telephone and the mobile is preferably of the contactless type, and more particularly of the NFC (Near Field Communication) type.

The computer program and the system have at least the same advantages as those provided by the method according to the first aspect.

With reference to FIG. 1, a system consisting of a mobile 2, whose battery is discharged, is very schematically described, and a telephone 1 according to one embodiment of the invention, the telephone 1 being able to even be a mobile phone.

Mobile 2 and telephone 1 do not necessarily belong to the same person, in a variant of the invention.

In the telephone 1, are, in a conventional manner, one or more processors, memory blocks (ROM, RAM, EEPROM, Flash, ...), a block responsible for supplying the energy necessary for operation, for example a battery 10, a block 50 offering the features called "base band" access to the network of the telephone operator.

In the phone 1 is also a structure

20 and 40, responsible for offering contactless functionality.

For this purpose, the structure 20, 40 has different functional blocks, the unit 20 being for example an NFC (Near Field Communication) router and the unit 40 being an associated antenna.

In the unit 20 is also a block 60 of non-contact protocol conversion, for example ISO 14443 to a protocol conventionally used in mobile phones, for example ISO 7816 and vice versa. An example of this type of block 60 is described in application FR 2 822 272 of 13/03/01.

Block 30 covers the management functionalities of the USIM block as standardized for example in the 3GPP standards for GSM, EDGE, 3G or LTE protocols. Block 30 communicates with block 20 via the SWP protocol for "Single Wired Protocol" and block 50 according to ISO 7816.

Block 30 is optionally, in a preferred variant, potentially isolable blocks 20 and 50.

On the other hand, the mobile 2 also comprises a structure 22 and 42, responsible for offering a contactless functionality.

This contactless functionality can be provided by the mobile itself or be offered via a separate block 32 in another variant. The block 32 furthermore includes the user identifiers or set of access authorization keys for the telephone network (IMSI / Ki).

For this purpose, the structure 22, 42 has different functional blocks, the unit 22 being for example an NFC (for Near Field Communication) router and the unit 42 being an associated antenna.

The structures 20, 40 of the telephone 1 and 22, 42 of the block 2 are compatible in their protocols, to allow the phone 1 and the mobile 2 to communicate in a contactless mode.

The mobile 2 also comprises a block 62 for converting contactless protocol, for example ISO 14443 to a protocol conventionally used in mobile phones, for example ISO 7816 and vice versa. An example of this type of block 62 is described in the application FR 2 822 272 of 13/03/01.

The mobile 2 also comprises, as seen above, a block 32 containing a set of access keys to the telephone network (IMSI / Ki) of the user of the invention. In a first preferred variant of the invention, this block 32 is a USIM card reader in which such a card is inserted, provided for example by the telephone operator chosen by the user of the invention. The card complies with the standards as defined for example in the 3GPP standards for GSM, EDGE, 3G or LTE protocols. According to another variant, the block 32 is a fixed secure module (welded for example, or an integral part of the mobile 2) in which the authorization data for access to the telephone network have been inserted beforehand.

The block 32 is then linked to the block 22 via a link of the type for example ISO 7816 and allows the transfer of the access authorization data to the telephone network via the block 22, 42 to the telephone 1.

Referring to Figure 2, there are presented steps in a method according to one embodiment.

In this embodiment, a mobile 2 is approached from a telephone provided with the contactless functionality 1.

In a first step, step 1, the phone 1 detects that the mobile 2 is approached and accordingly it goes into the configuration where its block 30 is disabled.

In one variant, the block 30 is not deactivated and it is used in the following steps, for the validation of the parameters sent by the mobile 2.

During a step 2, the mobile 2 and the telephone 1 exchange information in order to establish a close communication without contact, preferably of the NFC type.

The phone then verifies in a variant that the mobile 2, which he has now received the identifier, via this link without contact, is allowed to work with him.

In a third security step 3, optional, the phone 1 displays a message asking the user to enter his security code (PIN code) on the phone, for example by means of a keypad or a touch screen . The phone then verifies that this security code is valid (step 4) and can also check, for example in a second time, that this security code is correctly associated with the mobile which he just received the identifier.

In another optional additional step 5, it is requested to enter on the telephone 1 an application code dedicated to the use described, in order to verify (step 6) that the phone holder with contactless functionality accepts the use of his phone by the user of mobile 2. In the event that this code is requested but misinformed (for example after three unsuccessful attempts) or unspecified, the use of phone is then denied to the mobile carrier.

During each verification, in the event of a negative response to the security test, the transaction is stopped (STOP step) and the contactless link between the mobile 2 and the telephone 1 is cut off, generally at the initiative of the telephone 1.

Indeed, in a preferred embodiment, the same phone 1 that performs security testing decides to stop the current transaction according to the invention.

The telephone 1 is based in a preferred variant on its block 30 to perform the checks (for example using STK command for Sim Tool Kit or via a JavaCard interface) but it can also perform the checks using its processor (s) and memory blocks.

However, the mobile 2 may also perform an optional step 7, in which it asks the phone 1 to send him his own identifier for this application related to the invention, so that the mobile 2 verifies that the phone 1 is in compliance with its expectations and is not potentially a malicious phone. The identifier of the telephone 1 may be an item stored in one of the phone memories or a code entered via the human-machine interface of the telephone by the telephone holder 1.

According to the test result (step 8), in case of failure, the transaction is stopped (STOP step) and the contactless link between the mobile 2 and the phone 1 is cut, this time on the initiative of the mobile 2.

In a step 9, when all the optional checks have been successfully carried out, the telephone disconnects the block 30 in a hardware way (for example using dedicated switches) or logic. telephone 1 to operate in a preferred mode with a single functional block 32 remote in the mobile 2, instead of the block 30.

The set of authorization keys for access to the telephone network used is then that of mobile 2, thus allowing the user to make his telephone call or his data exchange using his own data and not by using the telephone network access authorization information usually used without the invention.

Once the exchange or data exchange or telephone conversation, in a step 10, the logical link between the mobile 2 and the phone 1 is broken, for example, the initiative of the contactless phone.

The invention has been described and illustrated in the present detailed description and in the figures. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments presented. Other variants and embodiments may be deduced and implemented by the person skilled in the art upon reading the present description and the appended figures.

In the example previously illustrated, the operations related to the man-machine interface are preferably performed on the phone 1 and not on the mobile 2 because the illustrated example is based more particularly on the second variant, in which the method of The call is based on the functional blocks of the telephone 1, the set of telephone network access authorization keys 3 used being that of the mobile telephone 2.

But this is not mandatory, especially according to the first variant of the invention, in which the telephone 1 provided with the contactless functionality provides the energy required for the telephone call to the mobile phone 2. According to this first variant , operations related to the human-machine interface can then preferably be performed on the mobile phone 2, thus allowing the user to keep his habits on his own mobile 2. But the operations related to the man-machine interface can also be performed on the single phone 1 or on each of the two elements, mobile 2 and / or telephone 1.

All these embodiments offer the advantages of not then requiring delicate manipulations, handling of batteries and / or USIM card for example, these manipulations requiring a certain skill, a habit, even a know-how, while allowing to make phone calls even when the battery of your own mobile phone is discharged.

Thanks to the invention, the manipulations are reduced to the simple approach of a phone by a mobile, and in a simplified mode of use, no manipulation other than the seizure for example of a telephone number of the person to contact is necessary, making the system very easy to use and very user-friendly.

The calls made via the invention are made through the subscription or the prepaid account of the person whose mobile has a discharged battery, which ensures great security for the person lending his phone. This solution also provides ease of use for the person whose mobile has a discharged battery, and ensures that it will be billed as usual.

Compared to known systems, other advantages are that no manipulation of the SIM card is necessary, that the mobile does not need to be powered, that the mobile does not need to have a functional battery insofar as the transfer of energy from the second telephone is not used to recharge the battery of the first but to provide the necessary energy, according to the embodiments, the transfer of identifier, or communication.

In the claims, the term "include" does not exclude other elements or other steps. The indefinite article "a" does not exclude the plural. One or more processors Other units may be used to implement the described embodiments. The various features presented and / or claimed can be advantageously combined. The reference signs can not be understood as limiting the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the implementation of the described embodiments is within the abilities of those skilled in the art based on the functional indications given above and by exploiting the hardware and software functions contained in telecommunication devices equipped with communication modules. in the near field. In particular, reference has been made to subscriber identifiers or call set-up keys, but it is more generally the data required by the network for the establishment of the call.

Claims

A method of establishing a communication between a first telecommunication device and a telephone network, wherein:

the first device (2), equipped with a near-field communication module, is placed near a second telecommunication device (1) equipped with a near-field communication module and comprising a source of energy ( 12); and

the second device feeds the first via the near-field communication modules.

The method of claim 1, wherein establishing the telephone communication uses data from the first device (2).

3. Method according to claim 2, wherein the telephone communication is performed by the first device (2).

The method of claim 2, wherein the second device (1) is used to establish communication with the network.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the communication passes between the devices (1, 2) by the near field communication modules.

The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distance between the devices is less than 10 cm.

The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first device (2) is a mobile phone.

The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second device (1) is a landline telephone.

The method of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second device (1) is a mobile phone.

10. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the telephone network (3) is a cellular network type EDGE, 3G or LTE.

Computer program comprising instructions for carrying out a method according to any one of the preceding claims.

A telephone communication system comprising: a first telecommunication device (2) equipped with a near field communication module;

a second telecommunication device (1) equipped with a near-field communication module and a power source (12);

13. Telephone call system according to the preceding claim, wherein the second device provides the necessary energy to the first device.

The telephone call system of any of claims 12 and 13, wherein the telephone communication uses a subscriber identifier of the first device (2).

15. Telephone call system according to any one of claims 12 to 14, comprising means adapted to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.