US20090258635A1 - Outgoing Call Handling System and Method - Google Patents

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).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• 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
• 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
• 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 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.
• 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 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.
• 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 inFIG. 1A includes a communications device, in this case a mobile station1, or handset, a base transceiver station (BTS)4, a base station controller (BSC)6, a network switching subsystem (NSS), and annetwork element8. 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. Thenetwork element8 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 station1 shown inFIG. 1A is capable of communicating using the GSM standard. The mobile station1 communicates with the BTS4, 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 BTS4 in turn communicates with a BSC6 in conventional fashion or as otherwise desired. The BSC6 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 TheNSS9 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. TheNSS9 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.
• TheNSS9 communicates with anIN platform8 using radio-frequency signals in conventional fashion or as otherwise desired or accomplished as desired. TheNSS9 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. TheNSS9 is shown connected with a PSTN2.
• The BTS4 and BSC6 comprise the base station subsystem7 (BSS) as shown inFIG. 1B. The mobile station thus normally communicates with theIN platform8 through the BTS4, BSC6, andNSS9, i.e., through theBSS7 andNSS9. 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.
• TheIN platform8 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. TheIN platform8 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. TheTN platform8 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 andFIGS. 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 inFIGS. 2A-2K describe the operation of the mobile station, or handset, during the carrying out of an embodiment of the present invention. The flowcharts inFIGS. 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 inFIGS. 2A-2K andFIGS. 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 toFIG. 2A, in the process shown, the mobile station is idle10. 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 spokensignal12. 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 aIN platform14 and starts atimer16, 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 theplatform17. The timer T1 shown in16 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 expires18 before the platform answers, the mobile station will return toidle mode10. Similarly, if the call attempt fails for someother reason20, the mobile station will return toidle mode10. If the platform answers22 the mobile station's call, the mobile station will reset the platform callback number to a number stored in the mobile station'sSIM24. The platform's step of detecting the incoming call from themobile station502 and answering thecall504 is shown inFIG. 3A. Referring again toFIG. 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 inFIG. 3A as step506), and the mobile station receives thegreeting26 and accordingly the mobile station user hears the greeting. This greeting is carried via a voice-carrying connection between theplatform8 and the mobile station1.
• Once the mobile station receives thegreeting26 and the user hears the greeting, the mobile station waits to receive a command according to the present invention from themobile station user27. 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 asstep508 inFIG. 3A. Referring toFIG. 2B, the mobile station communicates the received command to theplatform29. 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 asstep510 inFIG. 3A), the platform evaluates the voice command (shown asstep512 inFIG. 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 asstep514 inFIG. 3A). Preferably, the command signal is signaled using GSM Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD). USSD is described generally in European Telecommunications Standards Institute,GSM02.90:Digital Cellular Telecommunications System; Unstructured Supplementary Service Data(USSD)—Stage1 (Version 5.0.0 Nov. 1996) (Reference: TS/SMG-010290Q); European Telecommunications Standards Institute,GSM03.38:Digital Cellular Telecommunications System(Phase2+);Alphabets and Language-Specific Information(Version 5.3.0 Jul. 1996) (Reference TS/SMG-040338QR2); and European Telecommunications Standards Institute,GSM03.90: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.
• 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 disconnects518. 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 shownconferencing service39, 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 theuser27. 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 asupplementary service39. 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 the number indicated by the parameter A and to incorporate the connection with A into a multi-party call.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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).
• Referring toFIG. 2B, if, while waiting for a command, the mobile station disconnects from theplatform28, the mobile station returns toidle mode10. Similarly, if, while waiting for a command, the mobile station senses that the platform has disconnected30, the mobile station will disconnect from theplatform32, and return toidle mode10.
• If the mobile station receives a CALL(A) command from theplatform40, the mobile station disconnects theplatform50, and calls the number corresponding to theparameter A52. 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)command42, the mobile station disconnects theplatform50, and calls the number corresponding to theparameter A52.
• If the mobile station receives a CALL_WITH_RETURN(A,B) command from the platform34, the mobile station first sets the platform-callback number to the number corresponding to theparameter B36. 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 theplatform38, the mobile station first sets the platform-callback number to the number corresponding to theparameter B36. 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 number36, the mobile station disconnects theplatform50, and calls the number corresponding toparameter A52.
• 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 set710 (designated B herein). If the call fails714, or the number is busy712, the mobile station will return toidle mode10 if there is no other party connected with themobile station718. If there is anotherconnected party720, the mobile station will enter active single party mode with thatconnected party722.
• Referring toFIG. 3B, if the platform detects an incoming call to thecallback number602, the platform will answer thecall604. Referring again toFIG. 2K, if the call to the platform is successful730, the mobile station will be returned to the operation point corresponding to thecallback number732. This is accomplished by operation of the platform (step606 shown inFIG. 3B). Then, the mobile station will wait for acommand27, as shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B, and the platform will wait for a command from themobile station508, as shown inFIGS. 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 fromstep27 as shown inFIG. 2B and the platform will continue fromstep508 as shown inFIG. 3A.
• Once the setup attempt begins52, the mobile station waits to see the results of itsattempt53. If the number corresponding to parameter A is busy54, or if the call of the number corresponding to parameter A fails56 for some reason, the mobile station will return toidle mode10. If the call to the platform is disconnected58, the mobile station will release the call to A60, and return to idle mode.
• If the call to the number corresponding to parameter A is connected62, the mobile station enters active mode with thecall64. In active mode, the mobile station is on and has an active, single party call. If the embodiment corresponding to the present invention reachesactive mode64, or idle mode after busy54,setup failure56, or disconnect fromsubscriber58, 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.
• Referring toFIG. 2K, if the mobile station is inactive mode64 with a call A, once the call is disconnected700, 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)command702, the mobile station will return toidle mode10. If the last command was a CONFERENCE(A)command704, the mobile station will return to active, single-party mode with the otherconnected party706. If the last command was a “with return”command708, the mobile station will setup a call to the IN platform at theplatform callback number710. If that callback number is busy712, or the call fails714, the mobile station will return toidle mode10 if there are no otherconnected parties718. If there is another connected party to themobile station720, the mobile station will enter single-party active mode with theconnected party722.
• If the setup attempt to the platform at the callback number connects730, and is thus successful, the mobile station will be placed at the operation point associated with the callback number used732, preferably the last operation point at which the mobile station interacted with the platform. Subsequently, the mobile station will await acommand27, as shown inFIG. 2B, and the process will continue as shown inFIG. 2B.
• Referring toFIG. 2C, when the mobile station is in active mode with one party, if the active party is disconnected700, the mobile station will carry out the steps shown inFIG. 2K. After thedisconnection700, if the last command was CALL(A)72, the mobile station will return toidle mode10. If the last command was CONFERENCE(A)704, and there is a remaining connected party, the mobile station will go into active mode with theconnected party706. If the last command was a “with return”command708, the mobile station will call the platform at theplatform callback number710, B. If the connection to the platform is successful730, the mobile station will return to the operation point at which the “with return” command was given732 and will wait for further commands27. If the attempt to call the callback number results in afailure714 or a busy712, the mobile station will return toidle mode10 if no parties are connected718 and will enteractive mode722 if parties are connected720.
• Step700 is shown several times in the drawings. At each point, the above-described steps, as shown inFIG. 2K, are taken upon adisconnect700.
• Referring toFIG. 2C, when the mobile station is inactive mode64, 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 withcall P64, 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 asignal66. 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 onhold67. If the hold attempt is not acknowledged69, the mobile station remains inactive mode64.
• If the connection between the mobile station and the call P is broken66, referring toFIG. 2A, the mobile station will call theplatform14 and start atimer16, designated T1. The embodiment according to the present invention then continues as shown inFIG. 2A.
• If the hold attempt is acknowledged68, and thus the hold is successful, the mobile station starts atimer70, designated T1, and attempts to setup a call to theplatform72. The timer T1 shown in70 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 toP74, referring toFIG. 2A, the embodiment according to the present invention goes to the step according to the step shown as17 inFIG. 2A, calling platform. The embodiment continues with step T1 expired18, setup failed20, orAnswer22 shown inFIG. 2A. The embodiment then continues as shown inFIG. 2A.
• If the mobile station is disconnected from theplatform80, the mobile station will release the call to theplatform82. If the setup attempt fails76 or the timer T1 expires78, or after the call to the platform is released82, the mobile station is inhold mode84, with the call designated as P on hold.
• If the platform detects the incoming call (as shown at502 inFIG. 3A) and answers (shown at504 inFIG. 3A) and the mobile station connects with theplatform86, the mobile station resets theplatform callback number88. 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 at506 inFIG. 3A) and the mobile station receives thegreeting90 and accordingly the mobile station user hears the greeting.
• Once the mobile station receives thegreeting90, the mobile station waits to receive a voice command from themobile station user91. Referring toFIG. 3A, the platform waits to receive a command from themobile station508, preferably as a result of action by the mobile station user. Referring toFIG. 2E, the mobile station communicates the received command to the platform via the voice-carryingconnection93. Once the platform receives the voice command (shown at510 inFIG. 3A), the platform evaluates the voice command (512 inFIG. 3A) and signals the mobile station with a command signal (514 atFIG. 3A). Preferably, the command signal is signalled using GSM Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD).
• If the command is to enter asupplementary service109 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 acommand91, and the process will continue as shown inFIG. 2E.
• If the platform disconnects from themobile station94, the mobile station will disconnect its call to theplatform96, and will go intohold mode84, with the call designated P on hold. Likewise, if the mobile station disconnects from theplatform92, the mobile station will go intohold mode84. If the call to P is disconnected95, the mobile station will be waiting for acommand27, as shown inFIG. 2E andFIG. 2A, and the process will continue as shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B.
• If the mobile station receives a command of CALL(A)98 from the platform, the mobile station disconnects theplatform100 and begins to setup a call to the number corresponding to theparameter A106. 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 theparameter B104, and then disconnects theplatform100, and begins to setup a call to the number corresponding toparameter A106. At this point, the call P is on hold and the mobile station is waiting to see the results of itssetup attempt116.
• If the platform disconnects from themobile station118, the mobile station releases the pending call to the number corresponding to theparameter A120 and goes intohold mode84, with the call P on hold. If the setup fails122 or the mobile station receives a busy signal from thenumber A124, the mobile station likewise goes intohold mode84, with the call P on hold.
• If the call to A is connected126, 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 disconnects130, referring toFIG. 2E andFIG. 2B, the mobile station continues to attempt the setup withA53. Referring toFIG. 2B, the embodiment according to the present invention herein described continues as shown from the step designated53 as shown inFIG. 2B.
• Referring toFIG. 2E, if the mobile station receives a CONF_WITH_RETURN(A,B)command110, the mobile station will set the platform callback number to the number corresponding to theparameter B112. Subsequently, or after receiving a CONF(A)command108, the mobile station disconnects theplatform130, and begins to setup a call to the number corresponding to theparameter A132.
• Referring toFIG. 2F, if, once the mobile station begins to setup a call to the number corresponding to theparameter A132, the setup attempt fails134 or a busy signal is received136, the mobile station will go intohold mode84, with the call P on hold. Likewise, if the subscriber disconnects138, the mobile station releases the pending call to A140 and goes intohold mode84. If the call P disconnects142, referring toFIG. 2B, the mobile station waits to see the results of its attempt to setup a call with A53. The steps of the embodiment according to the present invention continue from53 as shown inFIG. 2B.
• If the mobile station and the call to A are connected146, 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 amulti-party connection148. The mobile station then waits150 to see if the multiparty attempt is acknowledged (and is thus successful) or is not acknowledged. If the multi-party attempt is acknowledged152, 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 connection154. If the multi-party attempt is not acknowledged156, and thus fails, the mobile station is in active mode with the connection with A, and retains the connection with P onhold158.
• Referring toFIG. 2G, if the call to A is disconnected700, whether purposefully or not, the mobile station will carry out the steps shown inFIG. 2K afterstep700. If the last command was a “with return”command708, the mobile station will setup a call to the platform at the platform callback numberlast set710. If this connection is made730, the mobile station will return to its last operation point723 and will wait for further commands27.
• Again referring toFIG. 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 theattention phrase160 and attempts to put the multi-party connection onhold162. At this point, the mobile station is still in activemulti-party mode164. If the hold attempt is not acknowledged166, and is thus unsuccessful, the mobile station remains in active multi-party mode with A andP168.
• If both A and P disconnect from themulti-party connection170 while the mobile station attempts to put the multi-party connection on hold, the mobile station will start atimer172, designated T1, and attempt to setup a call to theplatform174. The timer T1 shown in172 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 theplatform17. Referring toFIG. 2A, the embodiment according to the present invention continues from thispoint17 as shown inFIG. 2A.
• Referring toFIG. 2G, if the hold attempt is acknowledged176, the mobile station starts atimer178, designated T1, and attempts to setup a call to theplatform180. The timer T1 shown in178 governs the amount of time that the mobile station will wait for the platform to connect. Preferably, the timer T1 shown in178 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 theplatform182.
• Referring toFIG. 2H, the embodiment according to the present invention continues at the step shown at182 inFIG. 2H. If the setup attempt fails184 or the timer T1 expires186, the mobile station is in heldmulti-party mode190, with both A and P on hold. If the platform and the mobile station are disconnected192, the mobile station releases the pending call to theplatform194, and the mobile station is in heldmulti-party mode190. If A and P disconnect from themobile station196, the mobile station is in idle mode, with no connected call, and continues to attempt the call to theplatform17. From the step shown at196 inFIG. 2H, the embodiment according to the present invention continues to attempt to call theplatform17 as shown inFIG. 2A. The embodiment according to the present invention continues fromstep17 as shown inFIG. 2A and as described above.
• If the platform answers the mobile station's call and the mobile station is connected to theplatform200, the mobile station resets theplatform callback number202 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 theplatform204 and awaits acommand206.
• Referring toFIG. 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 theplatform208. 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.
• 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 selectedsupplementary service229. Then, the mobile station will continue waiting for acommand206.
• If the mobile station recognizes that the platform has disconnected210, the mobile station is in heldmulti-party mode212, with A and P in a multi-party call on hold. Likewise, if the mobile station recognizes that the user seeks to disconnect214, the mobile station will disconnect its call to theplatform216, and go into heldmulti-party mode212. If both parties to themulti-party call disconnect218, the mobile station is then in idle mode, with no active calls, and is connected to the platform. Referring toFIG. 2B, the mobile station then waits to receive a voice command from themobile station user27. The embodiment according to the present invention then continues as shown fromstep27 as shown inFIG. 2B.
• If the mobile station receives a CALL(C) command from theplatform220, 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 theplatform230. If the mobile station receives a CALL_WITH_RETURN (C,B) command from theplatform222, 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 theparameter B224, and then disconnects theplatform230.
• The mobile station then attempts to setup a connection with the number corresponding to theparameter C232. At this point, the mobile station has two call in multi-party hold and is waiting to see if its setup attempt is successful234. If the setup attempt fails236, or the mobile station receives abusy signal238, the mobile station is in heldmulti-party mode240, with the connection with A and P on hold. If the mobile station recognizes that the user seeks to disconnect242, the mobile station will release the pending call toC244, and will go into heldmulti-party mode240. If both multi-party members disconnect246, the mobile station is in idle mode, with no active calls, and continues to callC248. Referring toFIG. 2B, the embodiment according to the present invention continues atstep53, wherein the call is being made to the number designated by C rather than by A.
• Referring again toFIG. 2I, if the call to C is connected250, the mobile station is in active statues with the call to C and has a multi-party connection with A and P onhold252.
• If, after the mobile station communicates this voice command to theplatform208, the mobile station receives a command from the platform of CONF(C)226, the mobile station will disconnect theplatform260 and will attempt to setup a connection with the number corresponding to theparameter C262. If, after the mobile station communicates this voice command to theplatform208, 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 B264, disconnect theplatform260, and attempt to setup a connection with the number corresponding to theparameter C262.
• 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 theparameter C270. Referring toFIG. 2J, if the setup fails272 or the mobile station receives abusy signal274, the mobile station is in heldmulti-party mode276, with the connection with A and P on hold. If the mobile station receives a disconnect command from themobile station user278, the mobile station will release the pending call toC280, and will be in heldmulti-party mode276. If the mobile station recognizes that both of the parties onmulti-party hold disconnect282, the mobile station will be in idle mode, with no connected calls, and will continue attempting to connect withC284. Referring toFIG. 2C, the embodiment according to the present invention continues atstep53, wherein instead of calling the number corresponding to A as shown inFIG. 2C, the number being called is the number corresponding to C.
• Referring again toFIG. 2J, if the call to C connects290, the mobile station will attempt to add C to themulti-party connection292. If the attempt to add C to the multi-party connection is acknowledged294, and is thus successful, the mobile station will be in active multi-party mode with the numbers corresponding to A, P, andC296. If the attempt to add C to the multi-party connection is not acknowledged298, 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 onhold300.
• Referring toFIG. 2D, if the mobile station has one call, designated P, onhold84, 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 theplatform312. 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 atimer314, designated T1. T1 shown in314 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 thecurrent callback number316.
• If the setup fails330, the mobile station will return to holdmode320, with the connection with P on hold. Likewise, if the timer T1 expires318, the mobile station will return to holdmode320. If the mobile station is commanded to disconnect322, the mobile station will release the pending call to theplatform324, and will return to holdmode320. If the connection between the mobile station and P is broken326, the mobile station will be in idle mode, with no connected calls, and will continue calling theplatform17. Referring toFIG. 2A, the embodiment according to the present invention continues as shown inFIG. 2A afterstep17.
• If the platform answers332, the mobile station will reset theplatform callback number334 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 theplatform90. Referring toFIG. 2C, the embodiment according to the present invention continues afterstep90 as shown therein.
• Referring toFIG. 2H, if the mobile station has a multi-party connection onhold400 and receives an attention signal, e.g., the spoken word “PowerCall,” from themobile station user402, the mobile station will begin attempting a call to the platform at the currentplatform callback number404. After beginning404, the mobile station starts atimer406, designated T1. At this point, the mobile station has a multi-party connection on hold and is calling theplatform182. The embodiment according to the present invention continues afterstep406 and step182 as shown inFIG. 2H and as described above.
• 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 inidle mode500, and is awaiting a call from themobile station10. The platform detects anincoming call502 and answers that call504. Once the call has been answered, the platform sends a greeting to themobile station506, e.g., “Hello, how can I help you?” After sending the greeting, the platform waits to receive a voice command signal from themobile station508. In the preferred embodiment, the command is a voice command. The command may be in another form, such as data or DTMF.
• When a voice command is received510, the platform will evaluate thevoice command signal512. 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 thatservice516. For example, the voice command may be “Voice Mail.” In that instance, the platform will place the call in the voice-mail service516. Once the caller is placed in thesupplementary service516, the platform will continue waiting for acommand508 while the caller uses the supplementary service.
• 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 themobile station514. 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.
• If, during its evaluation of thecommand512, 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 themobile station514. 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 themobile station514, the platform will disconnect thecall518, and return toidle mode500.
• 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 toFIG. 3B, the platform begins inidle mode600. When the platform detects an incoming call to the call-back number602, the platform answers thecall604, and thus connects with the caller. Subsequently, the platform will place the caller to the operation point in theservice606 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 thatoperation point606. Once the platform has placed the connection at theappropriate operation point606, the platform will await acommand508 from the mobile station. Referring toFIG. 3A, the platform will continue as shown fromstep508.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Claims (20)

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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 1, wherein the first command is a voice command from the user.

5. The voice mail system ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 9, wherein the first command is a voice command.

13. The voice mail method ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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.

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