JP2005012474A - Control device, control system, and control method - Google Patents

Abstract

A function of a mobile device in a communication stopped state is changed by remote control.
When communication permission / rejection information indicating permission / inhibition of communication via a mobile communication network 200 by a mobile device 100 is input to a service control device 400 in association with a communication address assigned to the mobile device 100, the service control device 400 If the communication permission / rejection information indicates that communication via the mobile communication network 200 by the mobile device 100 is not permitted, control information indicating that execution of the program is restricted according to the contents of the execution permission / rejection information is transmitted to the communication address. To do.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a technique for remotely controlling a mobile communication device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A mobile communication device such as a mobile phone (hereinafter referred to as a mobile device) is likely to be lost or stolen due to its portability. In this case, there is a risk of unauthorized use of the mobile device by a third party. For this reason, proposals have been made in the past to quickly stop communication with a terminal in the event of loss or theft (for example, Patent Document 1). From this point on, communication stop means that the mobile device stops calling and data communication with other communication devices outside the mobile communication network via the mobile communication network, and mobile communication such as base stations and switching stations. Communication with devices in the network is possible.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-78001
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In recent years, mobile devices having an environment capable of executing application programs have been put into practical use. As an example of the application program, there is a program for causing a mobile device to realize a credit function for performing payment. A mobile device equipped with this program is equipped with a short-range wireless communication device that enables communication using infrared rays, for example, and can communicate with a store terminal. The store terminal is connected to a credit company server device, and information related to payment is exchanged between the server and the mobile device via the store terminal.
[0005]
By the way, when the user loses the mobile device or is stolen, the user asks the communication carrier to set the mobile device in order to prevent unauthorized use of the mobile device by a third party who has picked up the mobile device. Communication can be stopped. Only communication using a communication service provided by a communication carrier is stopped by such communication stop work. That is, the use of short-range wireless communication or credit function is not prohibited. Therefore, even if the mobile device is in a communication stopped state, there is a possibility that the above-described credit function may be illegally used by a third party who has picked up the mobile device. Such unauthorized use is a situation that should be avoided because it leads to financial damage and leakage of personal information.
[0006]
As a method of avoiding such a situation, the mobile device is in a communication stop state after prohibiting the use of the short-range wireless communication or credit function of the mobile device by remote operation using a communication service provided by a communication carrier. Can be considered. However, in consideration of the fact that the effect of suspending communication due to loss or theft is reduced immediately, the above-mentioned method, which often has to be performed before the mobile device is suspended, is inappropriate. Again, it is desirable if the function of a mobile device in a communication stop state can be restricted by remote control.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that can remotely change the function of a mobile device in a communication stopped state.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides an execution means for executing a program, a storage means for storing execution permission / rejection information indicating permission / inhibition of execution of the program, and reception means for receiving information transferred from the mobile communication network. And each of a plurality of mobile communication devices provided with restriction means for restricting execution of the program according to the contents of the execution permission / inhibition information when the information received by the reception means represents restricting execution of the program, Input means for inputting communication permission / rejection information indicating permission / rejection of communication via the mobile communication network by the mobile communication device in association with a communication address assigned to the mobile communication device, and communication permission / rejection information input by the input means When indicating that communication via the mobile communication network by the mobile communication device is not permitted, according to the content of the execution permission / inhibition information, To provide a control device, characterized in that it comprises a transmitting means for transmitting the control information indicating that to restrict the rows in the communication address addressed.
[0009]
The present invention also includes an execution means for executing a program, a storage means for storing execution permission / inhibition information indicating permission / inhibition of execution of the program, a reception means for receiving information transferred from the mobile communication network, and a reception means for receiving the information. The mobile communication by the mobile communication device with respect to each of a plurality of mobile communication devices provided with restriction means for restricting the execution of the program according to the contents of the execution permission information when the information represents that the execution of the program is restricted Communication permission / rejection information indicating permission / rejection of communication via a network is stored in association with a communication address assigned to the mobile communication device, and the communication permission / rejection information stored by the storage means is transmitted via the mobile communication network by the mobile communication device. Control information indicating that the execution of the program is restricted according to the content of the execution permission / denial information When the control device that transmits to the communication address and the control information transmitted from the control device are received, the control information is transferred to the communication address, indicating that the mobile communication device has received the control information. If the control response is not received before a predetermined time elapses, the communication permission / rejection information is communicated by the mobile communication device via the mobile communication network when the signal transmitted from the mobile communication device is received. And a relay device that transfers the control information addressed to the communication address only when it represents that permission is not permitted.
[0010]
The present invention also includes an execution means for executing a program, a storage means for storing execution permission / inhibition information indicating permission / inhibition of execution of the program, a reception means for receiving information transferred from the mobile communication network, and a reception means for receiving the information. The mobile communication device with each of a plurality of mobile communication devices provided with restriction means for restricting the execution of the program according to the contents of the execution permission / refusal information when the information represents that the execution of the program is restricted. Provided is a control method characterized in that, when communication via a network is not permitted, control information indicating that execution of a program is restricted according to the contents of the execution permission / refusal information is transmitted to the communication address.
[0011]
When communication permission / rejection information indicating permission / rejection of communication via the mobile communication network by the mobile communication device is input to the control device in association with the communication address assigned to the mobile communication device, the control device receives the communication permission / rejection information from the mobile communication device. In the case of indicating that communication via the mobile communication network is not permitted, control information indicating that execution of the program is restricted is transmitted to the communication address in accordance with the contents of the execution permission / denial information.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, the remote control of the mobile device is referred to as “remote control”.
[0013]
(1. Configuration)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the entire system according to the embodiment of the present invention. The mobile device 100 can perform data communication through the mobile communication network 200 in addition to the normal mobile phone function. The mobile device 100 also has a function of downloading an application program through the mobile communication network 200, and stores the downloaded application program in the storage unit 101. The storage unit 101 is a rewritable nonvolatile memory. Mobile device 100 also includes short-range wireless communication device 102. The short-range wireless communication device 102 is a communication device capable of performing communication within a distance of about several meters using, for example, infrared rays or FM (Frequency Modulation) waves. Alternatively, a communication device that can perform communication according to a communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) may be used.
[0014]
A UIM (User Identification Module) 103 is an IC card having a rewritable storage module function. The subscriber number is stored in the UIM 103, and when the UIM 103 is attached to the mobile device 100, the mobile device 100 can communicate. In addition,
The “mobile communication device” described in the claims means “mobile device 100 on which UIM 103 is mounted”. Hereinafter, “mobile device 100” refers to “mobile device 100 on which UIM 103 is mounted”.
[0015]
The UIM 103 stores an execution permission / denial information table 104. When a content provider (hereinafter referred to as CP) that provides a content distribution service distributes an application program to the mobile device 100, execution permission / prohibition information of the program can be transmitted to the mobile device 100 together with the program. As a result, execution permission / rejection information is written to the execution permission / rejection information table 104. An example of the configuration of the execution permission / denial information is shown in FIG. The figure shows a plurality of pieces of execution permission / inhibition information. The execution permission / prohibition information includes an identification number (hereinafter referred to as APID) of an application program to be processed by the mobile device 100, processing contents that the mobile device 100 applies to the application program when the mobile device 100 is stopped in communication, the application It consists of an identification number (hereinafter referred to as CPID) of the CP providing the program. There are two types of processing contents that the mobile device 100 performs by remote control: “stop” and “device stop”. The CP can select any one of the above processing contents for one application program. “Stop” represents prohibiting the use of an application program. “Device stop” represents prohibiting the use of the short-range wireless communication device.
[0016]
The service control device (control device) 400, the management server 600, and the CP server 800 have the same configuration as that of a normal server device except for the points described below.
The CP server 800 is managed by the CP, has a storage unit 801, stores content in the storage unit 801, addresses the content stored in the storage unit 801 to the mobile device 100, and the Internet 700 and the mobile communication network 200. Send via. In the present embodiment, “content” refers to an application program that can be executed by the mobile device 100.
[0017]
The management server 600 is managed by a telecommunications carrier and stores customer information of mobile communication services provided by the telecommunications carrier. The management server 600 has a function of transferring information indicating that the mobile device 100 is to stop communication to the service control apparatus 400.
[0018]
The service control apparatus 400 causes the storage unit 401 to store the area where the mobile device 100 is located and the communication permission / prohibition information of the mobile device 100. The communication permission / denial information is information indicating whether or not the mobile device 100 is permitted to communicate via the mobile communication network 200, and the content thereof is either “permitted” or “not permitted”.
[0019]
When the service control apparatus 400 receives communication permission / rejection information indicating “not permitted” from the management server 600, the service control apparatus 400 stores this information in the storage unit 401, and further transmits control information indicating “not permitted” to the mobile device 100. To do. When receiving the control information indicating “non-permitted”, the mobile device 100 restricts the execution of the program according to the execution permission / denial information stored in the storage unit 104.
[0020]
In addition, when the service control apparatus 400 receives communication permission information indicating “permission” from the management server 600, the service control apparatus 400 stores this information in the storage unit 401 and further transmits control information indicating “permission” to the mobile device 100. To do. When receiving the control information indicating “permitted”, the mobile device 100 does not restrict the execution of the program.
[0021]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the relay server (relay device) 300. The ROM 302 stores a relay program, and the CPU 304 executes the relay program using the RAM 303 as a work area. The storage unit 305 is a rewritable nonvolatile memory such as a hard disk drive. Communication between the relay server 300 and the outside is performed via a communication interface (hereinafter, communication IF) 306.
[0022]
When the relay server 300 receives the control information transmitted from the service control device 400, the relay server 300 transfers this control information to the mobile device 100. Further, when receiving the location registration request transmitted from the mobile device 100, the relay server 300 transfers the location registration request to the service control device 400. When relay server 300 receives a call from mobile device 100, relay server 300 inquires service control device 400 for communication permission / prohibition information of mobile device 100. Only when the communication is permitted, the communication between the mobile device 100 and the communication partner is mediated. Note that the relay server 300 and the service control apparatus 400 may be an apparatus in which both are integrated.
[0023]
Although there are a plurality of mobile devices and CP servers, only one mobile device 100 and one CP server 800 are shown for simplicity.
[0024]
(2. Example of operation)
The operation of this embodiment will be described. It is assumed that execution permission / rejection information is input to the execution permission / rejection information table 104 as shown in FIG. 3 in accordance with a request from the CP. In the first record of the execution permission / denial information table 104, data indicating that the program having the APID A01 and the CPID C11 installed in the mobile device is prohibited is used. Data indicating that the installed APID is A02 and the CPID is C25 is started and use of the short-range wireless communication apparatus 102 is prohibited.
[0025]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed by the relay server 300 while the CPU 304 executes the relay program. When the relay server 300 receives the control information addressed to the mobile device 100 transmitted from the service control device 400, the relay server 300 stores the control information in the storage unit 305 and transfers it to the mobile device 100 (step F1). After transferring the control information, the relay server 300 determines whether a control response indicating that the mobile device 100 has received the control information has been received from the mobile device 100 (step F2). If the control response from the mobile device 100 cannot be received within a predetermined time, the relay server 300 determines whether or not the location registration request from the mobile device 100 has been received at regular time intervals (step F3). ). When the relay server 300 receives the location registration request from the mobile device 100, the relay server 300 transfers the location registration request to the service control device 400 and inquires the service control device 400 about the communication permission / inhibition information of the mobile device 100 (step F4). . When receiving the location registration response and the communication permission / rejection information from the service control apparatus 400, the relay server 300 determines whether the content represented by the communication permission / rejection information of the mobile device 100 is the same as the content represented by the control information stored in the storage unit 305. Is determined (step F5). When the content represented by the communication permission information of the mobile device 100 is the same as the content represented by the control information, the control information is transmitted to the mobile device 100 (step F6). When the content represented by the communication permission information of the mobile device 100 is different from the content represented by the control information, the control information is deleted from the storage unit 305, and the process is terminated.
[0026]
(2-1. Normal stop process)
FIG. 5 is a sequence chart showing the overall operation of the system according to the present embodiment. Here, an operation example in the case of stopping the communication of the mobile device 100 and prohibiting the use of the application program at the normal time, that is, when the mobile device 100 is in the communication range and the power is turned on. explain.
When the user applies to the communication carrier to stop the communication of the mobile device 100, the communication carrier associates the communication permission / rejection information indicating “non-permission” with the communication address assigned to the mobile device 100, and the management server 600. To enter. Then, the management server 600 transfers communication permission / denial information to the service control device 400 (step S11). When the service control device 400 receives the communication permission / rejection information transmitted from the management server 600, the service control device 400 stores the communication permission / rejection information in the storage unit 401, and sends control information indicating “not permitted” to the mobile device 100 via the relay server 300. (Steps S12 and S13). After receiving the control information, the mobile device 100 refers to the execution permission / rejection information table 104 and performs processing according to the execution permission / rejection information. When the process according to the execution permission / denial information is completed, the mobile device 100 transmits a control response to the service control device 400 (steps S14 and S15). The processing performed by the mobile device 100 in accordance with the execution permission / inhibition information is as follows.
[0027]
(2-1-1. Stop application program)
After the mobile device 100 receives the control information indicating “non-permitted”, when an input operation instructing execution of the application program is performed on the mobile device 100, the CPU 103 is written in the execution permission / denial information table 104. With reference to the execution permission / inhibition information, if the processing content of the program is “stop”, the execution of the program is stopped. According to the execution permission / denial information table 104 shown in FIG. 3, the program whose APID is A01 is to be stopped. Therefore, when an input operation instructing execution of the program is performed on the mobile device 100, The CPU 103 stops the execution of the program.
[0028]
(2-1-2. Stop of short-range wireless communication device)
After the mobile device 100 receives the control information indicating “not permitted”, the CPU 103 starts the program for an application program whose processing content is “device stop” (here, the program whose APID is A02). . This program is a program for transmitting and receiving data used by itself through communication using the short-range wireless communication device 102. After starting the program, the CPU 103 performs a stop process on the control program for controlling the short-range wireless communication apparatus 102 and ends the application program.
[0029]
(2-2. Normal resume processing)
Here, during normal operation, that is, when the mobile device 100 is in the communication area and the power is turned on, the communication of the mobile device 100 in the communication stopped state is permitted and the use of the application program is permitted. An example of the operation when doing this will be described. The operation of the entire system according to this operation example is the same as that shown in FIG.
When the user applies to the telecommunications carrier to cancel the communication suspension of the mobile device 100, the telecommunications carrier associates the communication permission / rejection information indicating “permission” with the communication address assigned to the mobile device 100, and the management server 600. To enter. Then, the management server 600 transfers communication permission / denial information to the service control device 400 (step S11). When the service control apparatus 400 receives the communication permission / rejection information transmitted from the management server 600, the service control apparatus 400 stores the communication permission / rejection information in the storage unit 401, and sends control information indicating “permission” to the mobile device 100 via the relay server 300. Transmit (steps S12 and S13). After receiving the control information, the mobile device 100 performs a process for permitting the execution of the program whose execution is restricted according to the execution permission / denial information. When the process according to the execution permission / denial information is completed, the mobile device 100 transmits a control response to the service control device 400 (steps S14 and S15). The processing performed by the mobile device 100 in accordance with the execution permission / inhibition information is as follows.
[0030]
(2-2-1. Resumption of application program)
After the mobile device 100 receives the control information indicating “permitted”, when an input operation for instructing the execution of the application program is performed on the mobile device 100, the CPU 103 permits the execution of the program.
[0031]
(2-2-2. Restart of short-range wireless communication device)
After the mobile device 100 receives control information indicating “permitted”, the CPU 103 activates the application program whose processing content is “device stop” (here, the program whose APID is A02), The stop process for the control program for controlling the short-range wireless communication apparatus 102 is canceled, and the application program is terminated.
[0032]
(2-3. Out of communication range or when power is turned off)
FIG. 6 is a sequence chart showing the operation of the entire system when the mobile device 100 is out of the communication range or is powered off. Steps S11 to S13 are common to normal times. When the mobile device 100 is out of the communication range or is powered off, the mobile device 100 cannot receive control information transmitted from the service control device 400 and therefore does not transmit a control response to the relay server 300. When the relay server 300 cannot receive a control response even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the relay server 300 determines whether or not a location registration request has been received from the mobile device 100 at regular time intervals.
[0033]
The mobile device 100 transmits a location registration request by returning to the communication range or turning on the power (step S24). The relay server 300 that has received the location registration request transmitted by the mobile device 100 transfers the location registration request to the service control device 400 (step S25). At this time, the service control device 400 is inquired of the communication permission / prohibition information of the mobile device 100 together with the location registration request. Upon receiving the location registration request, service control device 400 performs location registration of mobile device 100 and transmits a location registration response to relay server 300 (step S26). At this time, the service control apparatus 400 transmits the communication permission / prohibition information of the mobile device 100 to the relay server 300 together with the location registration response. When receiving the location registration response and the communication permission / rejection information from the service control apparatus 400, the relay server 300 determines whether the content represented by the communication permission / rejection information of the mobile device 100 is the same as the content represented by the control information stored in the storage unit 305. Determine. When the content represented by the communication permission / denial information is the same as the content represented by the control information, the control information is transmitted to the mobile device 100 (step S27). Processing after transmission of control information to the mobile device 100 is the same as that in normal times. When the content represented by the communication permission / denial information is different from the content represented by the control information, the control information is deleted from the storage unit 305, and the process ends.
[0034]
With the above operation, after the mobile device is stopped from communication, the application program installed in the mobile device can be quickly prohibited from use by remote control. Since application programs remain in the storage unit of the mobile device, it is not necessary to install the programs again when it is desired to resume use of these programs.
[0035]
In addition, after the mobile device is stopped from communication, the short-range wireless communication device mounted on the mobile device can be quickly prohibited from being used by remote control. As a result, when a plurality of application programs that perform communication using the short-range wireless communication device are installed, it is possible to prohibit the use of these programs collectively.
[0036]
Further, it becomes possible to resume the use of the application program and the short-range wireless communication device installed in the mobile device whose communication has been stopped by remote control. Thus, for example, when the lost mobile device returns to the user, the communication stop of the mobile device can be canceled and the use of the application program and the short-range wireless communication device can be resumed.
[0037]
In addition, if the mobile device cannot receive a stop signal because it is out of communication range or is powered off, the application program or short-range wireless communication device can be used immediately as soon as the mobile device is registered within the communication range or powered on. Can be prohibited / resumed.
[0038]
(3. Modified examples)
The present invention can be implemented in various modes. Examples of modifications include the following.
[0039]
When the use of an application program installed in a mobile device is prohibited, the application program may be deleted from the storage unit of the mobile device by remote control.
[0040]
The execution permission / denial information table 104 may be stored in the storage unit 101 of the mobile device 100.
[0041]
When the mobile device 100 cannot receive the control information because it is out of communication range or is powered off, the relay server may transmit the control information to the mobile device at the time when the transmission request is first made from the mobile device.
[0042]
In the above embodiment, the CP writes the execution permission / rejection information in the execution permission / rejection information table at the time of program distribution. In addition, the user may write the execution permission / rejection information. As a program for restricting execution by the user writing execution permission / prohibition information, for example, a telephone directory is assumed.
[0043]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, it is possible to quickly prohibit use of an application program installed in a mobile device by remote control after the mobile device is stopped from communication. Thereby, when the mobile device is lost or stolen, not only the communication function of the mobile device but also unauthorized use of the application program by a third party can be surely prevented.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an entire system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of information written in an execution permission / refusal information table according to the embodiment;
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a relay server according to the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed by a relay server that is executing a relay program according to the embodiment;
FIG. 5 is a sequence chart showing the overall operation of the system according to the embodiment;
FIG. 6 is a sequence chart showing the overall operation of the system according to the embodiment;
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Mobile device, 200 ... Mobile communication network, 300 ... Relay server, 400 ... Service control apparatus, 600 ... Management server, 800 ... CP server

Claims (5)

Execution means for executing a program, storage means for storing execution permission / inhibition information indicating permission / inhibition of execution of the program, reception means for receiving information transferred from the mobile communication network, and information received by the reception means For each of a plurality of mobile communication devices provided with a restricting means for restricting execution of a program according to the contents of the execution permission / denial information when representing that the mobile communication device is restricted. Input means for inputting communication permission / rejection information indicating the communication address associated with the mobile communication device;
Control information indicating that execution of a program is restricted according to the content of the execution permission / denial information when the communication permission / prohibition information input by the input means indicates that communication via the mobile communication network by the mobile communication device is not permitted And a transmission means for transmitting the message to the communication address. The transmission means includes control information indicating that execution of a program is not restricted when the communication permission / refusal information input by the input means indicates that the mobile communication device permits communication via the mobile communication network. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control device transmits to a communication address. The mobile communication device is equipped with a short-range wireless communication device,
The control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the execution permission / prohibition information is information indicating permission / prohibition of execution of a program essential for use of the short-range wireless communication apparatus. Execution means for executing a program, storage means for storing execution permission / inhibition information indicating permission / inhibition of execution of the program, reception means for receiving information transferred from the mobile communication network, and information received by the reception means For each of a plurality of mobile communication devices provided with a restricting means for restricting execution of a program according to the contents of the execution permission / denial information when representing that the mobile communication device is restricted. Is stored in association with the communication address assigned to the mobile communication device, and the communication permission information stored by the storage means does not permit communication via the mobile communication network by the mobile communication device. Control information indicating that the execution of the program is restricted according to the content of the execution permission / refusal information is indicated in the communication address. A control unit for transmitting destined,
When the control information transmitted from the control device is received, the control information is forwarded to the communication address, and a control response indicating that the mobile communication device has received the control information is transmitted until a predetermined time elapses. If not received, the control is performed only when the communication permission / refusal information indicates that the mobile communication device does not permit communication via the mobile communication network when the signal transmitted from the mobile communication device is received. A control system comprising: a relay device that transfers information to the communication address. Execution means for executing a program, storage means for storing execution permission / inhibition information indicating permission / inhibition of execution of the program, reception means for receiving information transferred from the mobile communication network, and information received by the reception means For each of a plurality of mobile communication devices provided with a restricting means for restricting execution of a program according to the contents of the execution permission / refusal information, when the mobile communication device is permitted to communicate via the mobile communication network. If not, control information indicating that the execution of the program is restricted according to the contents of the execution permission / refusal information is transmitted to the communication address.

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