Title: Outgoing call handling system and method
Abstract: A cellular system for handling outgoing calls from a mobile station (1) including, a network element (8) being capable of recognizing voiced commands and names, and has in memory a database of telephone numbers corresponding to an array of names. The mobile station (1) connects to the network element (8) and the mobile station user communicates the desired outgoing call function to the network element (8) by voice. This desired outgoing call function may be communicated while the mobile station (1) is engaged in using supplementary services provided by the network element (8), at any operation point in those services. The network element (8) evaluate the voice communication, retrieves any corresponding information, including telephone numbers, and communicates the necessary information need by the mobile station (1) to carry out the desired function to the mobile station (1).
Patent Number: 6,871,064 Issued on 03/22/2005 to Holt, et al.
| Inventors:
|
Holt; Scott C. (Smyrna, GA);
Laster; M. Scott (Atlanta, GA)
|
| Assignee:
|
BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation (Wilmington, DE)
|
| Appl. No.:
|
530119 |
| Filed:
|
April 24, 2000 |
| PCT Filed:
|
October 27, 1998
|
| PCT NO:
|
PCT/US98/22714
|
| 371 Date:
|
April 24, 2000
|
| 102(e) Date:
|
April 24, 2000
|
| PCT PUB.NO.:
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WO99/23802 |
| PCT PUB. Date:
|
May 14, 1999 |
| Current U.S. Class: |
455/414.1; 455/414.2; 455/416; 455/563; 455/70; 379/88.01; 379/88.03; 379/218.01 |
| Intern'l Class: |
H04B 001//00; H04M 003//42; H04M 011//00 |
| Field of Search: |
455/563,564,569,68,70,414.1,414.2,422.1
379/88.01,88.03,88.04,88.18,218.01,205.01,907,211.02
|
References Cited [Referenced By]
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| 6144723 | Nov., 2000 | Truchon et al. | 379/88.
|
| 6160877 | Dec., 2000 | Tatchell et al.
| |
Other References
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|
Primary Examiner: Nguyen; Duc M.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Thomas, Kayden, Horstemeyer & Risley, LLP
Parent Case Text
This application claims the benefit of Provisional application Ser. No.
60/065,958 filed Nov. 4, 1997.
Claims
We claim:
1. An outgoing-call handling method, said method carried out by an
apparatus comprising a mobile station and an intelligent
telecommunications network element, said method comprising the following
steps:
a) detecting an attention signal;
b) calling the network element at a network element callback number;
c) connecting with the network element;
d) communicating a user command to the network element;
e) receiving a command signal from the network element corresponding to
said user command;
f) disconnecting from the network element; and
g) in a mobile station, carrying out a function corresponding to said
command signal.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein step b is carried out in the mobile
station.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein said command signal comprises at least one
of: first data corresponding to a telephone number, a control signal, and
second data corresponding to a network element callback telephone number.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein said function comprises connecting with
the telephone number corresponding to said first data.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein said function comprises setting the
network element callback number to the number corresponding to said second
data in the event that said command signal comprises said second data.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein said function comprises setting the
network element callback number to the number corresponding to said second
data and connecting with the network element callback number upon
disconnection with the telephone number corresponding to the first data in
the event said control signal comprises a with-callback signal and said
second data.
7. The method of claim 6 wherein said function comprises being placed at a
operation point corresponding to the network element callback number
called.
8. The method of claim 7 wherein said step of communicating a user command
to the network element is carried out using a radio frequency signal.
9. The method of claim 3 wherein the function comprises calling the number
corresponding to said first data in the event that said control signal
signifies calling the number corresponding to said first data.
10. The method of claim 3 wherein the function comprises calling the number
corresponding to said first data and placing said call in a multi-party
connection with any other connected party in the event that said control
signal signifies conferencing with the number corresponding to said first
data.
11. The method of claim 3 wherein the function comprises connecting with
the number corresponding to said first data and then calling the number
corresponding to said second data upon disconnection from said connection
in the event that said control signal signifies calling the number
corresponding to said first data and then returning to the present
operation point.
12. The method of claim 3 wherein the function comprises connecting with
the number corresponding to said first data and including said connection
in a conference call with all other connected calls in the event that said
control signal signifies conferencing with the number corresponding to
said first data.
13. The method of claim 1 wherein said network element is a platform.
14. The method of claim 1 wherein said network element is an intelligent
network platform.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein said command signal comprises at least
one of: first data corresponding to a telephone number, a control signal,
and second data corresponding to a network element callback telephone
number.
16. The method of claim 15 wherein said function comprises connecting with
the telephone number corresponding to said first data.
17. The method of claim 1 wherein said network element comprises hardware
that is capable of sensing a current status of a call to the network
element and of assigning a platform-callback number that will return the
mobile station to that status when called.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein said command signal comprises at least
one of: first data corresponding to a telephone number, a control signal,
and second data corresponding to a network element callback telephone
number.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein said function comprises connecting with
the telephone number corresponding to said first data.
20. An outgoing-call handling method, said method carried out by an
apparatus comprising an intelligent telecommunications network element,
said method comprising the following steps:
a) detecting an incoming call;
b) answering said call;
c) establishing connection with said call;
d) if said call is to one of a first set of preselected network element
callback numbers, sending greeting to caller;
if said call is to one of a second set of preselected network element
callback numbers, placing said connection at operation point within the
network element operation corresponding to the called callback number;
e) waiting for command;
f) receiving command;
g) evaluating command; and
h) if said command corresponds to a command to enter a selected
platform-based service, entering the selected platform-based service and
returning to step e); and
if said command corresponds to a command to signal a command signal,
sending a command signal corresponding to said command to the mobile
station and disconnecting call.
21. The method of claim 20 wherein step b is carried out in said network
element.
22. The method of claim 21 wherein said command signal comprises at least
one of: first data corresponding to a telephone number, a control signal,
and a second data corresponding to a network element callback number.
23. The method of claim 22 wherein said selected platform-based service is
a voice-mail messaging service.
24. The method of claim 23 wherein said one of a second set of preselected
network element callback numbers corresponds to an operation point within
said voice-mail messaging service.
25. The method of claim 24 wherein said step of sending a command signal is
carried out with a radio frequency signal.
26. The method of claim 20 wherein said network element is a platform.
27. The method of claim 20 wherein said network element is an intelligent
network platform.
28. The method of claim 20 wherein said platform-based service is a
supplementary service.
29. An outgoing-call handling apparatus, said apparatus comprising
a network element;
a mobile station;
wherein said network element is programmed to store telephone numbers and
corresponding names, to recognize said names when spoken, to answer and
connect incoming calls, to receive and evaluate commands from said
incoming calls, and to send at least one command signal to the connected
calls; and
wherein said mobile station is programmed to receive at least one command
signal from said network element and to carry out calling functions
corresponding to said command signals.
30. The method of claim 29 wherein said command signal comprises at least
one of: first data corresponding to a telephone number, a control signal,
and a second data corresponding to a network element callback number.
31. The apparatus of claim 29 wherein said network element is a platform.
32. The apparatus of claim 31 wherein said network element is coupled to a
public telephone network.
33. The apparatus of claim 32 wherein said public telephone network is a
public switched telephone network.
34. The apparatus of claim 32 wherein said public telephone network is a
integrated services digital network.
35. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein said mobile station comprises a
subscriber identity module.
36. The apparatus of claim 29 wherein said network comprises an intelligent
network platform.
37. An outgoing-call handling method, said method carried out by a
communications device and a platform, said method comprising the following
steps:
a) the communications device receiving an attention signal from a user of
the communications device;
b) the communications device calling the platform;
c) the platform answering the call;
d) the platform sending a greeting;
e) the communications device receiving a greeting from the platform;
f) the communications device receiving a user command from the user;
g) the communications device communicating said user command to the
platform;
h) the platform sending a command signal corresponding to said user command
to the communications device;
i) the communications device receiving said command signal;
j) the communications device carrying out a function corresponding to said
command signal.
38. The method of claim 37 wherein said communications device is a mobile
station.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to systems and method for handling outgoing calls
from a mobile station, or handset, in a cellular telephone system.
Particularly, this invention relates to systems and methods for handling
outgoing calls from a mobile station in which the mobile station and a
network element cooperate in handling such calls.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
The subject matter disclosed and claimed in the copending Ser. No.
09/530,124 application, entitled "Call Screening Method and Apparatus,"
invented by the same inventors, filed on the same day as the instant
application, and to be assigned to the same assignee, is hereby
incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The use of cellular telephones or mobile stations has proliferated
throughout the world. One of the primary reasons for this proliferation is
the convenience associated with cellular-telephone use.
Mobile stations are often used in constrained conditions, such as an
automobile or in a crowd of people, by persons who are traveling and in a
rush. In such places, it is often difficult to focus on manipulating the
dial pad of the telephone. Moreover, if the user of the telephone does not
remember the telephone number of the person the user wishes to dial, it is
often difficult in such conditions to look up the telephone number in the
user's telephone book. These are some of the disadvantages of the cellular
telephones and cellular-telephone systems commonly in use today.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,644,107 to Clowes et al. discloses a telephone which stores
names and corresponding telephone numbers. The telephone recognizes voice,
and when a name which is stored by the telephone is spoken, the telephone
dials the telephone number corresponding to that spoken name. Other,
similar inventions are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,483,579 to Stogelx and
U.S. Pat. No. 5,452,340 to Engelbeck et al.
The products disclosed in the above-cited references offer the advantage of
storing telephone numbers such that the user of the telephone does not
have to pause to look up the number of the party the user wishes to dial.
Also, the products disclosed in the above-cited references offer the
advantage of allowing the user to dial the desired party by speaking the
party's name.
One of the disadvantages of the conventional products disclosed in the
above-cited references is that the names and numbers are stored in the
telephone. Storage of names and numbers in a cellular telephone does not
easily allow users of other mobile stations to access the stored data.
Moreover, such storage requires memory circuitry within the cellular
telephone. Although developments in circuit integration have reduced the
size of such circuitry considerably, such circuitry nonetheless requires
some space within the cellular telephone and increases the weight of the
telephone. It is desirable to manufacture cellular telephones with
dimensions and weight as small as possible.
Another disadvantage of conventional products results from the volatility
of memory. The mobility of cellular phones expose such phones to physical
forces that can cause a loss of power or damage to the telephone's memory.
When such products store names and numbers within the mobile station, such
volatility risks loss or damage to that data.
Another disadvantage of conventional products is that such products do not
perform network functions, such as setting up a conference call and
interacting with network resources to find a desired telephone number.
Another disadvantage of conventional products that store names and numbers
within a mobile station is that mobile stations do not have access to the
data stored within other mobile stations. A person that has multiple
conventional phones must program each phone individually.
Another disadvantage of conventional products is that mobile stations must
allow the network platform to perform call control.
Another disadvantage of conventional products is that trombone trunking,
generally requiring all calls to route into and out from the network
platform, is relied upon.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention features processes and apparatus for handling
outgoing calls from a mobile station in a cellular telecommunication
system. The processes are carried out by, and the apparatus comprises, a
mobile station, a base station subsystem, network switching subsystem, and
a network element, e.g., an intelligent-network (IN) platform, Service
Control Point (SCP), Service Node (SN), Advanced Intelligent Network
(AIN), Intelligent Peripherals (IPs) or other network element. Preferably
this network element is an IN platform. Such apparatus have functionality
that can associate those numbers with the corresponding names.
The present invention allows call control to alternate between the mobile
station and the IN platform. The mobile station detects an attention
signal from the user and calls a platform at a platform callback number.
The platform detects the incoming call and answers the call, thereby
connecting the mobile station with the platform. The platform sends a
greeting to the mobile station and waits for a command from the mobile
station. The mobile station receives a user command from the user and
communicates this command to the platform, which the platform receives and
evaluates. After evaluating the command, the platform sends a
corresponding command signal to the mobile station and the mobile station
receives the command signal. The mobile station then carries out an
outgoing call function corresponding to the command signal, such as
calling a particular number, conferencing with a particular number, or
carrying out such functions and then calling the platform back to resume
communication with the platform at the operation point at which the
command was given by the mobile station.
The present invention offers the advantages of the products disclosed in
the above-cited references. That is, one advantage of the present
invention is that it includes storage of telephone numbers such that the
user of the telephone does not have to pause to look up the number of the
party the user wishes to dial. Another advantage of the present invention
is the user may dial the desired party by speaking the party's name.
Another important advantage of the present invention is that utilization of
platform capabilities and network resources are greatly reduced.
Conventional outgoing call handling methods and devices place considerable
emphasis on utilizing platform capabilities and network resources. The
present invention emphasizes utilization of the mobile station in carrying
out and controlling outgoing calls and associated functions. The present
invention contemplates connecting to and using the capabilities of
platforms only when necessary. The present invention allows up to eighty
to ninety percent less utilization of Intelligent Network ("IN") platforms
and trunks with port connections than conventional systems. Thus, the
platform's resources are freed up to provide services to a great number of
subscribers and to provide services which require greater platform
resources than are normally available with conventional systems.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it enables network costs
to be reduced and can make speech-recognition and control in
communications networks more affordable.
Another advantage of the present invention is that billing for enhanced
services is simpler than conventional systems. The present invention
contemplates that all enhanced service calls either originate or terminate
at the mobile station. Thus, the platform or adjunct systems would not be
required to gather billing information. Consequently, all billing could be
switch-based.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it is not necessary to
modify structure in conventional switches in order to implement the
present invention. Thus, only minimal modifications to conventional
cellular-telephone networks are necessary to implement the present
invention.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the present invention
performs network activity, such as setting up a conference call, and
interacts with network resources to find a desired telephone number.
Another advantage of the present invention is that multiple mobile stations
may access a database. Thus, the owner of multiple mobile stations need
only input names and telephone numbers a single time.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it contemplates the
storage of data at one or more plafforms, e.g., a fault-tolerant network
platform. Thus, the loss of power or receipt of a physical impact of a
mobile station contemplated by the present invention does not risk the
loss of data as with conventional mobile stations. Moreover, the purchase
of a new mobile station does not require the user to reprogram data as
with conventional mobile stations.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides the process
of passing call control back-and-forth between the network platform and
the mobile station.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the mobile station can
interactively control a call in conjunction with a network platform, thus
interaction with a PSTN switch (or other public network switch) or an SCP
is not necessary.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the user of a mobile
station may initiate a communication session with the network platform
rather than waiting for a message from the network platform.
Another advantage of the present invention is that call-control commands,
such as a command to conference, may be initiated while the mobile station
is carrying out a call session.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it allows alternating
call control between a mobile station and a network platform.
The present invention offers other advantages, including: multiple users
may easily access a database of stored names and corresponding telephone
numbers, and the dimensions and weight of mobile stations may be reduced.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1A is a block diagram of a system according to the present invention.
FIG. 1B is a block diagram of a base station subsystem according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2A is a flow chart illustrating a first portion of an embodiment of
processes according to the present invention.
FIG. 2B is a flow chart illustrating a second portion of an embodiment of
processes according to the present invention.
FIG. 2C is a flow chart illustrating a third portion of an embodiment of
processes according to the present invention.
FIG. 2D is a flow chart illustrating a fourth portion of an embodiment of
processes according to the present invention.
FIG. 2E is a flow chart illustrating a fifth portion of an embodiment of
processes according to the present invention.
FIG. 2F is a flow chart illustrating a sixth portion of an embodiment of
processes according to the present invention.
FIG. 2G is a flow chart illustrating a seventh portion of an embodiment of
processes according to the present invention.
FIG. 2H is a flow chart illustrating a eighth portion of an embodiment of
processes according to the present invention.
FIG. 2I is a flow chart illustrating a ninth portion of an embodiment of
processes according to the present invention.
FIG. 2J is a flow chart illustrating a tenth portion of an embodiment of
processes according to the present invention.
FIG. 2K is a flow chart illustrating a tenth portion of an embodiment of
processes according to the present invention.
FIG. 3A is a flow chart illustrating a process according to the present
invention, showing particularly action of the intelligent network
platform.
FIG. 3B is a flow chart illustrating a process according to the present
invention, showing particularly action of the intelligent network
platform.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
In a first embodiment of the present invention provides an outgoing-call
handling method, said method carried out by an apparatus comprising a
mobile station and an intelligent telecommunications network element, said
method comprising the following steps: a) detecting an attention signal;
b) calling the network element at a network element callback number; c)
connecting with the network element; d) communicating a user command to
the network element; e) receiving a command signal from the network
element corresponding to said user command; f) disconnecting from the
network element; and g) in a mobile station, carrying out a function
corresponding to said command signal. A second embodiment includes the
steps described in the first embodiment, and step b is carried out in the
mobile station. A third embodiment includes the steps described in the
second embodiment, and said command signal comprises at least one of:
first data corresponding to a telephone number, a control signal, and
second data corresponding to a network element callback telephone number.
A fourth embodiment includes the steps described in the third embodiment,
and said function comprises connecting with the telephone number
corresponding to said first data. A fifth embodiment includes the steps
described in the fourth embodiment, and said function comprises setting
the network element callback number to the number corresponding to said
second data in the event that said command signal comprises said second
data. A sixth embodiment includes the steps described in the fifth
embodiment, and said function comprises setting the network element
callback number to the number corresponding to said second data and
connecting with the network element callback number upon disconnection
with the telephone number corresponding to the first data in the event
said control signal comprises a with-callback signal and said second data.
A seventh embodiment includes the steps described in the sixth embodiment,
and said function comprises being placed at a operation point
corresponding to the network element callback number called.
An eighth embodiment includes the steps described in the third embodiment,
and the function comprises calling the number corresponding to said first
data in the event that said control signal signifies calling the number
corresponding to said first data. A ninth embodiment includes the steps
described in the third embodiment, and the function comprises calling the
number corresponding to said first data and placing said call in a
multi-party connection with any other connected party in the event that
said control signal signifies conferencing with the number corresponding
to said first data. A tenth embodiment includes the steps described in the
third embodiment, and the function comprises connecting with the number
corresponding to said first data and then calling the number corresponding
to said second data upon disconnection from said connection in the event
that said control signal signifies calling the number corresponding to
said first data and then returning to the present operation point. An
eleventh embodiment includes the steps described in the third embodiment,
and the function comprises connecting with the number corresponding to
said first data and including said connection in a conference call with
all other connected calls in the event that said control signal signifies
conferencing with the number corresponding to said first data. A twelfth
embodiment includes the steps described in the seventh embodiment, and
said step of communicating a user command to the network element is
carried out using a radio frequency signal. A thirteenth embodiment
includes the steps described in the first embodiment, and said network
element is a platform. A fourteenth embodiment includes the steps
described in the first embodiment, and said network element is an
intelligent network platform. A fifteenth embodiment includes the steps
described in the first embodiment, and said network element comprises
hardware that is capable of sensing a current status of a call to the
network element and of assigning a platform-callback number that will
return the mobile station to that status when called.
A sixteenth embodiment includes the steps described in the fourteenth
embodiment, and said command signal comprises at least one of: first data
corresponding to a telephone number, a control signal, and second data
corresponding to a network element callback telephone number. A
seventeenth embodiment includes the steps described in the sixteenth
embodiment, and said function comprises connecting with the telephone
number corresponding to said first data. An eighteenth embodiment includes
the steps described in the fifteenth embodiment, and said command signal
comprises at least one of: first data corresponding to a telephone number,
a control signal, and second data corresponding to a network element
callback telephone number. A nineteenth embodiment includes the steps
described in the eighteenth embodiment, and said function comprises
connecting with the telephone number corresponding to said first data.
A twentieth embodiment includes an outgoing-call handling method, said
method carried out by an apparatus comprising an intelligent
telecommunications network element, said method comprising the following
steps: a) detecting an incoming call; b) answering said call; c)
establishing connection with said call; d) if said call is to one of a
first set of preselected network element callback numbers, sending
greeting to caller; if said call is to one of a second set of preselected
network element callback numbers, placing said connection at operation
point within the network element operation corresponding to the called
callback number; e) waiting for command; f) receiving command; g)
evaluating command; and h) if said command corresponds to a command to
enter a selected platform-based service, entering the selected
platform-based service and returning to step e); and if said command
corresponds to a command to signal a command signal, sending a command
signal corresponding to said command to the mobile station and
disconnecting call.
A twenty-first embodiment includes the steps described in the twentieth
embodiment, and step b is carried out in said network element. A
twenty-second embodiment includes the steps described in the twenty-first
embodiment, and said command signal comprises at least one of: first data
corresponding to a telephone number, a control signal, and a second data
corresponding to a network element callback number. A twenty-third
embodiment includes the steps described in the twenty-second embodiment,
and said selected platform-based service is a voice-mail messaging
service. A twenty-fourth embodiment includes the steps described in the
twenty-third embodiment, and said one of a second set of preselected
network element callback numbers corresponds to an operation point within
said voice-mail messaging service. A twenty-fifth embodiment includes the
steps described in the twenty-fourth embodiment, and said step of sending
a command signal is carried out with a radio frequency signal. A
twenty-sixth embodiment includes the steps described in the twentieth
embodiment, and said network element is a platform. A twenty-seventh
embodiment includes the steps described in the twentieth embodiment, and
said network element is an intelligent network platform. A twenty-eighth
embodiment includes the steps described in the twentieth embodiment, and
said platform-based service is a supplementary service.
A thirtieth embodiment includes an outgoing-call handling apparatus, said
apparatus comprising: a network element; a mobile station; wherein said
network element is programmed to store telephone numbers and corresponding
names, to recognize said names when spoken, to answer and connect incoming
calls, to receive and evaluate commands from said incoming calls, and to
send at least one command signal to the connected calls; and wherein said
mobile station is programmed to receive at least one command signal from
said network element and to carry out calling functions corresponding to
said command signals. A thirty-first embodiment includes the apparatus of
the thirtieth embodiment wherein said command signal comprises at least
one of: first data corresponding to a telephone number, a control signal,
and a second data corresponding to a network element callback number. A
thirty-second embodiment includes the apparatus of thirtieth embodiment
wherein said network element is a platform. A thirty-third embodiment
includes the apparatus of the thirty-second embodiment wherein said
network element is coupled to a public telephone network. A thirty-fourth
embodiment includes the apparatus of the thirty-fourth embodiment wherein
said public telephone network is a public switched telephone network. A
thirty-fifth embodiment includes the apparatus of the thirty-third
embodiment wherein said public telephone network is a integrated services
digital network. A thirty-sixth embodiment includes the apparatus of the
thirty-fourth embodiment wherein said mobile station comprises a
subscriber identity module. A thirty-seventh embodiment includes the
apparatus of the thirtieth embodiment wherein said network comprises an
intelligent network platform.
A thirty-eighth embodiment includes an outgoing-call handling method, said
method carried out by a communications device and a platform, said method
comprising the following steps: a) the communications device receiving an
attention signal from a user of the communications device; b) the
communications device calling the platform; c) the platform answering the
call; d) the platform sending a greeting; e) the communications device
receiving a greeting from the platform; f) the communications device
receiving a user command from the user; g) the communications device
communicating said user command to the platform; h) the platform sending a
command signal corresponding to said user command to the communications
device; i) the communications device receiving said command signal; j) the
communications device carrying out a function corresponding to said
command signal. A thirty-ninth embodiment includes the steps described in
the thirty-eighth embodiment, and said communications device is a mobile
station.
The apparatus and process described below is for use in a Global System for
Mobile (GSM) standard cellular system network, but the invention may be
used in non-GSM networks, such as an Integrated Services Digital Network
(ISDN), as well. Embodiments according to present invention are disclosed
herein in reference to GSM because GSM is one of the most popular
standards for cellular radio and telecommunications. GSM is described
generally in Theodore S. Rappaport, Wireless Communications (1996), and
William C. Y. Lee, Mobile Cellular Telecommunications (2d ed. 1995), which
are incorporated herein by reference.
FIG. 1A is a high level functional block diagram of an embodiment according
to the present invention. The apparatus or system shown in FIG. 1A
includes a communications device, in this case a mobile station 1, or
handset, a base transceiver station (BTS) 4, a base station controller
(BSC) 6, a network switching subsystem (NSS), and an network element 8,.
The preferred embodiment employs a mobile telephone as a communications
device, but other telephones and devices may be used, such as land-line
telephones, computers, or other devices. The network element 8 shown is an
intelligent network platform (IN platform). Network elements that may be
used are elements such as a Service Control Point (SCP), Service Node
(SN), Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN), Intelligent Peripherals (IPs) or
other network element.
The mobile station comprises mobile equipment and a subscriber identity
module (SIM). The SIM is capable of storing a default telephone number for
the IN platform. The mobile station 1 shown in FIG. 1A is capable of
communicating using the GSM standard. The mobile station 1 communicates
with the BTS 4, also known as a cell. This communication is accomplished
using radio-frequency signals in conventional fashion or as otherwise
desired or accomplished as desired. The BTS 4 in turn communicates with a
BSC 6 in conventional fashion or as otherwise desired. The BSC 6 may
control and communicate with several BTSs.
The BSC in turn communicates with Network Switching Subsystem (NSS) 9 in
conventional fashion or as otherwise desired The NSS 9 comprises a Mobile
Switching Center (MSC) (not shown), which governs the platform's
communication with public telephone networks and which coordinates call
set-up to and from mobile stations using the GSM standards. The NSS 9 also
comprises a Home Location Register (HLR) and a Visitor Location Register
(VLR) (not shown). The HLR comprises a computer, including a database
storing subscriber information and current-location information for each
user who resides in the MSC's city or surrounding area. The VLR comprises
a computer, including a database temporarily storing subscription data
then needed by the MSC. For example, the VLR stores customer information
for a roaming subscriber who is temporarily in the coverage area of the
MSC.
The NSS 9 communicates with an IN platform 8 using radio-frequency signals
in conventional fashion or as otherwise desired or accomplished as
desired. The NSS 9 is coupled with a network, such as the Public Switched
Telephone Network (PSTN), Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), or
other data networks (not shown), thus allowing communication between the
mobile station and devices connected to a public telephone network. The
NSS 9 is shown connected with a PSTN 2.
The BTS 4 and BSC 6 comprise the base station subsystem 7 (BSS) as shown in
FIG. 1B. The mobile station thus normally communicates with the IN
platform 8 through the BTS 4, BSC 6, and NSS 9, i.e., through the BSS 7
and NSS 9. For convenience, this disclosure of the embodiments according
to the present invention describe the mobile station's communication with
the IN platform, rather than the mobile station's communication with the
BTS, the BTS's communications with the BSC, the BSC's communication with
the NSS (or the BSS's communication with the NSS), and the NSS's
communication with IN platform. It would be recognized by one of ordinary
skill in the art that communication between a mobile station and an IN
platform often occurs through other structure, such as a BTS, BSC, and
NSS.
The IN platform 8 according to the present invention includes
voice-recognition hardware, memory or database which is capable of storing
telephone numbers and corresponding names, and hardware that is capable of
sensing the current status of a call to the platform and of assigning a
platform-callback number that will return the caller to that status when
called. Such hardware, memory, or database may include a microprocessor.
The IN platform 8 has a first preselected set of telephone numbers which,
when called, cause the caller to receive a greeting and be presented with
a selection of command options. The IN platform 8 has a second preselected
set of telephone numbers which, when called, cause the caller to be placed
in a particular or preselected operation state within the platform
operation structure.
The present invention allows call control to be passed between a
communications device, such as a mobile station or a landline telephone,
and a network element, such as an IN platform. FIGS. 2A-2K and FIGS. 3A-3B
are flowcharts showing an embodiment of the present invention in detail.
The flowcharts show an embodiment according to the present invention
beginning from various initial states of the mobile station. The
flowcharts in FIGS. 2A-2K describe the operation of the mobile station, or
handset, during the carrying out of an embodiment of the present
invention. The flowcharts in FIGS. 3A-3B describe the operation of the IN
platform during the carrying out of an embodiment of the present
invention. The mobile station and the IN platform take the steps shown in
FIGS. 2A-2K and FIGS. 3A-3B in cooperation with each other to carry out
the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment shown
therein is described below.
FIG. 2A shows an embodiment according to the present invention with the
mobile station beginning from idle mode. In idle mode, the mobile station
is on, but there are no active, held, or pending calls.
Referring to FIG. 2A, in the process shown, the mobile station is idle 10.
In a preferred embodiment, the user of the mobile station provides an
attention signal, e.g., a phrase such as "Attention" or "PowerCall," by,
for example, speaking, and the mobile station detects the spoken signal
12. In another embodiment, the use of a spoken attention signal may be
replaced with another action or attention signal, such as pressing a
button on a mobile station's keypad. The mobile station then initiates a
call to a IN platform 14 and starts a timer 16, designated T1. The call is
made to the telephone number that is then designated as the platform
callback number (or platform call number). At this point, the mobile
station is in idle mode, in that it has no active connections, and is
attempting to call the platform 17. The timer T1 shown in 16 governs the
amount of time the mobile station will wait for the IN platform to answer.
The timer T1 expires in a predesignated amount of time, preferably 3-6
seconds. If the timer T1 expires 18 before the platform answers, the
mobile station will return to idle mode 10. Similarly, if the call attempt
fails for some other reason 20, the mobile station will return to idle
mode 10. If the platform answers 22 the mobile station's call, the mobile
station will reset the platform callback number to a number stored in the
mobile station's SIM 24. The platform's step of detecting the incoming
call from the mobile station 502 and answering the call 504 is shown in
FIG. 3A. Referring again to FIG. 2A, at this point, and at all other
points in which the callback number is reset described herein, the mobile
station may reset the platform callback number to a number stored
elsewhere or a number communicated to it, but in the preferred embodiment,
the number is retrieved from the mobile station's SIM. The next time the
mobile station calls the platform, the mobile station will call this
designated number. After the callback number is reset, the platform sends
(or plays) a greeting to mobile station, e.g., "Hello, how can I help
you?," (which is shown in FIG. 3A as step 506), and the mobile station
receives the greeting 26 and accordingly the mobile station user hears the
greeting. This greeting is carried via a voice-carrying connection between
the platform 8 and the mobile station 1.
Once the mobile station receives the greeting 26 and the user hears the
greeting, the mobile station waits to receive a command according to the
present invention from the mobile station user 27. The command is
preferably a voice command, but can comprise other forms, such as
touch-tone, designated sounds, or data. At this time, the platform waits
to receive a command from the mobile station as shown as step 508 in FIG.
3A. Referring to FIG. 2B, the mobile station communicates the received
command to the platform 29. This communication is preferably accomplished
via a voice-carrying connection between the platform and the mobile
station. Once the platform receives the voice command (shown as step 510
in FIG. 3A), the platform evaluates the voice command (shown as step 512
in FIG. 3A).
Services provided by the IN platform (or similar network element) are
generally referred to as platform-based services. Such services include
services such as messaging-based services, calling services, and
supplementary services.
The service requested could be one or more of a variety of services. The
service requested could be a call-processing service, in which the user
desires to make a call or desired to utilize an available supplementary
service, e.g., call waiting, call conferencing, call transfer, and call
forwarding. In some instances the mobile station returns control over
calls and other matters to the platform after a call ends and in some
instances the mobile station retains control over calls and other matters.
If the service requested is to be provided by the platform, the platform
signals the mobile station with a command signal (shown as step 514 in
FIG. 3A). Preferably, the command signal is signaled using GSM
Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD). USSD is described
generally in European Telecommunications Standards Institute, GSM 02.90:
Digital Cellular Telecommunications System; Unstructured Supplementary
Service Data(USSD)--Stage 1 (Version 5.0.0 November 1996) (Reference:
TS/SMG-010290Q); European Telecommunications Standards Institute, GSM
03.38: Digital Cellular Telecommunications System (Phase 2+); Alphabets
and Language-Specific Information (Version 5.3.0 July 1996) (Reference
TS/SMG-040338QR2); and European Telecommunications Standards Institute,
GSM 03.90: Digital Cellular Telecommunications System; Unstructured
Supplementarv Service Data (USSD)--Stage 2 (Version 5.0.0 December 1996)
(Reference TS/SMG-030390Q). Other methods, though, such as dual-tone
multi-frequency (DTMF) may be used in the place of USSD in carrying out
the present invention. The command signal preferably includes telephone
number information, platform callback number information, and a control
signal directing the action the mobile station is to take in response to
the user's voice command. The command signal tells the mobile station the
function that the mobile station is to carry out.
If the service requested is to be provided by the platform, preferably the
voice-carrying connection between the mobile station and the platform will
remain connected. This will enable the mobile station user to send
commands (typically voice commands or DTMF commands) directly to the
platform. Other types of connections may be used and sustained.
Once the command signal is communicated to the mobile station, the platform
disconnects 518. This disconnect frees up platform resources to be used
during other calls.
The shown embodiment shows call conferencing as one example of a
supplementary service. The command may be to enter a supplementary service
offered by the platform other than call conferencing, which is shown. One
example of such a service is voice-mail service. If the command is to
enter a supplementary service other than the shown conferencing service
39, the mobile station will enter such a service, carry out steps
according to that particular supplementary service, and will continue
waiting for another command from the user 27. For example, the mobile
station may enter and use voice mail. The mobile station will continue to
monitor the user to determine if the user might provide another command,
such as CALL(A) or another command described below. Other examples of
supplementary services are call waiting, call conferencing, call transfer,
and call forwarding.
The preferred embodiment shows entry into a supplementary service 39. Any
platform-based service may be entered at the point shown in the preferred
embodiment as entering supplementary service or regarding supplementary
service.
In the shown embodiment, the call-processing command-signals that the
mobile station may receive, and recognizes, comprise: CALL(A),
CONFERENCE(A), ALL_WITH_RETURN(A,B), and CONFERENCE_WITH_RETURN(A,B). A
and B are parameters corresponding to telephone numbers. The CALL(A)
command corresponds to commanding the mobile station to place an outgoing
call to the number indicated by parameter A. The CONFERENCE(A) and
CONFERENCE_WITH_RETURN(A) are specific examples of supplementary services.
The CONFERENCE(A) command corresponds to commanding the mobile station to
place an outgoing call to
