Method for ordering a telecommunication service using an electronic address

The present invention relates to a method according to claim 1 and a system according to claim 27 that enables a user of a telecommunications terminal for a telecommunications network to access a telecommunications service using an electronic address.

Many telecommunications services require you to enter an electronic address. To make a phone connection, you have to enter a phone number, and to send an email, you have to type in the recipient's address. Access to web pages is also possible by URL address.

Remembering an electronic address and typing that address can be a tedious and error-prone task. In most cases, the required addresses are stored in local or remote directories, such as memory areas for phone numbers and email addresses, or bookmark management programs for URLs.

However, the new address must be written in the directory before it can be used. There are many known methods for automatically reading a new address and storing it in a directory. For example, a barcode scanner that can read and process an electronic address printed as a barcode is known. However, barcodes are distributed relatively sparsely for addresses, limiting the maximum possible length of addresses that can be read by a normal barcode scanner. For example, long URLs are difficult to use as barcodes.

Scanners are also known that can scan business cards, automatically convert them to text, and store the recognized data in a database. However, text scanners with such text recognition programs are relatively expensive and difficult to carry. In particular, text recognition by Optical Character Recognition (OCR) is error-prone and requires a lot of storage space and computing power.

Also, systems that store electronic addresses within a chip that is read via a non-contact interface have already been recommended. However, such systems have the disadvantage that it is difficult to update the stored address using an RFID writer, which is possible only if the chip is rewritable. The storage capacity of the chip is limited, unable can save the address consisting of more bits than the maximum number expected not. If the address changes, all previously distributed chips must be replaced or renewed.

According to Patent Document 1, a so-called ID card, which can also be realized as an RFID component, is well known. Images of users (for example, students) are stored on these cards.

Patent Document 2 relates to a method of reading an identification code using a user's telecommunication terminal and selecting a telephone number directly or after referencing a database.

In the embodiment according to Patent Document 3, the RFID tag is read and the received information is used to access a web page, a mailbox, or the like.<patcit num="1"><text>European Patent Publication No. 1054335</text></patcit><patcit num="2"><text>U.S. Pat. No. 6,611,673</text></patcit><patcit num="3"><text>International Patent Publication No. 03/107146</text></patcit>

<p> An object of the present invention is to propose a new method and system capable of solving the above-mentioned problems more efficiently.</p><p> In particular, an object of the present invention is to propose a new method and system that enables a user of a telecommunications network to access a telecommunications service using a telecommunications terminal and an electronic address. Services that can be provided include, for example, establishing a connection with a specified address, storing an electronic address in a directory, and filling the amount of money from an account related to a SIM card (a prepaid card that can be replenished multiple times). Or value storage card), blocking of each unblocking function in mobile terminals or mobile wireless networks, payment transactions by electronic address, etc.</p><p> Also, an object of the present invention is to propose new methods and systems that enable more efficient distribution, updating, reading and use of electronic addresses.</p><p> Another object of the present invention is to propose new methods and systems that allow users to use addresses regardless of the telecommunications system they are logged in to.</p>

<p> These challenges are, in particular, methods that allow telecommunications users to access telecommunications services using telecommunications terminals and electronic addresses. A measure in which a telecommunications user uses an RFID reader device to read out an electronic code stored in an RFID component. Measures to transmit the electronic code to the name service server via the telecommunications network, Measures to allow the name service server to return the electronic page address of the page corresponding to the code and extract the electronic address from that page. Measures to provide the desired electronic address to the telecommunications terminal, Measures that access the telecommunications service and the telecommunications service involves a payment transaction by the entity assigned the electronic address. Is achieved by the method of having.</p><p> This method has the advantage that the electronic address used is automatically transferred to the telecommunications terminal.</p><p> Also, this method does not store the electronic address used within the RFID component, but makes it easy, for example, by the owner of that address at any time, even after the RFID component has been distributed. It has the advantage that it is stored on a page that can be updated.</p><p> Further, in this method, the page address itself of the page for extracting the desired electronic address is determined by the name service server, so that it can be easily changed without notifying the user of the RFID component. It has the advantage of. This allows, for example, this page to be served on different servers.</p><p> The page address of this page corresponds to the code loaded from the RFID component. The association between the code and the electronic page address is registered with the name service server, not statically. This has the advantage that the page address can be changed at any time and can be easily tracked. This also has the advantage of being a general-purpose system that can order services from each mobile device on each network with a single address of the server.</p><p> Further, the method according to the invention has the advantage that the telecommunications service can be accessed as soon as the electronic address of the telecommunications terminal is obtained. Therefore, RFID reader devices can be used to immediately determine electronic addresses and use them to access services without the intervention of the user in some cases.</p><p> By this method, it is possible to prove that the user, for example, the mobile subscriber, owns an RFID component capable of transferring the address of the desired service. RFID components control the distribution of electronic addresses and therefore access to services because they are difficult to copy and electronic addresses are sometimes only available on downloadable pages. It can, which also improves security.</p><p> RFID components can be incorporated into products, such as tags that can be combined with business cards (but not limited to). Therefore, by reading the code in the tag, it is possible to determine the phone number or email address of the person responsible for product support at that time and automatically establish a connection with that person. Become.</p>

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a system used by a user (mobile user) to order a service based on the method according to the invention. The mobile device 3 (eg, a PDA with an interface to a mobile wireless phone or a cellular mobile network) sends short messages (eg, SMS or USSD) and data (eg, IP packets) to the mobile network 4 It can be received from and transmitted to the network. The mobile radio network 4 is a network capable of transmitting data, for example, a GSM, GPRS, HSCSD, EDGE, UMTS or CDMA network. The mobile device 3 has an identification module (for example, a SIM card 30) for identifying the device via the network 4. The processor in the mobile device 3 and / or the SIM card 30 can execute one or more software applications.

The mobile device 3 also has an RFID reader device 2 or (eg, USB, Firewire, PC card, CompactFlash).^(R), Dedicated or other connection method, or connected with such reader device (by Bluetooth or WLAN non-contact connection method). The reader device 2 has a microcontroller and at least one antenna or coil for exchanging data with nearby RFID components. Data transmission is preferably carried out in one or more frequency bands of 13.56 MHz, 900 MHz and 860 to 930 MHz. The leader portion can preferably be selected to operate in different frequency bands and with different RFIDs. The operating range for reading the RFID depends on the orientation of the reader portion and the tag, and is preferably 2 to 10 meters. The connection is preferably made in half-duplex mode with ASK backscatter modulation.

The RFID component 1 has a chip 10 with an indelible fixed storage area for storing the code 100 during chip manufacturing or personalization. This code uniquely identifies each particular product, preferably each product has a separate code. However, the same code 100 can be assigned to several products if the purpose is to indicate that they are one series of products.

Preferably, the code cannot be tampered with. A code generator (eg, a network operator) maintains a table marked with valid, used, or expired code.

Code 100 preferably has 64, 96 or more bits and is hierarchically configured. The RFID component 10 response 1000 to the query from the reader device 2 preferably has only the header 1001, the redundant verification data 1002, and then the code 100 (FIG. 2). Other data is stored in the storage area of the chip 10 and can be read by the reader portion.

Code 100 is preferably distributed by a common certification body to different product manufacturers, mobile wireless network providers and value-added service providers, with some of Code 100 preferably purchasing a value storage card 1. Represents the identifier of the service provider (for example, the identifier of the mobile wireless network operator). A service provider who wants to provide a service to a user secures a series of codes from a common certification body, and then stores a part of those codes in the RFID component 1 to be distributed.

In the mobile device 3, at least one application for reading the code 100 of the neighboring RFID component 1 via the reader device 2 and transmitting this code by the mobile wireless network 4 is deployed. The reading of the code is preferably initiated by the mobile device 3 and / or the reader device 2, for example, the mobile device continuously or periodically searches for nearby RFID components and finds RFID components. It is possible to read, process, or transfer the code within 1. In another low current embodiment, the read is initiated by the user of mobile device 3 and / or reader device 2, and if the user wants to read RFID component 1, does the user launch the corresponding application? Or enter a command. Reading RFID component 1 using mobile device 3 or other device is, within a short range, via an interface (eg, Bluetooth or WLAN), via mobile wireless network 4, or the WEB being accessed. Alternatively, it can be started by an external device (eg, a selling point or an automated machine) via a link on the WAP page.

A simple filter and processing means can be deployed as part of the application on both or one of the mobile device 3 and the reader device 2 to process the read code 100. The application can, for example, process and transfer only certain parts of the code. Redundancy checks can also be deployed to remove code that is not or contains errors. Previously used code is preferably stored in the mobile device 3 database for future control, static evaluation and backup.

The application can also require a password or other authentication before reading or transferring the code. For example, the password can be printed on a hidden portion of the product, eg, a prepaid or value-preserving card that can be replenished multiple times, or sent to the mobile user via another channel. Password verification can prevent, for example, an unauthorized third party from reading and using the code of another person's product using an appropriate reader device.

In one embodiment, the password forms part of code 100 or can be obtained from this code using a function. The password can be obtained, for example, from the signature of the code, which can be verified using a public key. In this case, if an unauthorized third party knows the corresponding function or private signing key, the password can be obtained only from the code. This embodiment has the advantage that the application can verify the validity of the password based solely on the code.

In another embodiment, the validity of the password is verified based on the SIM card 30, the mobile device 3 or a table in an external server.

In yet another embodiment, the password is stored in RFID component 1 and is verified by RFID component 1. However, this embodiment requires expensive RFID components that can also store, receive and compare passwords.

The application in the mobile device 3 can further process the code to request user confirmation before ordering the desired service. This confirmation can be input, for example, by a keyboard of a mobile device, a PDA, other input means, or a voice command.

If the password is correct and a confirmation is received, the read code 100 is bundled into a service order message (eg, a short message, preferably a GPRS or UMTS packet) over the mobile network 4. , A well-known address, is sent to a server 5, preferably a server in the infrastructure of the mobile wireless network 4. This service order message is optionally time stamped or set by the mobile device 3 or the SIM card 30.

Server 5 manages coded service order messages received from some, or in some cases, all RFID readers 2. Other more complex filters can be deployed on Server 5 to treat code from different areas differently or not at all.

Server 5 can also request a password to process the code, which, like mobile devices, can be derived from the code itself or verified based on a table. This password is transmitted to server 5 in a single message, for example, together with code 100.

Server 5 can also verify the identity verification of the user. This is even more reliable if the server 5 is managed by the operator of the mobile wireless network 4. In this case, the identity verification of the mobile user can be reliably determined based on the IMSI (International Mobile Telephone Subscriber Identification Number) or other identifier in the SIM card 30. Certain services are only available to certain users (eg, mobile users who are subscribed to the corresponding service, have sufficient balance in their monetary account, or are able to service their profile). Provided.

If the password is incorrect or otherwise unable to provide the desired service, a message is preferably sent to the user (eg, via SMS, USSD or the Internet). After several unsuccessful attempts, further attempts can be definitively or temporarily blocked for security reasons. With this technique, it is possible to prevent the user from hitting a valid code while repeating the trial.

The server 5 is connected to the name service server 6 that stores the electronic address of the electronic page corresponding to each code via the Internet or an intranet.

Server 5 forwards the received query 50 with code 100 to name service server 6, which responds with the corresponding electronic address (response 60). The electronic address consists of, for example, a URL or other address related to the TCP-IP network.

The name service server 6 is managed by the operator of server 5 and / or an external organization (eg, an institution that distributes code 100 to different companies). Several name service servers can be interconnected to search for another name service server if the desired address is not found in server 6. This also allows, for example, a mobile wireless network operator to process the code of another institution. A local cache of external name services can also be deployed within the domain of Server 5 or Server 5.

Therefore, the user of the mobile device 3 always sends all the codes 100 of all the service providers to the same target server 5, and this server is the network of the name service server 6 or the name service server 6. Therefore, it is possible to determine the base page address for receiving the desired service. Therefore, the processing of the service order message depends only on the code in the message. Therefore, the same service can be provided by similar messages that reach different servers 5 of several service providers.

The association between code 100 and the page address within Name Service Server 6 is preferably at any time (eg, by a dedicated web form) by the owner of the page address, eg, the manufacturer of the product with the RFID component. It can be fixed. This makes it possible to change the electronic address of a page or domain without notifying the end user.

Therefore, only one page address of the desired page can be uniquely found based on the 64- or 96-bit code stored in RFID component 1, so the page to be accessed is on server 5. It will be completely independent of the address or phone number. Many products have to be marked, and for security reasons not all code can be used, so the code must have enough bits to use freely, and so many For example, a single IP number is probably not enough, as the possible combinations of are already assigned. Preferably, other independent page addressing schemes are also used.

Server 5 receives response 60 with the desired page address from name service server 6 and accesses server 7 or the corresponding page in the network with some local or remote servers (query in Figure 1). 51 and response 70).

In one embodiment, the desired page address is obtained by combining the address specified by the name service server 6 with one or more bits in code 100. In this case, the address of the name service server 6 corresponds to one area, and each page in that area corresponds to a certain part of the code. This has the advantage that the name service server 6 can be configured more easily.

In one embodiment, the page in server 7 accessed by server 5 contains only the field of the desired electronic address sent to the mobile device 3.

In a preferred embodiment, the page in server 7 contains hypertext content in a markup language. In one embodiment, the page is composed of XML (extended markup language) content. In another embodiment, the page comprises PML (Object Information Markup Language) content. At least one field indicated by the markup tag of the page has a desired address, and the page can have several addresses of one or more fields with tags.

Server 5 and ultimately mobile equipment 3 can also support SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol), .NET frameworks or other web services to allow access to desired data and objects. In this case, the data and objects that can be acquired by these web services include one desired electronic address or a plurality of desired electronic addresses.

Server 7 pages can also contain remotely downloadable computer objects containing data and their corresponding program elements. In this case, the code available within the object contains one or more desired electronic addresses. The mobile device 3 can execute program elements to manage these electronic addresses. The program element can, for example, execute an interactive program element that allows one of several presented electronic addresses or communication channels to be selected. In a preferred embodiment, the program element is a JAVA that can be executed by a Symbian operating system.^(R)Includes applet or program parts.

The server 5 downloads the desired page from the server 7, accesses the desired content and / or a portion of the content, or both. The page representing the content is transmitted to the mobile device 3 via the mobile wireless communication network 4.

The mobile device 3 receives a page that can be downloaded from the server 7 by using one or more electronic addresses or an object containing the addresses. Then, for example, using an XML or PML browser or parser, or using a program or applet contained within the object, the electronic address is extracted from the page or object.

In the first embodiment, this address can be used to automatically use telecommunications services (without user intervention). For example, this electronic address is automatically saved in the address directory of the mobile device 3 or SIM card 30, or the connection between the terminal 9 and this target address is automatically established via the telecommunication network 8. It is possible to do or both. Depending on the address type, the telecommunications network 8 can be a switched network, such as a mobile or fixed voice or data network, such as a cellular mobile communication network or the Internet.

The connection preferably depends on the address type, and if the address corresponds to a telephone number, the telephone connection is established automatically or after confirmation. If this address corresponds to an email address, for example, standard content (downloaded from the Server 7 page) for automatically ordering goods or performing payment transactions using that address. In some cases an email will be prepared that can be included. The electronic address can also correspond to the URL of the WEB or WAP page for displaying the page using a suitable browser.

In another embodiment, it is possible to use the telecommunications service with the determined electronic address only after the intervention of the user. In the simplest case, user intervention consists only of confirmation based on a confirmation request message. In another embodiment, the user selects a certain communication channel, for example, to determine whether to establish a facsimile or telephone connection when it is not clear whether it consists of downloadable XML content. You are asked to do that. The user wants to use which address from several addresses of the same (or different) specific type that can be obtained on the page, which communication service he / she wants to call, and what content for that service. Alternatively, it is possible to specify which parameter to use.

Within the scope of the present invention, the electronic address transmitted to the mobile device 3 may also include an electronic key or certificate. This key can be used, for example, to provide an identifier for the user of mobile device 3, or to prove that the user owns a certain token (eg, closed). It can be used within the local network (via a non-contact interface in the area) or to terminate other services with remote devices.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which RFID component 1 is incorporated into a business card. This electronic business card can be read by the mobile device 3 to access a page on server 7 where all the parameters of RFID component 1 of the business card can be downloaded. By simply reading the RFID component 1, it is possible to make a telephone connection automatically by the number printed on the card.

Preferably, the desired address, which can be downloaded from the page on Server 7, is printed on the product, optionally with a display or logo. For example, placing a special logo next to a business card or phone number on the product allows the user to automatically dial that phone number by scanning and sending the code in chip 10 of the product. Can be made known to be possible.

The method according to the invention can be used in a form that has the advantage of more easily determining, downloading and using e-mail addresses, telephone numbers, fax numbers and / or web addresses relating to product support services. Code 100 of RFID component 1 individually indicates each individual product of a particular type, so it is possible to assign different electronic addresses to each user or purchaser of the same product. , The address can depend on purchase date, warranty period, acquisition date, support contract validity, user language, user profile, previous history and work of the product, etc. In addition, these electronic addresses are placed within a page of Server 7 that can be managed by the product manufacturer so that it can be changed at any time. Also, the server 7 page address can be modified at any time with a simple change on the name service server. In this way, the method according to the invention allows the user to determine and use the current individual electronic address of the responsible support staff.

<figref num="1">Block diagram of mobile equipment, RFID reader equipment and systems with RFID</figref><figref num="2">The structure of the message containing the code according to the present invention</figref><figref num="3">Business card with RFID components according to the invention</figref>

Code description

1 RFID component 10 chips 100 code 1000 replies 1001 header 1002 validation data 2 RFID reader device 3 Mobile equipment 4 Mobile wireless network 5 server 50 Inquiries 51 Inquiries 6 Name service server 60 replies 7 server 70 server 8 telecommunications network 9 terminals