WO2011132091A1

WO2011132091A1 - A telecommunication system and a method for fulfillment of repetitive orders and detection of telecommunication pirates

Info

Publication number: WO2011132091A1
Application number: PCT/IB2011/050807
Authority: WO
Inventors: Arunas Babrauskas; Tomas Jancys
Original assignee: Mediafon, Uab
Priority date: 2010-04-22
Filing date: 2011-02-25
Publication date: 2011-10-27
Also published as: LT5795B; LT2010034A

Abstract

The purpose of this invention is a special purpose telecommunication system (1), fitted for implementation of simple calls as well as for initiation of onetime and repetitive orders and for detection of telecommunication pirates (6) and identification of their signal numbers. In pursuit of these goals, a special telecommunication network (1) is established consisting of separate units interacting mutually according to established standards and criteria, wherein alongside the standard (mobile communications) telecommunication network modules the following auxiliary telecommunication network elements are installed: The signal/data processing and control server (10) for initiation, reception, processing and forwarding of signals to other corresponding units; the signal reception unit (9) for reception of signals/calls; the interactive (voice) autoresponder (11) for reception, processing, compiling and handing over of orders to other corresponding units; the subscriber database module (7) for capturing of information about the clients according to different parameters. When integrated into the common standard telecommunication network, these auxiliary modules ensure fulfillment of repetitive orders, and the new method of telecommunication system (1) application enables detection and identification of telecommunication pirates. For this purpose, the signal/data processing and control server initiates a call via the signal initiation unit (2), receives the signal itself via the signal reception unit, analyses the signal according to a certain comparison algorithm, and detects the presence of a pirate in the network. If a pirate is detected, its signal number is identified.

Description

A TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR FULFILLMENT OF REPETITIVE ORDERS AND DETECTION OF TELECOMMUNICATION PIRATES

Technical Field

This invention is related to telecommunication systems, especially to mobile telecommunication systems that implement repetitive orders and active seeking of telecommunication pirates.

Background Art

With nascent of mobile communications many telecommunication solutions have been developed globally for support of mobile networks, mobile operators and their clients. New capabilities and services have been introduced that were unavailable until the birth of mobile communications and mobile telephones. Together with the rise of telecommunication solutions and services a new type of offenders emerged - the so called telecommunication pirates. By utilizing certain equipment and exploiting system vulnerabilities they are able to establish false low quality networks, to make illegal gains, and to evade taxation. Mobile operators and states are deprived of a part of revenue and suffer damage to their reputation due to lower quality of services.

There are known a Belgian patent No. BE74306, published on October 7, 2008, which describes a method that allows activating of computer files in a remote mobile handset by SMS messages of corresponding content. Only a single SMS message containing a specifically prepared textual content or the code is sufficient for implementation of this method. The code may be used for various purposes, i.e., to active tone signal, music, characters, vibration, pictures, lights, etc. on a remote mobile handset. However, this solution does not envisage establishment of interaction between the signal sender and the recipient during a single session.

Also there are known an American patent No. US2005004971, published on January 6, 2005, which describes an interactive bidirectional medium, based on bidirectional flows on messages / signals. At the first stage, the messages are sent from mobile handsets to mobile telecommunication service providers, and then they are forwarded to a message control center, and later, to service providers. Depending on the content and the timing of SMS messages, the service provider composes a reply and sends it back to the user of the mobile handset. After reception of corresponding signal, the user of the mobile hand set can compose another signal and so forth. Thus a constant exchange of corresponding messages between the user of a mobile handset and the service provider may follow. This communication solution enables the users to connect to a corresponding medium and to influence the content of interactive messages. This capability may be used in organizing internet games that could be accessed from anywhere and anytime. However, this telecommunication solution is more related to the establishment of bidirectional flow of messages than to ordering of services.

The known American patent Nr. WO9816080, published on April 16, 1998, describes a system and a method of protection of a station from telecommunication pirates. The patent describes a method involving supplementary bidirectional authentication system that verifies a simultaneously sent unique code prior to performing of certain action, e.g. remotely opening a gate. The system grants access to the network enabling activation of a certain command list only if the code passes verification. However, this patent is related more with protection of external equipment from pirates without their detection. It also does not solve the problem of resource theft from telecommunication networks.

The closest (nearest) patent according to the technical level is patent No. WO2009148338, published on December 10, 2009. This patent describes a telecommunication system and a method that allows delivery of advertisement and similar messages to users of mobile networks based on their preference via text (SMS) messages. This method involves: sending of a message (or call) to the service provider by a mobile network user; processing of the message or the call; delivery of requested information to the mobile network user (client). According to the patent, the request is made via an interactive menu that allows selection of required product / service from the provided list of products and services. However, this telecommunication solution does not extend to situations, where users request not a one-time service, but a repetitive service delivered according to a set schedule or where a user prefers to receive repetitive service packages at specific times.

A plethora of telecommunication network patents does not offer a solution for protection from telecommunication offenders (pirates), who steal telecommunication network resources by utilizing special equipment of mobile communication and GSM cards for illegal gain.

Technical Problem

Technical Solution

The purpose of the invention is to propose a telecommunication system and a technique for detection of pirates and for activation of repetitive requests via an interactive menu. In pursuit of these goals, a special telecommunication network is established consisting of separate units that mutually interact according to set standards and criteria.

The exclusive feature of this invention is integration of the following auxiliary communication network units into a standard telecommunication network: a signal and data processing and control server for initiation, reception, processing and sending of signals to other corresponding units, a signal reception unit for reception of signals/calls; an interactive (voice) autoresponder for reception, processing, forming and handing over of orders to other corresponding units; a subscriber database unit for capturing of information about clients according to different parameters. When integrated into a common standard telecommunications network, these auxiliary units ensure fulfillment of repetitive orders.

These modules can also be used for active search and detection of telecommunications offenders (pirates). For this purpose, the signal/data processing and control server initiates a call via the signal initiation unit and receives the signal itself via the signal reception unit, then it analyses the signal according to a certain comparison algorithm and detects the presence of a pirate in the network. If a pirate is detected, its signal number is identified.

Advantageous Effects

Description of Drawings

Fig. 1 shows the scheme of a telecommunications network that enables active search of telecommunications pirates and fulfillment of repetitive service orders.

Best Mode

With nascent of computer systems, mobile communications and telecommunication networks, many telecommunication solutions have been developed globally to support mobile networks, mobile operators and their clients. New capabilities and services have been introduced that were unavailable until the birth of mobile telephones. The range of services and capabilities of telecommunication networks is ever expanding. Telecommunication networks are being developed, improved, and utilized for ever increasing range of applications in more and more diverse fields.

As we know, globally available telecommunication systems are capable of submitting, processing and fulfillment of client requests, i.e., a client may order a product or service by calling a certain number or by sending a text message to a certain number with specific content. However, this type of equipment ensures only onetime delivery of products or services. The client has to call or send a message again to repeat the order. That is inconvenient if a client wishes to receive goods or services regularly according to a set schedule or a set timing, such as certain important reminders, stock market information, etc. Via mobile connections, people can talk with each other from almost any place in the world.

However, telecommunication networks are plagued by a serious and rampant problem of telecommunication offenders (pirates) that is being addressed by mobile operators by manually analyzing call streams and correspondingly qualifying numbers (cards) of potential offenders, since automatic algorithms and analysis systems are practically inefficient due to a variety of piracy practices. Furthermore, automatic algorithms often mistakenly identify legitimate clients as pirates and such errors are unacceptable when dealing with large and respectable business clients. For this reason, pirates thrive in telecommunication systems and create news ways to profit, while mobile operators suffer significant losses and damage to their reputation.

This telecommunication system and the method perform several functions simultaneously: the new improved telecommunication system for fulfillment of repetitive orders may be used for active search and detection of telecommunication pirates.

Fig. 1 shows the scheme of a telecommunications system (1) according to this invention.

The telecommunication system (1) consists of standard telecommunication elements (units) and auxiliary modules.

The standard part of the telecommunication system consists of the following units: a signal initiation unit (2), a calling operator unit (3), the international operator network (4), a local mobile operator unit (5), a terminal unit (pirate) (5), a transmitted information database module (7) and an SMS message transmission unit (8). The signal initiation unit (2) initiates (generates) a signal (query/call) to a certain user of telecommunication network. The calling operator unit (3) is a fixed/mobile network provider who receives the said signal from the signal initiation unit (2) and forwards it to the international operator network (4). The international operator network (4) consists of separate units of separate operators who usually are based in different countries and are mutually connected into a single network. The international operator network (4) receives a signal from the calling operator unit (3) and forwards it to the local mobile operator unit (5). The local mobile operator unit receives the said signal from the international operator network (4) and forwards it to the end user. However, the signal is often intercepted by a terminal unit (pirate) (6) utilizing special equipment for reception, processing and forwarding of the signal to the end user, e.g., a common user or an interactive voice autoresponder. The transmitted information database module (7) exchanges signals with the subscriber database, forms a corresponding requested signal depending on the comparison operation result, and sends it to the SMS message transmission unit (8), which receives the signal from the transmitted information database module (7), exchanges signals with the subscriber database module (12) and at the specified time(s) forwards the signal to the customer of the service (client) who initiated the said signal from the signal initiation unit (2) or from the local mobile operator unit (5). However, the client does not receive the service, if a terminal unit (6) is present in the standard telecommunication scheme, but the pirate does (6). A pirate (6) utilizes special equipment that is using GSM cards serviced by the local mobile operator unit (5). The pirate (6) forwards the incoming calls to the end users. Since the number of incoming calls that are charged by the pirate (6) at a standard rate is large, the pirate (6) pays the local mobile operator at a lower rate and keeps the difference, i.e., the pirate (6) operates as a sublessee. As mentioned before, it is difficult to distinguish such a pirate (6) from a multitude of common clients and businesses. Very often the required human resources for detection (monitoring and analysis of accounts and the trends thereof) are so large that mobile operators capitulate and accept such losses.

Implementation of the invention requires integration of the following auxiliary units into the standard telecommunication system: a signal reception unit (9), a signal/data processing and control server (10), an interactive voice autoresponder (11) and a subscriber database module (12). The signal reception unit (9) exchanges signals with the interactive voice autoresponder (11) and with the signal/data processing processing and control server (10), receives the said signal from the local mobile operator unit (5) or a pirate (6), if a terminal unit (6) is present in the system, and forwards it to interactive voice autoresponder (11). The interactive voice autoresponder (11) reacts accordingly to the signal received from the signal reception unit (9), answers the call and provides the client with information on the service or the service package that can be delivered to the user a single time or repetitively according to a preset and approved schedule (timing). Also, the interactive voice autoresponder (11) exchanges signals with the signal reception unit (9) and the signal/data processing and control server (10) and delivers appropriately formed signal to the subscriber database module. The subscriber database module (12) registers client signal numbers that order a specific service or a service package. It also registers order information required for fulfillment of the order. The subscriber database module (12) exchanges signals with the signal/data processing and control server (10) and with the transmitted information database module (7). The signal/data processing and control server (10) functions as a controller of signals and data that functions in concert with other elements of the telecommunication system (9, 11, 12) and ensures and coordinates functioning of all said auxiliary modules of the telecommunication system (1) by initiating a signal to the signal initiation unit (2); it initiates the procedure of pirate (6) search and detection; it detects and identifies a telecommunication pirate (6); it sends a corresponding signal to the SMS message transmission unit (8) containing information about the client and his order, order delivery time(s), and order beginning and termination times; it generates commands to renew information contained in the transmitted information database; it verifies reception of signals by the signal reception unit (9) and the interactive voice autoresponder (11). The said auxiliary modules of the invention enable a client to make a call and order goods/service or repetitive order packages and ensures the capability to detect and identify a pirate.

In this type of telecommunication system (1), signals can be sent, forwarded, received, and processes via different paths:

a) 'Long cycle - in the absence of pirates - for a common user' - the call initiating unit (2) is abroad. In this case, the signal passes all said standard modules and reaches a user who belongs to a unit (4) of a local mobile operator.

b) 'Long cycle - in the absence of pirates - voice autoresponder' - this cycle differs from the said a) cycle in that the signal not only passes the standard modules of the system, but the said auxiliary modules of the system as well, enabling ordering of onetime or repetitive service packages.

c) 'Long cycle - in the presence of pirates - for a common user' - this cycle differs from the said a) cycle in that a terminal unit (6), i.e., telecommunication pirate, is present in the system besides the standard system units. This is the cycle desired by the pirates. The signal during this cycle is intercepted by the pirate (6) equipment and is redirected to an end user (customer). An interesting effect called a number swap takes place during this cycle, i.e., after the signal initiation unit (2) number is received and forwarded by the pirate (6), the signal number changes and the end user sees in his handset not the number of the signal initiation unit (2), but the number of the pirate (6) or 'unknown number'.

d) 'Long cycle - in the presence of pirates - for voice autoresponder' - this cycle differs from the said b) cycle in that a terminal unit (6), i.e., telecommunicating pirate, is present in the system besides the standard and the auxiliary system units. Due to the said number swap effect, the client will not receive the ordered service or service package, since the interactive voice autoresponder (11) during the order placement registers the pirate (6) number instead of the signal initiation unit (2) number. Thus the service will be delivered to the pirate (6). This cycle usually is undesirable to pirates (6), since they will have to pay for unwanted services that typically are subject to premium rates; thus the pirate is charged by the mobile operator a certain amount that the pirate did not plan for and that he would find out about only subsequently. On the other hand, probability of this cycle is rather low, since clients from abroad usually don't order repetitive services.

This type of telecommunication system (1) presents an opportunity to catch the pirate (6). Since the cycle c) is the most desirable for the pirate (6) and since the signal from the call initiation unit (2) changes its number when passing through the pirate (6) equipment, it becomes possible to execute certain initiation and verification procedures. By means of the auxiliary modules (9, 10, 11, 12), the signal /data processing and control server (10) initiates a signal from the signal initiation unit (2) and sends it (makes a call) to itself via the signal reception unit (9). The signal/data processing and control server (10) knows, which signal initiating unit (2) initiated the signal and its number. If a pirate (6) is present in the telecommunication network, the signal number of the call initiation unit (2) changes when passing the pirate equipment. Then the signal / data processing and control server (10) compares the two numbers: the signal number of the signal initiation unit (2) and the incoming signal from the signal reception unit (9). If the both numbers coincide, pirates (6) are absent from the telecommunication system (1), and if they differ, a conclusion is made about a pirate's (6) presence, and the pirate (6) signal number is identified. If the signal reception unit (9) receives an 'Unknown number', a conclusion is made about a pirate's (6) presence in the telecommunication system (1) and the call/data processing and control server (10) can determine its signal number after the 'signaling' signal received by the signal reception unit (9).

This method enables efficient, accurate and fast detection and identification of telecommunication pirates (6), operating in any country. If the pirate (6) signal number is known, its GSM card could be quickly disabled and the geographical location of the pirate (6) equipment could be as rapidly and efficiently determined.

Mode for Invention

Industrial Applicability

Sequence List Text

Claims

1.

A telecommunication system (1), consisting of:

a signal initiation unit (2) for initiation of a signal; a calling operator unit (3) for reception of the initiated signal and for forwarding thereof to international operator networks (4); international operator networks (4) for reception of the said signal from the caller's operator unit (3) and for forwarding thereof to the local mobile operator's unit (5); a local mobile operator unit (5) for reception of the said signal from international operator networks (4) for forwarding thereof to the end user (subscriber); a terminal unit (pirate) (6) seeking to intercept the said signal from the local mobile operator (5) and to forward it to the end user (subscriber); a transmitted information database module (7) for exchange of signals with subscriber database module (12) and for compilation of corresponding signal package to an SMS message transmission unit (8); an SMS message transmission unit (8) for reception of signal sent from the transmitted information database module (7), for exchange of signals with the subscriber database module (12), and for transmission of signal to the service customer; characterized in that it contains these auxiliary elements: a signal reception unit (9) for reception of signals from the local mobile operator unit (5) for exchange of signals with the interactive voice autoresponder (11) and with a signal and data processing and control server (10); a signal / data processing and control server (10) for exchange of signals with the signal reception unit (9), the interactive voice autoresponder (11), and the subscriber database module (12), and for

initiation of call in the signal initiation unit (2) and analysis of signals incoming at the signal reception unit (9); an interactive voice autoresponder (11) for exchange of signals with the signal reception unit (9) and the signal/data processing and control unit (10), and for transmission of signal to the subscriber database module (12); the subscriber database module (12) for exchange of signals with the signal/data processing and control server (10), the interactive voice autoresponder, and the transmitted information database module (7); where the said standard units of the telecommunication network (1) are used for implementation of simple calls and onetime orders, and the said auxiliary elements of the telecommunication network (1) are used for implementation of reception, processing and fulfillment of repetitive orders.

2.

A method of detection of telecommunication pirates in a telecommunication system according to claim 1,characterized in that it involves the following stages: the signal/data processing and control server initiates a signal in the signal intiation unit (2) for the signal reception unit (9); the initiated signal passes the circuit of all standard equipment units (3-6) and reaches the signal reception unit (9) as a response; the signal/data processing and control server (9) compares the numbers of the two signals: the number of the signal intiation unit (2) signal with the number of the said response signal, and if the number of the signal intiation unit (2) signal coinsides with the number of the response signal, the conclusion is made about the absence of pirates (6) in the network, however, if the number of the signal intiation unit (2) signal differs from the number of the response signal, the conclusion is made about the presence of a pirate (6) in the network, and the response signal number is considered to be the pirate signal number.

3.

A telecommunication system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that its elements belong to mobile and/or fixed communication networks.