WO2012008902A1

WO2012008902A1 - A system and method to verify that a message can be handled without problems

Info

Publication number: WO2012008902A1
Application number: PCT/SE2011/050849
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stefan Willehadson; Per Bergqvist; Lennart ÖSTMAN
Original assignee: Synapse International S.A.
Priority date: 2010-07-12
Filing date: 2011-06-27
Publication date: 2012-01-19
Also published as: SE1050785A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system (10) operable to verify that a message intended to be sent to a user equipment (12) can be handled by the user equipment (12) without problems. The system (10) comprises a requesting means (14), and a message control means (16). The requesting means (14) is operable to send a message, intended for the user equipment (12), and meta data (M1, M2, …, MN) related to the user equipment (12), to the message control means (16). The message control means (16) is then operable to fetch a correct value (M1', M2', …, MN') of the meta data (M1, M2, …, MN) from a means (18M1, 18M2, …, 8MN) storing the correct value, and to compare each of the metadata (M1, M2, …, MN) with each of the correct value (M1', M2', …, MN'). If each meta data is equal to each correct value, the message control means (16) is operable to send the message to the user equipment (12).

Description

A SYSTEM AND METHOD TO VERIFY THAT A MESSAGE CAN BE HANDLED WITHOUT PROBLEMS

Field of the invention

The present invention relates in a first aspect a system operable to verify that a message intended to be sent to a user equipment can be handled by said user equipment without problems.

According to a second aspect the present invention relates to a method for verifying that a message intended to be sent to a user equipment can be handled by said user equipment without problems.

According to a third aspect the present invention relates to at least one computer program product for verifying that a message intended to be sent to a user equipment can be handled by said user equipment without problems. Background of the invention

The patent document US 2009/0017817 A1 relates to a method for SMS delivery, where a message is provided to a message controller (40) together with hardware identification data, e. g. IMSI or IMEISV. The message controller (40) interacts with a subscriber database, e. g., a HLR (50), and compares the identification data with updated subscriber hardware data, and bases further handling of the SMS on the performed comparison. The hardware identification data is exemplified by hardware data associated with SIM cards and mobile terminals.

The patent document WO 2007/075136 A1 relates to a method for providing content to mobile devices based on the capabilities of SIM cards and terminals. The system comprises a device management application and

repositories, and in the method, the following steps are performed by the management application, which consist of checking the capabilities of a mobile device from one or more repositories of the device management system, retrieving the provisioning content from a module in a mobile device, converting the provisioning content into an applicable format for provisioning, and provisioning the device. The system of the invention comprises one or more device capabilities repositories, a device management application used for checking of the

capabilities of a mobile device from one or more repositories of the device management system, retrieving the provisioning content from a module in a mobile device, converting the provisioning content into an applicable format for

provisioning, and for provisioning the terminal.

The patent document US 2005/0186974 A1 relates to an SMS spam filter implemented in an SMSC. The SMSC compares message metadata with subscriber profiles. A method and apparatus for screening short message service (SMS) and/or multimedia service (MMS) calls. An originator of an SMS/MMS call is checked for authorization to send the type of message (e. g., to roamers, to nonlocal destinations, broadcast messages). If the caller is found to be authorized then the caller party or parties are checked to determine whether they are screening calls of the type and from the source of the caller. In either case, if the telecommunications network determines that the call should be blocked the caller is notified and the call is not completed. Advantageously, this arrangement sharply reduces the amount of SPAM delivered by SMS/MMS service.

The patent document US 7, 130, 648 B1 relates to an SMS delivery method where the message contains a field with a recipient profile. If the

subscriber profile is compatible with the received profile, the message is stored in a receiving telephone. The method for transmitting messages in a

telecommunication network, which network comprises a communication server and at least one wireless telephone, said server comprising means for sending messages to one or more wireless telephones, the wireless telephone or telephones being equipped with means for storing and processing messages, is characterized in that it comprises:

a step for sending a message comprising a field containing information relative to the type profile of the recipient of the message;

a step for processing the message received by the recipient and for comparing the profile contained in this message with the user's subscriber profile stored in the memory of the wireless telephone; and

a step for storing the message in the storage means of the wireless telephone if the user's subscriber profile is compatible with the type profile contained in the message.

The patent document WO 2005/1 17469 A1 relates to a message delivery method, where originating of recipient message service type is included in a message header. A system for interworking messages of a mobile communications terminal employs a method of receiving by a first messaging service server a multimedia message sent by a first user client of a first messaging service, processing the multimedia message at the first messaging service server and at a second messaging service server, and providing by the second

messaging service server the processed multimedia message to a second user client of a second messaging service. The message includes a parameter that indicates the originating messaging service type or the recipient messaging service type as a field or an indicator in the header portion or body portion of the message.

There exist several systems and methods used to create SIM card data as well as device specific settings data. These systems uses SMSC s in order to reach the device over the air. The SMSC pack/repack the SMS's containing the actual data and send it to the device, or SIM card in the device. The device, or the SIM card acknowledges that it has received the data from the SMSC. The SMSC in turn can acknowledge that the device has received the data to the system that requested the actual sending of data. The system requesting data to be sent can also be informed of any problems that arise during the transmission of the data to the device.

There exist several problems with the above described solutions. Data and applications are tailored for a specific make or model of a SIM card and are not applicable on other makes or models. This means that the data or applications will be rejected by the SIM card, or even worse, the SIM card might be break due to receiving data or applications not suited for it.

Settings sent to a device are also tailored for a specific make or model. This means that the device will reject settings it cannot handle. Sometimes the device might restart, erasing all data stored in it. In rare cases the device might even need to be reinitialized. It is also possible to send SMS containing other types of control, such as initiating sessions of different kinds, for example OMA DM and OMA DS.

Sometimes, certain SMS need user interaction or is not possible to be handled properly by the device when a call is in progress. In this case, the device can reject a received SMS since it is not able to handle it while a call is in progress. Similarly, the user can unintentionally reject a SMS containing settings when he/she is about to end the call by mistake. Summary of the invention

The above mentioned problems are solved by a system operable to verify that a message intended to be sent to a user equipment can be handled by said user equipment without problems according to Claim 1 . The system comprises a requesting means, and a message control means. The requesting means is operable to send a message, intended for the user equipment, and meta data related to the user equipment, to the message control means. The message control means is in turn operable to fetch a correct value of the meta data from a means storing the correct value, and to compare each of the meta data with each of the correct value. If each meta data is equal to each correct value, the message control means is operable to send the message to the user equipment.

A main advantage with the system according to the present invention is that it makes it possible to ensure that the recipient of a SMS is identical to the one intended to receive the SMS.

A further advantage with the system according to the present invention is that it also ensures that the SMS can be properly received and handled by the device.

A further advantage in this context is achieved if at least one of the meta data is not equal to the correct value, the message control means is operable to send a message to the requesting means regarding the fact that Mi≠ Mi', and not to send any message to the user equipment.

Furthermore, it is an advantage in this context if the message control means also is operable to check with a switching means comprised in the system if a call is in progress for the user equipment, and if the check reveals that a call is in progress for the user equipment, the message control means is operable to wait a predetermined time before making a new check with the switching means.

A further advantage in this context is achieved if the check reveals that a call is not in progress for the user equipment, the message control means is operable to send the message to the user equipment.

Furthermore, it is an advantage in this context if the check reveals that a call is in progress for the user equipment, the message control means is operable to send a message to the requesting means informing about the call in progress. A further advantage in this context is achieved if the message control means is in the form of a Short Message Service Center (SMSC), and if the meta data is in the form of Mobile Station ISDN Number (MSISDN), International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), and SIM card OTA Counter, and if the means is in the form of a SIM OTA means, a Home Location Register (HLR), and a Home

Location Register (HLR), or a SIM OTA means.

According to another embodiment it is an advantage if the message control means is in the form of a Short Message Service Center (SMSC), and if the meta data is in the form of Mobile Station ISDN Number (MSISDN),

International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), and International Mobile station Equipment Identity (IMEI), and if the means is in the form of a Home Location Register (HLR), or a SIM OTA means, a Home Location Register (HLR), and a DMS (Device Management System ) means.

Furthermore, it is an advantage in this context if the switching means is in the form of a Mobile services Switching Centre (MSC).

The above mentioned problems are also solved with a method for verifying that a message intended to be sent to a user equipment can be handled by said user equipment without problems according to Claim 9. The method is performed with the aid of a system comprising a requesting means, and a message control means. The method comprises the steps:

- with the aid of the requesting means, to send a message, intended for the user equipment, and meta data related to the user equipment, to the message control means;

- with the aid of the message control means, to fetch a correct value of the meta data from a means storing the correct value;

- with the aid of the message control means, to compare each of the meta data with each of the correct value; and

- if each meta data is equal to each correct value, with the aid of the message control means, to send the message to the user equipment.

A main advantage with the method according to the present invention is that it makes it possible to ensure that the recipient of a SMS is identical to the one intended to receive the SMS. A further advantage with the method according to the present invention is that it also ensures that the SMS can be properly received and handled by the device.

A further advantage in this context is achieved if the method also comprises the steps:

- if at least one of the meta data is not equal to the correct value, with the aid of the message control means, to send a message to the requesting means regarding the fact that Mi≠ Mi'; and

- and not to send any message to the user equipment.

Furthermore, it is an advantage in this context if the method also

comprises the steps:

- with the aid of the message control means, to check with a switching means comprised in the system if a call is in progress for the user equipment; and

- if the check reveals that a call is in progress for the user equipment, with the aid of the message control means, to wait a predetermined time before making a new check with the switching means.

A further advantage in this context is achieved if the method also comprises the step:

- if the check reveals that a call is not in progress for the user equipment, with the aid of the message control means, to send the message to the user equipment.

Furthermore, it is an advantage in this context if the method also

comprises the step.

- if the check reveals that a call is in progress for the user equipment, with the aid of the message control means, to send a message to the requesting means informing about the call in progress.

The above mentioned problems are also solved with at least one computer program product according to Claim 14. The at least one computer program product is/are directly loadable into the internal memory of at least one digital computer, and comprises software code portions for performing the steps of the method according to the present invention when the at least one product is/are run on the at least one computer.

A main advantage with this solution is that it makes it possible to ensure that the recipient of a SMS is identical to the one intended to receive the SMS. A further advantage with this solution is that it also ensures that the SMS can be properly received and handled by the device.

It will be noted that the term "comprises/comprising" as used in this description is intended to denote the presence of a given characteristic, step or component, without excluding the presence of one or more other characteristic, features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with a reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a system operable to verify that a message intended to be sent to a user equipment can be handled by the user equipment without problems according to the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a flow chart of a method for verifying that a message intended to be sent to a user equipment can be handled by the user equipment without problems according to the present invention;

Fig. 3 is a flow chart of further steps which can be performed in connection with the method according to the present invention; and

Fig. 4 schematically shows a number of computer program products according to the present invention.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

In fig. 1 there is disclosed a block diagram of a system 10 operable to verify that a message intended to be sent to a user equipment 12 can be handled by the user equipment 12 without problems according the present invention. As is apparent in fig. 1 , the system 10 comprises a requesting means 14, and a message control means 16. The requesting means 14 is operable to send a message, intended for the user equipment 12, and meta data M1 , M2, MN related to the user equipment 12, to the message control means 16. Also disclosed in fig. 1 is N number of means 18M1 , 18M2, ..., 18MN operable to store a correct value M1 ', M2', MN' of the meta data M1 , M2, MN. The message control means 16 is thereafter operable to fetch a correct value M1 ', M2', MN' from the means 18M1 , 18M2, ..., 18MN, and to compare each of the meta data M1 , M2, MN with each of the correct value M1 ', M2', MN'. It is pointed out that M1 is compared to M1 ', M2 is compared to M2', and so on. If each meta data M1 ; M2; ...; MN is equal to each correct value M1 '; M2'; ...; MN', i. e., if M1 is equal to M1 ', M2 is equal to M2', and so on, the message control means 16 is operable to send the message to the user equipment 12.

According to a preferred embodiment of the system, if at least one the meta data M1 ; M2; ...; MN is not equal to the correct value M1 '; M2'; ...; MN', the message control means 16 is operable to send a message to the requesting means 14 regarding the fact that Mi≠ Mi'. Consequently, this means that the user equipment 12 will not receive any message from the control means 16.

Furthermore, the system 10 can also comprise a switching means 20, disclosed with a broken line in fig. 1 . In this particular embodiment, the message control means 16 is also operable to check with the switching means 20 if a call is in progress for the user equipment 12. If the check reveals that a call is in progress, the message control means 16 is operable to wait a predetermined time before making a new check with the switching means 20. Furthermore, the message control means 16 is also operable to send a message to the requesting means 14 informing about the call in progress.

On the other hand, if the check reveals that a call not is in progress for the user equipment 12, the message control means 16 is operable to send the message to the user equipment 12.

According to one embodiment of the system 10, the message control means 16 is in the form of a Short Message Service Center (SMSC) 16. The meta data can be in the form of Mobile Station ISDN Number (MSISDN), International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), and SIM card OTA Counter. In that case, the means 18M1 , 18M2, 18M3 is in the form of a SIM OTA means 18M1 , a Home Location Register (HLR) 18M2, and a Home Location Register (HLR) 18M3, or a SIM OTA means 18M3.

According to another embodiment of the system 10, the message control means 16 is in the form of a Short Message Service Center (SMSC) 16. But in this embodiment, the meta data can be in the form of Mobile Station ISDN Number (MSISDN), International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), and International Mobile station Equipment Identity (IMEI). In that case, the means 18M1 , 18M2, 18M3 is in the form of a Home Location Register (HLR) 18M1 , or a SIM OTA means 18M1 , a Home Location Register (HLR) 18M2, and a DMS (Device

Management System) means 18M3.

It is pointed out that although specific examples of meta data, and specific combinations of specific meta data have been given in the description of the system 10, other types of meta data and other combinations of meta data are possible for both the system 10 and in the method according to the present invention.

Although the above presented embodiments only use a combination of three specific meta data, it is pointed out that it is possible to use only one meta data, or any combination of any numbers of meta data. It all depends on the application in question.

Furthermore, the switching means 20 can be in the form of a Mobile services Switching Centre (MSC) 20.

In fig. 2 there is disclosed a flow chart of a method for verifying that a message intended to be sent to a user equipment 12 (see fig. 1 ) can be handled by the user equipment 12 without problems according to the present invention. The method is performed with the aid of a system 10 (see fig. 1 ) comprising a requesting means 14, and a message control means 16. The method begins at block 40. The method continues, at block 42, with the step: with the aid of the requesting means 14, to send a message, intended for the user equipment 12, and meta data M1 , M2, MN related to the user equipment 12, to the message control means 16. The meta data is unambiguously identifying the user equipment 12. Thereafter, the method continues, at block 44, with the step: with the aid of the message control means 16, to fetch a correct value M1 ', M2', MN' of the meta data M1 , M2, MN from a means 18M1 , 18M2, ..., 18MN storing the correct value M1 ', M2', MN'. The method continues, at block 46, with the step: to ask the question: Is each meta data Mi equal to each correct value Mi'? This is performed with the aid of the message control means 16 which compares M1 with M1 ', M2 with M2', and so on. If the answer is negative, the method continues, at block 52, with the step: with the aid of the message control means 16, to send a message to the requesting means 14 regarding the fact that Mi≠ Mi'. This means that no message is sent to the user equipment 12. Thereafter, the method continues by performing step 42 again. If, on the other hand, the answer is affirmative, the method continues, at block 48, with the step: with the aid of the message control means 16, to send the message to the user equipment 12. The method is completed at block 50.

In fig. 3 there is disclosed a flow chart of further steps which can be performed in connection with the method according to the present invention. The method begins at block 70. Thereafter, the method continues, at block 72, with the step: to ask the question: Is a call in progress for the user equipment 12? This step is actually performed with the aid of the message control means 16, which checks with a switching means 20 comprised in the system 10. If the answer is negative, the method continues, at block 74, with the step: with the aid of the message control means 16, to send the message to the user equipment 12. Thereafter, the method is completed at block 80. If, on the other hand, the answer is affirmative, the method continues, at block 76, with the step: with the aid of the message control means 16, to send a message to the requesting means 14 informing about the call in progress. The method continues, at block 78, with the step: with the aid of the message control means 16, to wait a predetermined time before making a new check with the switching means 20. Thereafter, the method continues by performing the step 72 again. It is pointed out that the steps 76 and 78 cab change place with each other.

In fig. 4, some computer program products 102_{1 ;} 102_n according to the present invention are schematically shown. In fig. 4, n different digital computers 100i, 100_n are shown, wherein n is an integer. In fig. 4, n different computer program products 102i, 102_n are shown, here shown in the form of CD discs. The different computer program products 102i, 102_n are directly loadable into the internal memory of the n different computers 100i ... , 100_n. Each computer program product 102i 102_n comprises software code portions for performing all the steps according to fig. 2, when the product/products 102_{1 ;} 102_n is/are run on the computers 100i, 100_n. The computer program products 102_{1 ;} 102_n may, for instance, be in the form of diskettes, RAM discs, magnetic tapes, magneto-optical discs or some other suitable products.

A general advantage with the present invention is that it can be applied on existing user equipments (e. g. mobile phones) and SIM cards on the market and in use. If an operator instead would have to exchange all SIM cards or all user equipments the costs would be enormous. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments. It will be evident for those skilled in the art that many different modifications are feasible within the scope of the following Claims.

Claims

1 . A system (10) operable to verify that a message intended to be sent to a user equipment (12) can be handled by said user equipment (12) without problems, wherein said system (10) comprises a requesting means (14), and a message control means (16), characterized in that said requesting means (14) is operable to send a message, intended for said user equipment (12), and meta data (M1 , M2, MN) related to said user equipment (12), to said message control means (16), which in turn is operable to fetch a correct value (Μ1 ', Μ2', ..., MN') of said meta data (M1 , M2, MN) from a means (18M1 , 18M2, ..., 18MN) storing said correct value (Μ1 ', Μ2', ..., ΜΝ'), and to compare each of said meta data (M1 , M2, MN) with each of said correct value (M1 \ M2', MN'), and if each meta data (M1 ; M2; ...; MN) is equal to each correct value (Μ1 '; Μ2'; ...; ΜΝ'), said message control means (16) is operable to send said message to said user equipment (12).

2. A system (10) operable to verify that a message intended to be sent to a user equipment (12) can be handled by said user equipment (12) without problems according to Claim 1 , characterized in that, if at least one of said meta data (M1 ; M2; ...; MN) is not equal to said correct value (Μ1 '; Μ2'; ...; ΜΝ'), said message control means (16) is operable to send a message to said requesting means (14) regarding the fact that Mi≠ Mi', and not to send any message to said user equipment (12).

3. A system (10) operable to verify that a message intended to be sent to a user equipment (12) can be handled by said user equipment (12) without problems according to Claim 1 , or 2, characterized in that said message control means (16) also is operable to check with a switching means (20) comprised in said system (10) if a call is in progress for said user equipment (12), and if said check reveals that a call is in progress for said user equipment (12), said message control means (16) is operable to wait a predetermined time before making a new check with said switching means (20).

4. A system (10) operable to verify that a message intended to be sent to a user equipment (12) can be handled by said user equipment (12) without problems according to Claim 3, characterized in that, if said check reveals that a call not is in progress for said user equipment (12), said message control means (16) is operable to send said message to said user equipment (12).

5. A system (10) operable to verify that a message intended to be sent to a user equipment (12) can be handled by said user equipment (12) without problems according to Claim 3, or 4, characterized in that, if said check reveals that a call is in progress for said user equipment (12), said message control means (16) is operable to send a message to said requesting means (14) informing about said call in progress.

6. A system (10) operable to verify that a message intended to be sent to a user equipment (12) can be handled by said user equipment (12) without problems according to any one of Claims 1 -5, characterized in that said message control means (16) is in the form of a Short Message Service Center (SMSC) (16), and in that said meta data is in the form of Mobile Station ISDN Number (MSISDN), International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), and SIM card OTA Counter, and in that said means (18M1 , 18M2, 18M3) is in the form of a SIM OTA means (18M1 ), a Home Location Register (HLR) (18M2), and a Home Location Register (HLR) (18M3) or a SIM OTA means (18M3).

7. A system (10) operable to verify that a message intended to be sent to a user equipment (12) can be handled by said user equipment (12) without problems according to any one of Claims 1 -5, characterized in that said message control means (16) is in the form of a Short Message Service Center (SMSC) (16), and in that said meta data is in the form of Mobile Station ISDN Number (MSISDN), International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), and International Mobile station Equipment Identity (IMEI), and in that said means (18M1 , 18M2, 18M3) is in the form of a Home Location Register (HLR) (18M1 ) or a SIM OTA means (18M1 ), a Home Location Register (HLR) 18M2), and a DMS (Device Management System) means (18M3).

8. A system (10) operable to verify that a message intended to be sent to a user equipment (12) can be handled by said user equipment (12) without problems according to any one of Claims 3-7, when dependent on Claim 3, characterized in that said switching means (20) is in the form of a Mobile services Switching Centre (MSC) (20).

9. A method for verifying that a message intended to be sent to a user equipment (12) can be handled by said user equipment (12) without problems, which method is performed with the aid of a system (10) comprising a requesting means (14), and a message control means (16), wherein said method comprises the steps:

- with the aid of said requesting means (14), to send a message , intended for said user equipment (12), and meta data (M1 , M2, MN) related to said user equipment (12), to said message control means (16);

- with the aid of said message control means (16), to fetch a correct value (M1 ', M2\ MN') of said meta data (M1 , M2, MN) from a means (18M1 , 18M2, 18MN) storing said correct value (Μ1 ', Μ2', MN');

- with the aid of said message control means (16), to compare each of said meta data (M1 , M2, MN) with each of said correct value (M1 \ M2', MN'); and - if each meta data (M1 ; M2; ...; MN) is equal to each correct value (Μ1 '; Μ2'; ...; ΜΝ'), with the aid of said message control means (16), to send said message to said user equipment (12).

10. A method for verifying that a message intended to be sent to a user equipment (12) can be handled by said user equipment (12) without problems according to Claim 9, characterized in that said method also comprises the steps:

- if at least one of said meta data (M1 ; M2; ...; MN) is not equal to said correct value (Μ1 '; Μ2'; ...; ΜΝ'), with the aid of said message control means (16), to send a message to said requesting means (14) regarding the fact that Mi≠ Mi'; and

- and not to send any message to said user equipment (12).

1 1 . A method for verifying that a message intended to be sent to a user equipment (12) can be handled by said user equipment (12) without problems according to Claim 9, or 10, characterized in that said method also comprises the steps:

- with the aid of said message control means (16), to check with a switching means (20) comprised in said system (10) if a call is in progress for said user equipment (12); and

- if said check reveals that a call is in progress for said user equipment (12), with the aid of said message control means (16), to wait a predetermined time before making a new check with said switching means (20).

12. A method for verifying that a message intended to be sent to a user equipment (12) can be handled by said user equipment (12) without problems according to Claim 1 1 , characterized in that said method also comprises the step:

- if said check reveals that a call is not in progress for said user equipment (12), with the aid of said message control means (16), to send said message to said user equipment (12).

13. A method for verifying that a message intended to be sent to a user equipment (12) can be handled by said user equipment (12) without problems according to Claim 1 1 , or 12, characterized in that said method also comprises the step:

- if said check reveals that a call is in progress for said user equipment (12), with the aid of said message control means (16), to send a message to said requesting means (14) informing about said call in progress.

14. At least one computer program product (102_{1 ;} 102_n) directly loadable into the internal memory of at least one digital computer (100i, 100_n), comprising software code portions for performing the steps of Claim 9 when said at least one product (102_{1 ;} 102_n) is/are run on said at least one computer (100i, 100n).