Method in mobile telephone systems in which a subscriber identity module (sim) is allocated at least two identities which are selectively activated by the user.

SUBSCRIPTION AUTHORIZATION MODULE AND METHOD FOR USE IN TELEPHONE SYSTEMS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to telephone systems, preferably mobile telephone systems, in which subscriber telephone apparatuses, preferably mobile telephone apparatuses or stations, are controlled by a subscriber identity module. More particularly, the invention relates to a method used in a telephone system in which the subscriber identity module 10 is implemented in a new way, but also to an agent identification module specifically associated with the use of said method.

It is useful to apply the invention to GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) telephone systems. While the invention is by no means limited to the said application, it will be described below with reference to such a system.

Background of the Invention

GSM is a universal, intelligent digital cellular system not geographically linked to any country. A subscriber may use any Mobile Station (MS) by controlling it through a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM), which may be a smart card inserted into a subscriber device or a plug-in device that issues a Subscriber Identifier (MSISDN) associated with a Mobile Station International ISDN Number (MSISDN). . The information contained in IMSI and MSISDN is stored along with other subscriber information by the Home Location Register (HLR) of the subscriber network operator. The system includes Visitor Location Register (VLR) and Mobile Services Switching Center (MSC). The information of the activated subscriber station MS is temporarily stored in the VLR in whose territory the subscriber station MS is currently located.

As both the above concepts and the structure and function of the system as a whole are well standardized, no more detailed description is required.

EE 03328 Bl

These types of systems are widely used for business calls, but to some extent also for private calls. Cost allocation for business and private calls usually causes problems or additional work.

The same subscriber can be used by different people, for example in the same company. Here too, sharing costs between different people can cause problems or cause additional work.

Purpose of the Invention

The object of the present invention is to eliminate the aforementioned inconveniences and also to allow a more flexible use of the subscriber line and the subscriber identity module.

Summary of the Invention

This object is achieved by a method and a subscriber identity module, the specific features of which are listed in the appended claims.

The invention is based on the idea that at least two different identifiers that can be selectively activated by the user can be attached to the subscriber identity module. Two identifiers belonging to the same user may be evaluated, such as a job identifier and a private identifier, which seems to be the most preferred option at the moment. Different identifiers may also be used that correspond to multiple potential users of the subscriber identity module 25.

Preferably, it must be possible to activate only one identifier at a time, in other words, changing the identifier means that before activating the new identifier, the previously activated identifier must be blocked. A corresponding home database allows you to store information about which identifier is activated, such as call forwarding, payment registration, etc. can happen in the right way.

The design of the subscriber identity module may be such that selective activation of the identifier, i. the identification function in the subscriber identity module, by means of a keyboard on the subscriber apparatus or the like, or by means of special means of the subscriber identity module, for example by means of a so-called smart card. with touch switches. Activation can thus take place, for example

EE 03328 B1 by entering a so-called PIN. In this case, a separate code can be assigned to each identifier. This means that different users (depending on the number of different identifiers) can share the subscriber identity module. It is also possible to supplement the user's PIN with code elements to select the required identifier (eg profession5 or private call).

According to a preferred embodiment of the subscriber identity module provided by the invention, the module is a smart card inserted into the subscriber apparatus in two different positions, preferably one or the other end, each position corresponding to one identifier. This allows an implementation where each recognition function is clearly marked on the map and therefore easy to handle. Changing the identifier is done simply by withdrawing the card and re-inserting it in another position, for example when switching from a business call to a private call or vice versa.

It is advantageous to provide the subscriber identity module with specially programmed circuits according to the invention which include either integrated detection functions or separate parallel identification functions. In the case of a smart card having two different positions, the latter embodiment is realized simply by placing the first circuit on one card and the other on the other end of the card, all according to the standards for contacting such cards, etc. part. Thus, one end of the card is capable of recognizing one identifier, and the other end of the card is capable of recognizing another identifier.

The invention provides a number of alternative solutions for assigning directory numbers to a home database.

As a first alternative, the different identifiers of the subscriber identity module are assigned to the same directory number. The home database is designed for making calls, recording payment information, etc. according to the current combination of directory number and identifier. To do this correctly, the home database needs to know which identifier to activate. This, in turn, is only possible if only one identifier can be activated at a time, ie. that when the new identifier is activated, the previous identifier is always blocked and the home database is informed about it.

Such blocking may occur, for example, with the Undo IMSI function used in GMS-type systems. Such blocking means that the corresponding identifier is deleted from the used guest database

EE 03328 B1 information and the home database are always informed of the new activation of the identifier.

The incoming call is connected to the activated identifier based on the control information of the home database 5.

If there is no information in the activated identifier, the incoming call may initially be connected to an identifier selected from the possible identifiers. If the selected identifier is blocked, the call can be forwarded to the next identifier, and so on. according to home database information.

It should be noted that a network operator may modify the functions of its home database without encountering a standard such as a GSM-type system.

Alternatively, the different identifiers of the subscriber identity module are each assigned to a unique directory number, one of which corresponds to the external telephone number of the subscriber, the other number (s) being used only in the home database and may be unknown to the subscriber and the public. Also, in this case, only one identifier may be activated at a time, and the home database is informed, as in the case of the first alternative solution.

The outgoing call uses the selected and activated identifier with the assigned directory number in the usual way.

Incoming calls are always connected to an identifier attached to the corresponding directory number, provided that it is activated. Otherwise, the call may be forwarded to the next directory number of the subscriber with the corresponding identifier30. If the home database knows which identifier is activated, the transfer is preferably made directly without connecting to the above identifier.

For call transfer, it is advantageous to implement the Call Forwarding Unconditional (CFU) function according to the invention, which represents a well-known standard feature offered to an en35 subscriber. By adding the corresponding function to the home database managed by the network operator, one or more directory numbers of the subscriber can be supplemented by direct call transfer.

If the identifier is not activated and provided that the subscriber has not taken any measures for direct voice transmission.

According to the third alternative, which is the development of the second alternative solution, the two subscriber numbers of the subscriber are external telephone numbers, one being a business number and the other a private number. Information on the activated identifier and direct call transmission is analogous to the other alternative.

Thus, the present invention preferably provides the subscriber with a number of different capabilities, such as different identifiers and multiple external telephone numbers, while using only one subscriber identity module.

The invention is further illustrated by the following non-exhaustive embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief description of the drawings

In FIG. 1 is a general diagram illustrating an embodiment of the invention.

In FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of the invention.

In FIG. 3 is a general diagram for describing information flows for activating and blocking an identifier according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates an update of a home database according to an embodiment of the invention.

In FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating the operation mode of the Unconditional Call Transfer function according to the invention.

In FIG. 6 is a schematic top plan view of a smart card modified for use as a subscriber identity module according to an embodiment of the invention.

Description of priority realizations

In FIG. 1 schematically illustrates how the invention can be implemented in a GSM-type cellular telephone system. The home database HLR and the guest database VLR communicate with each other as indicated by arrows 1 and 3. The guest database VLR has a radio communication with a mobile station MS, the communication being controlled by a subscriber identity card SIM that can be activated to assign the IMSI 1 or IMSI 2 identifiers. The catalog number MSISDN corresponds to this identifier6

EE 03328 ΒΙ for heaters. Information about MSISDN connections to the two identifiers IMSI 1 and IMSI 2 is stored in the HLR home database.

Upon activation of the IMSI 1 or IMSI 2 identifiers via a SIM card in the mobile station MS, a corresponding signal is sent to the home database HLR, which transmits information about the current combination MSISDN-IMSI 1 or MSISDN-IMSI 2 to the guest database VLR in a conventional manner. The call is then connected as usual according to the selected combination.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates another embodiment of the invention wherein each of the identifiers IMSI 1 and IMSI 2 is assigned to a single directory number MSISDN 1 and MSISDN 2, both of which are external telephone numbers. The activated combination for MSISDN-IMSI will connect the call, etc. in the usual way.

In FIG. Figure 3 describes important information flows that may be used to verify that the HLR home database is informed of which IMSI 1 and IMSI 2 identifiers are activated.

In the initial position (at the top), it is assumed that IMSI 1 is activated one end in front of the mobile station by inserting a SIM card. To activate IMSI 2, the user pulls out the card and reinserts it at the other end. An IMSI 2 identifier signal is then sent to the guest database, which, upon determination that the IMSI is unregistered, transmits an update signal to the home database 25 HLR, which stores the IMSI 2 activation information and blocks the IMSI 1 signal to be canceled by issuing the ISMI 1. Thus, the temporary activation of the IMSI 1 identifier is canceled from the current guest database VLR belonging to the location of the mobile station MS. After that, the IMSI 2 identifier data is transmitted to the guest database. It is now possible to connect the call using MSISDN 2-ISMI 2. When the user reverses the SIM card, ie. switches the identifier, activating the IMSI 1 identifier and blocking the IMSI 2 identifier, respectively.

In the case of an incoming call, the directory number, whose identifier is not activated, is forwarded directly to another directory number by the Unconditional Call Transfer function. In this case, one field is added to each directory number in the home database, as shown in FIG. 4. There is an additional field

EE 03328 Bl the bottom of the bottom. For directory number MSISDN 1, Call Forwarding to MSISDN 2 is entered in this field and vice versa. The call transmission according to the aforementioned additional fields takes place provided that the user has not himself initiated the analog call transmission, which in this case is evident from the data of the field immediately above.

The records of the auxiliary fields of the home database are transmitted simultaneously with the signal sequence according to FIG. 3. The transmission is indicated in the flow chart of FIG. 5.

Thus, the Unconditional Call Forwarding function can only be performed unless the subscriber himself has requested the corresponding call forwarding to another number. In other words, the subscriber can use the service as usual. If it does not, the home database HLR will forward the incoming call from the deactivated combination

MSISDN-IMSI for the last activated and registered combination.

Thus, the subscriber preferably has a number of different options: one or two external telephone numbers, automatic voice-to-private and vice versa, and other self-directed voice transmission.

In FIG. 6 illustrates a smart card modified in accordance with the invention to implement two detection functions. One end of the card 11 is provided with a conventional circuit for realizing a first recognition function which operates by inserting the card into a mobile station, as shown by arrow 15. The side shown on the card may be a function, suitably and clearly marked.

The other side of the card is the private side. For this purpose, the other end of the card and the private face are provided with a completely separate circuit 17, which complies with current standards for circuitry and contacts. When using the private side, the card is inserted with said second end in front, as indicated by arrow 19 on the private side. This side may also have a suitable and clear designation.