Mobile phone with internal accounting

ES 2 224 971 T3

DESCRIPTION

Mobile phone system, computer program, cordless portable phone unit, and method of activating or keeping active a mobile phone unit.

The invention relates to a mobile telephone system according to the preamble of claim 1, a computer program for a mobile telephone system according to the preamble of claim 27, a wireless portable telephone unit according to the preamble of claim 42 and a method of activating or maintaining active a mobile telephone unit according to the preamble of claim 59.

The calculation of costs in telecommunications, as well as credit and debit systems in relation to telecommunications, are well known problems and have been the subject of many inventions in recent years.

US 3,459,882 to Gabriel et al. Describes a battery powered pay-per-view device and describes a prior prepaid usage system.

US 3,531,586, Bass et al. Discloses a broadcast system for transmitting debit signals for use in pay programs such as pay television.

Albertini et al. US-3,725,947 describes a time counting and accounting unit for automobiles and includes a keyboard for data entry as well as a printer for statements and reports. In one embodiment, use of the phone is logged to bill the appropriate customer using identification codes.

Document US-3,938,091 by Acalla et al. Describes a passkey system suitable for use in making a telephone call with a credit card in which a secret passkey is entered into the device, which generates a The code word and the code word along with the passkey are entered into a verification machine to authenticate a match between the two before proceeding.

Mondardini et al. US-3,938,031 discloses a calling card system in which a personal phone number and dialing code are used to make debit charges. It describes the basic calling card system used in Europe.

US-4,635,285 by Coombes describes a two-way radio communication system of the simplex type or of the half-duplex type that has a communication link with a duplex telephone system in which the simplex radio is given priority to communicate on demand. . Communication protocols prioritize the remote station over the ground station for improved communication.

Kamil US-4,706,275 discloses a prepaid method for a telephone system in which the user can use any telephone to complete telephone calls and in which the costs of the calls are charged to a prepaid account. In essence, the special calling code for users works in a similar way to a system in which calls are charged to each other's "home" phone number.

Document US-4,831,647 to D'Avello et al. Describes a system for authenticating credit card information for a car phone system by passing transmitted credit card data to the service provider, which is forwarded to a registration computer to validate the credit card.

US-4,860,341 to D'Avello et al. Describes a system similar to the system just described.

US-4,839,829 to Freedman describes a system for automated control of a print from a point where the remote central processing unit communicates with multiple terminals from a remote point via a modem. The remote terminals are connected to a printer and this is operated by remote control through the modem lines, by the central processing unit.

US-4,916,621 to Bean et al. Describes a microprocessor-based portable data collection unit for traffic detectors, from which it can be disconnected without losing data. The device includes a microprocessor, real-time and data storage, all interconnected in a circuit.

US-4,951,308 to Bishop et al. Describes a mobile cellular telephone system intended for the rental market, in which the use of the telephone is calculated by the estimated duration of calls in relation to the discharge of the battery unit of the device. cell phone. The use of a vending machine is also described in which a customer can obtain a telephone unit using the customer's credit card.

Parker US-4,958,368 describes a customer activation system that allows remote activation by an agent by communication with a regional process through a data entry device. The system establishes a customer file. Customer activation system automatically enters customer information, achieves customer credit validation, assigns phone number with switch insert

ES 2 224 971 T3 and activation of the new number and activation of billing for the new customer. No debit system is described nor is any description included about how to establish, fund or operate a debit account.

US-4,965,812 to Bishop et al. Describes a system for automating testing of a vehicle equipped with a cellular telephone unit at a car rental station. The telephone unit is associated with a card reader that initiates a communication between the telephone unit and a customer administration computer to collect various data from the card. The introduction of the card by the customer provides a contract for signature and verification of the customer's driver's license.

US 5,020,091 to Krolopp et al. Describes a radiotelephone with a plurality of telephone numbers for use in areas of different systems. A received SID is compared to the stored SIDs and, if a match is found, the new number is used. If no match is found, the telephone unit is a roaming unit and enters a semi-standby state, in which it only receives calls.

US 5,023,936 to Szczutkowski et al. Describes a digital radio transceiver in the form of a programmable telephone unit that includes security provisions that enable and disable certain features after manufacture or at the time of purchase of the telephone unit. In this way, a unit with multiple features can be adapted to different configurations, from basic to added channels, DTMF possibilities, etc.

US 5,046,189 to Molnar describes a communication system in which a plurality of local subscriber ports communicate with a central controller that receives digital data from terminals of the ports. The controller processes the data and responds by initiating the execution of certain predetermined characteristics, executing the effects on the remote terminals.

US-5,109,401 to Hattori et al. Describes a mobile phone unit with a user-controlled account reference to alert the user of call charges. A communication session with the carrier is established only to transmit a charge per call to the telephone unit, not to program or activate the telephone unit.

O'Sullivan US-5,127,041 describes a system for interfacing computers with a generic-type modem. The modem enables cable connection for cellular transceiver units from different manufacturers. The modem solves the problem of using a modem for normal connections to a computer and the use of a separate modem for each different interconnect that may be desired for data transmission.

Ortiz document US-5,134,651 discloses a call monitoring system to detect the completion of national and international calls. Also described is a stand-alone pay phone arrangement that includes a billing system for a mobile phone unit for calculating call charges for immediate payment after calls are made. A memory on the CPU control board stores the billing rates for services offered, such as different pre-charges to calculate the charge for a call. No debit system is described, nor is it described that a telephone can be activated by a host processor.

Stahl et al. US-5,138,650, to which WO-92 06549 and EP-0 550 618 correspond, describes a system for controlling spending on international calls from a mobile phone using a stored charge limit. In some embodiments, the charge calculations can be made at the mobile phone unit, with the charge rates to be obtained from the base station. As there is no rate table, the billing algorithm is not capable of internally classifying telephone calls into categories, which is a drawback of this system.

US-5,144,649 to Zicker et al. Describes a method of operating a communication system with a plurality of cellular radiotelephone units equipped with credit card readers. Communication sessions are held with a remote programming host for transmission of data, including credit card data to the host, to validate and unlock the unit so that a call can be made. The call data includes number, call, time, duration and system identification number and is recorded in a call log for each call from the unit. Accumulated unit data is uploaded to the host credit card processor daily during off-peak hours. A fraud threshold is connected which disconnects the unit when it is exceeded.

US-5,148,474 to Haralambopoulos et al. Describes a method for accounting for value-added telecommunications services such as US 700 or US 900 services or the like.

US-5,203,014 to Wagai et al. Describes a telecommunications device in the form of a pager that can receive messages and service information from a base station. By employing multiple appropriate identification codes, different warning signals can be generated for the pager user to distinguish between transmission of messages and transmission of service information.

US-5,220,593 to Zicker et al. Describes how credit card information can be locally validated in order to avoid repeated calls to the network to collect information. It is also described how they can

ES 2 224 971 T3 load accumulated call records into memory media of the debit telephone unit on the credit card host during off-peak hours to help prepare the final bill for the credit card. No debit system is described.

Renton US-5,233,642 describes a mobile phone unit that generates and collects detail registration information related to the use of a mobile phone system compatible with common phone devices. A communications interface transmits the call detail record information to a stationary unit containing a computer and an evaluation program, where usage is evaluated. In this way, invoices for the use of cell phone rentals are provided for verification purposes. The evaluation program does not depend on the microprocessor or the program used for the call detail record information and the collection.

Langrand et al. US-5,233,656 describes a security system for transmitting rental data to and from a rental telephone unit. Key data including a public key and a variable private key are used to encrypt and decode secret data related to the rental of the phone on a network to prevent fraudulent transactions. The transmission of data relating to the rental of the telephone from a main authorization center to auxiliary authorization sub-centers makes it possible to offer authorized roaming services.

US-5,276,729 to Higuchi et al. Describes a cordless telephone programmable by a remote programming unit. DTMF tones are used which are converted into digital signals. Programming can be restricted by requiring the user of the unit to enter a passkey or security code stored in the memory of the remote programming unit. The memory unit also has several roaming access regions. A host processor unit, a remote programming unit, and a programmable wireless telephone unit are included.

Gerszberg US-5,297,191 describes a system for downloading an assignment number and parameters to a memory of a mobile phone unit so as to start a cellular service. As the mobile unit initiates the dialogue with the service provider, the activation system is used mainly for service changes rather than to start a new service. In one embodiment, a modem is used to purge the communication path between the communication service center and the mobile unit. After a voice communication channel has been established, the system is switched to data transmission through the unit's modem and the communication system's modem to transmit the changed parameters. Alternative methods for adaptation to other digital / analog systems are described. The system understands remote programming but lacks security precautions.

Gerszberg US-5,297,192 describes a system similar to the system just described.

US-5,301,233 to Amadon et al. Describes a real-time accounting system for a mobile phone unit. This system is useful for a rental unit and is designed to be used with the credit card number of the users of the units. The real-time system collects call data from the service provider and starts billing daily or at another time period for use by the rental agency. The calculations are carried out outside the unit, for example at the telephone exchange.

Kerihuel et al. US-5,303,285 describes a call security system for a radiotelephony service. A valid user is authenticated using a secret key known only to the caller and a random number; a call signature is generated using a predetermined algorithm. The control points of the service provider have databases with words that identify a subscriber and a subscriber key to decode the secret data emitted by the subscriber when a call is initiated.

Hillis US-5,303,297 describes a dynamic billing system that adapts to system load in real time. A user who is about to make a call receives a charge according to the tariff; if this is acceptable, execute the call; if it is not, delay the call until a time when the rate is cheaper.

US-5,309,500 to Koma et al. Describes a cellular mobile telephone unit with a time display mode and a telephone mode. In the time display mode, the unit constantly receives the area identification code and, when crossing a border line, the time difference is entered. This reference is considered in terms of a method in which an electronic clock can count pulses from a time base and generate data relative to the time of day.

US-5,335,278 to Matchett et al. Describes a system to prevent fraud. The system includes a central database for extracting data from a plurality of local points. This data is transmitted to each point in the system and is updated from time to time, thus allowing the local service provider to compare access codes for calling telephone units, especially from a site other than the main service provider for those calling. communicating. Various methods for encrypting data and saving ESN / MIN data, including PIN data, are described, but how the PIN is obtained is not explained.

Schilling US-5,359,182 describes a communication system with a telephone unit

ES 2 224 971 T3 wireless and a debit card. The user's credit is carried on the debit card and the debit phone number is the phone number of the debit card and not that of the specific phone unit being used. Credit and debit data are transmitted to the service provider at the time the calls are made, to adjust the debit card account.

US-5,361,297 by Ortiz et al. Describes a call supervision system for completing national and international calls. Furthermore, a stand-alone pay phone arrangement is described that includes a billing system for a mobile phone unit for calculating charges for immediate payment. A memory on the CPU control board stores the billing rates for the services to be offered, such as pre-charges for incoming and outgoing local and long distance calls and the like, to calculate the charge for a call when using the telephone.

US-5,384,776 to Gulliford et al. Describes a digitally concentrated radio frequency communication system for routing audio signals between an audio source and any of a plurality of destination stations, the system being suitable for a mobile communication network .

US-5,386,455 to Cooper et al. Describes a bespoke method for activating a cellular telephone unit using a local CPU connected via modem with the local service carrier computer. In the process, the cell phone establishes a direct communication link through its input / output jamming terminal. The direct connection between the local CPU via modem with the local carrier authorization computer makes it possible for the telephone unit to be programmed and assigned its identification number during a communication session. It does not describe any debit system or how to establish a debit account or how to fund or operate with it. This US patent was published after the priority date and its content is only relevant, in accordance with Article 54 (3) of the Community Patent Convention, as far as novelty is concerned.

Campana document US-5,446,759 describes a wireless transmission system suitable for transmitting information streams to mobile receivers such as cell phone units, pagers and other wireless devices, the system sending two information streams that are delayed in time. , whose streams are synchronized and combined by receivers to eliminate signal fading intervals caused by errors, in order to achieve error-free transmission of information. This US patent was published after the priority date and its content is only relevant, in accordance with Article 54 (3) of the Community Patent Convention, as far as novelty is concerned.

US-5,631,947 and the corresponding document WO-92 16078 to Wittstein et al. Describe a mobile phone device for a rental system that includes a telephone set and an associated computer for calculating charges for the use of the telephone consisting of charges for calls and rental charges and also to store these charges in order to transmit the telephone usage data to a computer terminal at a rental station to prepare an invoice. The telephone device also includes a routine for imposing a usage limit in order to disable the telephone unit when the charge limit has been exceeded.

US-5,722,067 by Fougnies et al. Describes a security method for authorizing wireless phone calls from prepaid subscribers with cell phones that are pre-programmed with a preselected number and an automated identification number code that -when calling- directs first the call through a host computer accessing a subscriber account database with an account balance that is reduced during the authorized call. This US patent was published after the priority date and its content is only relevant, in accordance with Article 54 (3) of the Community Patent Convention, as far as novelty is concerned. WO-94 28670 to Tuchino et al. Describes a method of advising users of a mobile telephone unit of the rate that will be applied to them for a call. A separate communication with the network is required to obtain this rate information before placing the call. If the caller thinks that the rate offered by the network is too high, he can decide not to make such a call.

GB-2 265 522 to Barnes et al. Describes a system that is not intended for use in a cellular system but in a system consisting of a relatively fixed base station and a telephone set that works with it. This means that there is not a plurality of roaming phones for each of the base stations. The advance payment provided for the mobile phone unit requires repeated communication between the base station and the mobile phone unit for account processing.

Anritsu JP-3-45031 describes a portable telephone set having information storage means for storing call charge units whose value corresponds to the amount paid to buy or rent the telephone. The units are reduced each time a billing signal is received for a time interval corresponding to a distance from the line based on a zone identification. The phone is deactivated when the units are finished. A table of billing rates is also mentioned, in which the rates are based on regions and a clock can be included in a portable telephone and that this can perform the same calculation and billing registration processes as if signals were received. billing from a base station. However, a practical implementation of this alternative is not described. No mention is made of roaming, international calls, or other features that complicate a billing algorithm. It is said that the phone can be taken to a designated agency to update the call unit information and to recharge the

ES 2 224 971 T3 battery. However, no interaction with a host processor is described.

Anritsu JP-3-80756 describes a portable telephone unit having call storage means that stores the value of charge units for calling corresponding to previously paid call charges obtained when the unit is connected to a public telephone. of payment and a card is inserted or coins are deposited to recharge the portable telephone apparatus with a value of units of charge to call desired. During calls, the value of charge units for calls is gradually reduced. No details are given on how the call charges are calculated. An alternative embodiment is described that allows the battery to be charged to a level equivalent to the value of charge units for calling. In both alternatives, when charging units are used to call, the telephone can be recharged without having to go to a private agency, but it can be done at the nearest public telephone. There is no host processor involved with account coordination.

Anritsu JP-3-60229 describes a portable telephone set used in a rental business and includes internal means for detecting and storing charge units for calling used in calls, and means for displaying or offering charge units for Call used after a rental period. The telephone also includes a clock circuit for providing date / time data for discount purposes and means for storing time data related to the duration of the call per unit of charge for calling for area code zones from different areas. An alternative embodiment is also described in which a rental rate for a certain number of charge units for calling can be charged in advance and a charge unit for calling deducted each time a charge unit signal for calling is generated. Details of its practical implementation are not described.

NTT JP-3-280652 describes a rental mobile terminal in which the user pays charges for calling in advance, and when the accumulated calling charges exceed an amount that the user has paid in advance, the communication terminal is disabled. Also described are procedures for entering an amount of money that include the use of pass codes and that indicate that calls have been billed based on a rate of charges and the duration of the calls. Although an external computer is mentioned to enter the amount of money, nothing is said about the use of a host processor to control the phone bills.

The object of the invention is to provide

- A mobile telephone system as mentioned with an accounting system, the accounting system must allow that, in each telephone unit, that is, without communication between it and a base station, the amount owed by the user is determined from the telephone unit on an ongoing call and is deducted from a limited fund;

- a computer program that is intended to work within said mobile telephone system;

- a portable telephone unit that can be used with said system and with said computer program; ^Y

- a method for activating said telephone unit and for keeping it active.

This item is obtained

- for the telephone system thanks to the features of the characterizing part of claim 1;

- for the computer program thanks to the features of the characterizing part of claim 27;

- for the portable telephone unit thanks to the features of the characterizing part of claim 42; Y

- for the method thanks to the particularities of the characterizing part of claim 59.

Preferred embodiments of the telephone system, the computer program, the telephone unit, and the method for activating it are defined by the respective dependent claims.

The invention essentially provides a mobile phone system with a mobile phone accounting protocol, for mobile phone units and, in particular, for cell phones and radiotelephones that are capable of moving from one transceiver to another in a communication network. In particular, the mobile phone accounting protocol is intended for a debit mobile phone in which the communications traffic with the service provider is minimized to expand the service provider's traffic handling capacity, ensuring that the procedures accounting are carried out on each mobile phone unit. The accounting protocol for mobile phone is similar to that described in US-5,325,418. The aforementioned patent describes an accounting system that has particular application to a rental telephone system or a controlled telephone system, such as an intra-corporate system in which a periodic calculation of telephone charges is made before receipt of invoices from public or switched service providers. In such systems, phone call data is stored in the mobile phone unit and charges are calculated

ES 2 224 971 T3 via a host processor after a dialogue has been established between it and the telephone unit. This system requires that a communication link be established between the host processor and the mobile phone unit and may require that the mobile phone unit be physically connected to the host processor.

The previously proposed systems with internal memory for debits and credits for wireless phones do not take into account the particular complications of mobile phone systems where there may be multiple service providers involved in a communications network and the user is allowed to do so. mobile phone moves through or through defined cells or zones within a particular service area or multiple service areas. In such situations, the location of the calling mobile phone is as important to billing calculations as the location of the called phone or stations. This added complexity further complicates procedures for mobile phones and increases the communication sessions required by remote debit systems, thus increasing radio traffic.

In addition to the objective of eliminating an accounting session with a service provider for each call made, the mobile phone unit, when it is intended to work within a debit system, with the ability to perform accounting operations internally, greatly expands the base potential customers by allowing people with bad credit to obtain mobile phone service by using a debit account to pay as it is consumed. In this case, the risk of credit for prepayment of the service and call charges is avoided and, when the credit is extended, it allows it to be provided by an entity other than the service provider, for example by the seller of the telephone or by a service billing provider that provides credit or prepaid accounts for mobile phone users. Risks are also excluded when the system works as a credit system, since a certain limited credit is set from which the costs of the calls are deducted and these are interrupted as soon as the total cost of the calls exhausts this limit of credit.

The mobile phone unit of this invention can be used with a mobile phone rental system as described in US-5,325,418. As the mobile phone unit itself includes the ability to perform accounting calculations, the rental system can be greatly expanded, allowing the return station to have minimal system equipment and, of course, requiring only the usual equipment necessary to clear an account. , collect charges, and save the returned phone to capture or return to an initiation session. The mobile phone unit itself calculates charges on the fly and provides a cumulative accounting record for review at the return station. The mobile telephone system of this invention is intended for analog or digital cellular telephones, radiotelephones in personal communication service networks (PCS) and other wireless communication systems in which it is desirable that the accounting entry of the call is made over the March.

The mobile phone system with internal accounting mobile phone units of this invention relates to wireless communication systems having mobile communication devices, particularly mobile phones that are part of a wireless communication network. In particular, it refers to a mobile communication device, such as a mobile telephone unit that includes an internal accounting protocol for internally performing, on-the-go, calculation of communication charges. Such mobile telephone units or mobile telephone units are typically cellular telephones in a cellular telephone network, radiotelephones in a personal communication service network, or other communication system, in which the communication device can be moved from one site to another. to another and requires a complicated accounting system to calculate call charges in real time or on the go.

The present invention is useful when real-time calculation of telephone charges is necessary to limit telephone use or to bill immediately for telephone use when invoices from switched public service providers or utility providers are not yet available. involved wireless service providers.

A real-time accounting system installed internally in the mobile phone unit greatly expands the potential customer base for such units and, associated with certain activation and deactivation characteristics, allows the incorporation of a new business segment in the communications industry. mobiles. Since the responsibility of the credit can be transferred from the service provider, from the retailers, the billing services and a host group of intermediate entities can be integrated between the telephone user and the service provider. In addition, the service provider can expand its customer base by providing debit mobile phones to its customers with a pre-paid phone credit or with a pre-approved credit limit, which will disable the phone unit if the credit is exceeded or not extended this through radio activation and credit transfer procedures that are part of this mobile telephone system. In this way, credit risk is limited to a predefined, acceptable level.

The accounting system that provides these features is internally incorporated into the mobile communication device referred to as, for convenience, hereinafter, the mobile telephone unit. The accounting system includes a complex billing algorithm with a multi-factor accounting protocol to account for local charges, charges for roaming when the mobile phone unit moves from one area to another, charges for long distance calls, charges for international calls that include local charges independent of the country and supplements that can be based on calls or rates. The complicated billing algorithm can be extended to accommodate special charges from service providers or stations calls or special discounts or premiums for calls for data transmission.

ES 2 224 971 T3

The complex algorithm is stored in the telephone unit along with a rate table. The rate table can be periodically updated by wireless communication with a host or service provider.

It is to be understood that the internal accounting mobile phone unit can be incorporated in practice into existing wireless communication networks without substantial network modification and can be incorporated into most existing mobile communication devices with minimal modifications, mainly through internal reprogramming. Of the device.

A mobile telephone unit such as a cellular telephone typically includes an internal processor and sufficient internal memory to accommodate the data and program storage necessary to achieve real-time accounting. The complex algorithm provided by the multi-factor accounting protocol is compact enough so that the storage and processing of call data is enabled in real time with sufficient precision to account for multiple charges originating from multiple service providers, including for a roaming phone unit. The accounting protocol allows internal monitoring of telephone use with activation and deactivation of the telephone unit to ensure that unauthorized use is prevented. The accounting protocol also includes an encryption system to allow activation and licensed use of the telephone unit, and on-the-go radio account credit transfers.

These and other characteristics of the mobile telephone system with internal accounting in the mobile telephone units will become apparent when considering the detailed description of the preferred embodiments that follow, and in which Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the components of the accounting system for mobile telephony of this invention, with part of the system illustrated schematically; and Fig. two is a schematic view of the basic internal components of a mobile phone unit.

Referring to Fig. 1, the mobile phone accounting system of this invention is generally designated by reference numeral 10 and illustrates a self-contained, tracking and accounting unit 12 which can be used by a rental agency or a mobile phone clearinghouse such as a store, or a center associated with a wireless service provider.

The monitoring and accounting unit 12 includes a central processing unit 14 that combines a keyboard 16 for data entry coupled to a controller or data processor 18 which, in turn, is coupled to a monitor 20 having a display 22 of submission for input and review of monitoring data. Also, connected to the processor 18 are peripheral components that include a printer 24, in this case with a roll 26 of continuous paper, to print account statements, receipts, contracts between customer and service provider and the like, and a card reader 27 credit to check credit.

Included in one embodiment of the mobile phone accounting system tracking unit 18 is a direct coupled interconnect receiver 28, shown with a portable mobile phone unit 30 installed. The interconnection receiver 28 structurally forms a pedestal 32 into which the cellular telephone unit 30 is inserted for direct, electronic coupling of the telephone unit 30 and the data processor 18 of the central processing unit 14. As it is preferred that many of the accounting system accounting functions are internally built into the telephone unit 30, the satellite processors for activating and programming the telephone units only require connecting a personal computer with a modem and a common data line to the telephone. connection port of the telephone unit.

In the arrangement of Fig. 1, the interconnect receiver functions as an interconnect terminal to allow direct "wired" communication between the data processor 18 and the mobile phone unit 30 through the connection port of the interconnect unit 30. telephone. Programming and activation of the telephone unit 30 can be accomplished by the processing unit 14 through the interconnect receiver, with minimal security procedures. The processing unit 14 is particularly useful for opening new customer accounts and includes the necessary database format to assign a telephone to a user and to follow the assigned telephone as described in detail in the application, also in process. of which it is divisional, entitled "MOBILE PHONE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM", serial number 08 / 265,373, filed June 23, 1994, now US Patent 5,625,669.

The mobile phone unit 30 is preferably a modern unit with a liquid crystal display (LCD) display 33 for providing telephone numbers, account data and other data, numeric and alphanumeric. The telephone unit 30 includes conventional circuitry and firmware to perform the usual communication, transmission and reception function, as shown in Fig. 2. The telephone unit 30 has a transceiver antenna 36 for wireless communication and, as described below, can be activated and programmed by radio.

In the embodiment of Fig. 1, the central processing unit 14 includes a modem 38 that is connected to a transceiver station 40 to establish a wireless communication link with a telephone unit 30a, illustrated with its antenna extended for transmission and reception. . Transceiver station 40 may be part of the mobile telephone system common to central processing unit 14 and owned by the system provider, or it may be

ES 2 224 971 T3 owned by an external service provider and part of the external communications network that includes the public switched network.

In this mode of operation, the central processing unit 14 communicates, by wiring, possibly via a public service network, with the RF transmission station 40 for remote processing between the central processing unit 14 and the telephone unit 30a. mobile. Alternatively, a low-level transceiver 42, preferably with control circuitry located within interconnect receiver 28, allows RF communication with telephone unit 30a within local range. This feature is useful in retail centers, when what is desired is for the central processing unit 14 to be located in a computer room and for salespeople in communication with a customer to communicate with the central processing unit through of one or more floor terminals with limited processing capacity for security reasons.

Since the mobile phone unit 30 includes the necessary accounting functions to internally maintain a user's call account, at least within a rental period or a period of periodic scrutiny by the central processing unit 14, the Unit 30 and transaction station 44 only have to verify the validity of a money transfer or a credit transfer. When functioning as a debit phone, the phone can continue to work until the account is depleted, without contacting the system provider. The transaction station 44 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes an interconnect receiver pedestal 46 on which a mobile phone unit 30b is installed. Transaction station 44 includes a cash receiving slot 48 for receiving cash to increase the internal prepaid account of the telephone. The transaction station 44 also includes a card slot 50 for receiving credit cards or prepaid phone cards and a keyboard 51 for data entry. Verification of the value of telephone cards and credit cards can be achieved by a stand-alone transaction station 44; However, to avoid fraud, it is preferred that a transaction station 44 having a card reader be connected via a communication line 52, as shown, to a credit verification center, in this case the central unit of credit. treatment 14, via modem 38. The calling card is a disposable credit card-like device that has a magnetic stripe encoded with a pre-paid amount and can be sold independently of the telephone system. To prevent discarded cards from being reused by reprogramming the magnetic stripe, the card is emptied after it is spent and the card's serial number is recorded at the central office as empty.

Similarly, to give the opportunity to verify a credit card, the use of a direct communication line 52 with the modem 38 or alternatively with a local credit bureau is preferred. The transaction station 44 also includes a keypad 54 that allows a user to select the amount to add to the internal phone bill. In this way, when the mobile phone user wants to increase the amount in account for the use of the phone, without entering into dialogue with the system provider, there is an opportunity to do so. The call data in the telephone unit is dumped at the transaction station or erased to allow the accumulation of new data related to updating the account. Alternatively, when an account has been established with the system provider, which may be a different entity from the wireless service provider with whom the system can be contracted, the mobile phone user can request an increase in the internal debit account by contacting with the radio system provider, as shown by the telephone unit 30a in Fig. 1.

Referring to Fig. 2, there is shown a generalized electronic diagram of the typical mobile telephone unit 30 used in the system described in this document. The telephone unit 30 includes a processor 56 that acts as a controller to coordinate the functions of the unit 30. Processor 56 has associated memory comprising an EPROM (erasable programmable read-only memory) chip 58 that stores the firmware that make up the unit's core operating code and programmable memory that can include command codes, as well as data. Also closely associated with the controller is a clock chip 64 that provides a timer for calls. In the preferred mobile phone unit 30, the clock chip 64 is a real-time chip that provides the time and date to keep an improved call log and to provide greater flexibility in phone usage plans. The use of a real time clock chip is not necessary for the described mobile phone accounting system, but allows full use of the recording and tracking features. Also, certain features, such as deactivating the phone on a fixed date, is achieved using a real-time clock chip. Call counters and cumulative time limits for deactivation can be served by a timer chip.

Radio communication is provided by antenna 36 which is connected to an RF transceiver connected to processor 56 and to an analog audio circuit 68 with a headphone output 70 and a microphone input 72. Audio circuit 68 is also connected to processor 56 for audio output of touch tones, warning signals, and the like. The telephone unit 30 includes a DTMF decoder chip 72 and a keypad 76 for input of data such as telephone numbers and DTMF signals for code dialog with the radio central processor. Preferably, the telephone unit 30 includes an LCD display 33, as indicated, to visibly warn of a forced termination of a call as a result of loss of credit or the like. Audio announcements are transmitted to handset 74. Telephone unit 30 is powered by a battery pack 78.

Typically, displacing certain features on a stock phone unit from the manufacturer, such as

ES 2 224 971 T3 the storage of frequently called numbers on a cell phone, the RAM is large enough to accept the complicated billing algorithm and the set of commands needed to turn a cell phone into a billing phone in real time. When the existing memory is inadequate, the modification by installing additional RAM or ROM will allow the incorporation of the data and the conversion codes. For example, in a newly designed telephone, the new ancillary firmware includes parts of the complicated billing algorithm and much of the order set could advantageously be assigned to ROM with changeable data such as rate tables and call log. assigned to RAM.

The telephone unit 30, when received from the manufacturer includes a unique fixed electronic serial number (ESN) for each telephone. To be functional, the telephone unit is programmed and this can be achieved individually, as described in US-5,325,418 or in a batch mode, as described in the aforementioned application. The existing ESN and the GIM group identification mark are read and stored. The NAM number assignment module is executed to assign the mobile identification number MIN, the system identification number SIN and other parameters to activate a telephone unit for general use. The MIN is the phone number assigned to the unit and should be one of the last assigned numbers, if step programming is achieved to preserve a working inventory of available MINs. Step programming may be desirable when programming a batch of phones and assigning them to a service provider identified by SID who then assigns a phone to a customer in the service provider situation.

Telephones are usually programmed by installing the telephone unit in an interconnect receiver 28 in the central treatment unit 14 or in a remote terminal connected to the central treatment unit. The telephone unit 30 may alternatively be activated and programmed on the fly using the paging capabilities of the telephone unit via DTMF signals, as described below. This feature allows remote programming of the radio telephone through the transceiver station without the need for direct connection of the telephone port connector with the central treatment unit 14.

In the mobile system of this invention, when the mobile phone unit has internal counting capabilities, the phone unit is programmed with the code in response to the command set, the complex billing algorithm, the license code, and other parameters that allow the telephone unit to be a periodically polled unit, for example in a rental environment or a debit unit where account statements can be determined and updated on the fly. The following table, Table I, lists the command set. The command set is suitable for most modern cellular telephones and it is understood that modifications may be necessary for telephone units of different types or from different manufacturers. As stated, certain commands may not be operational when the equipment includes a clock chip that provides the actual date and time, and appropriate modification is required.

(Table goes to next page)

ES 2 224 971 T3

TABLE I

<td>Base Orders</td><td>Description</td>

<td>RD PHONE NUMBER</td><td>Read the phone's phone number</td>

<td>RD PHONE CALLS</td><td>Read data activity memory from lia-</td>

<td></td><td>telephone calls</td>

<td>RD PHONE TIME</td><td>Read the current time from the phone</td>

<td>WR PHONE TIME</td><td>Set the current time from the phone</td>

<td>RD PHONE RTB</td><td>Read the software revision number of the</td>

<td></td><td>telephone</td>

<td>LOCK PHONE</td><td>Lock the phone from being used</td>

<td>UNLOCK PHONE</td><td>Unlock phone usage</td>

<td>RD CALL COUNTER</td><td>Read the number of calls made on the</td>

<td></td><td>period</td>

<td>RD COMMAND STATUS</td><td>Read the status of the last order issued</td>

<td>RESET CALLS MEMORY</td><td>Reset / delete stored activity data</td>

<td></td><td>call vity</td>

<td>RESET CALLS COUNTER</td><td>Reset the call counter</td>

<td>RESTRICT ILLEGAL CALLS</td><td>Limit all illegal calls</td>

<td>ENABLE ALL CALLS</td><td>Deactivate call limiting</td>

<td>RD TELEPHONE ESN</td><td>Read the electronic serial number of the phone</td>

<td></td><td>phone</td>

<td>WR NAM</td><td>Record NAM parameters on the phone</td>

<td>RD NAM</td><td>Read the active NAM parameters on the phone</td>

<td></td><td>them</td>

<td>WR SCRATCH PAD</td><td>Store a small amount of data in the</td>

<td></td><td>telephone</td>

<td>RD SCRATCH PAD</td><td>Read on the phone the small amount of</td>

<td></td><td>data</td>

<td>WR LOCK DATE</td><td>Set the date when the</td>

<td></td><td>telephone</td>

<td>RD LOCK DATE</td><td>Read phone lock date</td>

<td>REGISTRATION</td><td>System provider registers himself for phone use (Passkey is transmitted)</td>

ES 2 224 971 T3

TABLE I (continued)

<td>Debit orders</td><td>Description</td>

<td>WR_CONF_DATA RD_CONF_DATA WR DOLLAR AMOUNT RD DOLLAR AMOUNT DO CALL TRACKING NO_CALL_TRACKING DO DEBIT MODE NO_DEBIT_MODE ENABLE_AIR_ACTIVATION DISABLE_AIR_ACTIVATION UPDATE_DEBIT_DATA1</td><td>Save debit setup data to phone Read configuration data on the phone Record the maximum amount of money that can be used on the phone Read the maximum amount of money on the phone Activate Call Trace Deactivate Call Trace Enable debit mode billing Disable debit mode billing Enable radio debit fund activation Disable activation of radio debit funds Update by radio the current amount of additional money and the expiration date in relation to the license number of the phone</td>

<td>Other answers</td><td>Description</td>

<td>ACK</td><td>Acknowledgment of receipt</td>

<td>NAK</td><td>Invalid HOST / PP or LRC could not be understood</td>

<td>Other interactive commands using the telephone keypad</td><td>Description</td>

<td>VIEW — CURRENT AMOUNT UPDATE_DEBIT_DATA2</td><td>View the current balance remaining to be spent If for any reason the radio update of the debit data cannot be completed successfully, a license number can be provided to the user to enter manually using the keyboard thanks to this function</td>

A suggested protocol for the command set in Table I uses the acronyms from the following table. TABLE II

<td>Acronym</td><td>Description</td>

<td>HOST</td><td>A personal computer of the system operator will be considered as HOST</td>

<td>PP</td><td>The telephone unit will be considered the telephone peripheral (PP) of the host</td>

<td>DB</td><td>One Byte of Data</td>

<td>CB</td><td>One Byte of Orders</td>

<td>CTI</td><td>A cell phone interconnect</td>

<td>ACK</td><td>An acknowledgment from the telephone unit</td>

<td>NAK</td><td>The PP or host did not understand the last retrieved data set</td>

<td>B C D</td><td>Binary-coded decimal</td>

ES 2 224 971 T3

The host computer comprises the central processing unit 14 of Fig. 1 or a satellite computer which is preferably connected to the central processing unit 14 and which acts as a hub for broad system coordination in relation to the information of the host. accounting and monitoring. The host computer, which can be a typical high-end PC, communicates with the telephone units over a common data line using a standard asynchronous, RS-232 serial port, in the 9600 band, without parity, with 1 bit stop and 8 bits of data or a custom interface tailored for a telephone unit from a particular manufacturer. When the initial radio activation of a telephone unit is programmed, the initial dialogue is achieved using DTMF signals. A phone, when shipped from the factory, has limited calling capabilities, typically 911 for emergencies. Phones are pre-programmed from the factory to allow an additional, dedicated 800 number, which is the system provider's service center number. Once the connection is made by voice dialogue, the host checks the ESN and if it is validated as a telephone authorized for assignment by the host, the NAM parameters are programmed for the telephone unit (PP). Programming the telephone as a telephone with internal accounting is also achieved using DTMF signals. For security reasons, it is preferred that the telephone unit is programmed by direct connection via the common data line, as previously described.

A suggested data format for the command set listed in Table I is set out in the following paragraphs:

RD_PHONE_NUMBER

Interaction between host and PP

Host sends CB to PP

PP sends DBS + LRC (Longitudinal Redundancy Check)

Phone data

DBS is an ASCII string representation of the MIN. for example, 5108382400

LRC calculation

The LRC, longitudinal redundancy check, is calculated using the following algorithm:

b = 0x00

LOOP I = ​​0 up to data length b = b XOR data (I)

LRC = b

The LRC is used when any data bytes are sent to or from the PP.

RD_PHONE_CALLS

Interaction between host and PP

Host sends RD_CALLS_COUNTER to PP

PP returns DB for host call counter

Host sends CB to PP

The PP returns all the call data to the host followed by an LRC byte (Longitudinal Redundancy Check). (The returned bytes would be the number of calls * 17 + 1 for the LRC)

WR_PHONE_TIME

Interaction between host and PP

Host sends CB + DB (4) + LRC to PP (LRC would include CB

The PP returns an ACK to the host

ES 2 224 971 T3

Data sent to the phone

The CB, RD_PHONE_TIME, is sent, followed by 4 bytes containing MMDDHHMM in BCD. Each month, day, hour, and minute takes the form of a BCD byte.

Example for example, for January 1, 1980 at 1 pm, the DB would be like 01011300, where 01, 01, 13 and 00 are all bytes.

RD_PHONE_TIME

Interaction between host and PP

Host sends CB to PP

The PP returns a DB (4) + LRC to the host

Data sent from the phone

The data sent from the phone is identical to the data sent from the phone in WR_PHONE_TIME

Example for example, for February 2, 1999 at 2:12 pm, the DB bytes would be like 02021412 etc ...

RD_PHONE_RTB

Interaction between host and PP

The host sends a CB to the PP

PP returns your firmware revision number in a relevant format to phone + LRC

Data sent from the phone

TBD. Phone manufacturer specific

LOCK_PHONE

When the phone is in locked mode, "it should display the word LOCKED" on the main viewing screen. The phone is completely disabled while in this mode, until the host issues the UNLOCK_PHONE command. The purpose of this mode is to secure the phone between rental or rental debit periods. While in this mode, it prevents users or employees from taking up airtime. Also, if the phone is stolen while in this mode, it is unusable. This futility provides a sense of security to the telephone provider.

Interaction between host and PP

The host sends a CB to the PP

The PP returns an ACK to the host

UNLOCK PHONE

This mode is precisely the opposite of the LOCK_PHONE or LOCKED mode ”. In this mode, the phone is absolutely usable.

Interaction between host and PP

Host sends CB to PP

The PP sends an ACK to the host

RD_CALL_COUNTER

This comment allows the host to read the current number of calls that have been made on this phone during this rental period. From there, the host can use this as data to present to the host.

ES 2 224 971 T3 user and use this data to determine the number of bytes that the telephone will send when the RD_PHONE_CALLS command is issued.

Interaction between host and PP

Host sends CB to PP

PP sends DB (2) + LRC to host

The two bytes of data are 16 bits, from the most significant bit to the least significant bit. These two bytes represent the number of calls that have been made on the phone. The last byte, or third byte, is an LRC.

RD_COMMAND_STATUS

At any point during the host's polling of the PP, the host can issue this command byte, CB, to determine the status of the last command sent. Even when ACKs and LRCs are used, this provides a general health check of the PP.

Interaction between host and PP

Host sends CB to PP + LRC

PP returns DB (2) + LRC to host

Data sent from PP

The DB byte sent from the phone can be used to diagnose internal problems that have occurred on the phone. If the last command and the current state of the phone are good, the DB should be 0x01. The rest of the byte values ​​can be left up to the manufacturer to decide what specific phone information can be returned using this byte.

RESET_CALLS_MEMORY

If DO_CALL_TRACKING has been enabled during a rental period, the phone will have been storing call data in 17-byte memory blocks per call. This command is used to clear the memory or simply to reset a pointer from memory to the call data.

Interaction between host and PP

The host sends a CB to the PP + LRC

The PP sends an ACK to the host

RESTRICT_ILLEGAL_CALLS

This feature allows the service provider to limit certain calling rights at the source; on the phone, based on a pattern of the phone number.

Interaction between host and PP

The host sends a CB + DB (63) + LRC to the PP

The PP sends an ACK to the host

<td>KL = Key length, digit count to use in the search KEY = Actual digits for search ODS = Offset from the end of the string of digits to search</td><td>1 byte 7 bytes 1 byte</td>

<td>Total:</td><td>9 bytes</td>

ES 2 224 971 T3

The total number of numbers to block is 7, which gives us 7 * 9 = 63 bytes of configuration data

ENABLE_ALL_CALLS

This command disables the call limiting feature. If this command has been issued to the phone, then operations 2.0 and 2.1 of the call limiting algorithm are executed. On the other hand, if RESTRICT_ILLEGAL_CALLS was issued to the phone with the configuration data, it would cause the phone to go into a call limiting mode.

Interaction between host and PP

Host sends CD to PP + LRC

PP sends ACK to host

RD_TELEPHONE_ESN

The host requests the ESN and the phone transmits the ESN to the host. The ESN or other identifying information of the phone is the invariable part of the NAM thanks to which a trace can be kept on the phones or the SIM components of the phones.

Interaction between host and PP

Host sends CD to PP

PP sends DB (x) + LRC to host

Data sent to host

The data that is sent to the host depends on the format that the manufacturer is using.

WR_NAM

Recording the NAM through the host provides some benefits, such as:

1. Faulty programming by employees, which results in poor service;

two. Fraud prevention because the phone can only be programmed by means of this order; thus, this deters an individual from simply stealing a rental phone and trying to obtain service in some way;

3. Phones that move safely and effectively from one place to another; Y

Four. No learning required at the rental / debit point to activate the phone.

The following is a general list of parameters that would need to be programmed into an analog cell phone:

- MIN, Mobile Identification Number

- SID, System Identification (side A is an odd number while side B is an even number)

- GIM, Identification / Group Identification Mark (typically 0-15)

- LUM, Local Use Mark (0 or 1)

- EX, Min Class (0 or 1)

- ACCOLC, Access overload class (0 + last digit of MIN

- LOCK. The user's lock code

- SS, System selection (A only, B only or AB / BA standard mode)

- ICPH, initial paging channel (334 B, 333 A)

ES 2 224 971 T3

Interaction between host and PP

Host sends CB + DB (X) + LRC to PP

PP sends ACK to host

Data sent to the PP

NAM data is somewhat normalized; however, each phone manufacturer usually has a built-in protocol to do just this.

RD_NAM

RD_NAM or read NAM works exactly the opposite of WR_NAM or write NAM. Likewise, these are typically already established at a telephone manufacturer.

Interaction between host and PP

Host sends CB to PP

PP sends DB (X) + LRC to host

WR_SCRATCH_PAD

This reusable "zone memory" is a memory segment that can be used by your system provider to store important information on your phone. This information can be credit information, rental information, or information removed from multiple sites. By having the ability to store a small amount of data on the phone, the system provider can open doors to many new features. This also gives the system vendor the ability to allow future software updates that can take advantage of this memory. Any size greater than or equal to 1Kb, 1024 bytes is suitable.

Interaction between host and PP

Host sends CB + DB (X) + LRC to PP

The PP sends an ACK to the host

RD_SCRATCH_PAD

This is precisely the opposite of WR_SCRATCH_PAD. By this command, the phone would send the content of the reusable zone memory to the host.

Interaction between host and PP

Host sends CB to PP

PP sends DB (X) + LRC to host

WR_LOCK_DATE

It creates the possibility of telling the phone that it must be taken out of service on a certain date.

Interaction between host and PP

Host sends CB + DB (3) + LRC to PP

The PP sends an ACK to the host

Data sent to the PP

The format of the date data is slightly different because it does not contain time information and it contains year information. The BCD format is YYMMDD (YYMMDD).

Example of July 1968 would be 680721

ES 2 224 971 T3

RD_LOCK_DATE

It is just the opposite of WR_LOCK_DATE. It is used to verify or find that the current block date is in the phone.

Interaction between host and PP

Host sends CB to PP

PP sends DB (3) + LRC to host

Data sent to the PP

The DB (3) data consists of the date in the format described in WR_LOCK_DATE.

REGISTRATION

This REGISTRATION command acts as a security feature for the phone manufacturer and system vendor. Before any host-PP interaction can occur, the PP must first send this command, followed by the passkey. From that point on, any order issued must be operational. If this command has not been issued, then the PP should not respond to any of the host's commands.

Interaction between host and PP

Host sends CB + DB (16) + LRC to PP

PP sends DB (16) + LRC to host

Data sent to the PP

The passkey for data can be a default passkey chosen by the system provider

Data sent to host

The data is then returned as an echo to the host. This helps to show the relationship between the system provider and a customer, such as a telephone salesperson.

WR_CONF_DATA

This is the configuration structure that contains all the parameters necessary to provide a debit service. This data includes items such as dialing information, configuration related and other information, including the complex billing algorithm that enables internal accounting in the telephone unit. Once this data is in place and the DO_DEBIT_MODE command is issued, the phone will begin to use this information to handle all call charges.

RF_CONF_DATA

This command will read again the configuration data that was recorded by WR_CONF_DATA.

Interaction between host and PP

The host sends a CB to the PP

PP sends DB (X) + LRC to PP

Data from the phone

This data (DB (X)) represents the size of the data structure described in WR_CONF_DATA. It may vary depending on the practical execution and the limitations imposed on the phone. Following the data, an LRC should appear.

WR_DOLLAR_AMOUNT

This order is used to update the current money limit of the phone. As this is a single order, there is still a high risk of fraud. Thus, you have an extra bit of data that helps prevent built-in fraud.

ES 2 224 971 T3

Interaction between host and PP

Host sends CB + license number + LRC to PP

The PP sends an ACK to the host

Data sent to the phone

The host will send a CB and then a valid license number followed by an LRC. This license number is the same license number that is transmitted by radio ”to the telephone or entered manually through the keyboard.

RD_DOLLAR_AMOUNT

This order returns the amount of money currently available on the phone.

Interaction between host and PP

The host sends a CB to the PP

PP sends DB (2) + LRC to host

Data sent to host

The DB (2) data in the two money data bytes with the most significant bit first and the least significant bit last.

Example

DB (2) = 00 02 would be translated by the value 2.

DO_CALL_TRACKING

This command activates the call tracking feature. If the phone is in call tracking mode, it will save, see RD_PHONE_CALLS command, all calls made so that they can be used to bill the user at a later time.

Interaction between host and PP

The host sends a CB to the PP

The PP sends an ACK to the host

NO_CALL_TRACKING

This command disables the call tracking feature. This is useful when the telephone supplier wishes to take a telephone out of service for long or indefinite periods of time. This order could be used to adjust debit phones at the factory or distribution center so that they are ready for retail sale.

Interaction between host and PP

The host sends a CB to the PP

The PP sends an ACK to the host

DO_DEBIT_MODE

This command tells the phone to start processing and using the data from the WR_CONF_DATA and the WR_DOLLAR_AMOUNT. When this mode is active, the phone begins to monitor each phone call, deducting money as the phone is used. Based on the configuration data supplied by WR_CONF_DATA, the phone would reduce the value of WR_DOLLAR_AMOUNT every minute of phone use.

Interaction between host and PP

The host sends a CB to the PP

The PP sends an ACK to the host

ES 2 224 971 T3

NO_DEBIT_MODE

This order tells the phone not to process the debits. Most likely it will be used whenever a customer wants to follow a user's calls on a recurring pass, such as in a rental situation. Also in this case, if call tracking is enabled and this command is issued, calls are only tracked and the phone should be locked when memory is full.

Interaction between host and PP

The host sends a CB to the PP

The PP sends an ACK to the host

ENABLE_AIR_ACTIVATION

The reason for providing the ENABLE_AIR_ACTIVATION and DISABLE_AIR_ACTIVATION commands is for use by the customer who does not want radio debit activation for their customer users. By disabling radio activation, the customer has less freedom to commit fraud. This feature could also be used to create a value-added phone or different models of the same phone, etc.

Interaction between host and PP

The host sends a CB to the PP

The PP sends an ACK to the host

DISABLE_AIR_ACTIVATION

When this command is sent to the phone, the phone will stop accepting debit updates using DTMF tones. The only way a phone could receive an update, then, would be through the keypad or via a self-service transaction station.

Interaction between host and PP

The host sends a CB to the PP

The PP sends an ACK to the host

When the previous set of commands has been incorporated to establish the interconnection protocol between the host, in this case the central processing unit 14, and the PP, in this case the mobile phone unit 30, it is programmed to respond to the host. and to limited orders from the user, as noted. The set of commands allows to establish a dialogue for communication between the central control unit or its substitute and the telephone unit.

When the WR_CONF_DATA command is executed, the phone unit is loaded with the necessary code and data, including the complex billing algorithm to allow the phone unit to function as a debit phone by entering and executing the DO_DEBIT_MODE command.

The complex billing algorithm brings together the multiple variables of a phone call from a mobile phone into a billing equation that reflects, virtually, the factors considered by the providers of the public switched network and the wireless service providers involved (of which may have more than one involved in a single call). The resulting charge per call accurately approximates the sum of the actual charges that will be billed by the providers involved, allowing instant calculation of charges. Naturally, any errors are scheduled to be resolved in favor of the accounting system provider, with a view to minimizing eventual default billing. By incorporating a rate table in the telephone unit 30, dialogue with the system provider, which may be a separate entity from the wireless service provider, is therefore avoided. Since the rate table used by the complex billing algorithm can be changed at any time, the mobile phone system of this invention provides a radio update of the internal rate table in each telephone unit, when the system provider proceeds to your initiation. Each telephone unit can be scrutinized and updated by the system provider during off-hours. Preferably, the updated rate table is encoded when the user requests an increase in the internal bill on the phone.

In the description of the complex billing algorithm, the acronyms from Table III are used.

ES 2 224 971 T3

TABLE III

<td>Acronyms</td><td></td><td></td>

<td>BIT</td><td>1 data bit</td><td>(Used as a trademark)</td>

<td>BYTE</td><td>8 bit unsigned type</td><td>(As an unsigned character in C language)</td>

<td>INT</td><td>16 bit unsigned type</td><td>(Like a short unsigned int. In C language)</td>

<td>BYTE (no.)</td><td>It is a number of bytes</td><td>(Like a buffer)</td>

<td>DECIMAL</td><td>Up to 32 bits</td><td>(Like a floating point in C / just a decimal number)</td>

<td>RECORD</td><td>A collection of the above types</td><td></td>

The configuration structure of the call log that allows setting the billing data for the calculation of charges, is established in TABLE IV

TABLE IV

<td colspan="2">REGISTRATION of configuration data</td>

<td colspan="2">// This data will tell the phone how to bill calls in any country in the world</td>

<td>BYTE</td><td>Maximum number of digits for internationals</td>

<td>BYTE</td><td>Minimum number of digits for internationals</td>

<td>BYTE</td><td>Maximum number of digits for long distance</td>

<td>BYTE</td><td>Minimum number of digits for long distance</td>

<td>BYTE</td><td>Maximum number of digits for premises</td>

<td>BYTE</td><td>Minimum number of digits for premises</td>

<td>BYTE (7)</td><td>International access code</td>

<td>BYTE (7)</td><td>Long distance access code</td>

ES 2 224 971 T3

TABLE IV (continued)

<td>BYTE BYTE (7)</td><td>Is the long distance access code always necessary? Prefix third party / Operator / Digits of the calling card</td>

<td colspan="2">// Locator information</td>

<td>INT [5] INT [5]</td><td>5 local phone SIDs (provide continuous roaming etc ...) 5 Telephone local area codes (provide calculation capability in congested areas</td>

<td colspan="2">// Rate information</td>

<td>DECIMAL</td><td>Base access for minute charge (applicable to all calls)</td>

<td>DECIMAL</td><td>Additional per minute charges for long distance</td>

<td>DECIMAL</td><td>Additional per minute charges for internationals</td>

<td>DECIMAL</td><td>Additional charges per day for roaming</td>

<td>DECIMAL</td><td>Additional per minute charges for roaming</td>

<td>DECIMAL</td><td>Additional charges for operator assistance, calling cards or third party billing or call surcharge for call content</td>

<td colspan="2">//Other information</td>

<td>BYTE</td><td>Base billing delay</td>

<td>BYTE [3]</td><td>The YYMMDD the phone will lock and display DATE LOCKED</td>

<td>BYTE [7]</td><td>Unbilled area code (expanded to treat long distance with 7 digits for third world)</td>

<td>BYTE [3]</td><td>The YYMMDD is the last day of roaming for this phone</td>

<td>BYTE [5] [11]</td><td>A block of 5 phone numbers for toll-free calls (for example, 911 and any others defined by the user)</td>

<td>INT [20]</td><td>A block of 20 random numbers [1000-9999] if they have value for decoding the license number</td>

The configuration data for the above record fields is explained as follows:

- Maximum number of digits for international calls - This is the maximum length of a country code, for a country. For example, the US country code is 1 while that of Venezuela is 58. If these were the only ones two countries in the world, then the maximum number of digits for international calls would be 2. This is not the case and typically its value will be set to 3 or 5, depending on billing demand.

- Minimum number of digits for international calls - This is the minimum length of a country code. In almost all cases, it will be set to 1.

- Maximum number of digits for long distance calls - This is the maximum length of a population area code. It varies a lot in third world countries. In the US it will always be set to 3 because all area codes have a length of 3. However, area codes for some countries range from 1 digit to 5 or more digits.

- Minimum number of digits for long distance calls - This is exactly the opposite of the maximum number of digits for long distance calls. Also, in this case, for the US it will always be set to 3 but it will be variable outside the US.

- Maximum number of digits for local calls - This is the maximum length in digits required

ES 2 224 971 T3 to call a local number. In this case, in the US it is set at 7. However, it varies greatly in other countries.

- Minimum number of digits for local calls - This is the minimum length in digits required to make a local call. It varies a lot even within the US It can be used to create different billing purposes. However, due to the reach of the debit phone, it will most likely always be set to 0 or set to 0 for the US only (0 would count an incoming call).

- Access code for international calls - It is the required prefix that must be dialed to make an international call with direct dialing. From the USA a customer would dial 011 + country code + town / area code + local digits in order to make an international call. This varies greatly from country to country. A length of 7 in the above description gives the system provider the ability to serve places such as the Caribbean. There you need a standard 7-digit number as a prefix. (This is just an example from a place in the Caribbean).

- Access code for long distance calls - It is the digit or digits that a user has to dial in order to make a long distance call. From the US, the user would dial “1+”, which is sometimes referred to as dialing “one more”. In other countries, it ranges from a simple 0 to a few longer digits, for example 108 for the Philippines.

- Access code is required to call long distance - In some cellular systems, it is not necessary to dial the access code to call long distance. For example, in San Francisco (USA), if you wanted to call Utah Information (USA) it would be necessary to dial 801-555-1212, the same result would be obtained by dialing 1-801-555-1212. If the access code is required to call long distance, this will improve the accuracy of the billing algorithm.

- Prefix for third parties / Operator / Calling card - This is, essentially, the digit that must be dialed to connect with the operator. In the US, the digit to dial to speak to the operator is 0. Likewise, it is the digit required to make a collect or credit card call.

- Billing delay - After X seconds, billing will begin. As the phone does not know exactly when the call has been connected, it is necessary to get an approximation of the moment of connection. If the call takes less than these X seconds, then the user is not billed for the call. However, if the call takes X seconds, then the user will be billed from the time they pressed SND until END or until the call is dropped.

- Home SID - It is the identification of the cellular system to which this phone is assigned.

- Domestic area code - This is the area code of the cell phone number or MIN, Mobile Identification Number.

- Charge per minute for easy access - This charge is added to every phone call made. This is the base rate for the phone call. The only way this rate would not add up would be if the Call Delay had not been reached.

- Additional charge per minute for long distance calls - This charge is added to the Base Access rate when the call that is made is classified as a long distance call.

- Additional charge per minute for international calls - This rate is added to the Base Access rate when the call that is made is classified as an international call.

- Daily Roaming Additional Charge - This charge is added to the Base Access charge when the call is a roaming call and this charge has not yet been applied for the day.

- Roaming Surcharge Per Minute - This rate is added to the Base Access rate and possibly the daily roaming surcharge when the call is a roaming call.

- Additional charge for operator assistance - This charge is added to the Base Access charge when the call is initiated with the third party / Operator prefix digit (s) or is considered a surcharge for call connections identified as call transmission calls. data or similar.

- Lock date - This is the date the phone will stop working. The phone will display "DATE ​​LOCKED" and can no longer be used until reprogrammed via the host or a license number.

- Unbilled area code - This is a number or area code to be billed to. Would fix

ES 2 224 971 T3 at 800 for the US (NOTE: only the long distance portion of the charge is no longer billed).

- Last day the phone is roaming - Used to save the end date until the user was billed for roaming per day. If a call is made while roaming and the date of the day is not the same as the last day the phone was roaming, then the daily roaming charge would apply.

- Unbilled Numbers - This is a block of at least 5 11-digit numbers that provides flexibility not to bill certain phone numbers that are called. Numbers such as 911 or other special numbers such as * 18 for roaming. Similarly, even if the phone is locked or lacks balance, any of the unbilled numbers can be dialed. Thus, if the user's phone runs out of balance in debit mode, the user can use that phone to call an unbilled number, such as customer support, to increase their credit on the phone.

- Random number block - This is a block of numbers ranging from 1000 to 9999, used to decode license numbers.

The complex basic billing algorithm calculates call charges for the basic categories of local calls, long distance calls, international calls, and roaming calls. As the algorithm allows categories to be combined, the types of calls are a complex of factors, for example an incoming long distance roaming call. The algorithm is easily expanded to handle other categories, for example calls for data transmission, for which discounts or surcharges may apply.

When classifying a call, the following factors are considered, covering virtually all situations.

- Local call - If the number of digits of the calling number is less than or equal to the maximum number of digits for a local call and is greater than or equal to the minimum number of digits for a local call, then it is a local call

- Long distance call - First of all, long distance calls are the most difficult to classify because there are so many possibilities. However, this can be fixed with a few tests.

If the number begins with the long distance access code, then the number of digits in the long distance access code is subtracted from the number of digits in the call (for example, if you dial 1-510-838-2400, the length is 11-1 = 10)

If the newly calculated number of digits of the calling number is less than or equal to (maximum number of digits for local call + maximum number of digits for long distance) and is greater than or equal to (minimum number of digits for local call + minimum number digits for long distance), then:

If the call does not start with the long distance access code and the content of the mark that means the long distance access code is needed is “YES”, then this call is not an actual long distance call. (This is useful in the third world).

The following special cases are considered:

- Is it a roaming call?

If the SID where the phone is when the call is made is not equal to any of the 5 home SIDs, then the call is roaming.

- Calls assisted by operator / with third party prefix

If a call begins with the third party prefix, then it should not be billed.

- Delay for billing

If a call lasts in seconds less than the billing delay, then the call should not be billed.

- Lock by date

If today's date is equal to or greater than the current lock date, the phone should lock and display “DATE - LOCKED”.

ES 2 224 971 T3

The following examples provide an overview of how calls are calculated:

M =

L =

LD =

IT =

RD =

RM =

Local =

Long distance =

International =

Incoming call =

Local call when roaming =

Long distance call when roaming =

International call while roaming =

Call duration in minutes

Charge per minute for local call

Charge per minute for long distance

Charge per minute for international call

Charge per day for roaming

Charge per minute for roaming

M * L

M * (L + LD)

M * (L + IT)

M * L

M * (L + RM) + RD (if RD has not been applied on the day) M * (L + RM + LD) + RD (if RD has not been applied on the day) M * (L + RM + IT ) + RD (if RD has not been applied on the day)

Once the call has been classified, as soon as possible after pressing SND, the charges described above need to be followed on a minute-by-minute basis. One reason for this could be that if a user interrupted the call or the call ended unexpectedly, the system provider would like to be able to bill the call by applying a duration as close as possible to the number of minutes that the user actually had a conversation. . The phone updates the amount to be debited every minute during a call. Thus, for a local call, the minute-by-minute calculation could be as follows:

Total charge = Total charge + L

The user must be notified, by means of a tone or a set of tones in the earpiece and on the telephone screen or by means of warning lights, if the time of use that remains, with the regime of use that maintains, is less than 5 minutes.

The mobile telephone system of this invention allows radio activation and dialogue with the telephone unit 30 using DTMF signals and the possibility of paging a mobile telephone with a receiving decoder. The currently allowable balance in the internal account of the telephone unit can then be updated by radio. During the DTMF dialogue between the central processing unit of the system provider and the user's phone, the encrypted license number of the user's phone is transmitted and verified. The user's account is checked to determine if the upgrade is guaranteed or is flagged as a credit risk. The upgrade amount is encrypted and encoded with the encrypted license number and transmitted to the user along with any rate updates.

When the user depletes the balance of the internal account of the telephone unit 30, the telephone unit locks and the display screen 33 shows "EMPTY - LOCKED".

Similarly, when the period of use expires, the telephone unit 30 locks and the display screen 33 shows "DATE ​​- LOCKED", and goes into paging mode.

It should be understood that not all issues related to data security have been considered in this document and that the security measures to be incorporated depend on the environment of use and the position of the system provider in the service network. Updates are specific to the phone and are verified internally by the phone using parameters unique to the phone unit. License numbers, after verification, are not saved or disclosed to the user except in encrypted form.

The mobile phone system of this invention provides substantial flexibility by virtue of the features described. Phone vendors can sell and activate phones in the store without the need for special equipment. Additionally, internally counted phones allow prepayment of services, and call usage charges allow the retailer to judge credit or sell cash regardless of the service provider. In addition, the task of the system provider can be assumed by the vendor, the service provider, or an independent entity that assumes the risk or that only allows prepaid cash transactions.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been explained above in considerable detail for the purpose of providing a complete discussion of the invention, it may be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous changes can be made to such details, without departing from hence the invention.