WO1999052318A1

WO1999052318A1 - Method for detecting a mobile telephone subscriber

Info

Publication number: WO1999052318A1
Application number: PCT/FR1999/000787
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christine Le Fiblec; Olivier Blondeau
Original assignee: France Telecom
Priority date: 1998-04-07
Filing date: 1999-04-06
Publication date: 1999-10-14
Also published as: FR2777146B1; FR2777146A1

Abstract

The invention concerns a telecommunication system combining at least one fixed network (RTC) and a mobile radio communication network (C), comprising: means (ID1, ID2) for automatically detecting a subscriber carrying a mobile telephone (M) entering into several predetermined zones (Z1, Z2) of the fixed network; and means for routing all signals intended for said mobile subscriber to an adequate radio base (B1, B2) of said fixed network (RTC) located in that zone (Z1, Z2) enabling the mobile (M) to be reached via said fixed network radio base (B1, B2) as long as said subscriber is identified in said zone (Z1, Z2). The invention is characterised in that the means for detecting the mobile subscriber are capable of detecting a personal signature, specific to said subscriber.

Description

MOBILE TELEPHONE SUBSCRIBER DETECTION SYSTEM

The present invention relates to telecommunications systems, and more particularly to a system making it possible to optimize the use of a mobile telephone when the carrier of this telephone moves between different environments.

The rise of mobile phones has made communication to and from users much easier, who can make and receive calls and messages while being able to move around. In particular, cellular networks have experienced significant development. These networks allow mobile devices to communicate via radio waves passing through fixed relays, for example according to the European GSM standard using frequencies around 900 and 1800 Megahertz, or the American standard US 1595. So that Cellular networks can communicate with devices connected to the fixed network, which includes in particular networks of PSTN (analog switched), ISDN (digital), ATM (Asyπchronous Transfer Mode), these cellular networks are connected to said fixed network. However, current mobile networks do not offer full geographic coverage. In particular, a subscriber to a mobile network can live or work in an area where the coverage of said mobile network is of poor quality, making communications difficult or impossible via his mobile phone. The subscriber can then communicate via a second device connected to the fixed network, but this also requires the use of a second subscriber number. This situation has the disadvantage of complicating the use of the telephone (two different devices, and two associated numbers).

To circumvent this drawback, there are known call routing methods allowing a subscriber to a mobile network to receive calls initially intended for his mobile phone, on another device connected to the fixed network. A first example of such a process is the Personal Communications Service (registered trademark) offered by the Applicant, which however requires manual intervention by the subscriber, who must be located on the fixed network in order to receive calls under his mobile subscriber number. This localization requires the call of a dedicated number and a manipulation to enter an identification code.

A second example of such a method is the system described in document EP 740 482, which also makes it possible to route calls intended for a mobile telephone to a fixed receiver connected to the fixed switched network. But for this routing to be carried out, the subscriber must place his mobile phone on a battery charger for said mobile phone.

Thus, the current systems for routing a call intended for a mobile telephone on another device require constraining manipulation on the part of the subscriber.

Another known system is that described in document US Pat. No. 4,989,230. This is a dual-mode mobile telephone capable of transmitting and receiving calls selectively on the frequencies of a cellular network, or of a radio base connected to the fixed network. Here again, the intervention of the subscriber is necessary, the latter having to indicate by a manipulation of the telephone his preference as for the types of frequencies used.

Finally, systems are also known for communicating with a single mobile device, via a mobile network or the fixed network. Examples of such systems can be found in documents EP 433,256, EP 462,727, WO 97/24004 and US 5 673 308. However, these systems do not allow users to have services linked to the user himself, and no to a particular device. Indeed, the systems described in the documents named above direct calls to a device, and not to a user.

It therefore appears that there is a need, currently unmet, for a system for communicating with a telephone and a unique and personal subscriber number, via both networks mobile than the fixed network, without requiring restrictive manipulations.

An object of the present invention is to allow a subscriber to a mobile network to communicate with his cellular device via the fixed network when the subscriber is near one of several predetermined areas, such as the home of the subscriber or his workplace, by being personally identified automatically, without having to perform operations such as manipulating a keyboard to enter identification codes. A second object of the invention is to allow the subscriber to be identified in different ways, depending on the environment in which he is located.

A third object of the invention is to contribute to the optimization of the resources of telecommunications networks, by reducing the number of calls not reaching the subscriber.

In order to achieve these aims, the present invention proposes, according to a first aspect, a telecommunications system combining at least a fixed network and a radiocommunication network with mobiles, comprising: • means for automatically detecting the entry of a carrier subscriber a mobile telephone in one of several predefined areas of the fixed network, and • means for directing all signals intended for this mobile subscriber to an adequate radio base of the fixed network located in this area to enable the mobile to be reached by through this fixed base radio base as long as said subscriber is identified in this area, characterized in that the mobile subscriber detection means are capable of detecting a personal signature, specific to said subscriber.

Preferred, but non-limiting aspects of the system according to the invention are the following:

- the radiocommunication network with mobiles is a cellular network such as a GSM network, - the radiocommunication network with mobiles is a satellite network,

- means are provided for memorizing in a central memory of the system the presence of the subscriber in one of said predefined zones,

the detection means having detected the presence of the subscriber in one of the predefined zones, means are also provided for automatically detecting the exit of the subscriber from this zone,

the detection means having detected the presence of the subscriber in one of the predefined areas, means are provided integral with the base of said area for carrying out a periodic search for the subscriber in said area,

the detection means having detected the presence of the subscriber in one of the predefined zones, means are provided integral with the base for receiving a periodic signal emitted by the mobile telephone to confirm the presence of said mobile telephone in said zone,

- Means are provided for automatically signaling to the central memory of the system the absence of the subscriber in the predefined zones, - Means are provided for enabling the subscriber to explicitly signal to the central memory that he is not is not in any of the predefined areas,

the mobile telephone is capable of transmitting and receiving communications, according to a first radio technology implementing specific frequencies and protocols, to communicate with said radiocommunication network, and according to other radio technologies, to communicate with radio bases,

- the subscriber identification means are chosen from the group consisting of: - radio wave receivers,

- magnetic badge readers,

- smart card readers,

- badge readers resonating microwave, - hologram readers,

- fingerprint readers,

- voice identifiers.

According to a second aspect, the invention also provides a telecommunications management method implementing at least a fixed network and a mobile network, comprising the automatic detection of the entry of a subscriber carrying a mobile telephone (M) , in one of several predefined areas of the fixed network, and the routing of all signals intended for this mobile subscriber to an adequate radio base of the fixed network capable of communicating with the mobile telephone as long as said subscriber is identified in this area, characterized in that the detection of the subscriber is personal, specific to said subscriber and not shareable by him.

Preferred, but non-limiting aspects of the process according to the invention are the following:

- said mobile network is a cellular network,

- said mobile network is a satellite network,

- the geographic area of coverage of said mobile network located outside of said predefined areas, constitutes another area, called mobile, - the method also comprises storing in a central memory of the fixed network the presence of the subscriber in the mobile area ,

- The method also includes storing in a central memory of the fixed network the presence of the subscriber in one of said predefined areas.

Other aspects, aims and advantages of the invention will appear better on reading the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the latter and made with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the invention,. Figures 2a, 2b and 2c are diagrams showing the operation of the system according to the invention.

In the following description, we will explain the structure and operation of the system according to the invention produced in a form implementing two predefined areas; however, this configuration is not limitative of the number of zones and it is possible according to the invention to implement any number of zones which the system uses in a similar manner. Referring firstly to FIG. 1, a mobile telephone M of a subscriber is able to make and receive telephone calls via a radiocommunication network with mobiles such as a cellular network C, according to radio technology T known per se such as GSM technology, using specific frequencies and protocols. The cellular network C is interconnected with the fixed network, which is here a switched PSTN network but which can, according to the invention, be another type of fixed network, for example of the ISDN or ATM type.

Two radio bases B1 and B2 are connected to the PSTN fixed network by two wired links. The base B1 is connected to a PABX switch located at the subscriber's workplace and the base B2 is connected to a wall outlet located at the subscriber's home. The mobile telephone M also comprises means for communicating via the bases B1 and B2 and the fixed network PSTN, according to radio technologies T1 and T2 each using frequencies and protocols different from those of radio technology T. Radio technologies T1 and T2 are chosen from known technologies (DECT, GSM, etc.) and will not be detailed further. A mobile telephone capable of communicating on two frequency ranges, with the relays of a cellular network, on the one hand, and of radio bases connected to the fixed switched network, on the other hand, is also known per se (document US 4 989 230) and the means allowing this communication using two different radio technologies will therefore not be described in more detail in the present text.

According to the invention, an identifier ID 1 is associated with the base B1. This identifier is suitable for detecting the entry of the subscriber into a zone Z1 associated with the base B1, by a detection means identifying the subscriber in a personal and unique manner. This detection and identification means may consist of a known means, linked to the mobile phone M or not, and using for example: 7

• T1 radio technology (detection of mobile M, or of a card plugged into the mobile and possibly separable from said mobile or not),

• the properties of a personal card to the subscriber (reading a chip, a hologram or a magnetic tape, this reading can be done by contact between the card and a reader or remotely through microwave waves in the case of a chip),

• a personal characteristic of the subscriber (reading fingerprints, voice recognition, etc.),

• or another known means of identification.

These detection and identification means are particularly not very restrictive insofar as they do not oblige the subscriber to carry out a complex manipulation such as the composition of a code on a keyboard. The ID1 identifier may or may not be integrated into the radio base B1.

In the same way, an identifier ID 2 is associated with the base B2 and the area 72. The identifier ID2 can use the same detection means as the identification ID1, or a different kind of means. By way of example, it is possible according to the invention to detect and identify the subscriber by reading a personal badge when entering the zone Z1, and by voice recognition when entering the zone Z2 .

When the subscriber is identified in one of the zones Z1 or Z2 by the identifiers ID1 and ID2 respectively, the information of the presence of the subscriber in this zone is sent by the identifier to a location supervisor LOC. This LOC supervisor is integrated into the PSTN fixed network, and centralizes the location of the subscriber in a memory. The transmission of the location information of the identifier to the supervisor is done by the subscriber's telephone line connected to the PSTN fixed network.

In the present embodiment, the identifiers ID1 and ID2 perform a periodic search for the presence of the subscriber in the zone associated with them. As soon as a change in the location of the subscriber is detected by the identifiers (subscriber present (respectively 8

absent) in an area where it was not during the previous search for the identifier)), the information is transmitted to the LOC supervisor, who thus continuously has the location of the subscriber.

According to a second embodiment of the invention, the tracking of the location of the subscriber can also be done by an explicit signaling of the exit of the area of said subscriber by the identifiers, the information then being transmitted in the same way to the supervisor. LOC.

According to a third embodiment of the invention, the subscriber's mobile telephone M sends a periodic signal to the radio base of the zone in which the subscriber's entry has been detected, as long as the subscriber is located in said area. Stopping the transmission of this periodic signal is then equivalent to a zone exit declaration, which is transmitted by the radio base to the LOC supervisor.

To update the subscriber's location information in the LOC supervisor when the subscriber is outside zones Z1 and Z2, the system can operate in one of the following two modes:

• the subscriber sends a signal to the LOC supervisor via the cellular network C and the fixed PSTN network, for example by pressing a button on the mobile M; • the LOC supervisor, receiving from bases B1 and B2 the information that the subscriber is absent from zones Z1 and Z2, by default and automatically updates the location information of the subscriber. Whatever the operating mode used among the two described above, the LOC supervisor thus has centralized location information for the subscriber, whether he is in zone Z1, in zone Z2 or outside of each of these two zones.

According to the invention, the subscriber is provided with a directory number N, personal and unique, to communicate with his mobile telephone whatever the zone in which he is located (Z1, Z2, coverage of the cellular network C outside zones Z1 and Z2). When a correspondent A connected to the PSTN fixed network calls the number N associated with the subscriber, a central routing system known per se (for example, such a system can be inspired by the Personal Communications Service (registered trademark)) and using the LOC supervisor directs the call to:

• base B1 if the subscriber is identified in zone Z1 (Figure 2a),

• the base B2 if the subscriber is identified in zone Z2 (FIG. 2b), • the mobile telephone M, via the cellular network C, if the subscriber is notified to the supervisor LOC outside zones Z1 and Z2 according to one of the two operating modes already described (Figure 2c).

When the subscriber is in one of the zones Z1 or Z2, in association with the location of the subscriber and the storage of this location in the memory of the LOC supervisor, the mobile telephone M is detected under the coverage of said area. The base of this zone, or a module associated with said base according to the radio technology of the base, then directs the calls intended for the number N to the mobile telephone M and makes these calls succeed via radio waves according to the technologies radio T1 or T2 respectively. In the event that said base shares access to the line connecting it to the PSTN fixed network with other devices provided with other subscriber numbers, calls intended for other subscriber numbers are routed to said other devices.

Thus, the system according to the invention allows a subscriber to receive and make calls using a subscriber number and a single device.

An advantage of this system is the increased comfort of use that it offers to the subscriber: the latter can, in fact, with a mobile device and a unique number, be reached in the best communication conditions whatever the environment in which he finds himself. In addition, the subscriber has no binding manipulation to perform during zone changes, the service according to the invention then appearing as non-discontinuous (“seamless”, according to the concept of fixed-mobile convergence) at 'subscriber. A second advantage of the system according to the invention is that it increases the rate of calls intended for the subscriber and reaching him under good conditions. In addition, this system also optimizes 10

the use of the resources of the telecommunications networks used, the number of calls not reaching the subscriber being greatly reduced.

As stated in the introduction to the description, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described. In particular, it is possible according to the invention to have any number of bases, each being coupled to an identifier, and each base being connected to a telephone system, such as those conventionally connected to the fixed network (simple device, PABX , 3RP, Centrex ...).

Finally, it is obvious that the invention is not limited to voice telephone communications, but also relates to the transmission of all types of signals (sound, image, data, etc.).

Claims

11 CLAIMS

1. Telecommunications system combining at least one fixed network (PSTN) and one radiocommunication network (C) with mobiles, comprising:

Means (ID1, ID2) for automatically detecting the entry of a subscriber carrying a mobile telephone (M) in one of several predefined areas (Z1, Z2) of the fixed network, and

• means for directing all signals intended for this mobile subscriber to an adequate radio base (B1, B2) of the fixed network (PSTN) located in this area (Z1, Z2) to enable the mobile (M) to be reached by intermediary of this radio base (B1, B2) of the fixed network as long as said subscriber is identified in this zone (Z1, Z2), characterized in that the means for detecting the mobile subscriber are capable of detecting a personal, specific signature subscriber audit.

2. Telecommunication system according to claim 1, characterized in that the network (C) for radiocommunication with mobiles is a cellular network such as a GSM network.

3. Telecommunications system according to claim 1, characterized in that the radio communication network (C) with mobiles is a satellite network.

4. Telecommunications system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that means are provided for memorizing in a central memory (LOC) of the system the presence of the subscriber in one of said predefined areas (Z1 , Z2).

5. Telecommunications system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that means are also provided for automatically detecting the exit of the subscriber from this area.

6. telecommunications system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that there is also provided means integral with the base (B1, B2) of said area to perform a periodic search of the subscriber in said zoned. 12

7. telecommunications system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that there is also provided means integral with the base for receiving a periodic signal emitted by the mobile telephone (M) to confirm the presence of said telephone mobile (M) in said zone (Z1, Z2).

8. Telecommunications system according to any one of claims 5 to 7 taken in combination with claim 4, characterized in that means are provided for automatically signaling to the central memory (LOC) of the system the absence of the 'subscriber in the predefined areas (Z1, Z2).

9. Telecommunications system according to claim 4 or 8, characterized in that means are provided to allow the subscriber to explicitly signal to the central memory (LOC) that he is not in any of the predefined areas ( Z1, Z2).

10. Telecommunications system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the mobile telephone (M) is capable of transmitting and receiving communications, according to a first radio technology (T) implementing frequencies and protocols specific, to communicate with said radiocommunication network (C), and according to other radio technologies (T1, T2), to communicate with radio bases (B1, B2).

11. Telecommunication system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the identification means (ID1, ID2) of the subscriber are chosen from the group consisting of: - radio wave receivers,

- magnetic badge readers,

- smart card readers,

- badge readers resonating microwave,

- hologram readers, - fingerprint readers,

- voice identifiers.

12. A method of managing telecommunications using at least one fixed network (PSTN) and one mobile network (C), comprising the 13

automatic detection of the entry of a subscriber carrying a mobile phone (M), into one of several predefined areas (Z1, Z2) of the fixed network (PSTN), and the routing of all signals intended for this mobile subscriber to an adequate radio base (B1, B2) of the fixed network (PSTN) capable of communicating with the mobile telephone (M) as long as said subscriber is identified in this zone, characterized in that the detection of the subscriber is personal , specific to said subscriber.

13. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that said mobile network (C) is a cellular network.

14. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that said mobile network (C) is a satellite network.

15. Method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the method also comprises memorization in a central memory (LOC) of the fixed network (PSTN) of the absence of the subscriber in the predefined zones ( Z1, Z2).

16. Method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the method also comprises memorizing in a central memory of the fixed network (PSTN) the presence of the subscriber in one of said predefined zones (Z1, Z2 ).