CA2320635A1 - Mobile telecommunications device having multiple directory number capability - Google Patents
Mobile telecommunications device having multiple directory number capability Download PDFInfo
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- CA2320635A1 CA2320635A1 CA002320635A CA2320635A CA2320635A1 CA 2320635 A1 CA2320635 A1 CA 2320635A1 CA 002320635 A CA002320635 A CA 002320635A CA 2320635 A CA2320635 A CA 2320635A CA 2320635 A1 CA2320635 A1 CA 2320635A1
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- 230000000153 supplemental effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 22
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 230000001413 cellular effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 abstract description 4
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 abstract description 3
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 16
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 1
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- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- VJYFKVYYMZPMAB-UHFFFAOYSA-N ethoprophos Chemical compound CCCSP(=O)(OCC)SCCC VJYFKVYYMZPMAB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000002360 explosive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007726 management method Methods 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W8/00—Network data management
- H04W8/26—Network addressing or numbering for mobility support
Abstract
A mobile telecommunications system includes within a serving system database entries that associate the identifier of a mobile unit, which could be a cellular telephone or a personal communications service (PCS) device, with a plurality of directory numbers. The mobile unit identifier may be a mobile identification number (MIN) or international mobile service identifier (IMSI), for example. The system may store this association within a home location register (HLR), within a mobile switching center (MSC), or in both. In the process of terminating a telephone call the system employs supplemental information to determine which of the plurality of directory numbers associated with the mobile unit's mobile identifier is to be employed for the purposes of the telephone call being terminated. The supplemental information may be the current location of the mobile unit, for example.
Description
' CA 02320635 2000-09-26 Bijanki 1-1-1-1-1-7-1-4 1 MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICE HAVING MULTIPLE
DIRECTORY NUMBER CAPABILITY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to wireless telecommunications, and, more particularly, to the association between a mobile station and directory numbers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The use of mobile telecommunications systems, including cellular telephones and personal communications services (PCS), has seen explosive growth, particularly in the past decade. The use of mobile, or cellular, telephones has become so commonplace that it is not unusual to see people conversing on the telephone as they walk along the sidewalk, as they drive, even as they attend a concert or a play.
Conventional mobile telecommunications services employ a mobile identification number (MIN) for authentication, for termination, and for many other operations. However, the mobile identification number has proven inadequate for worldwide applications. Consequently, systems are being developed which employ an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) that will allow mobile telecommunications devices to operate seamlessly throughout the world. At some point, when IMSI devices are introduced there will be a mix of devices operating in the field; some mobile devices will employ a mobile identification number, some will employ an international mobile subscriber identity that is based on a more conventional mobile identification number, and some will employ "pure" IMSI
numbers.
During the process of establishing, or "terminating", a telephone call (which may involve the transmission of voice, data, or both) that involves a mobile station, a wireless system associates a directory number with the identifier (MIN or IMSI).
A conventional wireless system may store the mobile unit's identificationldirectory Bijanki 1-1-1-1-1-7-1-4 2 number association information in the mobile unit's home location register (HLR).
Only one directory number is associated with a given mobile identifier. This restriction limits the flexibility with which a mobile unit may be used and limits the range of services a mobile telecommunications service provider may offer to an end-user.
SUMMARY
A mobile telecommunications system in accordance with the principles of the present invention includes database entries that associate the identifier of a mobile unit, which could be a cellular telephone or a personal communications service (PCS) device, with a plurality of directory numbers. The mobile unit identifier may be a mobile identification number (MIN) or international mobile service identifier (IMSI), for example. The system may store this association within a home location register (HLR), within a mobile switching center (MSC), or in both.
In the process of terminating a telephone call the system employs supplemental information to determine which of the plurality of directory numbers associated with the mobile unit's mobile identifier is to be employed for the purposes of the telephone call being terminated. The supplemental information may be the current location of the mobile unit, for example. In such an embodiment, one directory number may be employed to terminate a telephone call within one geographic area, another directory number may be employed to terminate a telephone call within a different geographic area, and so on. Different services and prices may then be associated with each directory number, and, indirectly, with supplemental information, such as the current location of the mobile station.
The location of the mobile unit may be determined, for example, from cell and sector information located at a mobile switching, for example.
Alternatively, the geographical information may be supplied to the mobile telecommunications system from a global positioning system (GPS) receiver associated with the mobile unit. Each directory number may be associated with a different level of services, with corresponding pricing differences, for example.
Bijanki 1-1-1-1-1-7-1-4 3 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above and further features, aspects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, taken together with the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a conceptual block diagram of a mobile communications system in accordance with the principles of the present invention, in combination with a publicly switched telephone network;
Figure 2 is a more detailed conceptual block diagram of a mobile telecommunications system in accordance with the principles of the present invention;
Figure 3 is a call scenario diagram that illustrates the completion of a call from a mobile station within its "home" zone;
Figure 4 is a call scenario diagram depicting the origination of a telephone call from a mobile station located outside its "home" zone;
Figure 5 is a call scenario diagram of a call originating in, or passed through, the publicly switched telephone network (PSTN), using a "home"
directory number for the mobile station;
Figure 6 depicts the delivery of call to a mobile station that moves outside its home location during a call;
Figure 7 is a call scenario diagram that illustrates the PSTN's attempted delivery of a call to a mobile station's home directory number while the mobile station is outside it's home location zone; and Figure 8 is a call scenario diagram that illustrates the delivery of a call using a mobile station's home directory number to a mobile station located within its home zone.
Bijanki 1-1-1-1-1-7-1-4 4 DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The conceptual block diagram of Figure 1 illustrates a mobile telecommunications system 100 in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The mobile system 100 may be operated in conjunction with the publicly switched telephone network, or land system, 102. The mobile telecommunications system 100 includes a serving system 105 and a home location register 106, which communicate with one another. The serving system may include one or more visiting location registers and one or more base stations, for example.
In particular, the mobile telecommunications system 100 includes at least one switching component 104, such as a mobile switching center, at least one registering component 106, such as a home location register, and at least one mobile station 108. The mobile station may be of the mobile identification number (MIN) type, international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) type, MIN-based IMSI
type, or both MIN-based IMSI and IMSI type.
In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the mobile telecommunications system 100 establishes a connection from a land station, as follows. When a call is directed to a mobile station 108 from the publicly switched telephone network 102, the land system routes the call to the appropriate switching component 104 (only one of which is shown in this Figure) within the mobile system. The switching component 104 forwards the dialed digits, along with other information, to the registering component 106 to which the mobile station is assigned, and requests routing information for the mobile station associated with the dialed digits. In response to the request for routing information, the registering component 106 returns routing information to the switching component 104. In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the serving system 105 includes a database that may be located within the registering component 106 for example. The database includes the association between the mobile's identifier (MIN or IMSI) and the mobile's directory numbers. This information may be relayed to the switching component B i janki 1-1-1-1-1-7-1-4 5 104, for example. As will be described in greater detail in the discussion related _ to Figures 5 through 8, the serving system 105 correlates the identifier information with supplemental information, such as the present geographical location of the mobile station 108, to determine which of the directory numbers to associate with the mobile station 108 for this particular telephone call. Calls originating at the mobile station 108 are handled in a similar manner, as described in greater detail in the discussion related to Figures 3 and 4, with the serving system 105 correlating the mobile identifier with supplemental information to determine which of the mobile station's directory numbers to employ for the current telephone call.
The conceptual block diagram of Figure 2 provides a more detailed view of a mobile telecommunications system in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The illustrative system 100 includes a mobile station 108, which may communicate, via a wireless link 110 with a base station 112. The base station, in turn, communicates with a mobile switching center 114 which operates as the switching component 104 in this illustrative embodiment. The mobile switching center 114 provides interfaces to the landline system 102 and to the remainder of the wireless, or mobile telecommunications system 100. The switching center 114 also provides mobility management for mobile stations.
The mobile system 100 also includes a complement of components that operate in accordance with IS-730, a telecommunications standard that is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. These components include a home location register (HLR) 116, which operates as the registering component 106 in this illustrative embodiment. The home location register 116 includes a database which stores, among other things, a permanent copy of the mobile subscriber's subscription information and location information which permits calls to be routed toward the mobile switching center associated with the mobile unit's current location. This information may include such things, as the mobile station roaming number (MSRN) or temporary local directory number (TLDN), the visiting location register (VLR) address, the mobile switching center (MSC) address), the Bijanki 1-1-1-1-1-7-1-4 6 international mobile subscriber identity (and the MIN, if available), the mobile subscriber ISDN number (MSISDN) teleservices and bearer services subscription information, and service restrictions, such as roaming limitations, and supplementary service parameters. A stand-alone home location register supports such features as call delivery, message waiting notification, call fo~rarding, remote feature control, call transfer, subscriber PIN intercept, call waiting, conference calling, and voice message retrieval. Two "keys" are typically required to access the home location register 116. They are: an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) (or mobile identity number MIN) and a mobile station ISDN number (MSISDN).
In this illustrative embodiment, the HLR 116 also includes two or more directory numbers for at least one of the mobile stations it serves. One of the directory numbers may be associated with the mobile station 108 if the station is within a specified sector of a particular mobile system "cell" and another of the directory numbers may be associated with the mobile station if the station is anywhere other than in that cell sector. The location information may be obtained from the mobile switching system 114, for example. This association would permit a service provider to offer one type of service within a "home" cell sector (one directory number), and another type of service outside that home cell sector (a different directory number), for example. Multiple directory numberlcell locations could also be supported, so that a mobile station may be provided different types of service in each of a number of different geographical locations. As previously described, this location information may be obtained from cell sector information available at a MSC, or through a GPS unit, for example.
The following illustrative call scenario diagrams assume, for the sake of simplicity of exposition, that a mobile station has just two' directory numbers associated with it, one for a "home" location, and one for an "away" location.
As previously described, each of the mobile stations may have more than two Bijanki 1-1-1-1-1-7-1-4 7 directory numbers associated with them and the assignment of directory numbers for a given call need not be determined by the location of the mobile stations.
The call scenario diagram of Figure 3 depicts the origination of a telephone call from a mobile station that is located within its "home" zone, in accordance with the principles of the present invention. In step 300 the subscriber initiates a call and information, including the subscriber's mobile identifier, is routed to a MSC.
In step 302 the MSC determines that the mobile station is in its home location and passes the home directory number (HDN), that is, the directory number associated with the mobile station's home cellular sector, to the publicly switched telephone system. When the call is completed, the HDN may be displayed on any receiving instrument that features "caller ID".
The call scenario diagram of Figure 4 illustrates the origination of a telephone call from a mobile station that is located outside its "home" zone. In step 400 the subscriber initiates a call and information, including the subscriber's mobile identifier, is routed to a MSC. In step 402 the MSC determines that the mobile station is outside its home location and passes the mobile directory number (MDN), the directory number associated with cellular sectors outside the mobile station's home cellular sector, to the publicly switched telephone system.
When the call is completed, the MDN may be displayed on any receiving instrument that features "caller ID".
The MSC, or other element in the system 100, includes a device such as a computer, which is used to compare the database entries of the mobile identifier and supplemental information, to the received mobile identifiers and supplemental information. This comparison permits the device to determine which of the directory numbers to use for a particular call. For example, if the received mobile identifier and supplemental information correspond to a mobile station within its home zone, comparison of received and stored values would determine that the mobile station's home directory number should be employed for the call.
Similarly, if the received information, the mobile station identifier and geographical Bijanki 1-1-1-1-1-7-1-4 8 information, indicate that the mobile station is outside its home zone, the comparison would reveals that the mobile directory number should be employed for the call.
In the illustrative call scenario diagram of Figure 5 a call originates in step 500 within the publicly switched telephone network. In this and other examples, the call may actually originate in, or be transferred through the PSTN. In this example the directory number employed by the PSTN is the mobile station's home directory number, which the MSC employs in step 502 to attempt terminating the call. If the mobile station is within its home sector, the MSC, which has access to station location information, will deliver the call to the station. If the mobile station is not within its home sector, the MSC will not deliver the call, but may forward the call to another directory number. This other directory number could be station's MDN, for example. The forwarding number may be determined by the user's activation of a call-forwarding feature. Alternatively, the call may be forwarded to the subscriber's answering service.
The call scenario diagram of Figure 6 depicts the delivery of a call to a mobile station that is originally located within its home sector. In step 600 the PSTN
delivers the home directory number to the mobile switching center. In step 602 the mobile switching center terminates the call with the mobile station. Should the mobile station depart from its home sector, the mobile switching center will detect this departure. In response, the mobile switching center may send a message to the mobile subscriber in step 604 alerting the subscriber to the fact that he has moved outside his home location. Since operation outside his home location may imply a different set of services and a different pricing structure, the subscriber may then terminate the call. Alternatively, once the mobile switching center determines that the subscriber has exited his home sector, in step 604 the mobile switching center may allow the subscriber a grace period in which to return to his home sector and, if he does not return, drop the call. Or, in step 604 the mobile switching center could continue the call so long as the mobile station is in the Bijanki 1-1-1-1-1-7-1-4 9 "talk" state, with the mobile switching center noting that the station is outside its home location and assigning whatever pricing differential might be applicable.
In the call scenario diagram of Figure 7 the PSTN attempts to deliver a call to a mobile station's home directory number while the station is outside the home location and is in the idle mode. In step 700 the PSTN delivers the home directory number to the mobile switching center. If the customer service has been defined as "home only", the mobile switching center may indicate to the calling party that the mobile directory number should be used to complete the call.
Alternatively, the mobile switching center may forward the call to the user's voice mail (step 702), for example.
In the call scenario diagram of Figure 8 the PSTN delivers the user's mobile directory number to the mobile switching center in step 800. In this case, the call may be successfully terminated in step 802, no matter whether the subscriber is within his home location, home cellular sector, for example, or not. The customer may pay a premium for service that employs the mobile directory number and, consequently, may prefer that calls be made to his home location directory number whenever he is within his home location range.
The foregoing description of specific embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. For example, although generally written in terms of cellular telephone systems, the invention may be used in conjunction with a personal communications services (PCS) system, with appropriate modifications known to those familiar with the art.
The embodiments were chosen and described to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention. It is intended that the scope of the invention be limited only by the claims appended hereto.
DIRECTORY NUMBER CAPABILITY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to wireless telecommunications, and, more particularly, to the association between a mobile station and directory numbers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The use of mobile telecommunications systems, including cellular telephones and personal communications services (PCS), has seen explosive growth, particularly in the past decade. The use of mobile, or cellular, telephones has become so commonplace that it is not unusual to see people conversing on the telephone as they walk along the sidewalk, as they drive, even as they attend a concert or a play.
Conventional mobile telecommunications services employ a mobile identification number (MIN) for authentication, for termination, and for many other operations. However, the mobile identification number has proven inadequate for worldwide applications. Consequently, systems are being developed which employ an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) that will allow mobile telecommunications devices to operate seamlessly throughout the world. At some point, when IMSI devices are introduced there will be a mix of devices operating in the field; some mobile devices will employ a mobile identification number, some will employ an international mobile subscriber identity that is based on a more conventional mobile identification number, and some will employ "pure" IMSI
numbers.
During the process of establishing, or "terminating", a telephone call (which may involve the transmission of voice, data, or both) that involves a mobile station, a wireless system associates a directory number with the identifier (MIN or IMSI).
A conventional wireless system may store the mobile unit's identificationldirectory Bijanki 1-1-1-1-1-7-1-4 2 number association information in the mobile unit's home location register (HLR).
Only one directory number is associated with a given mobile identifier. This restriction limits the flexibility with which a mobile unit may be used and limits the range of services a mobile telecommunications service provider may offer to an end-user.
SUMMARY
A mobile telecommunications system in accordance with the principles of the present invention includes database entries that associate the identifier of a mobile unit, which could be a cellular telephone or a personal communications service (PCS) device, with a plurality of directory numbers. The mobile unit identifier may be a mobile identification number (MIN) or international mobile service identifier (IMSI), for example. The system may store this association within a home location register (HLR), within a mobile switching center (MSC), or in both.
In the process of terminating a telephone call the system employs supplemental information to determine which of the plurality of directory numbers associated with the mobile unit's mobile identifier is to be employed for the purposes of the telephone call being terminated. The supplemental information may be the current location of the mobile unit, for example. In such an embodiment, one directory number may be employed to terminate a telephone call within one geographic area, another directory number may be employed to terminate a telephone call within a different geographic area, and so on. Different services and prices may then be associated with each directory number, and, indirectly, with supplemental information, such as the current location of the mobile station.
The location of the mobile unit may be determined, for example, from cell and sector information located at a mobile switching, for example.
Alternatively, the geographical information may be supplied to the mobile telecommunications system from a global positioning system (GPS) receiver associated with the mobile unit. Each directory number may be associated with a different level of services, with corresponding pricing differences, for example.
Bijanki 1-1-1-1-1-7-1-4 3 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above and further features, aspects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, taken together with the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a conceptual block diagram of a mobile communications system in accordance with the principles of the present invention, in combination with a publicly switched telephone network;
Figure 2 is a more detailed conceptual block diagram of a mobile telecommunications system in accordance with the principles of the present invention;
Figure 3 is a call scenario diagram that illustrates the completion of a call from a mobile station within its "home" zone;
Figure 4 is a call scenario diagram depicting the origination of a telephone call from a mobile station located outside its "home" zone;
Figure 5 is a call scenario diagram of a call originating in, or passed through, the publicly switched telephone network (PSTN), using a "home"
directory number for the mobile station;
Figure 6 depicts the delivery of call to a mobile station that moves outside its home location during a call;
Figure 7 is a call scenario diagram that illustrates the PSTN's attempted delivery of a call to a mobile station's home directory number while the mobile station is outside it's home location zone; and Figure 8 is a call scenario diagram that illustrates the delivery of a call using a mobile station's home directory number to a mobile station located within its home zone.
Bijanki 1-1-1-1-1-7-1-4 4 DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The conceptual block diagram of Figure 1 illustrates a mobile telecommunications system 100 in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The mobile system 100 may be operated in conjunction with the publicly switched telephone network, or land system, 102. The mobile telecommunications system 100 includes a serving system 105 and a home location register 106, which communicate with one another. The serving system may include one or more visiting location registers and one or more base stations, for example.
In particular, the mobile telecommunications system 100 includes at least one switching component 104, such as a mobile switching center, at least one registering component 106, such as a home location register, and at least one mobile station 108. The mobile station may be of the mobile identification number (MIN) type, international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) type, MIN-based IMSI
type, or both MIN-based IMSI and IMSI type.
In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the mobile telecommunications system 100 establishes a connection from a land station, as follows. When a call is directed to a mobile station 108 from the publicly switched telephone network 102, the land system routes the call to the appropriate switching component 104 (only one of which is shown in this Figure) within the mobile system. The switching component 104 forwards the dialed digits, along with other information, to the registering component 106 to which the mobile station is assigned, and requests routing information for the mobile station associated with the dialed digits. In response to the request for routing information, the registering component 106 returns routing information to the switching component 104. In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the serving system 105 includes a database that may be located within the registering component 106 for example. The database includes the association between the mobile's identifier (MIN or IMSI) and the mobile's directory numbers. This information may be relayed to the switching component B i janki 1-1-1-1-1-7-1-4 5 104, for example. As will be described in greater detail in the discussion related _ to Figures 5 through 8, the serving system 105 correlates the identifier information with supplemental information, such as the present geographical location of the mobile station 108, to determine which of the directory numbers to associate with the mobile station 108 for this particular telephone call. Calls originating at the mobile station 108 are handled in a similar manner, as described in greater detail in the discussion related to Figures 3 and 4, with the serving system 105 correlating the mobile identifier with supplemental information to determine which of the mobile station's directory numbers to employ for the current telephone call.
The conceptual block diagram of Figure 2 provides a more detailed view of a mobile telecommunications system in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The illustrative system 100 includes a mobile station 108, which may communicate, via a wireless link 110 with a base station 112. The base station, in turn, communicates with a mobile switching center 114 which operates as the switching component 104 in this illustrative embodiment. The mobile switching center 114 provides interfaces to the landline system 102 and to the remainder of the wireless, or mobile telecommunications system 100. The switching center 114 also provides mobility management for mobile stations.
The mobile system 100 also includes a complement of components that operate in accordance with IS-730, a telecommunications standard that is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. These components include a home location register (HLR) 116, which operates as the registering component 106 in this illustrative embodiment. The home location register 116 includes a database which stores, among other things, a permanent copy of the mobile subscriber's subscription information and location information which permits calls to be routed toward the mobile switching center associated with the mobile unit's current location. This information may include such things, as the mobile station roaming number (MSRN) or temporary local directory number (TLDN), the visiting location register (VLR) address, the mobile switching center (MSC) address), the Bijanki 1-1-1-1-1-7-1-4 6 international mobile subscriber identity (and the MIN, if available), the mobile subscriber ISDN number (MSISDN) teleservices and bearer services subscription information, and service restrictions, such as roaming limitations, and supplementary service parameters. A stand-alone home location register supports such features as call delivery, message waiting notification, call fo~rarding, remote feature control, call transfer, subscriber PIN intercept, call waiting, conference calling, and voice message retrieval. Two "keys" are typically required to access the home location register 116. They are: an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) (or mobile identity number MIN) and a mobile station ISDN number (MSISDN).
In this illustrative embodiment, the HLR 116 also includes two or more directory numbers for at least one of the mobile stations it serves. One of the directory numbers may be associated with the mobile station 108 if the station is within a specified sector of a particular mobile system "cell" and another of the directory numbers may be associated with the mobile station if the station is anywhere other than in that cell sector. The location information may be obtained from the mobile switching system 114, for example. This association would permit a service provider to offer one type of service within a "home" cell sector (one directory number), and another type of service outside that home cell sector (a different directory number), for example. Multiple directory numberlcell locations could also be supported, so that a mobile station may be provided different types of service in each of a number of different geographical locations. As previously described, this location information may be obtained from cell sector information available at a MSC, or through a GPS unit, for example.
The following illustrative call scenario diagrams assume, for the sake of simplicity of exposition, that a mobile station has just two' directory numbers associated with it, one for a "home" location, and one for an "away" location.
As previously described, each of the mobile stations may have more than two Bijanki 1-1-1-1-1-7-1-4 7 directory numbers associated with them and the assignment of directory numbers for a given call need not be determined by the location of the mobile stations.
The call scenario diagram of Figure 3 depicts the origination of a telephone call from a mobile station that is located within its "home" zone, in accordance with the principles of the present invention. In step 300 the subscriber initiates a call and information, including the subscriber's mobile identifier, is routed to a MSC.
In step 302 the MSC determines that the mobile station is in its home location and passes the home directory number (HDN), that is, the directory number associated with the mobile station's home cellular sector, to the publicly switched telephone system. When the call is completed, the HDN may be displayed on any receiving instrument that features "caller ID".
The call scenario diagram of Figure 4 illustrates the origination of a telephone call from a mobile station that is located outside its "home" zone. In step 400 the subscriber initiates a call and information, including the subscriber's mobile identifier, is routed to a MSC. In step 402 the MSC determines that the mobile station is outside its home location and passes the mobile directory number (MDN), the directory number associated with cellular sectors outside the mobile station's home cellular sector, to the publicly switched telephone system.
When the call is completed, the MDN may be displayed on any receiving instrument that features "caller ID".
The MSC, or other element in the system 100, includes a device such as a computer, which is used to compare the database entries of the mobile identifier and supplemental information, to the received mobile identifiers and supplemental information. This comparison permits the device to determine which of the directory numbers to use for a particular call. For example, if the received mobile identifier and supplemental information correspond to a mobile station within its home zone, comparison of received and stored values would determine that the mobile station's home directory number should be employed for the call.
Similarly, if the received information, the mobile station identifier and geographical Bijanki 1-1-1-1-1-7-1-4 8 information, indicate that the mobile station is outside its home zone, the comparison would reveals that the mobile directory number should be employed for the call.
In the illustrative call scenario diagram of Figure 5 a call originates in step 500 within the publicly switched telephone network. In this and other examples, the call may actually originate in, or be transferred through the PSTN. In this example the directory number employed by the PSTN is the mobile station's home directory number, which the MSC employs in step 502 to attempt terminating the call. If the mobile station is within its home sector, the MSC, which has access to station location information, will deliver the call to the station. If the mobile station is not within its home sector, the MSC will not deliver the call, but may forward the call to another directory number. This other directory number could be station's MDN, for example. The forwarding number may be determined by the user's activation of a call-forwarding feature. Alternatively, the call may be forwarded to the subscriber's answering service.
The call scenario diagram of Figure 6 depicts the delivery of a call to a mobile station that is originally located within its home sector. In step 600 the PSTN
delivers the home directory number to the mobile switching center. In step 602 the mobile switching center terminates the call with the mobile station. Should the mobile station depart from its home sector, the mobile switching center will detect this departure. In response, the mobile switching center may send a message to the mobile subscriber in step 604 alerting the subscriber to the fact that he has moved outside his home location. Since operation outside his home location may imply a different set of services and a different pricing structure, the subscriber may then terminate the call. Alternatively, once the mobile switching center determines that the subscriber has exited his home sector, in step 604 the mobile switching center may allow the subscriber a grace period in which to return to his home sector and, if he does not return, drop the call. Or, in step 604 the mobile switching center could continue the call so long as the mobile station is in the Bijanki 1-1-1-1-1-7-1-4 9 "talk" state, with the mobile switching center noting that the station is outside its home location and assigning whatever pricing differential might be applicable.
In the call scenario diagram of Figure 7 the PSTN attempts to deliver a call to a mobile station's home directory number while the station is outside the home location and is in the idle mode. In step 700 the PSTN delivers the home directory number to the mobile switching center. If the customer service has been defined as "home only", the mobile switching center may indicate to the calling party that the mobile directory number should be used to complete the call.
Alternatively, the mobile switching center may forward the call to the user's voice mail (step 702), for example.
In the call scenario diagram of Figure 8 the PSTN delivers the user's mobile directory number to the mobile switching center in step 800. In this case, the call may be successfully terminated in step 802, no matter whether the subscriber is within his home location, home cellular sector, for example, or not. The customer may pay a premium for service that employs the mobile directory number and, consequently, may prefer that calls be made to his home location directory number whenever he is within his home location range.
The foregoing description of specific embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. For example, although generally written in terms of cellular telephone systems, the invention may be used in conjunction with a personal communications services (PCS) system, with appropriate modifications known to those familiar with the art.
The embodiments were chosen and described to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention. It is intended that the scope of the invention be limited only by the claims appended hereto.
Claims (20)
1. Apparatus comprising:
a database stored within a mobile telecommunications system, the database including a mobile identifier associated with a mobile station; and the database further including a plurality of directory numbers associated with the mobile station.
a database stored within a mobile telecommunications system, the database including a mobile identifier associated with a mobile station; and the database further including a plurality of directory numbers associated with the mobile station.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the mobile identifier is a mobile identification number (MIN).
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the mobile identifier is an international mobile service identifier (IMSI).
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the database contains supplemental information associated with each of the directory numbers.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the supplemental information is geographical information that uniquely associates each of the directory numbers with the mobile station.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the database is stored within a home location register (HLR).
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the database is stored within a mobile switching center (MSC).
8. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the geographical information is cellular sector information.
9. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the geographical information is global positioning system information.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a comparing means configured to compare the stored supplemental information to received supplemental information regarding the mobile station.
11. A method comprising the steps of:
(A) storing a mobile identifier associated with a mobile station; and (B) storing a plurality of directory numbers associated with the mobile station.
(A) storing a mobile identifier associated with a mobile station; and (B) storing a plurality of directory numbers associated with the mobile station.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein step A comprises storing a mobile identification number (MIN).
13. The method of claim 11 wherein step A comprises storing an international mobile service identifier (IMSI).
14. The method of claim 11 further comprising the step of:
(C) storing supplemental information associated with each of the directory numbers.
(C) storing supplemental information associated with each of the directory numbers.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein the supplemental information is geographical information that uniquely associates each of the directory numbers with the mobile station.
16. The method of claim 15 further comprising the steps of:
(D) receiving a mobile identifier associated with a mobile station at a mobile serving system;
(E) receiving supplemental information regarding the mobile station at the mobile serving system;
(F).comparing the received mobile identifier and supplemental information with the mobile identifier and supplemental information stored within the database;
and (G).determining which of the plurality of directory numbers associated with the mobile identifier is to be used in conjunction with a call, based on the comparison of step (F).
(D) receiving a mobile identifier associated with a mobile station at a mobile serving system;
(E) receiving supplemental information regarding the mobile station at the mobile serving system;
(F).comparing the received mobile identifier and supplemental information with the mobile identifier and supplemental information stored within the database;
and (G).determining which of the plurality of directory numbers associated with the mobile identifier is to be used in conjunction with a call, based on the comparison of step (F).
17. The method of claim 15 further comprising the steps of:
(H).receiving a directory number associated with a mobile station;
(I).receiving supplemental information related to the mobile station; and (J).determining the type of service to be afforded to the mobile station based on the supplemental information received in step (I).
(H).receiving a directory number associated with a mobile station;
(I).receiving supplemental information related to the mobile station; and (J).determining the type of service to be afforded to the mobile station based on the supplemental information received in step (I).
18. The method of claim 17 wherein the supplemental information of step (I) is the current location of the mobile station.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein one type of service is associated with a directory number whenever the associated mobile station is within a predetermined geographical area and a different type of service is associated with the same directory number whenever the associated mobile station is outside the predetermined geographical area.
20. The method of claim 19 wherein one type of service is associated with a second directory number whenever the associated mobile station is within the predetermined geographical area and a different type of service is associated with the second directory number whenever the associated mobile station is outside the predetermined geographical area.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US09/413,691 US6539223B1 (en) | 1999-10-07 | 1999-10-07 | Mobile telecommunications device having multiple directory number capability |
| US09/413,691 | 1999-10-07 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2320635A1 true CA2320635A1 (en) | 2001-04-01 |
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Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002320635A Abandoned CA2320635A1 (en) | 1999-10-07 | 2000-09-26 | Mobile telecommunications device having multiple directory number capability |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US6539223B1 (en) |
| EP (1) | EP1089585B1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU6131300A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2320635A1 (en) |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| CA2293384C (en) * | 1998-04-17 | 2008-07-15 | Swisscom Ag | Roaming method and devices appropriate therefor |
| KR20010108926A (en) * | 2000-06-01 | 2001-12-08 | 윤종용 | Homezone termination trigger service method |
| US6975874B1 (en) * | 2000-06-09 | 2005-12-13 | International Business Machines Corporation | Portable phone that changes function according to its self-detected geographical position |
| US20040185888A1 (en) * | 2003-03-18 | 2004-09-23 | Nokia Corporation | Solving mobile station identity in a multi-SIM situation |
| ES2299679T3 (en) * | 2003-06-30 | 2008-06-01 | Swisscom Mobile Ag | PROCEDURE AND DEVICES FOR THE PROCESSING OF SUBSCRIBER INFORMATION FROM A SUBSCRIBER TO A MOBILE PHONE NETWORK. |
| US7315738B1 (en) | 2003-09-11 | 2008-01-01 | Sprint Spectrum L.P. | Method and system for managing multiple directory numbers for a mobile station |
| EA010756B1 (en) * | 2005-02-03 | 2008-10-30 | Блюслайс Нетворкс Инк. | Dynamic identity association within a wireless network |
| US20070111738A1 (en) * | 2005-11-14 | 2007-05-17 | Lucent Technologies | Method for providing roaming using a mobile identification number based on an international mobile station identity |
| CN101047739B (en) * | 2006-03-30 | 2010-11-10 | 中兴通讯股份有限公司 | System for implement one telephone with multi-number service and its method |
| JP5212071B2 (en) * | 2008-12-15 | 2013-06-19 | 富士通株式会社 | Communication device and mobile terminal |
| NL2005518C2 (en) * | 2010-10-14 | 2012-04-17 | Vodafone Libertel N V | Mobile communication network such as a gsm network. |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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| US5815814A (en) * | 1991-12-26 | 1998-09-29 | Sygnet Communications, Inc. | Cellular telephone system that uses position of a mobile unit to make call management decisions |
| EP0690645B1 (en) * | 1994-06-30 | 2006-08-02 | Casio Computer Co., Ltd. | Radio communication apparatus having a plurality of identification codes |
| SE9503521L (en) * | 1995-10-05 | 1996-10-07 | Telia Ab | Method and device for identification of home area by mobile telecommunication system |
| US5905955A (en) * | 1995-12-12 | 1999-05-18 | At&T Wireless Services Inc. | Method for selecting a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a geographic database |
| US5740538A (en) | 1996-01-05 | 1998-04-14 | Lucent Technologies, Inc. | System and method for identifying the location of a wireless terminal |
| US5878348A (en) * | 1996-05-30 | 1999-03-02 | Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ) | System and method for implementing multiple home location registers for a single mobile station in a cellular telecommunications network |
| US5983095A (en) * | 1996-07-26 | 1999-11-09 | Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ) | System and method of calling a single mobile telephone through multiple directory numbers in a radio telecommunications network |
| DE19639413A1 (en) | 1996-09-25 | 1998-04-02 | Siemens Ag | Mobile radio telephone display method especially for subscriber's name or location in PLMN |
| US5949770A (en) | 1996-12-02 | 1999-09-07 | Lucent Technologies Inc. | Method for assigning feature sets on virtual private telecommunications networks |
| US5943620A (en) * | 1996-12-09 | 1999-08-24 | Ericsson Inc. | Method for associating one directory number with two mobile stations within a mobile telecommunications network |
| US6097950A (en) * | 1996-12-27 | 2000-08-01 | Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ) | Method and system for global roaming in a cellular telecommunications system |
| US6044261A (en) * | 1997-03-19 | 2000-03-28 | Ericsson, Inc. | Multiple home zone areas within a mobile telecommunications network |
| US5933785A (en) * | 1997-05-20 | 1999-08-03 | Motorola, Inc. | Telephone and method for concurrent registration of two identification numbers using multi-number sim card |
| US6148197A (en) * | 1998-03-06 | 2000-11-14 | Sbc Technology Resources, Inc. | Intelligent roaming system with over the air programming |
| US6259914B1 (en) * | 1998-08-07 | 2001-07-10 | Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corporation | Method and apparatus for implementing international wireless roaming |
| US6427076B2 (en) * | 1998-09-30 | 2002-07-30 | Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ) | Method and system for manipulating subscriber data |
| US6201957B1 (en) * | 1998-11-18 | 2001-03-13 | Neopoint, Inc. | System and method for implementing flexible calling plans |
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-
1999
- 1999-10-07 US US09/413,691 patent/US6539223B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2000
- 2000-09-25 EP EP00308389.6A patent/EP1089585B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2000-09-26 AU AU61313/00A patent/AU6131300A/en not_active Abandoned
- 2000-09-26 CA CA002320635A patent/CA2320635A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP1089585A2 (en) | 2001-04-04 |
| EP1089585A3 (en) | 2001-05-09 |
| AU6131300A (en) | 2001-04-05 |
| US6539223B1 (en) | 2003-03-25 |
| EP1089585B1 (en) | 2013-05-01 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |