FI113230B - Procedure for updating call control and incoming call control - Google Patents

Description

, 113230

A method for updating call control and controlling incoming calls

The invention relates to a method according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such methods are used to update intelligent network based call control. In particular, the methods are used to update the operation of service telephone numbers implemented by intelligent network-based telephone systems. Functions that can be updated with the method include call control, switching on, switching off, call control time dependent logic, pricing, call barring, customer lists, billing information, and various reports. Similarly, the methods may be used in conjunction with other telephone numbers that require advanced call control functions, such as virtual call logs, and, to an appropriate scale, also for updating control of private telephone lines.

The invention also relates to a method according to the preamble of claim 4.

Such methods are used to control calls to the telephone numbers routed in the above manner.

_ ':' In accordance with the prior art, a service provider may influence the structure, operation, billing, statistics and reporting of its service number via its intelligent network system '...: teleoperator. The intelligent network system includes a telephone network, subscriber control SSPs and SCP databases controlling SSPs. Service Number Services * · * '' 20 is implemented by programming the desired features into a SCP database from which the computer using this extracts the algorithms to execute each service. Contents of the SCP database ... can be modified by specific applications that are only available to telephone operators.

For security reasons, outsiders cannot even be allowed to make changes to the SCP database.

• · ·.;, This is because SCP databases control the operation of the telephone intelligent network. The correct operation of the SCP database »* * 25 is essential for the correct implementation of call control and billing, so an outsider operating in the SCP database is a risk to the operation of the entire SCP-database controlled by the SCP database.

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Em. For reasons known in the art, all random or regular changes in the service functions 2 113230 Except for follow-me services, it is only possible to do so with the assistance of the operator's staff and systems. “Follow-me” service means a service where the telephone service provider can only change the destination number to which calls to the service number are routed through their own telephone. 5 Changes made to the item number are stored in the SCP database. Changing the destination number is essentially the same as call forwarding, so reporting a new destination number to the SCP database using a user interface managed by the operator can be arranged without compromising the security of the telephone network.

A drawback of the prior art is the poor ability of the service provider to actively and real-time influence its own service numbers. Em. The follow-me add-on provides the service provider with only very limited opportunities to redirect service numbers. In addition, the follow-me service interface is a rather underdeveloped way to control calls, as the service interface is based on voice announcements to and from the service provider.

15 Also, the service number management through the operator's staff and systems does not respond to the service provider's rapidly changing needs for self-planning, building, and reporting of service number control times, logic, rate classes, traffic prevention services, user lists, billing information, statistics and reporting; ·; administrator.

I t '...' 20 In addition, when using prior art, it is often difficult and complicated for the 1 »t * · service provider to check e.g. control logic or reporting service at a given time '; '; 'Operation through a telecommunications operator.

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It is an object of the invention to eliminate the above-mentioned drawbacks and to provide exactly I i · '; '' Is a new type of method for updating call control. The object of the invention is «I #

It · f ^ '. 25 also provide a completely new type of method for routing calls to a telephone number.

The invention is based on the fact that at least some of the control parameters of the telephone traffic to the telephone number I «» ·: ··· are stored in a separate service database instead of the SCP database.

3 113230 In this case, the SCP database will make the necessary service parameter queries to the service database when routing incoming calls, and use its control routines to route the call according to the parameters it retrieves from the service database. The invention is also based on the installation of an easy-to-use interface for the service database, which can be used by telephone service providers themselves, for example via the Internet, keypad, fax or mobile phone. Thus, for example, the telephone service providers can independently update the parameters of the telephone numbers they manage.

More specifically, the update method according to the invention is characterized by what is set forth in the characterizing part of claim 1. The control 10 method according to the invention, in turn, is characterized by what is stated in the characterizing part of claim 4.

The invention provides considerable advantages.

The invention allows the service provider much greater autonomy over the management of the logic, data, reporting, and billing of own service numbers than is known in the art. In a preferred embodiment, the service provider can experiment with new control modes of his service function, such as weekly, time or time, through his user interface. # traffic congestion loggers, grouping their own customers, or researching their service number traffic •. and bill accrual. Thus, the service provider can perform such basic controls of the service number functions and their testing without having to contact • 20 telecommunication operators. Changes in the functions of intelligent network numbers when the telecommunications operator makes; Γ: external costs are incurred by the service provider. This easily leads to: the service provider being unable or unwilling to try new, perhaps much better and more effective, ways of controlling. In an advantageous application of the invention, the telecommunications operator may, therefore,: · Provide the service provider with excellent capabilities and tools to analyze its own '* · ·' 25 service number traffic, to make changes and to observe the effects of the changes V · '.

; From the point of view of the telecommunications operator, it may be advantageous, for example, to provide a better service to the customers or to free up the human resources of the operator from the programming of service numbers. With the invention, the update services can be implemented safely.

4, 113230

The invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawing.

The drawing schematically illustrates the use of one method according to the invention in connection with one possible smart network based rigid system.

5 illustrates a telephone interface 1 comprised of an intelligent network based telephone system and associated telephone network, a service switching point 2 (service switching point) closest to the telephone connection 1, a service control point (SCP) 3 controlling a SSP center 2, and a service database linked to the SCP database 3 4, an Intemet server 5 connected to a service database 4, an IVR / FAX server 6 (IVR, 10 Interactive Voice Response) connected to a service database 4, and a GSM server 7 connected to a service database 4. an Internet data terminal 8 connected to a server 5, a voice frequency telephone 9 connected to an IVR / FAX server 6 and a GSM mobile network terminal 10 connected to a GSM server 7.

The drawing also shows the communication functions between the aforementioned devices. These functions are indicated by arrows.

The service database 4 is located on a server comprising at least memory means for storing information and management software contained in the database, and means for managing memory and performing the necessary operations. The server also comprises interfaces 20 for communicating with the server controlling the SCP database 3 and the client terminals 8, 9, 10. The connection to the client terminals 8, 9, 10 «I · can be implemented e.g. via the servers 5, 6, 7.

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When routing a call to a service provider's service number in the system of the drawing, the following steps are taken: 1 I »

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25 - A public telephone subscriber 1 dials a service number to divert the call to: j the SSP exchange 2.

The SSP exchange 2 detects a call requiring intelligent network control and forwards this information 5 to the 113230 SCP database 3.

The SCP database 3 detects that a call has been made to a service number which is managed by the service provider himself. The SCP database 3 queries the service database 4.

5 - The service database 4 retrieves the call control logic corresponding to the service number and forwards the corresponding call control commands to the SCP database 3.

The SCP database 3 generates call control commands according to the instructions it receives from the service database and its own routines for transmission to the SSP exchange 2.

The SCP database 3 returns the call control with the necessary commands back to the 10 SSP exchange 2, which forwards the call to the correct destination number.

In the service call control method of the invention, the SCP database 3 further inquires the service provider's service number into a separate service database 4. The use of the SCP database 3 is thus significantly different from the known intelligent network systems in which the SCP database 3 independently controls call control. According to the invention * * · · ', the SCP database 3 only stores the low-end!,. level subroutines and service provider building blocks. The operation of these _ '' \ subroutine routines and '' building blocks '', in turn, is parameterizable and <· they form the basis of the service provider-controlled service database • · <«. : ·. 20 for advanced service programming and management.

. . Service Database 4 maintains a high, ··, · service number by the service provider. level service program and management. The service provider's service programming is done using <* ·, ·. by tele-operator-defined low-level subroutine routines and building blocks. "Try it." The service in Service Database 4 is thus actually a logic tree referring to the '· 25 aforementioned subroutine routines and' 'building blocks' 'which the service provider itself is' -1 *; risoinut.

6 113230

The service database 4 also maintains information on the service provider's service number. In this case, the service provider is able to provide the new service number itself with the logic he has designed and built. Correspondingly, changes in the service number operation and disconnection of the number can be performed by the service provider himself by operating the service database 4 5 through a suitable interface.

The service provider is able to manage eg. service number activation, deactivation, control times, logic, used rate classes, traffic blocking services, user lists, billing information, and reporting related issues through a single user interface. This is done via server 5,6,7. Server 5, 6, 7 provides the service provider with a user-10 interface and tools for the aforementioned high level programming, service provisioning and management. Provisioning means activating, deactivating and changing numbers of service numbers. In addition, the service provider can use this interface to examine the billing of their services and traffic reporting. Through the user interface, information in a preferred embodiment can be easily retrieved to other systems of the service provider for further processing.

Preferably, the Service Provider's preferred means of managing the operation of its service numbers, such as call control logic, data, reporting, and / or billing, is the Internet -.:. based interface. The Internet-based interface makes it possible to implement *: ·. at least the following advantageous features: 20 - The user of the Update Service, most often the Service Provider, can be identified, for example, by a username and password. • 'j' can be used if desired. including advanced Internet user authentication methods.

, *, ·, - Implement and use different user profile and access levels. : ·. can be implemented easily.

· 25 - An illustrative and instructive approach to building service logic can be made. ' program.

':' ': - The service provider can test the operation of its service logic.

7 113230

The service logic can be activated or deactivated if desired.

Data provisioning and changes can be managed by service number.

Service number specific reports can be configured, managed and / or printed through the user interface.

5 - Service number specific billing can be set up and printed via the user interface.

When communicating with a service database via the Internet, for example, the following steps are taken: 10 - The service provider uses its Internet terminal 8 to connect to the Internet server 5.

The Internet server 5 asks the service provider to provide their user name and password or in another suitable way to verify the identity of the service provider.

15 - Internet server 5 opens the service number function update service.

- - If the service provider has the right to manage multiple service numbers, Internet::: server 5 asks the service provider to specify its service number (s). · · 'Service numbers whose functions you want to update this time.

: Y: - The service provider makes the changes you want to the service number control.

::: 20 The update service that makes these changes may include e.g.

: Menus that can be completed and edited using the Internet 8,: "": forms and / or tables. These tables can also be used to check • I ·: ·. valid choices. The upgrade forms are preferably such that, ..., only the fields to which the service provider has obtained the teleoperator's upgrade right can be edited. The upgrade form can be used as “113230

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however, other parameters related to the service number may also be displayed if desired. However, these parameters are not intended to be edited.

After the service provider has updated the information regarding the desired service number, the Internet server 5 may ask him to confirm the changes to be made. The Internet server 5 also checks if changes can be made. Once the changes are confirmed, the Internet server 5 updates the changes to the service database 4, and the changes take effect.

The Internet server 5 upgrade program may also include service logic testing functions. If the service provider has made changes to the service logic of its service number 10 and wishes to test the changes made, the Internet server 5 may launch a test program to simulate the operation logic of the service number service logic.

If the service provider wishes to activate or deactivate his service number or, for a given service logic, he can do so, for example, by clicking on the activation boxes for each function in the update program.

If you want information such as your service number or service numbers call. .:. for traffic or service charges, the service provider may use the Internet; '; '; server 5 reporting programs. The reporting program may have functions, i "': which can be used to subscribe to information such as the number of calls made and calls made; · ·: 20 lines, length distribution, time distribution, charge, etc. Report • ·:,:! can be eg stored in the service provider's Internet terminal 8, printed:, · on paper or sent regularly, eg by mail or e-mail. In a preferred embodiment, the service provider is free to define the desired reportable parameters and their presentation, as well as define the desired report delivery format and reporting interval.

* * ·: [T: - If desired, the service provider may change:. ·. also the service charge for its service number. However, changes can be made; · · | only to the extent permitted by the telecommunications operator.

9 113230

The first alternative way to update the service database 4 is by updating via the IVR / FAX server 6. The IVR / FAX server 6 may be communicated, e.g., via a conventional voice telephone or fax. If the IVR / FAX-5 server 6 is used for bidirectional communication between the service provider and the service database 4, the IVR / FAX server 6 is preferably also associated with a voice automation device. The tone telephone can be used to enter desired information and commands, for example, in response to questions asked by the IVR / FAX server 6 according to its user interface logic. The fax can be utilized in communication between the service provider and the service database 4, e.g., by sending reports ordered by the service provider to the service provider's fax by the IVR / FAX server 6. In principle, it is also possible to send scripts by fax to the IVR / FAX server 6 for reading.

Through the use of IVR / FAX server 6 and its associated audio automation device interface, the service provider has limited control over the logic, data, reporting and billing of its service number 15. This limitation is due to the fact that entering commands via a voice dialer key is quite slow compared to Internet-based applications. However, the user interface of the IVR / FAX server 6 preferably provides at least the following functions or features: '' - user (service provider) authentication, ': 20 - different user profile and access levels, t! : - Limited provisioning and change management of service-specific data, * ;; - limited service number specific reporting, management and / or · 'printing and !!. '- set up, manage, and / or print * limited service number per billing.

10 113230

When communicating with the service database via the IVR / FAX server 6, the following actions are performed, for example:

The service provider uses his phone 9 to connect to the IVR / FAX server 6.

5 - The voice control device connected to the IVR / FAX server 6 asks the service provider to key in their user name and password. The A subscriber number identification can also be utilized to identify the user of the Update service.

The IVR / FAX server 6 asks you what service the service provider wants to use. 10 Possible services include activating and deactivating a service number, data provisioning and change management, reporting and billing.

The service provider selects the service they want using their phone.

The IVR / FAX server 6 starts the selected service and asks the service provider 15 to enter the required information.

* I I ·. : ·. - After the service provider has successfully updated the desired service number-. "*. ro, the IVR / FAX server 6 updates the service information: * · to position 4, when the changes take effect.

»» ·. : ·. - If the service provider wanted to order information, for example, on his call number or service charge collection, the IVR / FAX server 6 can provide the following: Y: The information is either voicemail or faxed to the service provider-specified :: fax number. Reports may also be submitted by other means.

- The service provider may also be allowed to change its service number in the service charge. This can also be done in the same way by keying and keying '; 25 by confirming, for example, the control messages generated by the audio automation device. However, changes can only be made within the limits allowed by telecommunication operator 113230.

Another alternative way of updating the information in the service database 4 is through the GSM server 5 7. The GSM server 7 can exchange information with the service provider via GSM short messages and GSM data connection. By GSM data connection is meant here a communication connection between a service provider's computer or a combined computer-mobile phone and a GSM server 7 via a GSM phone. Through the GSM Short Message Service and GSM Data Interface, the service provider 10 has limited control over the logic, data, reporting and billing of service numbers. Also in this technique, the limiting factor is the communication capacity of the communication link. However, the user interface preferably provides at least the following functions or features: user (service provider) authentication, different user profiles and access levels, 15 - provisioning and change management of limited service number specific data, configuration, management and / or limited service number reporting. <print and * - limited service number per billing setup, management and / or '' * printing.

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When communicating with the service database via GSM text messages, for example: ': The following actions are taken: ·, · - The service provider writes a GSM text message in which he places his password 1' 25 and the service control codes. Update Service User Authentication may also use A-Subscriber Number Authentication, if desired.

12 113230

The service provider sends a GSM text message to the GSM server 7.

The GSM server 7 interprets the SMS and checks whether the operations specified in the SMS can be performed.

The GSM server 7 sends a verification text message 5 to the service provider about the approved operations, which the service provider acknowledges with a confirmation text message.

If the service provider only wanted to order information from their service number, no confirmation messages are needed, but the desired information can be sent directly via SMS. For example, in the case of a telephone vote, the inquiry may specify that the GSM server 7 sends several short messages to the service provider. Hereby, for example, a reportable time interval, a report interval and reporting data can be set as desired.

Once the desired operations have been confirmed, the GSM server 7 updates the changes to the service database 4 and the changes take effect.

15 When communicating with a service database via GSM data connection, e.g.

'. the following actions:,.: - The service provider uses its communication program to connect to the GSM server 7.

> «T» I · The GSM server 7 update program asks the service provider to enter y. 20 usernames and passwords. Update Service User Authentication ► »; ' j *. the A-subscriber number identification can also be utilized if desired.

t I * * ';;,' - Service Provider selects desired service and makes desired changes I i

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or orders by entering the necessary commands.

e i <»t tl · t i '; '': - The GSM server 7 checks and, if necessary, also verifies the changes made by the service provider 25, and when the changes are accepted, the GSM server 7 13 113230 updates them to the service database 4 and the changes take effect.

The GSM server 7 checks and, if necessary, also verifies the orders made by the service provider, and forwards the ordered information, for example via the GSM data connection used, to the service provider's computer. Reports can also be submitted in other 5 ways.

GSM data management is similar to an Internet connection, but any queries and updates are made much simpler due to menu or command line based GSM data connections. Nevertheless, the service provider can go through quite complex menus and retrieve, print, or update information about their service numbers. For example, submitting your billing and reporting information through this is quite easy. On the other hand, a comprehensive upgrade of service logic will not be achieved through this. Only relatively small parameter changes are possible in practice. However, the service provider interface via GSM data connection is significantly more interactive, easier and faster than a short message interface.

:. Similar to the exchange of data via the GSM server 7, information may also be exchanged in other digital mobile telephone systems. In the context of this application, GSM: '': server 7 refers to any server capable of performing the functions described above in connection with any of the digital cellular telephone technologies. The application of the invention v. · To mobile phones is thus not limited to GSM technology only.

*> · '. '* By using faster cellular connections over GSM, the advantage over GSM technology is that the operation of service numbers can be more extensively controlled.

: '": The invention thus provides a number of user interface options for updating and operating telephone services.': ·. 25 monitoring. The preferred option for each use and point of use is: ''; the choice of the service provider. For example, the Internet-based interface is best suited *; design, management and implementation of changes Reporting and ....: Billing inquiries can be done over the Internet Also IVR / FAX nudity is often a 14 113230 very sensible alternative to ordering and delivering reports Short messages and data connections provided by digital mobile phones while on the go are often sufficient to manage and report basic service numbers.

The needs of the service provider, for example in terms of the interface implementation environment or how the reporting 5 is transmitted, may also vary depending on the time. For example, it may be wise to provide service number reporting information to a service provider primarily through an Internet-based user interface. However, sometimes faxing can provide a better and more flexible way to receive reports quickly. For example, a real-time telephone voting report is best suited for digital cell phone short message service-10 lu.

Solutions other than those described above may also be contemplated within the scope of the invention.

Above, the service database 4, the Internet server 5, the IVR / FAX server 6 and the GSM server 7 are shown as separate devices. However, these can in principle also be combined into one composite device controlled by a common computer.

It is also possible in principle to locate the service database 4 and the SCP database 3 physically on the same server: However, for security reasons, the service database 4 is preferably located on a separate device. This is because the smooth operation of the SCP database 3 is essential for the operation of the telephone intelligent network. If the telecom operator's 20 clients were allowed to operate the SCP database 3 on a computer, it could, in principle, be possible for someone to enter the control system of a telephone intelligent network illegally. When a service database 4 to which customers can communicate is hosted on a separate device, there is no such risk. This is because the server that manages the SCP database 3 only retrieves the desired parameters from the service database 4. If there are errors in the parameters, they affect only the control of that service number or those service numbers, and not in no case can the entire telephone system be confused '; · 'Activity. Thus, in the invention, the parameters of the service database 4 are changed via a telephone intelligent network: · · via an external system of the control system and the operation of the SCP database 3: without in itself affecting.

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It is, of course, also possible to apply the invention in such a way that not only the service provider but also the staff of the telecommunications operator utilizes the aforementioned interfaces to control the service numbers. In this case, even the telecom operator would not have to make all the changes directly in the 3 languages of the SCP database. However, the basic work on the development of the rigid system itself 5 has to be done as a rule in the SCP database 3.

Although the foregoing is mainly about service numbers, the invention can also be applied to control the operation and incoming calls of other corresponding telephone numbers. Such applications may be, for example, virtual network, virtual watch or call shortcut numbers.

In addition, the invention can also be used to control individual telephone interfaces. In this case, the holder of the telephone subscription is free to define, for example, call barring per subscription. This makes it possible, for example, to block service calls from the home subscription to all service numbers that are not explicitly allowed. Also, the selection of calls to a home connection is possible by the methods of the invention.

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Claims (6)

16 113230 A method for updating a call control via a telephone network, the method comprising: 5. Receiving update information by means of a server external to the telephone network (5,6,7) and - storing the update information is received via the short message service of the mobile phone via the GSM server (7). Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the update information is information on the activation or deactivation of the telephone service or the control logic, control times, tariff classes, traffic blocking services and / or the * * '!!! changes to user lists. * · * »>>» · M I I t, *. ·. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the update information is * · »·: *. telephone service billing information, statistics and / or reporting control information, or report 20 ordering information. t · • • I * t '. A method for controlling incoming calls, the method of receiving an incoming call for controlling a telephone intelligent network (2, 3) and for making at least one call control request from the telephone intelligent network (2, 3) to the telephone intelligent network (2, 3). to the service database (4) external to the telephone intelligent network (2, 3), characterized in that the service database (4) is provided to the telephone intelligent network (2, 3) with information on the 17 113230 call rate case. Method according to Claim 4, characterized in that the service database (4) provides the telephone intelligence network (2,3) with information on the destination of the call. 5 A method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, when controlling an incoming call: directing the call to the SSP exchange (2) of the telephone network, detecting the call in the SSP center (2) as an intelligent network call and transmitting the call information 10 to the In the SCP database (3), that the call is directed to a telephone number whose service parameters are stored in the service database (4), querying the service database (4) from the SCP database (3), receiving the data transmitted by the service database (4); 15 service parameters, f »> ♦: - generating, in the SCP database (3), call control commands according to the» service parameters and routines of the SCP database (3) transmitted by the service database (4), ♦ · * ·,: ·, - providing call control commands from the SCP database (3) ) To the SSP exchange (2) and control the call via the SSP exchange (2) according to the call control commands. * ·: 20 I I 1, * · i «· I · il *» »I» 18 11323C