DE19738707C2 - Method for assigning a temporary access authorization authorizing limited time units for telecommunications in a telecommunications network - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method for assignment for limited time units Telecommunications in a telecommunications network, in particular a mobile radio network, authorizing temporary access authorization.

Billing of telecommunications services is known Mobile network by direct debit, which, however, usually only Is available to customers with sufficient creditworthiness and with whom the scope of future use of telecommunications services is not is individually limited. However, the credit-independent access and the Access without credit check to telecommunications services that Limiting the use of telecommunications services, e.g. B. at Transfer of a mobile device to third parties etc., and a universal possibility the acquisition of those who are authorized to make calls for a limited period of time Temporary access authorizations, i.e. virtual calling card credit, desirable.

WO 96/36192 describes a method for assigning one for limited Time units for telecommunications in a telecommunications network, in particular Mobile network, authorizing temporary access authorization to a Telecommunications subscriber and to a provider of temporary Access authorizations known in a telecommunications network center, wherein through the telecommunications network center from the telecommunications subscriber the code representing the temporary access authorization, the one Telecommunications subscriber identification includes, is queried. To Receiving the code by the telecommunication center can this with Provider of the code confirm the temporary access authorization.

Furthermore, WO 95/28 062 describes a method for checking access authorization a temporary telecommunications subscriber known, the Participant identity and existing credit are checked to ensure that Allow participants to access the network.

The object of the present invention is therefore to enable the limitation of costs arising from the use of telecommunications services,  whereby temporary access authorizations acquired from different providers should be usable for at least one telecommunications network. The task is solved by the subjects of the independent claims.

The invention enables the automatic assignment of temporary Access authorizations, i.e. virtual telephone credit or virtual Phonecards to a telecommunications subscriber, so that this z. Legs certain number of units to be telephoned is available, as well as the automatic assignment of temporary payments redeemed by a participant Access rights to the provider through which you are the Telecommunications subscriber received. For example, providers can provide service Providers that use codes that imply a temporary access authorization Voucher etc. from a telecommunications network operator, in particular Mobile network operators, receive and give to third parties in different ways, such as for example at specialist dealers, in supermarkets etc. Through the telecommunications network central-side list with a temporary Access authorization (virtual calling card credit) implicit codes and Providers assigned to each code who use this code for further distribution received is the automatic transfer of telecommunications Participants in the telecommunications network with the temporary Access authorizations (= virtual phone cards) possible. Through the telecommunications network central-side list with codes, which are sent to providers for Reselling to telecommunications subscribers is one Security check of codes entered by telecommunications subscribers possible whether these were handed over to providers. So that can misuse can be avoided by appropriate procedures.

The invention thus advantageously allows telecommunications subscribers to Acquisition of temporary access authorizations from any provider. By the Acquiring credit is not a credit check of the telecommunications subscriber required. Technically, telephoning in the telecommunications network is also through Anonymous telecommunications participants possible.

By using virtual calling cards is for the individual Telecommunications subscribers easily, individually and securely limit their use  with its telecommunications subscriber identification, for example under his number with his mobile device and his SIM card Time units and thus its costs possible, but for him because of the possibility a top-up with codes from any provider, such as Specialist dealers, supermarkets etc. independently and with little effort renewed or additional top-up with temporary access authorizations, so virtual calling card credit, is possible.

It is advisable to use only a temporary Access authorization (or a virtual calling card credit) Subscriber identification cards (i.e. SIM modules) by including one in them stored telecommunications subscriber identification in one Pre-activated subscriber identification list of the telecommunications network center, only by calling certain service numbers of the telecommunications network Operator can be activated. A subscriber identification card (SIM) or a Mobile radio device with such a subscriber identification card is thus only to call certain service numbers of the telecommunications network Operator, under which z. B. a temporary access authorization (i.e. a virtual calling card credit) can be booked using a code. To fully activate a pre-activated subscriber identification card (SIM) for the Answering calls and for calling any phone number when the telecommunications subscriber calls with them Subscriber identification card at a service number of the network operator Identity of the participant, in particular their name and address requested and the participant identification card is then fully activated. In order to a control is made possible as to which of the displaced Participant identification cards are already used, which in particular automatic billing with their respective providers is made possible.

The code for a temporary access authorization (i.e. a virtual phone card credit) is expedient in a list in a telecommunications network center saved and in one of providers to telecommunications subscribers distributable voucher card implemented, in particular legibly printed. The Implementation in the voucher card, in particular legible printing, enables the use of the code by a telecommunications subscriber  to enter at a service number etc. of the telecommunications network center in order there for him on his phone number (telecommunications Participant identification) a temporary access authorization (virtual To implement calling card credit).

The code is called when a telecommunications subscriber calls a special Serivce number of a telecommunications center expediently orally via Voice input and output device queried, which is a simple and in particular Use of a menu guidance easily understandable use by any Telecommunications subscriber enables.

The code is expedient when a telecommunications subscriber calls a special service number of a telecommunications center according to Establishing a connection between the telecommunications subscriber and the Telecommunication center queried, as this is easy to implement. However, will the telecommunications subscriber identification (e.g. the telephone number etc. a telecommunications subscriber, which is stored in a SIM card) at Establishing a connection between a telecommunications subscriber and one Telecommunications network center on a call from the telecommunications Participant at a special service number of the telecommunications center transmitted there; The telecommunications subscriber identification is expedient (i.e. telephone number or data implicit in a telephone number) from a card (SIM card) in a terminal of the calling subscriber automatically to the Telecommunications network center transmitted, especially in the context of a usual connection establishment.

It is useful in the telecommunications network center for each provider a list assigned to him, for example to him from the Telecommunications network headquarters, previously sold by telecommunications network Participants in a query by the telecommunications network center generated and stored data related codes. The list is in particular for the automatic billing of calls from Telecommunications participants at the telecommunications network center implemented temporary access authorizations implied by codes (i.e.  virtual telephone credit) between the telecommunications center and each a provider.

For each telecommunications subscriber, all of them have so far been expedient in the case of a query to the control center (which is a virtual Phonecard credit implies) representing data (i.e. a Total credit) in the telecommunications network center with an assignment to the telecommunications subscriber identification, in particular Data representing telecommunication subscriber telephone number saved; a telecommunications subscriber is thus a total temporary Access authorization, i.e. assigned to a total credit, which this with fill in new codes or by using telecommunications Services, especially telephone calls, and which ones by phone, verbally and / or by short message (SMS) automatically or on Request can be sent.

When entering a code from the telecommunications network subscriber to the Telecommunications network center errors can occur. When entering not in a list of codes stored in the control center, i.e. when an error is detected, the query can be repeated, in particular with a predeterminable frequency, for example three, five or ten times. After an entry a predefinable number of codes not stored in a list in the control center the queries can lead to a telecommunications subscriber identification, in particular the telephone number of the telecommunications subscriber, a block be entered for entering codes; thus, until a later possibly re-release no more codes when calling from this phone number accepted.

If a telecommunications subscriber wants to make a call, it is useful whose telecommunications network access authorization (i.e. the existence a telephone number for this telecommunications subscriber) at Establishing a connection and the existence of a temporary access authorization (i.e. a credit) checked after the connection establishment, whereby one Access authorization of the telecommunications subscriber in the form of the Permission to call any phone number is only granted if his Telephone number for calling any number in the telecommunications network  authorized and a temporary access authorization, i.e. sufficient There is credit.

Further features and advantages result from the following description an embodiment with reference to the drawing. It shows:

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of the entry of a code obtained from a provider by the customer to a telecommunication center,

Fig. 2 shows a block diagram of the structure of part of a telecommunications center.

6 Fig. 1 shows the transfer of a list of codes 1, 2 to a first provider 8 and the handover 7 a a second list of codes 3, 4 to a provider 9, wherein a a mobile radio device 11 owning telecommunications subscriber 10 from the supplier 8 receives a code 1 (representing a virtual telephone card credit) and a telecommunications subscriber identification (in particular telecommunications telephone number) 5 implemented in a SIM card, while receiving a code 3 from the provider 9 .

Codes 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 imply temporary access authorizations, that is to say virtual telephone card credits, which authorize telecommunications in a telecommunications network, in particular a mobile radio network, for limited time units. For example, a code can correspond to a telecommunications credit of DM 50 or a resulting number of time units; how many units of time a telecommunications subscriber needs for telecommunications within a certain period of time, for. B. depend on the contract, the day of the week and / or the time.

A large number of codes representing virtual telephone card credits are transferred from the telecommunications center 7 to the providers 8 , 9 , which codes pass them on to telecommunications subscribers 10 , in particular sell them on. In order to enable the assignment of such temporary access authorizations or virtual calling card credits in the form of codes 1 to 4 to a telecommunications subscriber 10 in the telecommunications center 7 , that is to say to assign a virtual calling card credit to a telecommunications subscriber 10 in the telecommunications Credit center 7 , the information of the telecommunications center 7 about the assignment of a code to a telecommunications subscriber 10 is required. For this purpose, a telecommunication subscriber can call a specific service number of the telecommunication center 7 , which can be preset in the mobile radio device 11 or which is in particular on a voucher with a printed code 3 and possibly a printed service voucher sold by the provider 9 to the telecommunication subscriber 10 . Number of the telecommunications center 7 can be provided. A telecommunications subscriber 10 calls a service number of the telecommunications center 7 with his mobile radio device 11 . When the connection is established, the data relating to the telecommunications subscriber 5 (MSISDN), ie the telephone number of the telecommunications subscriber 10, is transmitted in a known manner from the mobile radio device 11 to the telecommunications center 7 via a communication channel, in particular by mobile radio 13 . The telecommunications subscriber 10 may have received the telecommunications subscriber identification 5 from a provider 8 together with a mobile radio contract, etc., for example. In the telecommunications network center 7 , the telecommunications subscriber identification 5 (telephone number = MSISDN) is checked for presence in a list 12 stored there and, if it is found, a telephone connection to the telecommunications subscriber 10 is established. After the connection has been established, a code is requested here by the telecommunications subscriber. This can be queried, for example, in a menu-controlled manner by a voice input system of the telecommunications center 7 . The telecommunications subscriber 10 can then transfer a code 3 to the telecommunications center 7 via the communications channel 13 (not shown in detail), in particular mobile radio. In the telecommunications network center 7 , the code 3 is checked for presence in a list stored there. If the code 3 is present in the list 14 , the temporary access authorization implied there in the code (ie a virtual telephone card credit) is stored in a list, here the list 12 , for the telecommunications subscriber with the telecommunications subscriber identification 5 . If the telecommunication subscriber with the telecommunication number 5 does not have any temporary access authorization (i.e. no virtual calling card credit) in the telecommunications network center 7 , his credit corresponds to the temporary access authorization determined by the code 3 (i.e. the virtual implied thereby Calling card credit); If a temporary access authorization for the telecommunications subscriber with the telecommunications subscriber number 5 is already stored in the telecommunications network center 7 , the data for the temporary access authorization implied by the code 3 can be linked to the data already stored, that is to say by a code 3 implied credit are added to the credit stored for the telecommunications subscriber identification, in particular telecommunications number 5 .

Furthermore, in order to enable simple automatic billing of the telecommunication network center 7 with the providers 8 , 9 , a list can be created in the telecommunication network center with codes transmitted by calls 13 from telecommunication subscribers 10 which this provider 8 or 9 in are assigned to list 14 ; for this purpose, a list entry is stored in the list 14 for each code 1 , 2 that was transferred to the provider 8 and for each code 3 , 4 etc. that was transferred to the provider 9 . When a telecommunication subscriber calls a code 3 , the telecommunication center can check in list 14 that provider 9 has received code 3 and in a list 15 for provider 9 store code 3 , whereby the latter list 15 can be used to bill codes used.

The transfer of code 3 from provider 9 to telecommunications subscriber 10 is not encrypted here; it can take place, for example, in the form of a code 3 legibly printed on a voucher card.

Fig. 2 illustrates a block diagram of part of the telecommunications center 7 some operations in the telecommunications center 7th

A telecommunications subscriber 10 calls a service number (for example the number 22922) of a telecommunications center 7 . A special module of the telecommunications center 7 , namely a debit card center (DCC) 16, can be reached at this service telephone number. This can be used, for example, to query an account balance of a telecommunications subscriber 10 with a telecommunications subscriber identification number 5 . Furthermore, a telecommunications subscriber 10 can implement an additional temporary access authorization (that is, an additional virtual calling card credit) for himself by entering a code at the telecommunications center 7 . For this purpose, he arrives, for example, through a menu query at the DCC, which connects the telecommunications subscriber 10 to a voice response unit (that is, a voice input and output system) for code entry ( 17 ). The voice input and output system (VRU) 18 transfers, as the transfer 20, the telecommunications subscriber identification number 5 or MSISDN requested by the telecommunications subscriber when the connection is set up to a voucher management system (VOMS) 19 , whereupon the VOMS of the VRU provides the information required for further inquiry transfers, on the basis of which certain menu items for querying the telecommunications subscriber 10 can be generated in the VRU, for example. When a subscriber calls VRU 18 , he is classified according to whether he is a customer of a mobile network operator and / or a provider 8 or 9 . This data is made available to the VOMS by the VRU. If the customer decides to enter a code 3 when querying the VRU 18 , the code is transferred from the VRU in the transfer 22 to the VOMS, where the code is valid (i.e. whether it is transferred to a provider 8 or 9) was checked), the number of previous unsuccessful attempts by the telecommunications subscriber 10 is checked and, if necessary, the code 3 is processed further with reference to the telecommunications subscriber identification number 5 of the telecommunications subscriber 10 . For this purpose, a data record is transferred from the VOMS to the DCC in the transfer 23 , which instructs the DCC to adapt the temporary access authorization of the telecommunications subscriber 10 with the telecommunications identification number 5 ; If the telecommunication subscriber 10 does not yet have a virtual telephone card credit (= temporary access authorization) for the telecommunication identification number 5 , the temporary access authorization implied by the code 3 (for example DM 5 or 500 telephone units) corresponds to the current total -Temporaneous access authorization; otherwise, the new temporary access authorization will be added to the previous temporary access authorization, for example, to a previous credit of DM 47 , - a credit of DM 50 , - or to a credit of 500 telephone units, another credit of 500 telephone units will be added, etc. In the transfer 24 to the VOMS, DCC confirms the further processing of the data in the form of a booking, and the VOMS provides the accounting system (KIAS) with information 26 about the booking of a temporary access authorization for the telecommunications subscriber with the telecommunications - Participant identification number 5 available. Furthermore, the KIAS collects a confirmation from the DCC in the handover 27 with the current total temporary access authorization (ie the current virtual total telephone card credit) of the telecommunication subscriber with the telecommunication subscriber identification number 5 , the time of processing in the DCC also here is transmitted.

SIM cards, which can be bought from a telecommunications subscriber, for example, from a provider 8 and which are suitable for telephoning using temporary access authorizations (= virtual calling card credit) implied by codes 1 to 4 , can be used, for example, with an in the partial blocking for the SIM card stored in the telecommunications center are delivered, which, for example, does not allow calls for a mobile device 11 with a SIM card blocked in this way and calls from a mobile device 11 with the SIM card 5 only for a certain service Number of a telecommunications center 7 allowed. Here, at least in part, a SIM card can already be activated on the basis of the telecommunications subscriber identification number 5 in it by entering this telecommunications subscriber identification number 5 in a NAME server, for example the HLR 29 , in the telecommunications center 7 . When a telecommunications subscriber 10 calls 29 to an activation center 28 of the telecommunications network center 7 , full activation, that is to say approval for incoming calls and for calls to any other telephone numbers on the SIM card with the telecommunications subscriber identification number 5, can take place. In particular, the name of a telecommunications subscriber, his address etc. can be queried (if no anonymous telephoning of telecommunications subscribers is to be allowed), after which a check may still be possible. The full activation can take place in particular together with the entry of a code 3 for a credit, but also independently of this. After capturing 31 the address, name, etc. of the telecommunications subscriber 10 in the KIAS 25 , in the VOMS 19 (through the handover 30 from the activation center 28 to the VOMS), the posting of virtual telephone card credits implied by codes (or temporary access authorizations) ) for a telecommunications subscriber identification number 5 . The complete release of a customer in the HLR 27 for taking calls and calling any phone number can e.g. B. only after successfully entering a code 1 to 4 .

In particular, a program for carrying out a method according to the invention, a processor and a memory are provided in the telecommunications center 7 . In the memory, in particular, a list 27 with telecommunications subscriber identification numbers 5 authorized for telecommunications in the telecommunications network, a list with defined codes 1 to 4 etc. and providers ( 1 to 4 ) assigned to them ( 8 to 9) and a list with telecommunications subscriber numbers 5 and them assigned temporary access authorizations (virtual phone card credit) 3 for telecommunications services.

Claims (12)

1. A method for assigning a temporary access authorization in the form of a virtual telephone card credit that authorizes limited time units for telecommunications in a telecommunications network, in particular a mobile radio network
to a telecommunications subscriber ( 10 , 5 ) and to a provider ( 9 ) of temporary access authorizations ( 3 , 4 )
in a telecommunications network center ( 7 ),
wherein the telecommunications network center ( 7 ) from the telecommunications subscriber ( 10 , 11 , 5 ) a code ( 3 ) representing the temporary access authorization and a telecommunications subscriber identification ( 5 ) is queried, the telecommunications center ( 7 ) being the queried code ( 3 ) is compared with codes ( 1 to 4 ) in a list ( 14 ) of codes ( 1 to 4 ), whereupon the temporary access authorization (code 3 ) in the telecommunications network center ( 7 ) is assigned to the telecommunications subscriber identification number and is stored ( 12 ) with reference to the telecommunications subscriber identification number ( 5 )
and wherein the code ( 3 ) is assigned to the provider ( 9 ) of the code ( 3 ) on the basis of a list ( 14 ) with codes ( 1 to 4 ) and a code respectively assigned providers ( 8 , 9 ) and the code ( 3 ) with Assignment to the provider ( 9 ) is stored ( 15 ),
wherein telecommunications subscriber identification cards (SIM) entitling to use telecommunications services with a temporary access authorization ( 3 ) are preactivated by including a telecommunications subscriber identification number ( 5 ) stored in them in a subscriber identification list ( 27 ) of the telecommunications network center ( 7 ), by being activated only for calling at least one service number of the telecommunications network center ( 7 ),
where to fully activate a pre-activated subscriber identification card (SIM) for answering calls and for calling any phone number
when calling the telecommunications subscriber ( 10 ) at a service number of the telecommunications center ( 7 ) whose ( 10 ) identity (name, address) is queried and then a full activation of the subscriber identification card (SIM) by receiving a telephone number representing it Telecommunications subscriber identification number ( 5 ) in a list (HLR) in the telecommunications center ( 7 ). 2. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the code ( 3 ) for a temporary access authorization is stored in a telecommunications network center ( 7 ) and implemented in a voucher card which can be passed on by providers ( 8 , 9 ), in particular readable on this is printed. 3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the code ( 3 ) when a telecommunication subscriber ( 10 , 11 ) calls a special service number (22922) of a telecommunications center orally via a voice input and - output system ( 18 ) is queried. 4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the code ( 3 ) when a telecommunications subscriber calls a special service number of a telecommunications network center after the connection has been established between the telecommunications subscriber and the telecommunications network center ( 7 ) is queried. 5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the telecommunications subscriber identification ( 5 ) during connection establishment between the telecommunications subscriber ( 10 , 11 ) and the telecommunications center ( 7 ) is transmitted. 6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that the telecommunications subscriber identification ( 5 ) from a card (SIM card) is automatically transmitted to the telecommunications center ( 7 ) in a mobile radio terminal when establishing a connection. 7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for each provider ( 8 , 9 ) generates a list ( 15 ) with him ( 9 ), previously referred to by telecommunications participants in a query codes ( 3 ) and data is saved. 8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for each telecommunications subscriber ( 10 ; 5 ) all data previously represented by him when queried to the central office (total credit) in the telecommunications network center ( 7 ) with a Assignment to his ( 10 ) telecommunication subscriber identification, in particular his data representing telephone number ( 5 ) are stored. 9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the input is repeated by an input ( 13 ) of a code not stored in a list ( 12 ) in the telecommunications center ( 7 ) by a telecommunications subscriber ( 10 ). 10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that after entering a predetermined number of codes not stored in a list ( 14 ) in a center ( 7 ) when querying the telecommunications subscriber identification number ( 5 ) of the subscriber ( 10 ) for the entry of further codes is blocked. 11. Telecommunication center of a telecommunication network, in particular mobile radio network, usable by telecommunication subscribers ( 10 ) with a program for carrying out a method according to one of claims 1-10,
with a processor for processing the program,
with a memory for a list ( 27 ) of telephone numbers ( 5 ) of subscribers
with access authorization to the telecommunications network,
with a memory for a list ( 14 ) of data relating to temporary access authorizations (codes 1 to 4 ) and providers ( 8 , 9 ) assigned to these (1.. 4)
and with a memory for a list ( 12 ) of telephone numbers ( 5 ) and temporary access authorizations associated with these ( 5 ) data (credit) relating to telecommunications services. 12. Telecommunications center according to claim 11, characterized in that only one common memory module ( 40 ) is provided for all lists.