U.S. patent application number 12/491761 was filed with the patent office on 2009-10-15 for outgoing call handling system and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.. Invention is credited to Scott C. Holt, M. Scott Laster.
Application Number | 20090258635 12/491761 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34590488 |
Filed Date | 2009-10-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090258635 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Holt; Scott C. ; et
al. |
October 15, 2009 |
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 voice 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 operational point in those services. The network element (8)
evaluates the voice communication, retrieves any corresponding
information, including telephone numbers, and communicates the
necessary information needed by the mobile station (1) to carry out
the desired function to the mobile station (1).
Inventors: |
Holt; Scott C.; (Smyrna,
GA) ; Laster; M. Scott; (Atlanta, GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
AT&T Legal Department - TKHR;Attn: Patent Docketing
One AT&T Way, Room 2A-207
Bedminster
NJ
07921
US
|
Assignee: |
AT&T Intellectual Property I,
L.P.
Reno
NV
|
Family ID: |
34590488 |
Appl. No.: |
12/491761 |
Filed: |
June 25, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11869326 |
Oct 9, 2007 |
7561870 |
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12491761 |
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|
10934210 |
Sep 3, 2004 |
7280821 |
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11869326 |
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09530119 |
Apr 24, 2000 |
6871064 |
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PCT/US98/22714 |
Oct 27, 1998 |
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10934210 |
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60065958 |
Nov 4, 1997 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
455/413 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 3/42204 20130101;
H04W 4/16 20130101; H04M 2207/12 20130101; H04M 2207/18
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/413 |
International
Class: |
H04M 11/10 20060101
H04M011/10 |
Claims
1. A voice mail system comprising: a voice mail platform configured
to connect with a mobile station of a user, the voice mail platform
further configured to play a voice mail message stored in a mail
box of a user while the mobile station is connected with the voice
mail platform, wherein: while connected with the mobile station,
the voice mail platform is configured to receive a first command
from the user to call a party that generated the voice mail
message; and before terminating the connection with the mobile
station, the voice mail platform is further configured to send a
second command to the mobile station including a platform call-back
telephone number, the second command directing the mobile station
to store the platform call-back telephone number in memory and to
call the platform call-back telephone number after termination of a
call with the party that generated the voice mail message.
2. The voice mail system of claim 1 further comprising: in response
to termination of the call with the party, the mobile station
calling the platform call-back telephone number stored in the
memory.
3. The voice mail system of claim 2 further comprising: the voice
mail platform receiving the call to the platform call-back
telephone number and returning the user of the mobile station to a
point at which a previous call to the voice mail platform was
terminated.
4. The voice mail system of claim 1, wherein the first command is a
voice command from the user.
5. The voice mail system of claim 1, wherein the second command
comprises the platform call-back telephone number and a control
signal directing an action to be taken by the mobile station in
response to the first command.
6. The voice mail system of claim 1, wherein the voice mail
platform determines the platform call-back telephone number that
will return the user of the mobile station to an operation point in
service in which the mobile station was involved at the time the
user initiated the first command.
7. The voice mail system of claim 1, wherein the second command
further comprises a telephone number of the party that generated
the voice mail message and the mobile station calls the telephone
number of the party after termination of a call with the voice mail
platform.
8. The voice mail system of claim 1, wherein the second command
comprises both a telephone number of the party that generated the
voice mail message and the platform call-back number to the voice
mail platform, wherein after receiving the second command, the
mobile station stores the platform call-back number in memory and
begins to setup a call to the telephone number of the party that
generated the voice mail message.
9. A voice mail method comprising: a voice mail platform connecting
with a mobile station of a user; the voice mail platform playing a
voice mail message stored in a mail box of a user while the mobile
station is connected with the voice mail platform, while connected
with the mobile station, the voice mail platform receiving a first
command from the user to call a party that generated the voice mail
message; before terminating the connection with the mobile station,
the voice mail platform sending a second command to the mobile
station including a platform call-back telephone number; and the
second command directing the mobile station to store the platform
call-back telephone number in memory and to call the platform
call-back telephone number after termination of a call with the
party that generated the voice mail message.
10. The voice mail method of claim 9 further comprising: the mobile
station in response to termination of the call with the party,
calling the platform call-back telephone number stored in the
memory.
11. The voice mail method of claim 10 further comprising: the voice
mail platform receiving the call to the platform call-back
telephone number and returning the user of the mobile station to a
point at which a previous call to the platform was terminated.
12. The voice mail method of claim 9, wherein the first command is
a voice command.
13. The voice mail method of claim 9, wherein the second command
comprises the platform call-back telephone number and a control
signal directing an action to be taken by the mobile station in
response to the first command.
14. The voice mail method of claim 9, wherein the voice mail
platform determines a platform call-back telephone number that will
return the user of the mobile station to an operation point in
service in which the mobile station was involved at the time the
user initiated the first command.
15. The voice mail method of claim 9, wherein the second command
further comprises a telephone number of the party that generated
the voice mail message and the mobile station calls the telephone
number of the party after termination of a call with the voice mail
platform.
16. The voice mail method of claim 9, wherein the second command
comprises both a telephone number of the party that generated the
voice mail message and the platform call-back telephone number to
the voice mail platform, wherein after receiving the second
command, the mobile station stores the platform call-back telephone
number in memory and begins to setup a call to the telephone number
of the party that generated the voice mail message.
17. A computer readable storage medium embedded with a computer
voice mail program that when executed causes: a voice mail platform
connecting with a mobile station of a user; the voice mail platform
playing a voice mail message stored in a mail box of a user while
the mobile station is connected with the voice mail platform, while
connected with the mobile station, the voice mail platform
receiving a first command from the user to call a party that
generated the voice mail message; before terminating the connection
with the mobile station, the voice mail platform sending a second
command to the mobile station including a platform call-back
telephone number; and the second command directing the mobile
station to store the platform call-back telephone number in memory
and to call the platform call-back telephone number after
termination of a call with the party that generated the voice mail
message.
18. The computer readable medium of claim 17 further comprising:
the voice mail platform receiving the call to the platform
call-back telephone number and returning the user of the mobile
station to a point at which a previous call to the platform was
terminated.
19. The computer readable medium of claim 17, wherein the second
command comprises the telephone number and a control signal
directing an action to be taken by the mobile station in response
to the first command.
20. The computer readable medium of claim 17, wherein the voice
mail platform determines the platform call-back telephone number
that will return the user of the mobile station to an operation
point in service in which the mobile station was involved at the
time the user initiated the first command.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No.
11/869,326, filed Oct. 9, 2007, which is a continuation of U.S.
Ser. No. 10/934,210, filed Sep. 3, 2004, which is a continuation of
U.S. Ser. No. 09/530,119, filed Apr. 24, 2000, which was the
National Stage of International Application No. PCT/US98/22714,
filed Oct. 27, 1998, all of which are incorporated herein by
reference in their entirety. International Application No.
PCT/US98/22714 claims the benefit of U.S. Ser. No. 60/065,958,
filed Nov. 4, 1997.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to systems and methods 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.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 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.
[0004] 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.
[0005] 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 name spoken. 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.
[0006] 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.
[0007] 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.
[0008] 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.
[0009] 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.
[0010] 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.
[0011] Another disadvantage of conventional products is that mobile
stations must allow the network platform to perform call
control.
[0012] 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
[0013] 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.
[0014] 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.
[0015] 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.
[0016] 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.
[0017] 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.
[0018] 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.
[0019] 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.
[0020] 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.
[0021] 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.
[0022] Another advantage of the present invention is that it
contemplates the storage of data at one or more platforms, 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.
[0023] 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.
[0024] 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.
[0025] 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.
[0026] 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.
[0027] Another advantage of the present invention is that it allows
alternating call control between a mobile station and a network
platform.
[0028] 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
[0029] FIG. 1A is a block diagram of a system according to the
present invention.
[0030] FIG. 1B is a block diagram of a base station subsystem
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 2A is a flow chart illustrating a first portion of an
embodiment of processes according to the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 2B is a flow chart illustrating a second portion of an
embodiment of processes according to the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 2C is a flow chart illustrating a third portion of an
embodiment of processes according to the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 2D is a flow chart illustrating a fourth portion of an
embodiment of processes according to the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 2E is a flow chart illustrating a fifth portion of an
embodiment of processes according to the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 2F is a flow chart illustrating a sixth portion of an
embodiment of processes according to the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 2G is a flow chart illustrating a seventh portion of an
embodiment of processes according to the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 2H is a flow chart illustrating a eighth portion of an
embodiment of processes according to the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 2I is a flow chart illustrating a ninth portion of an
embodiment of processes according to the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 2J is a flow chart illustrating a tenth portion of an
embodiment of processes according to the present invention.
[0041] FIG. 2K is a flow chart illustrating a tenth portion of an
embodiment of processes according to the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 3A is a flow chart illustrating a process according to
the present invention, showing particularly action of the
intelligent network platform.
[0043] 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
[0044] 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.
[0045] 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.
[0046] 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.
[0047] 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.
[0048] 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.
[0049] 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.
[0050] 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.
[0051] 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.
[0052] 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.
[0053] 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.
[0054] 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.
[0055] 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.
[0056] 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 1N 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.
[0057] 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 TN 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.
[0058] 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.
[0059] 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.
[0060] 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.
[0061] 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).
[0062] 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.
[0063] 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.
[0064] 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 Nov. 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 Jul. 1996) (Reference
TS/SMG-040338QR2); and European Telecommunications Standards
Institute, GSM 03.90: Digital Cellular Telecommunications System;
Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD)--Stage 2 (Version
5.0.0 Dec. 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.
[0065] 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.
[0066] 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.
[0067] 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.
[0068] 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.
[0069] 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 the number indicated by
the parameter A and to incorporate the connection with A into a
multi-party call.
[0070] The CALL_WITH_RETURN and CONFERENCE_WITH_RETURN commands are
used when the mobile station is connected to the platform and has
activated a call-processing service while involved in using a
platform-based service, e.g., voice mail. The CALL_WITH_RETURN(A,B)
command corresponds to commanding the mobile station to place an
outgoing call to the number indicated by parameter A and to set the
platform-callback number for the mobile station's next call to the
platform to the number indicated by parameter B. The
CONFERENCE_WITH_RETURN(A,B) command corresponds to commanding the
mobile station to place an outgoing call to the number indicated by
parameter A, to incorporate that connection into a multi-party
call, and set the platform-callback number for the mobile station's
next call to the platform to the number indicated by parameter
B.
[0071] The "with return" portion of the commands signifies that the
call or conference portion of the command is first carried out, and
then, preferably after a pre-designated command is received from
the user, the mobile station will return to operation point in the
service in which the mobile station was involved before the user
decided to initiate a CALL_WITH_RETURN or CONFERENCE_WITH_RETURN
command. For example, the mobile station may call the platform at
404-555-1111, connect with the platform, enter a voice-mail system,
and begin reviewing voice-mail messages. The user may have five
voice-mail messages. After listening to the first message, a
message from John Doe, the mobile station user may wish to
immediately call John Doe, whose number is 404-555-2222. Moreover,
the user may wish to return to the T5 voice-mail system at exactly
the point at which the user departed from the system, just before
listening to the second message, following the user's conversation
with John Doe and disconnection from John Doe. The user will give a
voice command, e.g., "Return the Call." The platform has John Doe's
name and telephone number stored in memory. The platform will send
a CALL_WITH_RETURN(4045552222, 4045551112) command to the mobile
station. This directs the mobile station to call 404-555-2222. When
the call to 404-555-2222 is finished, and the mobile station
receives a command, e.g., "Return," the mobile station calls the
platform back at 404-555-1112. When the platform receives a call
from the mobile station at 404-555-1112, the platform returns the
caller to the point at which the previous call to the platform was
terminated or to some other selected point. The CALL_WITH_RETURN
and CONFERENCE_WITH_RETURN commands, and all similar commands, are
called "with-return" commands.
[0072] The commands discussed above are made using USSD. Each
command is made using a USSD string, which the platform is
preprogrammed to make and the mobile station is preprogrammed to
recognize as instructing that it carry out the corresponding
command. For example, a command to call 404-555-1212, i.e., a
CALL(4045551212) command, will be made by the platform to the
mobile station by transmitting the USSD string corresponding to
that command, 01*4045551212# (with or in relation to the "call"
command).
[0073] Referring to FIG. 2B, if, while waiting for a command, the
mobile station disconnects from the platform 28, the mobile station
returns to idle mode 10. Similarly, if, while waiting for a
command, the mobile station senses that the platform has
disconnected 30, the mobile station will disconnect from the
platform 32, and return to idle mode 10.
[0074] If the mobile station receives a CALL(A) command from the
platform 40, the mobile station disconnects the platform 50, and
calls the number corresponding to the parameter A 52. For example,
if the mobile station receives a CALL(4045551212) command from the
platform, the mobile station will disconnect the platform and place
a call to 404-555-1212. Likewise, if the mobile station receives a
CONF(A) command 42, the mobile station disconnects the platform 50,
and calls the number corresponding to the parameter A 52.
[0075] If the mobile station receives a CALL_WITH_RETURN(A,B)
command from the platform 34, the mobile station first sets the
platform-callback number to the number corresponding to the
parameter B 36. For example, if the mobile station receives a
CALL_WITH_RETURN(4045552222, 4045551112) command, the mobile
station will set the platform-callback number to 404-555-1112.
Similarly, if the mobile station receives a CONF_WITH_RETURN(A,B)
command from the platform 38, the mobile station first sets the
platform-callback number to the number corresponding to the
parameter B 36. Unless the platform call-back number is reset
before the next call to the platform is made by the mobile station,
the mobile station's next call to the platform will be to the
number 404-555-1112. Like the steps above, following setting the
platform-callback number 36, the mobile station disconnects the
platform 50, and calls the number corresponding to parameter A
52.
[0076] FIG. 2K illustrates the steps taken according to the present
invention when a setup attempt is made to the platform at a
platform callback number. The mobile station will setup a call to
the number to which the platform callback number has been set 710
(designated B herein). If the call fails 714, or the number is busy
712, the mobile station will return to idle mode 10 if there is no
other party connected with the mobile station 718. If there is
another connected party 720, the mobile station will enter active
single party mode with that connected party 722.
[0077] Referring to FIG. 3B, if the platform detects an incoming
call to the callback number 602, the platform will answer the call
604. Referring again to FIG. 2K, if the call to the platform is
successful 730, the mobile station will be returned to the
operation point corresponding to the callback number 732. This is
accomplished by operation of the platform (step 606 shown in FIG.
3B). Then, the mobile station will wait for a command 27, as shown
in FIGS. 2A and 2B, and the platform will wait for a command from
the mobile station 508, as shown in FIGS. 3B and 3A. The command
from the mobile station is transmitted via the voice-carrying
connection between the network platform and the mobile station. The
mobile station will continue the process from step 27 as shown in
FIG. 2B and the platform will continue from step 508 as shown in
FIG. 3A.
[0078] Once the setup attempt begins 52, the mobile station waits
to see the results of its attempt 53. If the number corresponding
to parameter A is busy 54, or if the call of the number
corresponding to parameter A fails 56 for some reason, the mobile
station will return to idle mode 10. If the call to the platform is
disconnected 58, the mobile station will release the call to A 60,
and return to idle mode.
[0079] If the call to the number corresponding to parameter A is
connected 62, the mobile station enters active mode with the call
64. In active mode, the mobile station is on and has an active,
single party call. If the embodiment corresponding to the present
invention reaches active mode 64, or idle mode after busy 54, setup
failure 56, or disconnect from subscriber 58, after receiving a
CALL_WITH_RETURN(A,B) or a CONF_WITH_RETURN(A,B) signal, the mobile
station's next call to the platform will be to the number
corresponding to the parameter B unless this callback-designation
is altered.
[0080] Referring to FIG. 2K, if the mobile station is in active
mode 64 with a call A, once the call is disconnected 700, whether
by choice of one or both of the parties or other cause, the mobile
station will then carry out the appropriate step. If the last
command was a CALL(A) command 702, the mobile station will return
to idle mode 10. If the last command was a CONFERENCE(A) command
704, the mobile station will return to active, single-party mode
with the other connected party 706. If the last command was a "with
return" command 708, the mobile station will setup a call to the IN
platform at the platform callback number 710. If that callback
number is busy 712, or the call fails 714, the mobile station will
return to idle mode 10 if there are no other connected parties 718.
If there is another connected party to the mobile station 720, the
mobile station will enter single-party active mode with the
connected party 722.
[0081] If the setup attempt to the platform at the callback number
connects 730, and is thus successful, the mobile station will be
placed at the operation point associated with the callback number
used 732, preferably the last operation point at which the mobile
station interacted with the platform. Subsequently, the mobile
station will await a command 27, as shown in FIG. 2B, and the
process will continue as shown in FIG. 2B.
[0082] Referring to FIG. 2C, when the mobile station is in active
mode with one party, if the active party is disconnected 700, the
mobile station will carry out the steps shown in FIG. 2K. After the
disconnection 700, if the last command was CALL(A) 72, the mobile
station will return to idle mode 10. If the last command was
CONFERENCE(A) 704, and there is a remaining connected party, the
mobile station will go into active mode with the connected party
706. If the last command was a "with return" command 708, the
mobile station will call the platform at the platform callback
number 710, B. If the connection to the platform is successful 730,
the mobile station will return to the operation point at which the
"with return" command was given 732 and will wait for further
commands 27. If the attempt to call the callback number results in
a failure 714 or a busy 712, the mobile station will return to idle
mode 10 if no parties are connected 718 and will enter active mode
722 if parties are connected 720.
[0083] Step 700 is shown several times in the drawings. At each
point, the above-described steps, as shown in FIG. 2K, are taken
upon a disconnect 700.
[0084] Referring to FIG. 2C, when the mobile station is in active
mode 64, the mobile station user may wish to undertake a call to
another number. For purposes of setting forth an embodiment
according to the present invention, the call with which the mobile
station is in active mode with is designated "P". While in active
mode with call P 64, the mobile station user provides an attention
signal, by, for example, speaking an attention phrase, e.g.,
"PowerCall" or "Attention," and the mobile station recognizes such
a signal 66. Other attention signals, such as pressing a designated
button on the mobile station's keypad, may be used. Accordingly,
the mobile station attempts to place the call with P on hold 67. If
the hold attempt is not acknowledged 69, the mobile station remains
in active mode 64.
[0085] If the connection between the mobile station and the call P
is broken 66, referring to FIG. 2A, the mobile station will call
the platform 14 and start a timer 16, designated T1. The embodiment
according to the present invention then continues as shown in FIG.
2A.
[0086] If the hold attempt is acknowledged 68, and thus the hold is
successful, the mobile station starts a timer 70, designated T1,
and attempts to setup a call to the platform 72. The timer T1 shown
in 70 governs the amount of time that the mobile station will wait
for the platform to connect. If the mobile station is then
disconnected from the call to P 74, referring to FIG. 2A, the
embodiment according to the present invention goes to the step
according to the step shown as 17 in FIG. 2A, calling platform. The
embodiment continues with step T1 expired 18, setup failed 20, or
Answer 22 shown in FIG. 2A. The embodiment then continues as shown
in FIG. 2A.
[0087] If the mobile station is disconnected from the platform 80,
the mobile station will release the call to the platform 82. If the
setup attempt fails 76 or the timer T1 expires 78, or after the
call to the platform is released 82, the mobile station is in hold
mode 84, with the call designated as P on hold.
[0088] If the platform detects the incoming call (as shown at 502
in FIG. 3A) and answers (shown at 504 in FIG. 3A) and the mobile
station connects with the platform 86, the mobile station resets
the platform callback number 88. Preferably, the mobile station
resets the platform callback number to a number stored in a mobile
station SIM. At this point, the call P is on hold and the platform
and the mobile station are connected. The platform sends a greeting
to the mobile station, e.g., "Hello, how can I help you?," (shown
at 506 in FIG. 3A) and the mobile station receives the greeting 90
and accordingly the mobile station user hears the greeting.
[0089] Once the mobile station receives the greeting 90, the mobile
station waits to receive a voice command from the mobile station
user 91. Referring to FIG. 3A, the platform waits to receive a
command from the mobile station 508, preferably as a result of
action by the mobile station user. Referring to FIG. 2E, the mobile
station communicates the received command to the platform via the
voice-carrying connection 93. Once the platform receives the voice
command (shown at 510 in FIG. 3A), the platform evaluates the voice
command (512 in FIG. 3A) and signals the mobile station with a
command signal (514 at FIG. 3A). Preferably, the command signal is
signalled using GSM Unstructured Supplementary Service Data
(USSD).
[0090] If the command is to enter a supplementary service 109 other
than the CALLBACK services shown, such as voice-mail, the mobile
station will enter the corresponding supplementary service. Then,
the mobile station will continue waiting for a command 91, and the
process will continue as shown in FIG. 2E.
[0091] If the platform disconnects from the mobile station 94, the
mobile station will disconnect its call to the platform 96, and
will go into hold mode 84, with the call designated P on hold.
Likewise, if the mobile station disconnects from the platform 92,
the mobile station will go into hold mode 84. If the call to P is
disconnected 95, the mobile station will be waiting for a command
27, as shown in FIG. 2E and FIG. 2A, and the process will continue
as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B.
[0092] If the mobile station receives a command of CALL(A) 98 from
the platform, the mobile station disconnects the platform 100 and
begins to setup a call to the number corresponding to the parameter
A 106. If the mobile station receives a command of
CALL_WITH_RETURN(A,B) 102, the mobile station sets the platform
callback number to the number corresponding to the parameter B 104,
and then disconnects the platform 100, and begins to setup a call
to the number corresponding to parameter A 106. At this point, the
call P is on hold and the mobile station is waiting to see the
results of its setup attempt 116.
[0093] If the platform disconnects from the mobile station 118, the
mobile station releases the pending call to the number
corresponding to the parameter A 120 and goes into hold mode 84,
with the call P on hold. If the setup fails 122 or the mobile
station receives a busy signal from the number A 124, the mobile
station likewise goes into hold mode 84, with the call P on
hold.
[0094] If the call to A is connected 126, and is thus successful,
the mobile station is in active mode with the call to A, and has
the call designated P on hold. If, during the call attempt to A,
the call to P disconnects 130, referring to FIG. 2E and FIG. 2B,
the mobile station continues to attempt the setup with A 53.
Referring to FIG. 2B, the embodiment according to the present
invention herein described continues as shown from the step
designated 53 as shown in FIG. 2B.
[0095] Referring to FIG. 2E, if the mobile station receives a
CONF_WITH_RETURN(A,B) command 110, the mobile station will set the
platform callback number to the number corresponding to the
parameter B 112. Subsequently, or after receiving a CONF(A) command
108, the mobile station disconnects the platform 130, and begins to
setup a call to the number corresponding to the parameter A
132.
[0096] Referring to FIG. 2F, if, once the mobile station begins to
setup a call to the number corresponding to the parameter A 132,
the setup attempt fails 134 or a busy signal is received 136, the
mobile station will go into hold mode 84, with the call P on hold.
Likewise, if the subscriber disconnects 138, the mobile station
releases the pending call to A 140 and goes into hold mode 84. If
the call P disconnects 142, referring to FIG. 2B, the mobile
station waits to see the results of its attempt to setup a call
with A 53. The steps of the embodiment according to the present
invention continue from 53 as shown in FIG. 2B.
[0097] If the mobile station and the call to A are connected 146,
and the setup attempt is thus successful, the mobile station
attempts to put the mobile station, the connection with A, and the
connection with P in a multi-party connection 148. The mobile
station then waits 150 to see if the multiparty attempt is
acknowledged (and is thus successful) or is not acknowledged. If
the multi-party attempt is acknowledged 152, the mobile station is
in active multi-party mode, with the mobile station, the connection
with A, and the connection with P in multi-party, active connection
154. If the multi-party attempt is not acknowledged 156, and thus
fails, the mobile station is in active mode with the connection
with A, and retains the connection with P on hold 158.
[0098] Referring to FIG. 2G, if the call to A is disconnected 700,
whether purposefully or not, the mobile station will carry out the
steps shown in FIG. 2K after step 700. If the last command was a
"with return" command 708, the mobile station will setup a call to
the platform at the platform callback number last set 710. If this
connection is made 730, the mobile station will return to its last
operation point 723 and will wait for further commands 27.
[0099] Again referring to FIG. 2G, if the mobile station is in
active multi-party mode, the mobile station user may speak an
attention phrase, e.g., "PowerCall." The mobile station recognizes
the attention phrase 160 and attempts to put the multi-party
connection on hold 162. At this point, the mobile station is still
in active multi-party mode 164. If the hold attempt is not
acknowledged 166, and is thus unsuccessful, the mobile station
remains in active multi-party mode with A and P 168.
[0100] If both A and P disconnect from the multi-party connection
170 while the mobile station attempts to put the multi-party
connection on hold, the mobile station will start a timer 172,
designated T1, and attempt to setup a call to the platform 174. The
timer T1 shown in 172 governs the amount of time the mobile station
will wait for the platform to connect. Preferably, the timer T1
expires in 3-6 seconds. At this point, the mobile station is in
idle mode in that it has no active connections, and is attempting a
call to the platform 17. Referring to FIG. 2A, the embodiment
according to the present invention continues from this point 17 as
shown in FIG. 2A.
[0101] Referring to FIG. 2G, if the hold attempt is acknowledged
176, the mobile station starts a timer 178, designated T1, and
attempts to setup a call to the platform 180. The timer T1 shown in
178 governs the amount of time that the mobile station will wait
for the platform to connect. Preferably, the timer T1 shown in 178
expires in 3-6 seconds. At this point, the mobile station has
multiple parties on hold (A and P) and is attempting a call to the
platform 182.
[0102] Referring to FIG. 2H, the embodiment according to the
present invention continues at the step shown at 182 in FIG. 2H. If
the setup attempt fails 184 or the timer T1 expires 186, the mobile
station is in held multi-party mode 190, with both A and P on hold.
If the platform and the mobile station are disconnected 192, the
mobile station releases the pending call to the platform 194, and
the mobile station is in held multi-party mode 190. If A and P
disconnect from the mobile station 196, the mobile station is in
idle mode, with no connected call, and continues to attempt the
call to the platform 17. From the step shown at 196 in FIG. 2H, the
embodiment according to the present invention continues to attempt
to call the platform 17 as shown in FIG. 2A. The embodiment
according to the present invention continues from step 17 as shown
in FIG. 2A and as described above.
[0103] If the platform answers the mobile station's call and the
mobile station is connected to the platform 200, the mobile station
resets the platform callback number 202 to the value stored in the
mobile station's SIM. At this point, the mobile station has its
connection with A and P in multi-party hold and is connected with
the platform 204 and awaits a command 206.
[0104] Referring to FIG. 2I, once the platform is connected, the
mobile station receives a greeting from the platform, e.g., "Hello,
how can I help you?" At this point, the user may, or may not, elect
to examine voice mail or undertake some other platform-based
service. The user of the mobile station may speak a voice command
and the mobile station communicates this voice command to the
platform 208. This voice command may be, for example, "Call Jane
Doe at work" or "Conference Jane Doe at work." If the user is
examining voice mail, the voice command may be, for example,
"Return the Call" or "Return the Call and Conference." As explained
above, once the platform receives the voice command, the platform
evaluates the voice command and signals the mobile station with a
command signal. Preferably, the command signal is signalled using
USSD. The command signal includes both telephone 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
received by the mobile station determines what action the mobile
station next takes.
[0105] If the user elects to enter supplementary services other
than the conference service as described, such as voice mail, the
mobile station will enter the selected supplementary service 229.
Then, the mobile station will continue waiting for a command
206.
[0106] If the mobile station recognizes that the platform has
disconnected 210, the mobile station is in held multi-party mode
212, with A and P in a multi-party call on hold. Likewise, if the
mobile station recognizes that the user seeks to disconnect 214,
the mobile station will disconnect its call to the platform 216,
and go into held multi-party mode 212. If both parties to the
multi-party call disconnect 218, the mobile station is then in idle
mode, with no active calls, and is connected to the platform.
Referring to FIG. 2B, the mobile station then waits to receive a
voice command from the mobile station user 27. The embodiment
according to the present invention then continues as shown from
step 27 as shown in FIG. 2B.
[0107] If the mobile station receives a CALL(C) command from the
platform 220, wherein the parameter C is the telephone number
corresponding to the voice command given by the mobile station
user, the mobile station will disconnect from the platform 230. If
the mobile station receives a CALL_WITH_RETURN (C,B) command from
the platform 222, wherein the parameter C is the telephone number
corresponding to the voice command given the mobile station user
and the parameter B is the platform callback number, the mobile
station resets the platform callback number to the number
corresponding to the parameter B 224, and then disconnects the
platform 230.
[0108] The mobile station then attempts to setup a connection with
the number corresponding to the parameter C 232. At this point, the
mobile station has two call in multi-party hold and is waiting to
see if its setup attempt is successful 234. If the setup attempt
fails 236, or the mobile station receives a busy signal 238, the
mobile station is in held multi-party mode 240, with the connection
with A and P on hold. If the mobile station recognizes that the
user seeks to disconnect 242, the mobile station will release the
pending call to C 244, and will go into held multi-party mode 240.
If both multi-party members disconnect 246, the mobile station is
in idle mode, with no active calls, and continues to call C 248.
Referring to FIG. 2B, the embodiment according to the present
invention continues at step 53, wherein the call is being made to
the number designated by C rather than by A.
[0109] Referring again to FIG. 2I, if the call to C is connected
250, the mobile station is in active statues with the call to C and
has a multi-party connection with A and P on hold 252.
[0110] If, after the mobile station communicates this voice command
to the platform 208, the mobile station receives a command from the
platform of CONF(C) 226, the mobile station will disconnect the
platform 260 and will attempt to setup a connection with the number
corresponding to the parameter C 262. If, after the mobile station
communicates this voice command to the platform 208, the mobile
station receives a command from the platform of
CONF_WITH_RETURN(C,B) 228, the mobile station will set the platform
callback number to the number corresponding to the parameter B 264,
disconnect the platform 260, and attempt to setup a connection with
the number corresponding to the parameter C 262.
[0111] At this point, whether the command received was CONF(C) or
CONF_WITH_RETURN(B,C), the mobile station has the multi-party
connection on hold and is attempting to connect with the number
corresponding to the parameter C 270. Referring to FIG. 2J, if the
setup fails 272 or the mobile station receives a busy signal 274,
the mobile station is in held multi-party mode 276, with the
connection with A and P on hold. If the mobile station receives a
disconnect command from the mobile station user 278, the mobile
station will release the pending call to C 280, and will be in held
multi-party mode 276. If the mobile station recognizes that both of
the parties on multi-party hold disconnect 282, the mobile station
will be in idle mode, with no connected calls, and will continue
attempting to connect with C 284. Referring to FIG. 2C, the
embodiment according to the present invention continues at step 53,
wherein instead of calling the number corresponding to A as shown
in FIG. 2C, the number being called is the number corresponding to
C.
[0112] Referring again to FIG. 2J, if the call to C connects 290,
the mobile station will attempt to add C to the multi-party
connection 292. If the attempt to add C to the multi-party
connection is acknowledged 294, and is thus successful, the mobile
station will be in active multi-party mode with the numbers
corresponding to A, P, and C 296. If the attempt to add C to the
multi-party connection is not acknowledged 298, and thus fails, the
mobile station will be in active mode with the call to C and will
retain the multi-party connection with A and P on hold 300.
[0113] Referring to FIG. 2D, if the mobile station has one call,
designated P, on hold 84, and the mobile station receives an
attention signal from the mobile station user, e.g., the spoken
word "PowerCall," 310, the mobile station will attempt to setup a
connection with the platform 312. The mobile station will attempt
to call the platform at the number that the mobile station last set
as a callback number for the platform. The mobile station then
starts a timer 314, designated T1. T1 shown in 314 governs the
amount of time that the mobile station will wait for the platform
to connect. Preferably, T1 expires after 3-6 seconds. At this
point, the mobile station has a single call, P, on hold and is
calling the platform at the current callback number 316.
[0114] If the setup fails 330, the mobile station will return to
hold mode 320, with the connection with P on hold. Likewise, if the
timer T1 expires 318, the mobile station will return to hold mode
320. If the mobile station is commanded to disconnect 322, the
mobile station will release the pending call to the platform 324,
and will return to hold mode 320. If the connection between the
mobile station and P is broken 326, the mobile station will be in
idle mode, with no connected calls, and will continue calling the
platform 17. Referring to FIG. 2A, the embodiment according to the
present invention continues as shown in FIG. 2A after step 17.
[0115] If the platform answers 332, the mobile station will reset
the platform callback number 334 to the value stored in the mobile
station's SIM. At this point, the mobile station has the connection
with P on hold and is connected to the platform 90. Referring to
FIG. 2C, the embodiment according to the present invention
continues after step 90 as shown therein.
[0116] Referring to FIG. 2H, if the mobile station has a
multi-party connection on hold 400 and receives an attention
signal, e.g., the spoken word "PowerCall," from the mobile station
user 402, the mobile station will begin attempting a call to the
platform at the current platform callback number 404. After
beginning 404, the mobile station starts a timer 406, designated
T1. At this point, the mobile station has a multi-party connection
on hold and is calling the platform 182. The embodiment according
to the present invention continues after step 406 and step 182 as
shown in FIG. 2H and as described above.
[0117] FIG. 3A shows the action of an intelligent network platform
according to the present invention. As described above, the network
element described herein as a preferred embodiment comprising an IN
platform may be one of several types of network elements. The IN
platform begins in idle mode 500, and is awaiting a call from the
mobile station 10. The platform detects an incoming call 502 and
answers that call 504. Once the call has been answered, the
platform sends a greeting to the mobile station 506, e.g., "Hello,
how can I help you?" After sending the greeting, the platform waits
to receive a voice command signal from the mobile station 508. In
the preferred embodiment, the command is a voice command. The
command may be in another form, such as data or DTMF.
[0118] When a voice command is received 510, the platform will
evaluate the voice command signal 512. The voice command may signal
the platform to allow the caller to check platform-based voice-mail
or to place the caller in another platform-based service, and the
caller will be placed in that service 516. For example, the voice
command may be "Voice Mail." In that instance, the platform will
place the call in the voice-mail service 516. Once the caller is
placed in the supplementary service 516, the platform will continue
waiting for a command 508 while the caller uses the supplementary
service.
[0119] The voice command may be to utilize a call-processing
service. For example, if the voice signal received is "Call John
Doe," the platform will search its memory in which telephone
numbers and corresponding names are stored. If a number
corresponding to "John Doe" is found, the platform will send an
appropriate command signal to the mobile station 514. For example,
if John Doe's stored number is 404-555-2222, the platform will send
the command signal CALL(4045551212) to the mobile station.
Preferably, the command signal CALL(4045551212) is sent using GSM
USSD. Similarly, if the voice signal received is "Conference John
Doe," the platform will send the command signal
CONFERENCE(4045551212) to the mobile station.
[0120] If, during its evaluation of the command 512, the platform
determines that a received voice command corresponds to a "with
return" command, the platform will determine a platform call-back
number that will return the caller to the operation point in the
service in which the mobile station was involved at the time the
user initiated the "with return" command. For example,
CALL_WITH_RETURN and the CONFERENCE_WITH_RETURN commands are
described above. The platform will send the corresponding signal to
the mobile station 514. This corresponding signal will include
platform call-back number which, when called, will allow the mobile
station to return to the operation point in the service in which
the mobile station was involved at the time the user initiated the
"with return" command. After sending the appropriate signal to the
mobile station 514, the platform will disconnect the call 518, and
return to idle mode 500.
[0121] FIG. 3B shows the action of an intelligent network platform
according to the present invention. Particularly, FIG. 3B shows the
action of IN platform when the platform is called using a platform
call-back number associated with allowing the mobile station to
return to the operation point in the service in which the mobile
station was involved at the time the user initiated a "with return"
command. Referring to FIG. 3B, the platform begins in idle mode
600. When the platform detects an incoming call to the call-back
number 602, the platform answers the call 604, and thus connects
with the caller. Subsequently, the platform will place the caller
to the operation point in the service 606 corresponding to the
call-back number. Preferably, the call-back number will correspond
to the point in which the mobile station was involved at the time
the user initiated the "with return" command. For example, if the
caller initiated a "with return" command after listening to the
first voice mail in the platform's voice-mail system, the call-back
number will correspond to returning the caller to that operation
point and, when a call is received to that call-back number, the
platform will return the caller to that operation point 606. Once
the platform has placed the connection at the appropriate operation
point 606, the platform will await a command 508 from the mobile
station. Referring to FIG. 3A, the platform will continue as shown
from step 508.
[0122] Multi-party conference calls in which there are more than
three participants may be treated as a platform-based service or
supplementary service in an embodiment of the present invention.
That is, calls of four or more, e.g., four to six, participants
would require that the mobile station be connected to the network
platform. Then, the network platform would make the calls to other
participants, rather than using a CALL(A) or CONFERENCE(A) command
as described above. This is due to several practical
considerations, the first of which is that conventional GSM phones
and GSM NSSs do not support six-party multi-conferencing.
Additionally, six-party multi-conferencing is typically a scheduled
event rather than an impromptu event. Such multi-party conferencing
is accommodated in the present invention.
[0123] In the present invention, a mobile station user can
conference, or "bridge," two calls, e.g., call to A and call to B,
without involving the platform. For example, the user can press the
"Send" key and accomplish this bridging. This bridging may be used
to, for example, enact a three-way call.
[0124] As mentioned above, the network element in the preferred
embodiment is an IN platform. Preferably, it has the capability of
supporting the USSD or other signalling command to a mobile
station. Also as mentioned above, this network element could be a
Service Node (SN), Service Control Point (SCP), Service Node (SN),
Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN), Intelligent Peripherals (IPs)
or other network element, including voice-mail platforming and
voice-activated dialing platform.
[0125] The foregoing is provided for purposes of explanation and
disclosure of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Modifications of and adaptations to the described embodiment will
be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art of the present
invention and may be made without departing from the scope or
spirit of the invention.
* * * * *