Patent Document

TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a CSG type base station, a control program, and an integrated circuit. 
       BACKGROUND ART 
       [0002]    It is contemplated that a small cell wireless communication base station covering a small zone of a size of tens of meters, such as home or office, is installed in a mobile communication system that is currently in service in a macro cell as a large cell. Such a small cell wireless communication base station device is referred to as a home base station (Home Node B: HNB). 
         [0003]    If HNB is installed in a home or a business location, a Closed Subscriber Group (hereinafter referred to as CSG) cell is constructed in a function of the HNB that permits only a limited subscriber group, such as a family member of the home, to access the HNB. 
       CITATION LIST 
     Non Patent Literature 
       [0004]    NPL 1: My Area Usage Guidebook, NTT docomo 
         [0005]    NPL 2: Network Extender user manual, Verizon Wireless 
         [0006]    NPL 3: Sprint AiraveUser Guide, Sprint Nextel 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     Technical Problem 
       [0007]    In order to implement the CSG, a list listing information indicating which mobile station is access-permitted needs to be managed, and a registration procedures needs to be established to add to the list a mobile station that becomes newly access-permitted. Methods have been implemented in the related art. In accordance with an example of NPL 1, a mobile station is registered by a mailed written document. In accordance with an example of NPL 2, data is updated by a user on a page protected by a password on the Web. In accordance with an example of NPL 3 (though not described in detail in the document), a mobile station is added and registered via communications with an operator at a call center. 
         [0008]    However, these methods are complicated, and input errors are likely because a user needs to write information including an ID of a mobile station and a base station ID of the HNB. Also, it takes the user time to establish access. In a company where the HNB is operated in a plurality of offices, a user, who works in another office on a temporary basis for a short period of time has difficulty in obtaining an access right. Furthermore, a large number of employees may use the HNB in an office. Since a password cannot be shared by a large number of employees, a particular administrator needs to manage the setting of the access right of all the employees. A variety of problems arise as described above, and it is difficult to manage the CSG in a flexible fashion. 
         [0009]    In view of the above problems, the present invention has been developed. It is an object of the present invention to provide a CSG type base station, a control program, and an integrated circuit permitting a user to register a desired mobile station to a desired HNB in a simple operation. 
       Solution to Problem 
       [0010]    (1) To achieve the object, the present invention is constructed as described below. A CSG (Closed Subscriber Group) type base station of the present invention restricts an access from a mobile station that has not been registered yet. The CSG type base station includes a function of switching in response to an operation performed by a user between a standard mode that permits an access from a mobile station that has been registered in advance while restricting an access from an unregistered mobile station and a register mode that permits an access from an unregistered mobile station that intends to be registered, a function of receiving a call at a telephone number for registration from the unregistered mobile station in the register mode, a function of extracting mobile station information including a mobile station ID of the unregistered mobile station that has placed the call, in accordance with the call received at the telephone number for registration, and generating registration information by associating the mobile station information with base station information including a base station ID of a host station, and a function of transmitting the registration information to a server apparatus. 
         [0011]    In this way, the CSG type base station receives the call at the telephone number for registration from the unregistered mobile station in the register mode, extracts the mobile station information including the mobile station ID of the unregistered mobile station that has placed the call, in accordance with the call received at the telephone number for registration, generates the registration information by associating the mobile station information with base station information including the base station ID of the host station, and then transmits the registration information to the server apparatus. The user can thus register a desired mobile station at a desired server apparatus in a simple operation. Also, since a security setting using a password or the like is not needed in the registration of a mobile station that has not been registered yet, user friendliness is increased. 
         [0012]    (2) A CSG (Closed Subscriber Group) type base station of the present invention restricts an access from a mobile station that has not been registered yet. The CSG (Closed Subscriber Group) type base station includes a function of receiving a call at a telephone number for registration from an unregistered mobile station, a function of extracting, subsequent to the reception of the call, mobile station information including a mobile station ID of the unregistered mobile station that has placed the call, in accordance with the call received at the telephone number for registration, and generating registration information by associating the mobile station information with base station information including a base station ID of a host station, and a function of transmitting the registration information to a server apparatus in response to an operation performed by a user. 
         [0013]    In this way, the CSG type base station receives the call at the telephone number for registration from the unregistered mobile station, extracts, subsequent to the reception of the call, the mobile station information including the mobile station ID of the unregistered mobile station that has placed the call, in accordance with the call received at the telephone number for registration, generates the registration information by associating the mobile station information with the base station information including the base station ID of the host station, and transmits the registration information to the server apparatus in response to the operation performed by the user. The user can thus register a desired mobile station at a desired server apparatus in a simple operation. Also, since a security setting using a password or the like is not needed in the registration of a mobile station that has not been registered yet, user friendliness is increased. 
         [0014]    (3) The CSG type base station of the present invention includes a function of transmitting, to an administrator terminal, registration verification request information requesting registration verification prior to transmitting the registration information to the server apparatus, and a function of transmitting the registration information to the server apparatus only in response to reception of registration permit information to permit a registration from the administrator terminal. 
         [0015]    Since the registration information is transmitted to the server apparatus only in response to the reception of registration permit information to permit the registration from the administrator terminal, security level is increased. 
         [0016]    (4) The CSG type base station of the present invention includes a function of receiving in the register mode a call from a mobile station at a telephone number for deletion, a telephone number for verification, or a telephone number for modification, a function of extracting the mobile station information of the mobile station that has placed the call, in accordance with the call received at the telephone number for deletion, the telephone number for verification, or the telephone number of modification, and generating deletion information, verification information, or modification information by associating the mobile station information with the base station information, and a function of transmitting to the server apparatus the deletion information, the verification information, or the modification information. 
         [0017]    In this way, the CSG type base station receives in the register mode the call from the mobile station at the telephone number for deletion, the telephone number for verification, or the telephone number for modification, extracts the mobile station information of the mobile station that has placed the call, in accordance with the call received at the telephone number for deletion, the telephone number for verification, and the telephone number of modification, generates the deletion information, the verification information, or the modification information by associating the mobile station information with the base station information, and transmits to the server apparatus the deletion information, the verification information, or the modification information. The user can thus delete, verify, or modify (modify the content of the registration) a desired mobile station at a desired server apparatus in a simple operation. Also, since a security setting using a password or the like is not needed in the registration of a mobile station that has not been registered yet, user friendliness is increased. 
         [0018]    (5) The CSG type base station of the present invention further includes a function of receiving a call from a mobile station at a telephone number for deletion, a telephone number for verification, or a telephone number for modification, a function of extracting, subsequent to receiving the call, mobile station information of the mobile station that has placed the call, in accordance with the call received at the telephone number for deletion, the telephone number for verification, or the telephone number for modification, and generating deletion information, verification information, or modification information by associating the mobile station information with the base station information, and a function of transmitting to the server apparatus the deletion information, the verification information, or the modification information in response to an operation performed by the user. 
         [0019]    In this way, the CSG type base station receives the call from the mobile station at the telephone number for deletion, the telephone number for verification, or the telephone number for modification, extracts, subsequent to receiving the call, the mobile station information of the mobile station that has placed the call, in accordance with the call received at the telephone number for deletion, the telephone number for verification, or the telephone number for modification, generates the deletion information, the verification information, or the modification information by associating the mobile station information with the base station information, and transmits to the server apparatus the deletion information, the verification information, or the modification information in response to the operation performed by the user. The user can thus delete, verify, or modify (modify the content of the registration) a desired mobile station at a desired server apparatus in a simple operation. Also, since a security setting using a password or the like is not needed in the registration of a mobile station that has not been registered yet, user friendliness is increased. 
         [0020]    (6) The CSG type base station further includes a function of switching to the standard mode in a case of no reception of the call within a constant period of time subsequent to switching to the register mode. 
         [0021]    If no call is received within the constant period of time subsequent to switching to the register mode in this way, the CSG type base station switches to the standard mode. Security level is thus increased. 
         [0022]    (7) The CSG type base station further includes a function of stopping transmitting the registration information subsequent to receiving the call in a case of no operation performed by the user within a constant period of time subsequent to the reception of the call. 
         [0023]    If no operation is performed by the user within the constant period of time subsequent to the reception of the call in this way, the transmission of the registration information is stopped. Security level is thus increased. 
         [0024]    (8) A control program of the present invention is a control program of a CSG (Closed Subscriber Group) type base station that restricts an access from a mobile station that has not been registered yet. The control program causes the CSG type base station to perform a process. The process includes an operation of switching in response to an operation performed by a user between a standard mode that permits an access from a mobile station that has been registered in advance while restricting an access from an unregistered mobile station and a register mode that permits an access from an unregistered mobile station that intends to be registered, an operation of receiving a call at a telephone number for registration from the unregistered mobile station in the register mode, an operation of extracting mobile station information including a mobile station ID of the unregistered mobile station that has placed the call, in accordance with the call received at the telephone number for registration, and generating registration information by associating the mobile station information with base station information including a base station ID of a host station, and an operation of transmitting the registration information to a server apparatus. 
         [0025]    In this way, the CSG type base station receives the call at the telephone number for registration from the unregistered mobile station in the register mode, extracts the mobile station information including the mobile station ID of the unregistered mobile station that has placed the call, in accordance with the call received at the telephone number for registration, generates the registration information by associating the mobile station information with the base station information including the base station ID of the host station, and then transmits the registration information to the server apparatus. The user can thus register a desired mobile station at a desired server apparatus in a simple operation. Also, since a security setting using a password or the like is not needed in the registration of a mobile station that has not been registered yet, user friendliness is increased. 
         [0026]    (9) A control program of the present invention is a control program of a CSG (Closed Subscriber Group) type base station that restricts an access from a mobile station that has not been registered yet. The control program causes the CSG type base station to perform a process. The process includes an operation of receiving a call at a telephone number for registration from an unregistered mobile station, an operation of extracting, subsequent to the reception of the call, mobile station information including a mobile station ID of the unregistered mobile station that has placed the call, in accordance with the call received at the telephone number for registration, and generating registration information by associating the mobile station information with base station information including a base station ID of a host station, and an operation of transmitting the registration information to a server apparatus in response to an operation performed by a user. 
         [0027]    In this way, the CSG type base station receives the call at the telephone number for registration from the unregistered mobile station, extracts, subsequent to the reception of the call, the mobile station information including the mobile station ID of the unregistered mobile station that has placed the call, in accordance with the call received at the telephone number for registration, generates the registration information by associating the mobile station information with the base station information including the base station ID of the host station, and transmits the registration information to the server apparatus in response to the operation performed by the user. The user can thus register a desired mobile station at a desired server apparatus in a simple operation. Also, since a security setting using a password or the like is not needed in the registration of a mobile station that has not been registered yet, user friendliness is increased. 
         [0028]    (10) An integrated circuit of the present invention is implemented on a CSG (Closed Subscriber Group) type base station to cause the CSG type base station to perform a plurality of functions. The functions includes a function of switching in response to an operation by a user between a standard mode that permits an access from a mobile station that has been registered in advance while restricting an access from an unregistered mobile station and a register mode that permits an access from an unregistered mobile station which intends to be registered, a function of receiving a call at a telephone number for registration from the unregistered mobile station in the register mode, a function of extracting mobile station information including a mobile station ID of the unregistered mobile station that has placed the call, in accordance with the call received at the telephone number for registration, and generating registration information by associating the mobile station information with base station information including a base station ID of a host station, and a function of transmitting the registration information to a server apparatus. 
         [0029]    In this way, the CSG type base station receives the call at the telephone number for registration from the unregistered mobile station in the register mode, extracts the mobile station information including the mobile station ID of the unregistered mobile station that has placed the call, in accordance with the call received at the telephone number for registration, generates the registration information by associating the mobile station information with base station information including the base station ID of the host station, and then transmits the registration information to the server apparatus. The user can thus register a desired mobile station at a desired server apparatus in a simple operation. Also, since a security setting using a password or the like is not needed in the registration of a mobile station that has not been registered yet, user friendliness is increased. 
         [0030]    (11) An integrated circuit of the present invention is implemented on a CSG (Closed Subscriber Group) type base station to cause the CSG type base station to perform a plurality of functions. The functions includes a function of receiving a call at a telephone number for registration from an unregistered mobile station, a function of extracting, subsequent to the reception of the call, mobile station information including a mobile station ID of the unregistered mobile station that has placed the call, in accordance with the call received at the telephone number for registration, and generating registration information by associating the mobile station information with base station information including a base station ID of a host station, and a function of transmitting the registration information to a server apparatus in response to an operation performed by a user. 
         [0031]    In this way, the CSG type base station receives the call at the telephone number for registration from the unregistered mobile station, extracts, subsequent to the reception of the call, the mobile station information including the mobile station ID of the unregistered mobile station that has placed the call, in accordance with the call received at the telephone number for registration, generates the registration information by associating the mobile station information with the base station information including the base station ID of the host station, and transmits the registration information to the server apparatus in response to the operation performed by the user. The user can thus register a desired mobile station at a desired server apparatus in a simple operation. Also, since a security setting using a password or the like is not needed in the registration of a mobile station that has not been registered yet, user friendliness is increased. 
       Advantageous Effects of Invention 
       [0032]    In accordance with the present invention, an end user may register a mobile station at the CSG in a simple method. In such a case, the end user is free from the necessity of knowing information including the ID of the mobile station and the base station ID of the HNB, and is also free from performing the security setting using a password or the like for HNB subscription contract. As a result, user-friendliness is increased. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0033]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a mobile communication system of the present invention. 
           [0034]      FIG. 2  is a sequence chart illustrating a procedure example to register a mobile station  20  at HSS  40  in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 3  is a sequence chart illustrating a procedure example to register the mobile station  20  at the HSS  40  in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention (an example with a button operation for registration verification). 
           [0036]      FIG. 4  is a sequence chart illustrating a procedure example to register the mobile station  20  at the HSS  40  in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention (an example inclusive of a verification procedure of a management subscriber  50 ). 
           [0037]      FIG. 5  is another sequence chart illustrating a procedure example to register the mobile station  20  at the HSS  40  in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention (an example inclusive of a verification procedure of a management subscriber  50 ). 
           [0038]      FIG. 6  is a sequence chart illustrating a procedure example to delete the mobile station  20  registered at the CSG in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0039]      FIG. 7  is a sequence chart illustrating a procedure example to verify and correct registration information of the CSG in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0040]      FIG. 8  is another sequence chart illustrating a procedure example to verify and correct the registration information with the mobile station  20  enabled to access a database of the HSS  40  in accordance with the fifth embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0041]    Disclosed herein are a mechanism and method to easily register a mobile station at CSG (Closed Subscriber Group) of HNB (Home Node B) that restricts access so that only a mobile station registered in advance is permitted to access the CSG. Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
         [0042]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a mobile communication system of the present invention. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a user  10  can operate a mobile station  20 , and can also operate an HNB  30  in the installation facility of the HNB  30 . The mobile station  20  and the HNB  30  can transmit and receive radio signals therebetween. A Home Subscriber Server (hereinafter referred to as HSS)  40  is a database that manages subscriber information in the mobile communication system. The HSS  40  manages a list of CSG which can access the HNB  30 . 
         [0043]    The HNB  30  of the present invention includes a button  31  that is operated by the user  10  and a lamp  32  that is used by the user  10  to confirm displaying. However, these elements are illustrated for exemplary purposes only. As long as the button  31  has a function of receiving an instruction in any form from the user  10  and the lamp  32  has a function of displaying any status to the user  10 , these elements satisfy the spirit of the present invention. 
       First Embodiment 
       [0044]    In order to register a mobile station  20  that has not been registered at the CSG yet, a user first operates the button  31  of the HNB  30  to set the HNB  30  to a particular operation mode to register the mobile station  20 . The HNB  30  normally receives no access from the mobile station  20  that has not been registered as a CSG, but in this operation mode, the HNB  30  receives a call at a special telephone number corresponding to a registration function in the HNB  30 . Upon receiving the call at the special telephone number predetermined at the particular operation mode for registration of the mobile station  20 , the HNB  30  extracts, from the access, mobile station information including a mobile station ID of the mobile station  20  and registers at the HSS  40  the mobile station information together with base station information. 
         [0045]      FIG. 2  is a sequence chart illustrating a procedure example to register a mobile station  20  at HSS  40  in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. In order to register at the HNB  30  the mobile station  20  that has not been registered yet at the CSG, the user  10  first operates the button  31  of the HNB  30  and configures the HNB  30  to be in the particular operation mode for registration of the mobile station  20  (step S 101 ). The HNB  30  normally receives no access from the mobile station  20  that has not been registered as a CSG, but in this operation mode, the HNB  30  receives the call at the special telephone number prepared for the registration function. In order to indicate that the HNB  30  enters this mode, the HNB  30  lights the lamp  32 , thereby displaying the particular mode to the user  10  (step S 103 ). Note that the particular operation mode may time out if a call to be discussed later is not received within a constant period of time, and that the HNB  30  may resume a standard operation status. 
         [0046]    Upon confirming lamp lighting (step S 103 ) occurring in response to a button operation (step S 101 ), the user  10  performs a call operation (step S 105 ) at a specific telephone number predetermined by the mobile station  20 . The specific telephone number predetermined is simply different from a telephone number for ordinary communication. Any telephone number may be designated by the HNB  30 , but “#11” may be set herein for discussion. Upon receiving the call operation (step S 105 ) on the specific telephone number, the mobile station  20  places a call to the HNB  30  (step S 107 ). It is contemplated that the call of the call operation (step S 105 ) includes as a key an ID unique to the HNB  30  written on the housing of the HNB  30  or an accompanying manual of the HNB  30 . 
         [0047]    Upon receiving the call (step S 107 ) at the specific telephone number predetermined in the particular mode for the registration of the mobile station  20 , the HNB  30  extracts from the access the mobile station information including the mobile station ID of the mobile station  20  (step S 109 ). The HNB  30  also prepares base station information including a base station ID and the like of the HNB  30  itself (step S 111 ), constructs registration information addressed to the HSS  40  by combining the base station information with the mobile station information (step S 113 ), and registers the registration information (step S 115 ). Upon completing this series of operations, the HNB  30  shifts to the standard mode and extinguishes the lamp  32 . 
         [0048]    Upon receiving the registration information, the HSS  40  updates a subscriber information database therewithin to add thereto the mobile station  20  having the mobile station ID given in a CSG list of the HNB  30  of a given base station ID. The HNB  30  references the subscriber information database and receives an access from the mobile station  20  after the subscriber information database is updated. 
         [0049]    In the first embodiment, the HNB  30  includes the button  31  to cancel the access restriction when the mobile station  20  accesses for registration. In order to newly register the mobile station  20 , the call is placed at the specific telephone number corresponding to the registration function of the HNB  30  with the access restriction canceled by the function of the button  31 . The mobile station  20  having made the call operation is thus added to the list of the mobile stations  20  that are permitted to access the HNB  30  on the HSS  40  within a network. Since the HSS  40  is then provided with information including the ID of the calling mobile station  20  and the base station ID of the HNB  30  through which the call has passed, the user  10  is free from the necessity of setting these pieces of information. Since the button  31  that is arranged on the housing of the HNB  30  needs to be controlled in accordance with the procedure, the user is free from performing the security setting using a password or the like in the registration of the mobile station  20 . As a result, user friendliness is increased. 
       Second Embodiment 
       [0050]    In accordance with the first embodiment, the user  10  performs the button operation on the HNB  30  to set the HNB  30  to be in the particular operation mode for the registration of the mobile station  20 . The registration of the mobile station  20  at the CSG is thus facilitated. In accordance with a second embodiment, the button operation by the user  10  on the HNB  30  is interpreted as authentication for the registration operation. More specifically, the function of the button  31  on the HNB  30  of  FIG. 1  is different from the function of the button  31  in the first embodiment. 
         [0051]      FIG. 3  is a sequence chart illustrating a procedure example to register the mobile station  20  at the HSS  40  in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention (an example with a button operation for registration verification). The user  10  performs a call operation on the HNB  30  at a specific telephone number predetermined first by the mobile station  20  (step S 201 ). The HNB  30  is a CSG cell and does not receive a standard access from the mobile station  20 , but usually receive an access at the specific telephone number. It is contemplated that the call of the call operation (step S 201 ) includes as a key an ID unique to the HNB  30  written on the housing of the HNB  30  or an accompanying manual of the HNB  30 . 
         [0052]    In response to the reception of the call (step S 203 ), the HNB  30  lights the lamp  32  to prompt the user  10  to perform the button operation (step S 205 ) and thus causes the user  10  to verify that the user  10  accepts the registration of the mobile station  20 . The HNB  30  also extracts from the access from the mobile station  20  the mobile station information including the mobile station ID of the mobile station  20  (step S 207 ). The HNB  30  prepares the base station information including the base station ID of the HNB  30  itself (step S 209 ), and thus constructs the registration information addressed to the HSS  40  by combining the base station information and the mobile station information (step S 211 ). In order to verify the registration of the mobile station  20 , the user  10  performs the button operation (step S 213 ). If no button operation is performed within a constant period of time (step S 213 ), and the verification of the registration of the mobile station  20  by the user  10  is not confirmed, the HNB  30  may time out in a verification period, quit the registration, and resume a standard operation status. Subsequent to the button operation by the user  10  (step S 213 ), the HNB  30  registers the registration information on the HSS  40  (step S 215 ). Upon completing this series of operations, the HNB  30  shifts to the standard mode and extinguishes the lamp  32 . 
         [0053]    In accordance with the second embodiment, the button operation performed by the user  10  on the HNB  30  is interpreted as verification of the registration operation. In this way, the registration verification necessitates the user&#39;s controlling the button  31  arranged on the housing of the HNB  30  and the user  10  is freed from performing the security setting using the password or the like in the registration of the mobile station  20 . As a result, user friendliness to the user  10  is increased. 
       Third Embodiment 
       [0054]    Security seems to be sufficiently ensured in the first and second embodiments by taking steps including operating the button  31  or the like arranged on the HNB  30  in a building having the HNB  30  installed therewithin. Furthermore, it is also contemplated that additional verification steps include a step of transmitting a mail, a voice communication, or the other means to the management subscriber  50  associated with the HNB  30  to verify whether to accept the registration. More specifically, the functions of the button  31 , the lamp  32  and the like in a third embodiment are substantially identical to those of the second embodiment. 
         [0055]      FIG. 4  is a sequence chart illustrating a procedure example to register the mobile station  20  at the HSS  40  in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention (an example inclusive of a verification procedure of the management subscriber  50 ).  FIG. 4  illustrates an example in which an additional step by the management subscriber  50  is included in the second embodiment. The user  10  performs a call operation to the HNB  30  at a specific telephone number predetermined by the mobile station  20  (step S 301 ). Upon receiving the call (step S 303 ), the HNB  30  lights the lamp  32  to prompt the user  10  to perform the button operation in order to verify whether the user  10  accepts the registration of the mobile station  20  (step S 305 ). The HNB  30  also extracts from the access from the mobile station  20  the mobile station information including the mobile station ID of the mobile station  20  (step S 307 ), prepares the base station information including the base station ID of the HNB  30  itself (step S 309 ), and constructs the registration information addressed to the HSS  40  by combining the base station information with the mobile station information (step S 311 ). 
         [0056]    In order to verify the registration of the mobile station  20 , the user  10  performs the button operation (step S 313 ). If no button operation is performed within a constant period of time (step S 313 ), and the verification of the registration of the mobile station  20  by the user  10  is not confirmed, the HNB  30  may time out in a verification period, quit the registration, and resume the standard operation status. Subsequent to the button operation by the user  10  (step S 313 ), the HNB  30  notifies the management subscriber  50  that a mobile station  20  has been newly registered and checks with the management subscriber  50  to verify whether the registration is to be accepted (step S 315 ). If the management subscriber  50  returns an acceptance reply (step S 317 ), the HNB  30  transmits the registration information to the HSS  40  and registers the mobile station  20  at the CSG (step S 319 ). Upon completing this series of operations, the HNB  30  shifts to the standard mode and extinguishes the lamp  32 . 
         [0057]    It is also contemplated that the HSS  40  performs the verification process on the management subscriber  50  in the third embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 5  is another sequence chart illustrating a procedure example to register the mobile station  20  at the HSS  40  in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention (an example inclusive of a verification procedure of a management subscriber  50 ).  FIG. 5  illustrates an example in which the HSS  40  performs the verification procedure of the addition by the management subscriber  50  subsequent to the registration procedure of the second embodiment. After the HNB  30  registers at the HSS  40  in the second embodiment (step S 401 ), the HSS  40  notifies the management subscriber  50  that a new mobile station  20  has been registered and requests the management subscriber  50  to verify that the management subscriber  50  accepts the registration (step S 403 ). If the management subscriber  50  returns an acceptance reply (step S 405 ), the HSS  40  determines that the verification has been completed, and then receives the registration, and updates the database of the HSS  40  in accordance with the registration from the HNB  30  in step S 401  (step S 407 ). If no acceptance reply has been received from the management subscriber  50  for a specific period of time, the registration from the HNB  30  in step S 401  is discarded, and the database is not updated. 
         [0058]    Furthermore, the third embodiment further includes as an additional verification step a step of transmitting a mail, a voice communication, or the other means to the management subscriber  50  associated with the HNB  30  to request the management subscriber  50  to verify whether the management subscriber  50  accepts the registration. In this way, security level is increased. 
       Fourth Embodiment 
       [0059]    In the discussion of the procedure of the first, second, and third embodiments, a mobile station  20  that has not belonged to the CSG is registered at the CSG. The mobile station  20  that has already been registered at the CSG may be deleted from the CSG in a similar procedure. In such a case, a telephone number corresponding to each function, different from the specific telephone number corresponding to the registration function of the HNB  30  as the calling telephone number to the HNB  30 , may be used. These telephone numbers predetermined may be simply different from a telephone number for ordinary communication. Any telephone number may be designated by the HNB  30 , and “#11” may be set for the registration and “#12” may be set for the deletion, for example. A fourth embodiment is different from the first through third embodiments in the functions of the button  31  and the lamp  32  in the configuration of the HNB  30  of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0060]      FIG. 6  is a sequence chart illustrating a procedure example to delete the mobile station  20  registered at the CSG in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 6  illustrates an example in which the HNB  30  deletes the mobile station  20  from the CSG in a procedure similar to the procedure of the second embodiment. The user  10  performs a call operation on the HNB  30  at a specific telephone number predetermined first by the mobile station  20  (step S 501 ). In response to the reception of the call (step S 503 ), the HNB  30  lights the lamp  32  to prompt the user  10  to perform the button operation (step S 505 ) to request the user  10  to verify whether the user  10  deletes the registration of the mobile station  20 . The HNB  30  also extracts from the access from the mobile station  20  the mobile station information including the mobile station ID of the mobile station  20  (step S 507 ). The HNB  30  prepares the base station information including the base station ID of the HNB  30  itself (step S 509 ), and thus constructs the registration information addressed to the HSS  40  by combining the base station information and the mobile station information (step S 511 ). 
         [0061]    If the mobile station  20  is to be deleted, the user  10  performs the button operation (step S 513 ). If no button operation is performed within a constant period of time (step S 513 ), and the verification of the deletion of the mobile station  20  by the user  10  is not confirmed, the HNB  30  may time out in a verification period, quit the deletion, and resume the standard operation status. Subsequent to the button operation by the user  10  (step S 513 ), the HNB  30  transmits deletion information to the HSS  40  and deletes the mobile station  20  from the CSG (step S 515 ). Upon completing this series of operations, the HNB  30  shifts to the standard mode and extinguishes the lamp  32 . 
         [0062]    In accordance with the fourth embodiment, the mobile station  20  that has been registered at the CSG can be deleted in the procedure of the second embodiment. In this way, the HNB  30  not only registers the mobile station  20  to the CSG but also deletes the mobile station  20  from the CSG in a simple operation. As a result, user friendliness to the user  10  is increased. 
       Fifth Embodiment 
       [0063]    In the discussion of the procedures of the first, second and third embodiments, a mobile station  20  that has not belonged to the CSG is registered at the CSG. The verification of the registration status of the current CSG and the modification of part of the current CSG may be carried out in a similar procedure. In such a case, a telephone number corresponding to each function, different from the specific telephone number corresponding to the registration function of the HNB  30  as the calling telephone number to the HNB  30 , may be prepared. These telephone numbers predetermined may be simply different from a telephone number for ordinary communication. Any telephone number may be designated by the HNB  30 , and “#11” may be set for the registration and “#13” may be set for the verification and modification, for example. A fifth embodiment is different from the first through fourth embodiments in the functions of the button  31  and the lamp  32  in the configuration of the HNB  30  of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 7  is a sequence chart illustrating a procedure example to verify and correct registration information of the CSG in accordance with the fifth embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 7  illustrates an example in which the HNB  30  verifies or corrects the registration information of the mobile station  20  at the CSG in a procedure similar to the procedure of the second embodiment. The user  10  performs a call operation on the HNB  30  at a specific telephone number predetermined first by the mobile station  20  (step S 601 ). In response to the reception of the call (step S 603 ), the HNB  30  lights the lamp  32  to prompt the user  10  to perform the button operation (step S 605 ) to request the user  10  to confirm whether the user  10  verifies or corrects the registration information of the mobile station  20 . The HNB  30  also extracts from the access from the mobile station  20  the mobile station information including the mobile station ID of the mobile station  20  (step S 607 ). The HNB  30  prepares the base station information including the base station ID of the HNB  30  itself (step S 609 ), and thus constructs information for use in displaying and modifying the registration information addressed to the HSS  40  by combining the base station information with the mobile station information (step S 611 ). 
         [0065]    When the registration information of the mobile station  20  is to be verified or corrected, the user  10  performs the button operation (step S 613 ). If no button operation is performed within a constant period of time (step S 613 ), and the authentication related to the verification and the correction of the registration information of the mobile station  20  by the user  10  is not confirmed, the HNB  30  may time out in a verification period, quit the verification or correction of the registration information, and resume the standard operation status. Subsequent to the button operation by the user  10  (step S 613 ), the HNB  30  performs a verification operation and a correction operation on the registration content. In response to a display request of the registration status from the user  10  (step S 615 - 1 ), the HNB  30  references the registration information of the HSS  40  (step S 617 - 1 ). The HSS  40  transmits the registration status to the HNB  30  (step S 619 - 1 ), and the HNB  30  notifies the user  10  of the registration status (step S 621 - 1 ). Also, in response to a content modification request from the user  10  (step S 615 - 2 ), the HNB  30  transmits modification information to the HSS  40  (step S 617 - 2 ), and the HSS  40  modifies the registration content, and transmits a modification result to the HNB  30  (step S 619 - 2 ). The HNB  30  displays modified registration content to the user  10  (step S 621 - 2 ). A variety of methods, including an audio guidance or a mail, is considered to display the updated registration content to the user  10 . 
         [0066]    In accordance with the fifth embodiment, the verification of the registration status of the current CSG and the modification of part of the content of the current CSG may be performed in the same procedure as the second embodiment. The user  10  can thus easily verify and modify the registration information of the mobile station  20  at the CSG. As a result, user friendliness to the user  10  is increased. 
         [0067]    It is also contemplated that the procedure to verify or correct the registration information of the CSG is performed by the HSS  40  in the fifth embodiment.  FIG. 8  is another sequence chart illustrating a procedure example to verify and correct the registration information with the mobile station  20  enabled to access a database of the HSS  40  in accordance with the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Subsequent to the button operation by the user  10  (step S 613 ), the HNB  30  notifies the HSS  40  that the mobile station  20  has requested a secure database access (step S 701 ). The HSS  40  permits the mobile station  20  to access the database through means, such as transmitting via a mail a URL for use in the secure database access (step S 703 ). The mobile station  20  displays the URL to the user  10  (step S 705 ). The user  10  then accesses the URL provided for the secure database access and is thus enabled to directly access the database (step S 707 ), and the HSS  40  displays the registration status to the user  10  (step S 709 ). In response to a content modification request from the user  10  (step S 711 - 1 ), the HSS  40  modifies the registration content (step S 713 - 1 ), and transmits a modification result to the user  10  (step S 715 - 1 ). Upon receiving a display request to display the registration status from the user  10  (step S 711 - 2 ), the HSS  40  displays the registration information thereof (step S 713 - 2 ). 
       Sixth Embodiment 
       [0068]    The mobile station  20  accessible to the CSG is dynamically managed by facilitating the registration of the mobile station  20  to the CSG as described above. In that case, however, an upper limit to the number of mobile stations that can be registered at a single CSG becomes a problem. The number of mobile stations  20  already registered may have reached the upper limit in the registration procedure in the first, second, and third embodiments. In such a case, as described below, a sixth embodiment provides additional procedures including discontinuing a new registration, and selecting a mobile station  20  to be deleted from among the registered mobile stations  20 . 
         [0069]    In a new registration with the registration count reaching the upper limit of the registerable number of mobile stations, a step first contemplated is 
         [0070]    (1) discontinuing registration of new mobile stations  20 . The following steps may also be contemplated to cancel a registered mobile station  20  from registration. 
         [0071]    (2) prioritizing the mobile stations  20  in the order with a higher priority placed on a mobile station  20  having used the HNB  30  more recently and deleting a mobile station  20  having a lower priority. 
         [0072]    (3) prioritizing the mobile stations  20  in the order of registration, for example, with a higher priority placed on an older registration than on a younger registration, or with a higher priority placed on a younger registration than on an older registration, and then deleting a mobile station  20  having a lower priority. 
         [0073]    (4) prioritizing the mobile stations  20  in the order with a higher priority placed on a mobile station  20  having a higher count of registrations and then deleting a mobile station  20  having a lower priority. 
         [0074]    (5) classifying the mobile stations  20  into two classes, cancelable mobile stations  20  and uncancelable mobile stations  20 , and performing the above step (3) or (4). For example, the two classes may be determined during the registration, by preparing two different types of telephone numbers for registration. 
         [0075]    In accordance with the sixth embodiment, if the number of mobile stations  20  already registered has reached the upper limit in the registration procedure, the additional procedures are performed including discontinuing a new registration or selecting a mobile station  20  to be deleted from among the registered mobile stations  20 . The mobile stations  20  are thus appropriately registered on the HSS  40  in view of the upper limit to the registerable number of mobile stations. 
         [0076]    A program running on the mobile station  20 , the HNB  30 , and the HSS  40  of the present invention is a program that controls a CPU (a program for causing a computer to function) in a manner such that the functions of the embodiments of the present invention are implemented. Information handled by the devices may be temporarily stored on a RAM during process, and then stored on a variety of ROMs or HDD. The information may be read, corrected, or written by the CPU as necessary. Recording media storing the program may include semiconductor memories (such as a ROM or a non-volatile memory card), optical recording media (such as DVD, MO, MD, CD, or BD), and magnetic recording media (such as a magnetic tape or a flexible disk). 
         [0077]    The functions of the embodiments are implemented by executing the loaded program. The functions of the invention may also be implemented in conjunction with an operating system or another application program in response to an instruction of the program. To circulate the program in the market, the program may be supplied in a stored state on a portable recording medium, or is transferred to a server computer via a network such as the Internet. In such a case, a storage device in the server computer also falls within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0078]    Whole or part of the mobile station  20 , the HNB  30 , and the HSS  40  may be implemented as LSI as a typical integrated circuit. Each function block in the mobile station  20 , the HNB  30 , and the HSS  40  may be individually integrated into a chip. Alternatively, all or some of the function blocks may be integrated into a chip. The integrated form may not be limited to LSI. The integrated form may be a dedicated circuit, or a general-purpose processor. If a technique of circuit integration replacing the LSI appears with the advance of semiconductor technique, an integrated circuit resulting from the technique may also be used. 
       REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 
       [0000]    
       
           10  User 
           20  Mobile station 
           30  HNB 
           31  Button 
           32  Lamp 
           40  HSS 
           50  Management subscriber

Technology Category: 5