DE10351763A1 - Method for operating a handset in a mobile network - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a mobile part (1) in a mobile radio network (3), wherein the mobile part (1) has a security module (2) with the aid of which access to the mobile radio network (3) can be obtained. The inventive method is characterized in that the handset (1) is displayed before or at the beginning of the use of a fee-based service, to which fee rate the fee-based service is billed.

Description

The The invention relates to a method for operating a handset in a mobile network. Furthermore, the invention relates to a security module for a Handset, a handset and a system consisting of a mobile network and at least one handset.

at In addition to the processing of telephone calls and mobile networks possibly available further services the fee calculation one extensive and important aspect dar. Here are the part very complex calculations to determine the fees that the individual participants for the ones they run phone calls or for the use of other fee-based services in each case be imposed, if possible reliable and with one as possible managed little effort become. In general, the fees are charged by the network operator intended for it Computer systems determined and based on clearly attributable Subscriber identifications to the individual subscribers of the mobile network assigned. Likewise, it is also possible the fee calculation in the handset of the subscriber to whom the charges are to be allocated are.

In this context, it is from the EP 0 808 547 B1 known to provide in the handset an algorithm for billing and a rate table. The algorithm classifies each phone call into a category and selects a charge plan accordingly. Depending on the selected charge plan, a charge for the phone call will be charged and deducted from a credit balance. If necessary, the credit account can be charged via a connection to a primary computer.

Furthermore, from the EP 1 038 387 B1 a method for billing a call of a identified with an identification card subscriber in a telecommunications network known. In this method, the duration of the call is measured by a timing device integrated in the identification card. A time controller checks the time determined in the identification card and transmits a time document to the identification card if the time is not correct. Depending on the determined call duration and at least one tariff table stored in the identification card, the amount to be billed is evaluated, whereby the time of day determined by the time-measuring device is also taken into account. The determined amount can then be debited either directly on a prepaid account on the identification card and / or packaged in a bill and transmitted to a charging server in the telecommunications network.

at The procedures described above are given to the participants the mobile network at predetermined time intervals, for example at monthly intervals, a fee bill. Partially is also after each end of a telephone conversation the calculated for it fee displayed by the handset. While of the telephone conversation However, there is some uncertainty about the fees incurred. This uncertainty arises, among other things, that no general assignment between the call tuners and the associated network operators possible is because the original network-specific numbers issued when switching to a other network operators can be maintained.

Of the Invention is based on the object, the participants of a mobile network to be able to relocate, if possible one possible at any time exercise optimal cost control to be able to.

These Task is by a method with the feature combination of Claim 1 solved.

The inventive method refers to the operation of a handset in a mobile network, wherein the handset has a security module, by means of which an access to the mobile network can be obtained. The peculiarity the method according to the invention is that of the handset before or at the beginning of a claim a paid Service is displayed, at which charge rate the fee Service is billed.

The Invention has the advantage that in the use of fee Services with a handset in a mobile network provide a high degree of cost transparency is achieved.

Especially It is advantageous if the display of the charge rate from the security module is controlled. This adds a retrofit of the display function a conventional one Handset over the security module possible.

at an appropriate user default can be from a display of the fee rate apart, so that the user of the handset decide under which conditions he can be informed about the fee rate would like to.

In a preferred embodiment, information about the paid service is provided by the security module to the mobile network transmitted. As a result, the mobile network is informed, which paid service to start. In the preferred embodiment, information about the associated charge rate is then transmitted from the mobile network to the security module. This has the advantage that only the information that it requires in each case is transmitted to the security module and that this information is very up-to-date. The information about the fee rate can be secured with a cryptographic checksum and / or transmitted encrypted. In this way, manipulations or transmission errors can be reliably detected. In particular, a time stamp can be transmitted together with the information about the fee rate. Furthermore, the information about the charge rate for potential reuse can be stored in the security module. This has the advantage that, in particular with frequent use of the same fee-based service can be dispensed with an unnecessary burden on the mobile network and the time required for the transmission can be saved. The fee rate information may include, for example, the price and length of a unit of the fee-based service, as well as the currency used.

Especially it is advantageous if the paid Service only after a release by the user of the handset started or an existing paid service a denial of the release is canceled. In this way let yourself realize an active cost control, wherein the user of the Handset each in knowledge of the cost can decide if he the chargeable Want to use service. misunderstandings and uncertainties regarding the costs associated with the claim of the paid Service are avoided.

Farther exists in the context of the method according to the invention the possibility that the security module of the mobile network, the start time and the end time of the paid Service be communicated. From the security module can help with of the notified start time and end time, a period of time be determined for the paid Service was used. In addition, from the security module a for the Use of the fee-based Service due fee be determined. After all it is possible, that information about the use of the fee-based Service stored in a log file. About the Log file becomes the possibility opened, in dispute over the billing To investigate. Thus the log file in case of dispute can be used as evidence, it should be against unauthorized write access protected become. Preferably, starting from a predetermined number of entries in the Log file with each new entry the oldest entry overwritten. This allows the storage requirements for the log file to be reasonable Be held in a frame and yet the information about one preferably long period to be obtained.

at a development of the method according to the invention is the handset an overrun a given limit for the cumulative fees the charged fee Services displayed. This can prevent being unnoticed very high fees come about.

The inventive security module for a Handset that operates in a mobile network is characterized by implementing an application therein before or at the beginning of a claim for a fee Serve an indication of a fee applicable to it is initiated.

The The invention further relates to a handset having such a trained Security module has.

Finally, refers the invention relates to a system consisting of a mobile network and at least one handset having a security module with which Help an access to the mobile network can be obtained. The peculiarity of the system according to the invention is that an application implements in the security module is by which before or at the beginning of a claim of a paid Service causes an advertisement of a fee rate applied and the mobile network means for generating information about the Fee rate and for transmission to the security module has.

The Invention will be described below with reference to the drawing Embodiment explained.

It demonstrate:

1 some components of a mobile radio system in a highly schematic representation to explain the operating principle of the invention,

2 a flow chart for illustrating the method according to the invention and

3 a simplified representation of a log file.

1 shows some components of a mobile radio system in a highly schematic representation for explaining the principle of operation of the invention. In detail, are a handset 1 with a security module 2 and a mobile network 3 shown. The mobile network 3 is shown only symbolically and includes a plurality of individual components that are used to establish and maintain a data connection with the handset 1 as well as for administration including billing of telephone calls and others from the mobile network 3 supported services. These components are, in particular, transceiver stations including the infrastructure required for their operation and in some cases very powerful computer systems. The security module 2 has a memory 4 on and can as one in the handset 1 be formed pluggable chip card. Such a chip card is commonly referred to as Subscriber Identity Module, SIM for short, or in a UMTS (= Universal Mobile Telecommunication System) application according to USIM (= Universal Subscriber Identity Module). Alternatively, there is also the option of the security module 2 as an integrated circuit that is firmly in the handset 1 is installed. Likewise, a subarea of one for the operation of the handset 1 provided integrated circuit as a security module 2 be used. Finally, the security module 2 also as a logical unit in the handset 1 be implemented. The handset 1 also has an antenna 5 for communication with the mobile network 3 as well as via a display device 6 and a keypad 7 ,

One of the tasks of the security module 2 is the owner of the security module 2 the mobile network 3 be identified as an authorized participant and by means of a corresponding identifier within the mobile network 3 clearly identifiable. The unambiguous identification is particularly with regard to charging by the mobile network 3 important. The determination of the fees that are charged for the use of a fee-based service, such as the conduct of a telephone call, is from the mobile network 3 carried out with the help of the computing equipment provided for this purpose. In the case of a telephone call, the duration of the call and a set of charges depending on a number of parameters are included in the call charge. The determined fees are stored in each case for the individual identifiers in order at predetermined time intervals, for example monthly, the holders of the security modules 2 to issue one invoice each. Alternatively, the determined fees can be deducted from respective credit accounts, which are led for the individual identifiers.

As will be explained in more detail below, the security modules 2 According to the invention equipped with a functionality that the associated handset 1 an indication of the fee rate for the use of a desired fee-based service causes. In one embodiment of the invention, it is also provided, each use of a fee-based service in memory 4 of the security module 2 to log.

2 shows a flow chart for illustrating the method according to the invention. In a step S1, it is first checked whether a fee-based service has been selected. A paid service may be, for example, an outgoing telephone call, an incoming telephone call, a short message to be sent, etc. If it is determined in step S1 that no fee-based service has been selected, the flow of the flowchart is ended. If, on the other hand, a fee-based service has been selected, step S1 is followed by a step S2, in which the security module 2 via the handset 1 from the mobile network 3 requests information about the charge rate for the selected paid service. It also causes the security module 2 that the fee-based service is not yet started. The request may, for example, take the form of a short message or another suitable transmission channel. The request will include details of the selected paid service to the mobile network 3 transmitted. If the selected fee-based service is, for example, an outgoing telephone call, then the request transmits information about the telephone number to be called and the current location of the caller.

In a step S3 following step S2, the mobile radio network determines 3 the charge rate to be used for the use of the fee-based service and in turn transmits corresponding information as a short message or via another suitable channel to the handset 1 and thus also to the security module 2 , In the case of outgoing telephone conversation, the charge rate is determined on the basis of the telephone number to be called, the caller's home network, the caller's tariff model, the current location of the caller, and possibly the current location of the called party. The to the security module 2 The information transmitted relates to the price and length of a unit of charge and to the underlying currency and may be used to prove authorship of the mobile network 3 with a digital Signature be provided. There is also the option of a time stamp from the mobile network 3 to the security module 2 to ensure reliable verifiability at a later date. To protect against manipulation, the data can also be encrypted together with a cryptographic checksum from the mobile network 3 to the security module 2 be transmitted. This is done by means of a mobile network 3 and the security module 2 shared secret, the cryptographic checksum is formed from the price of a charging unit, the length of a charging unit and the underlying currency. Furthermore, the price of a charging unit, the length of a charging unit, the underlying currency and the cryptographic checksum are encrypted using the secret. The encrypted information is then sent to the security module 2 transferred and decrypted there and checked for integrity.

In order to increase the execution speed and reduce the network load, it is also possible to obtain information about the fee rates in the security module 2 to store and only then such information from the mobile network 3 If there is no information in the security module for the selected fee-based service 2 are stored or the existing information is already outdated. It should be for the user of the handset 1 or for the mobile network 3 be provided a possibility to delete the stored information to force an update. In the case of telephone calls, for a few particularly frequently used telephone numbers, information about the corresponding fee rate in the security module can be obtained 2 get saved. In each case, in addition to the telephone number, the fee calculated per unit of time and an indication of the validity period of the storage entry can be stored.

Step S3 is followed by a step S4 in which the security module 2 from the stored or transmitted information determines the fee rate according to which the selected fee-based service is charged.

Of the unit rate indicates what fee per Time unit of the use of the fee-based service becomes. Depending on the form in which the information about the unit rate present, the determination of the fee rate can be very simple, for example, by merging the individual information.

In a step S5 following step S4, the charge rate is set by the security module 2 to the handset 1 output and from the display device 6 of the handset 1 shown. Furthermore, via the display device 6 of the handset 1 asking the user if he wants to use the chargeable service. At step S5, a step S6 follows, in which the input of the user of the handset 1 by pressing the keypad accordingly 7 takes place, is evaluated. Returns the evaluation that the user of the handset 1 If you would like to use the fee-based service, step S7 is followed by step S7. Otherwise, the flow of the flowchart is finished. In step S7, the safety module 2 causes the fee-based service to start. The actual beginning of the fee-based service becomes the security module 2 from the mobile network 3 communicated. At the end of the fee-based service, a step S8 follows at step S7, in which the mobile radio network 3 the security module 2 announces the termination of the fee-based service. Depending on the embodiment, step S8 may be followed by a step S9 in which the security module 2 Determines what fees are charged for the use of the fee-based service. In the case of a telephone conversation, the determination is based on the fee rate and the security module 2 determined duration of the telephone conversation. Step S9 is followed by a step S10 in which the security module 2 Information relevant to billing the use of the fee-based service in a log file in memory 4 stores. More about the storage of billing-relevant information is based on 3 explained. In addition to the storage of the billing-relevant information can also be arranged that the determined fee to the display device 6 of the handset 1 is issued. At step S10, the flow of the flowchart is finished.

3 shows a simplified representation of a log file with some typical data records 8th that from the security module 2 each after a telephone call has been made. The log file is cyclically structured, so that the oldest entries are overwritten as soon as all records are written 8th are occupied. Ideally, the log file is large enough to contain information about all the paid services that are being used, one for the owner of the security module 2 granted opposition period has not yet expired. A write access to the log file is only possible by the authorized application. In this way, a manipulation of the log file can be prevented, leaving the log file in case of dispute between the owner of the security module 2 and the operator of the mobile network 3 can be used as evidence. A read access is in this too It is not critical and can generally be allowed. Likewise, it is also possible to make the read access dependent on a correct input of a personal secret number. About the read access example, there is the possibility of the total charges so far accumulated with the display device 6 of the handset 1 display. Furthermore, based on the data stored in the log file, lists can be created and displayed 6 of the handset 1 be displayed or transmitted to an external device. In addition, the log file can also be used to monitor a charge limit that is exceeded by the handset 1 is shown.

Every record 8th The log file may contain a range of information that is contained in 3 are shown sequentially from left to right. From a first indication that in 3 each represented by an arrow indicates whether it is an incoming or an outgoing call. This is followed by an indication of the date of the telephone conversation. Furthermore, the fee per telephone unit and the underlying billing currency and the duration of a telephone unit are noted. Then follow the start time and the end time of the telephone conversation and the total charge for the telephone call. To ensure the integrity of the records 8th can ensure each record 8th also an in 3 not shown checksum included. Alternatively, the records may 8th in each case also the call number, the charge rate as well as the date and time of the dial-in. Optionally, a digital signature of the charge rate with date and time could be provided. Likewise, mixed forms of the aforementioned data record formats as well as further variants of data record formats are possible.

In the context of the method according to the invention, it is not only possible to display charge rates for such paid services by the user of the handset 1 but also for fee-based services initiated by third parties, such as in the case of paid telephone calls. The user of the handset 1 can then decide, for example, whether he would like to receive the telephone conversation. Paying incoming telephone calls may be present, for example, if the person called is abroad. As a rule, in this case, the caller pays the fees to the state border and the person called takes over the remaining fees.

The display of the fee rate does not necessarily have to be performed prior to any use of a fee-based service. Alternatively, it is also possible to selectively display the fee rate only selectively for certain fee-based services or in the presence of certain parameters of a fee-based service. The procedure can be done by the user of the handset 1 be configured. Likewise, there is also the possibility of the user of the handset 1 in each individual case, to decide whether the fee rate should be displayed. These influences on the part of the user of the handset 1 are particularly of interest if the display of the fee rate is not free of charge.

Furthermore, there is the possibility of delaying the display of the fee rate in time and thus not to carry out before the start of the fee-based service, but in the initial phase of the already started fee-based service. In this case, the paid service will be canceled if the user of the handset 1 its continuation does not release.

Claims (20)

Method for operating a handset ( 1 ) in a mobile network ( 3 ), the handset ( 1 ) a security module ( 2 ), which provides access to the mobile network ( 3 ), characterized in that the handset ( 1 ) is displayed before or at the beginning of the use of a fee-based service, at which fee rate the fee-based service is charged. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the display of the charge rate from the security module ( 2 ) is controlled. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that a display of the fee rate at a corresponding User specification is omitted. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that information about the fee-based service from the security module ( 2 ) to the mobile network ( 3 ). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that information about the charge rate from the mobile radio network ( 3 ) to the security module ( 2 ). Method according to claim 5, characterized in that that information about the fee rate with a cryptographic checksum secured and / or encrypted transmitted become. Method according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized that transmit a timestamp along with the fee rate information becomes. Method according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the information about the charge rate for a potential reuse in the security module ( 2 ) get saved. Method according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized that information about the fee rate Information about the price and the length a unit of paid Service and the underlying currency. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fee-based service only after a release by the user of the handset ( 1 ) or terminates an existing paid service in case of refusal of the release. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the security module ( 2 ) from the mobile network ( 3 ) the start time and the end time of the fee-based service are communicated. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that the security module ( 2 ) is determined by means of the notified start time and end time, a period of time for which the fee-based service has been used. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the security module ( 2 ) a charge is made for the use of the fee-based service. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the security module ( 2 ) Information on the use of the fee-based service can be stored in a log file. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that that the log file is protected against unauthorized write access. Method according to one of claims 14 or 15, characterized that from a given number of entries in the log file with each new entry the oldest one Overwritten entry becomes. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handset ( 1 ) is displayed exceeding a predetermined limit for the cumulative fees of the charged services used. Security module for a handset ( 1 ) used in a mobile network ( 3 ), characterized in that in the security module ( 2 ) an application is implemented by which, before or at the beginning of a use of a fee-based service, an indication of a fee rate used for this purpose is initiated. Handset with a security module ( 2 ), which allows access to the mobile network ( 3 ), characterized in that in the security module ( 2 ) an application is implemented by which, before or at the beginning of a use of a fee-based service, an indication of a fee rate used for this purpose is initiated. System consisting of a mobile radio network and at least one mobile part ( 1 ) with a security module ( 2 ), which allows access to the mobile network ( 3 ), characterized in that in the security module ( 2 ) an application is implemented by which before or at the beginning of a use of a fee-based service, an indication of an applicable charge rate is caused and the mobile network ( 3 ) Means for generating information about the charge rate and for transmission to the security module ( 2 ) having.