WO2016141629A1

WO2016141629A1 - Method of generation additional voice revenue for mobile carriers by processing of non-established calls and short messages

Info

Publication number: WO2016141629A1
Application number: PCT/CN2015/078468
Authority: WO
Inventors: Vasily ZINOVIEV; Grygoriy PARSHYN; Alexander BAZIN
Original assignee: Zeep Hk Limited
Priority date: 2015-03-11
Filing date: 2015-05-07
Publication date: 2016-09-15
Also published as: TN2017000406A1; SG11201700940SA; HK1216588A2; PE20171607A1; MY192551A; CN107534702A; BR112017019257A2; TR201718307T1; EA201690222A1; AR104096A1; MA41063A1; CO2017009544A2; SA517382263B1

Abstract

In accordance with the patented method and system will allow to process non-established calls by sending missed call notification to called subscriber for only those calls or short messages from calling subscriber which ended up with certain conditions such as busy, out of reach and detached from the network or insufficient balance of calling party. In accordance with the patented method and system will allow to recognize additional voice revenue by performing patented reconciliation process of internal system call detailed records and telecommunication call detailed records (CDR). The problem, to be solved by the proposed method, is to create a reliable and user-friendly method for generating of additional voice revenue by performing missed call notifications, realizing the possibility for the calling subscriber, in the condition of non-established calls or short messages, to inform the called subscriber of the calling attempt in near real time manner.

Description

METHOD OF GENERATION ADDITIONAL VOICE REVENUE FOR MOBILE CARRIERS BY PROCESSING OF NON-ESTABLISHED CALLS AND SHORT MESSAGES

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to telecommunication systems and, more particularly, to method of generation of additional voice revenue for mobile carriers by special processing of non-established calls or short messages from/to unavailable subscribers of the telecommunication systems.

BACKGROUND

Often call attempts from a calling subscriber to a called subscriber end with busy, out of reach or other conditions. Such conditions indicate that the call cannot be established. The calling subscriber may be notified of such conditions, such as using a predetermined tone to indicate "busy" condition, hearing an announcement indicating that the called subscriber is unavailable or the like. As a result not all calls that the subscribers would like to make are actually carried out by telecommunication system, which may lead to a loss of potential revenue.

Also often, call attempts from a calling subscriber to a called subscriber end with condition of insufficient balance of calling subscriber pre-paid account. Such condition indicates that the call cannot be established by telecommunication system until the calling subscriber tops up the balance of his pre-paid account. The calling subscriber may be notified of such condition, such as using a predetermined voice message tone to indicate "insufficient balance" condition, hearing an announcement indicating that the call cannot be established by this reason or the like. As a result not all calls that the subscribers would like to make are actually carried out by telecommunication system, which may lead to a loss of potential revenue.

Also often short-messages (SMS) attempts from a calling subscriber to a called subscriber end with condition of insufficient balance of calling subscriber pre-paid account. Such condition indicates that the SMS cannot be delivered to the called subscriber by telecommunication system until the calling subscriber tops up the balance of his pre-paid account. The calling subscriber may or may not be notified of such condition. As a result not all short messages (SMS) attempts that the subscribers would like to make are actually carried out by telecommunication system, which may lead to a loss of potential revenue.

Some telecommunication systems provide a call waiting feature to all or to some of their subscribers. In such cases, when the calling subscriber attempts to call the called subscriber, in case the called subscriber is currently engaged, such as being busy with another call, both subscribers are notified of the situation: the calling subscriber hears a predetermined tone indicating that he is currently a "call waiting" , while the called subscriber also is provided with a notification during his call. The called subscriber is able to suspend the current call and switch to the new incoming call. This provides the parties the potential to negotiate an appropriate time to ring back. In case the called subscriber does not answer the phone, the called subscriber is notified of the fact that the calling subscriber had been trying to reach the called subscriber, such as using a missed call notification which indicates the number of the called subscriber which is identifiable through a Caller ID feature.

Proposed method and system of generation of additional revenue for mobile carriers provides the capability of processing of non-established calls and short messages by sending special formed missed call notification to called subscriber. This provides the called party the potential to negotiate an appropriate time to call back to original calling subscriber, resulting increasing of total voice usage of telecommunication system of mobile carrier. This generates additional voice revenue, which could be lost without this method.

Proposed method and system of generation of additional revenue for mobile carriers also provides the capability of calculating of such additional generated voice revenue of processing of non-established calls and short messages by using reconciliation of telecommunication system call detail records (CDR) and internal system CDRs giving the possibility to extract new additional voice revenue generated by this method. This provides the mobile carrier of clear understanding of those part of voice revenue that was generated by this proposed method.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In accordance with the patented method and system will allow to process non-established calls by sending missed call notification to called subscriber for only those calls or short messages from calling subscriber which ended up with certain conditions such as busy, out of reach and detached from the network or insufficient balance of calling party.

In accordance with the patented method and system will allow to recognize additional voice revenue by performing patented reconciliation process of internal system call detailed records and telecommunication call detailed records (CDR)

The problem, to be solved by the proposed method, is to create a reliable and user-friendly method for generating of additional voice revenue by performing missed call notifications, realizing the possibility for the calling subscriber, in the condition of non-established calls or short messages, to inform the called subscriber of the calling attempt in near real time manner.

THE BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosed subject matter will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which corresponding or like numerals or characters indicate corresponding or like components. Unless indicated otherwise, the drawings provide exemplary embodiments or aspects of the disclosure and do not limit the scope of the disclosure. In the drawings:

Fig. 1 shows an illustration of a telecommunication system, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter；

Fig. 2A-2H show flowchart diagrams of methods, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter； and

Fig. 3 shows a block diagram of an apparatus, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed subject matter is described below with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the subject matter. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means which implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide processes for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

A telecommunication system may be but is not limited to a Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) , a mobile telecommunication system, a cellular network, a system implementing Global System for Mobile (GSM) , third generation GSM (3GSM) , third generation system (3G) , Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) , Wideband CDMA (WCDMA) , Long Term Evolution (LTE) or the like. The telecommunication system may enable subscribers to communicate with one another, such as through calls and transmission of messages. The telecommunication system may be provided by a plurality of carriers, such as AT&T^TM, T-Mobile^TM, Verizon^TM, or the like. In some cases, different carriers may utilize equipment that implements different technologies in each core network, however, they may be considered in the same telecommunication system if they can enable two subscribers of the different carriers to communicate. Such communication may be implemented, for example, by having components owned by the different carriers communicate with one another.

As one example, a Mobile Switching Center (MSC) may be the component to which the devices of the subscribers of a carrier connect. In some cases, the MSC to which the first subscriber connected communicates to a second MSC to which the second subscriber is connected to, which may or may not be owned by a different mobile carrier.

One technical problem dealt with by the disclosed subject matter is to notify the called subscriber, also referred to as the second subscriber, of an attempt to reach her by the first subscriber when the second subscriber was unavailable, such as in case the line was busy or the device of the second subscriber was detached from the telecommunication system.

Yet another technical problem dealt with by the disclosed subject matter is to notify the called subscriber, also referred to as the second subscriber, of an attempt to reach her by the first subscriber when the first subscriber has insufficient balance on his pre-paid account.

Yet another technical problem is to provide such notification without interfering with a current call or without relying on the device of the second subscriber being attached to the telecommunication system at the time the call attempt was performed.

Yet another technical problem is to provide the notification in the form of a "missed call" , which may be more likely to cause the second subscriber to act upon it than other forms of textual messages, such as a Short Message Service (SMS) message or USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) message.

Yet another technical problem is to enable the notification of subscribers that are associated with either the same carriers or with the same carrier as the first subscriber.

Yet another technical problem is to provide for a component of a telecommunication system that can perform actions in accordance with the disclosed subject matter through a passive connection to other components of the telecommunication system, thereby not requiring other components of the system to be aware of the component and its actions. Such a component may be connected to traditional telecommunication systems and enable to augment their capabilities in accordance with the disclosed subject matter.

Yet another technical problem is to provide for a component of a telecommunication system that can perform calculation of additional generated revenue caused by callback from the called subscriber after sent notification due to the reason of non-established calls in accordance with the disclosed subject matter through a collection of telecommunication system call detailed records. Such a component may be connected to traditional telecommunication systems and enable to augment their capabilities in accordance with the disclosed subject matter.

One technical solution is to detect that a call or short message by the first subscriber to the second subscriber was not established due to one of the conditions caused by a technical reason associated with the first or second subscriber. Based on such detection, and after the unavailability condition ends, a transit call may be placed to the second subscriber and appearing as a call from the first subscriber. The transit call may be disconnected without allowing voice communication to be established between the parties. As a result, the transit call may cause a "missing call" notification to appear on the second subscriber's device. In some exemplary embodiments, the transit call is terminated after the device of the second subscriber acknowledges receipt of the call attempt. As a result the ringing time of the device in response to the transit call may be short or even non-existent.

In some exemplary embodiments, the unavailability condition may be a busy condition indicating that the second subscriber is engaged such as being on another call or using line in another manner. In some exemplary embodiments, the unavailability condition may be a detached condition indicating that the communication device of the second subscriber is not attached to the network, such as it currently does not have signal reception, the device is turned off, or the like. In some exemplary embodiments, the unavailability condition may be a condition indicating that the first subscriber is out of balance on his pre-paid account.

In some exemplary embodiments, there may be repetitive attempts to issue the transit call, such as every minute, every five minutes, or the like. In some exemplary embodiments, once the transit call succeeds, no additional attempts are performed. Additionally or alternatively, the disclosed subject matter may monitor the status of the device of the second subscriber, such as by monitoring a Home Location Register (HLR) or Service Control Point (SCP) , to determine when the unavailability condition ends. In some exemplary embodiments, a hidden SMS message may be transmitted to the second subscriber and upon retransmission request of the hidden SMS, the disclosed subject matter may deduce that the second subscriber became available and issue the transit call.

In some exemplary embodiments, the disclosed subject matter may provide one transient call to the second subscriber even in case the first subscriber made multiple unsuccessful attempts to call the second subscriber.

In some exemplary embodiments, the disclosed subject matter may avoid issuing the transient call in case after the call attempt and before a successful transit call was performed, the first subscriber successfully initiated a call to the second subscriber. In such a case, the disclosed subject matter may avoid issuing the transit call and thereby avoid providing notification that is no longer relevant or that may be duplicative. In some exemplary embodiments, a successful call may be a call that is established (i.e., the first subscriber picks up) . Additionally or alternatively, a successful call may be a call that does not end in an unavailability condition (e.g., the phone rings but no one picks up) , as such successful call may induce a "missed call" notification on the device of the second subscriber and no additional notification may be desired.

A "transit call" is a call that is directed towards a subscriber's device and is disconnected about immediately upon the device receiving the call (e.g., starting to ring) . In some exemplary embodiments, Integrated Services User Part (ISUP) Protocol may be used to perform a transit call. In such a case, a transit ISUP call may be generated by patented system on behalf of the first subscriber and directed towards the second subscriber. In response to receipt of an Address Complete Message (ACM) or a Call Progress (CPG) message, an ISUP Release (REL) message may be transmitted thereby clearing the call without allowing the voice communication channel to be established. In some exemplary embodiments, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) may be used to perform a transient call. In such a case, a transit SIP call may be generated on behalf of the first subscriber and directed towards the second subscriber. In response to receipt of an SIP RINGING with result code 180 message, an SIP BYE message may be transmitted thereby clearing the call without allowing the voice communication channel to be established

One technical effect of utilizing the disclosed subject matter may be providing useful notifications of missed call attempts in a manner that allows the second subscriber to return a call in a relatively easy manner. A missed call notification is a feature that many telecommunication devices support, and users are accustomed to returning a call in response to such notifications. It may very well be the case that missed call notifications are more effective than other forms of messages, including text messages sent by the users themselves.

Another effect may be alleviating the disadvantages that are associated with the use of "call waiting" feature. On one hand, thanks to enabling "call waiting" feature, some call attempts that otherwise would not have succeeded, are successful, thus potentially generating higher revenue for the carrier. On the other hand, the "call waiting" feature may encourage the recipient to run her previous call shorter than originally intended, thus potentially reducing the revenue generated for the carrier. In some exemplary embodiments, using the disclosed subject matter, the recipient is not encouraged to run the previous call shorter than originally intended, while effectively increasing the probability that the call would be established.

Referring now to Fig. 1 showing an illustration of a telecommunication system, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

Telecommunication System 100, such as a mobile telecommunication system, enables subscribers to communicate with one another using telecommunication devices. It will be understood that though Fig. 1 shows two subscribers, Telecommunication System 100 may support any number of subscribers.

Subscriber 107 may utilize a Telecommunication Device 105, such as a mobile phone, a smart phone, a telephone, or the like, to communicate with other subscribers, such as Subscriber 197.

In some exemplary embodiments, Device 105 may connect to Switching Center 130, such as Mobile Switching Center (MSC) . Device 105 may maintain contact with Switching Center 130 that is associated with the carrier providing Subscriber 107 the service. Switching Center 130 may control the call setup and establishment.

In some exemplary embodiments, upon an attempt to make a call or short-message, Switching Center 130 may communicate to Service Control Point (SCP) 150. SCP 150 may implement the charging system and may be used to verify that the account associated with calling subscriber is authorized to make such call or SMS, such as based on the defined limitations of the account (e.g., authorization to call premium-rate telephone numbers) , credit in the account (e.g., in case of a pre-paid account) , or the like. SCP 150 may be in charge of billing Subscriber 107 for the call.

In some exemplary embodiments, Switching Center 130 and SCP 150 may be connected via a Signaling Switch 140 that may be utilized to exchange messages between components of Telecommunication System 100. In some exemplary embodiments, Signaling Switch 140 may be utilized to exchange messages between components of the same carrier.

After Switching Center 130 has verified the authorization of Subscriber 107 to make the call, there may be an attempt to establish a connection to Device 195 of the called subscriber, Subscriber 197. In some exemplary embodiments, Device 195 may be connected to Switching Center 130. Alternatively, and as is exemplified in Fig. 1, Device 195 may be connected to another switching center, such as Switching Center 180. It will be understood that Switching

Centers

130, 180 may be owned by the same telecommunication carrier or by different telecommunication carriers.

In case Device 195 is attached to the Telecommunication System 100 and is available, a call may be initiated and Device 195 may ring. Upon Subscriber 197 answering the phone call, a voice channel is established between Device 195 and Device 105 through Switching

Centers

130, 180.

In case the call is not established, such as due to unavailability condition, Switching Center 180 may transmit a message to Switching Center 130, which in turn may notify Subscriber 107 using a predetermined tone or announcement and may transmit a message to SCP 150 to indicate that the call was not established.

In some exemplary embodiments, Detection Module 110 may be connected to Signaling Switch 140 and may monitor messages exchanged through the switch. Detection Module 110 may be configured to detect messages that indicate an unavailability condition, such as a busy condition or a detached condition or insufficient balance. In response to such detection, Detection Module 110 may notify Notification Module 120 that Subscriber 107 had attempted to establish a call to Subscriber 197 and that such attempt failed.

In some exemplary embodiments, Notification Module 120 may be configured to issue a notification to Subscriber 197 that would appear as a missed call on Device 195. Notification Module 120 may establish a transit call to Device 195 on behalf of Subscriber 107 (e.g., providing the phone number or other unique identifier of Subscriber 107) . In order to establish the transit call, Notification Module 120 may connect to Switching Center 130 and act as a telecommunication device (e.g., Device 105) . The transit call may be implemented, for example, by issuing an ISUP or SIP transit call to Subscriber 197 and upon receiving an ISUP or SIP message that acknowledges that Device 195 is connected and available (e.g., Device 195 is potentially ringing and allowing Subscriber 197 to answer the call) , Notification Module 120 may terminate the call by issuing an ISUP or SIP release message. As a result, a voice channel connection is not established.

Device 195 may indicate that a call was received but was not answered using a missed call notification. Based on the ID used by Notification Module 120, the missed call is associated with Subscriber 107. Subscriber 197 may then utilize Device 195 to return a call, such as by selecting a missed called from missed calls menu and calling the number associated with the missed call.

In some exemplary embodiments, the missed call may be generated in several seconds, minutes, or even an hour, after the failed call attempt by Subscriber 107.

In some exemplary embodiments, Notification Module 120 may attempt providing the notification repeatedly, periodically, or the like, until such time as the transit call is received by Device 195 or internal timer expires.

In some exemplary embodiments, in case Notification Module 120 is unable to provide the notification within a predetermined time, the notification may be dropped. Additionally or alternatively, Notification Module 120 may drop the notification if a predetermined threshold number of attempts were unsuccessful.

In some exemplary embodiments, in case after the first call attempt by Subscriber 107 a second attempt is made and is unsuccessful in view of the same unavailability condition or another unavailability condition, Detection Module 110 and/or Notification Module 120 may avoid providing duplicate notification to Subscriber 197. Instead, a single notification may be issued, thereby notifying Subscriber 197 a single time of plurality of call attempts.

In some exemplary embodiments, in case after the first call attempt by Subscriber 107 a second attempt is made and is successful, and in case the notification of the failed attempt was not yet provided to Subscriber 197, Detection Module 110 and/or Notification Module 120 may avoid providing any notification to Subscriber 197.

In some exemplary embodiments, a Home Location Register (HLR) 160 may indicate to each subscriber of the carrier, a status, such as detached status, attached status, or the like. In some exemplary embodiments, Switching Center 180 may be, directly or indirectly, connected to HLR 170, which may or may not be associated with the same carrier as HLR 160. In case Subscriber 197 is associated with the same carrier as Subscriber 107, by monitoring status updates to HLR 160, it may be observed when a detached condition of Subscriber 197 ends. Upon such detection, Notification Module 120 may issue the transient call to Subscriber 197.

In some exemplary embodiments, HLR 160 may be a database that retains details of each mobile phone subscriber that is authorized to use the core network, such as GSM core network. In some exemplary embodiments, there can be several logical, and physical, HLRs per Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) . In some exemplary embodiments, a single logical HLR may span over several physical nodes. In some exemplary embodiments, the HLR may store details of every SIM card issued of the telecommunication carrier, each of which may be associated with a subscriber. In some exemplary embodiments, HLR 160 may be a system which receives and processes Message Access Protocol (MAP) transactions and messages from elements in the telecommunication network, for example, the location update messages received as mobile phones roam around.

In some exemplary embodiments, in

case Subscribers

107 and 197 are associated with different carriers and HLR 160 does not provide information relating to Subscriber 197, a hidden SMS may be transmitted to Subscriber 197. In accordance with some embodiments of the messaging service, such as but not limited to MAP, a SMS that is transmitted to Subscriber 197 from another carrier, while Device 195 is detached from the network, is dropped. Upon Device 195 attaching to the network, a retransmission request is provided, and the SMS is retransmitted. In some exemplary embodiments, HLR 170 may be updated with a status change of Subscriber 197, and in response to such status change, retransmission request is passed to Switching Center 130, and potentially through Signaling Switch 140.

In some exemplary embodiments, a hidden SMS, also referred to as silent SMS, is utilized instead of a standard text message. Hidden SMS is configured not to be shown on screen of Device 195, and therefore Subscriber 197 may be unaware of its content or even the fact that it was transmitted. Using the hidden SMS, and based on the retransmission request, a different carrier may be alerted when Subscriber 197 becomes attached to Telecommunication System 100. This mechanism may be utilized to alert Notification Module 120 that the transient call may be performed as the detached condition has ended.

In some exemplary embodiments, SCP 150 may be connected to Reconciliation Module 115 to exchange call detailed records (CDR) of all processed calls by SCP 150. Reconciliation Module 115 is also connected to Notification Module 120 to exchange call detailed records (CDR) of processed notification events. In some exemplary embodiments, Reconciliation Module 115 might be connected to other Telecommunication System 100 elements to exchange incoming calls detailed records.

Referring now to Fig. 2A showing a flowchart diagram of a method, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

In Step 200, a first subscriber initiates a call to a second subscriber, such as by dialing the phone number of the second subscriber using a cellular phone or other telecommunication device.

In Step 210, it is detected that the initiated call had failed due to unavailability condition of the second subscriber, such as a busy condition in view of the second subscriber using her line, a detached condition in view of the telecommunication device being turned off or, in case of mobile devices, without signal reception, or the like. The failure detection may be performed by a device, such as a Detection Module 110 of Fig. 1, which may be integrated into the telecommunication system as separate component or embedded in another component.

In Step 220, a transit call on behalf of the first subscriber is performed to the second subscriber. The transient call is performed after the unavailability condition ends and therefore the telecommunication device of the second subscriber is able to receive the transient call. As a result, the telecommunication device may indicate a missed call notification based on the transient call. The transient call may be initiated by a notification module, such as 120 of Fig. 1.

In Step 230, the second subscriber is notified of the call by the missed call notification on the telecommunication device. The missed call notification may be based on the transit call and associated with the call attempt. The missed call notification may indicate, based on Caller ID of the transient call, the first subscriber as the subscriber that attempted to reach the second subscriber.

Referring now to Fig. 2B, which exemplifies a method similar to that of Fig. 2A. In Fig. 2B, in Step 222, there may be a repetitive attempt to initiate a transшt call to the second subscriber until the attempt succeeds. In such an embodiment, the transient call may be performed without a priori knowledge that the unavailability condition has ended. Once the unavailability condition had ended, and in case there is no new unavailability condition, an attempt to establish a transient call succeeds.

In Fig. 2C, in Step 240, after a first call attempt of the first subscriber has failed (200, 210) , the first subscriber makes a second failed attempt to reach the second subscriber. The second attempt may fail due to the same unavailability condition, due to another unavailability condition, or the like.

In Step 224, and although the two failed call attempt may have been detected by a detection module, such as 110 of Fig. 1, a single transient call is performed. It will be noted that in some embodiments, multiple attempts to establish the transient call may be performed (e.g., as in Step 222 of Fig. 2B) until a single transient call is successfully established.

In Step 234, though there were multiple attempts to reach the second subscriber, she is notified by a single missed call identification. In accordance with such embodiment, duplicative indications are avoided, as it may be reasonably assumed that both attempts by first subscriber to reach the second subscriber are logically connected and a single notification is sufficient.

Such an embodiment may also avoid flooding the second subscriber with missed call notifications. As an example only, consider a second subscriber who is on an airplane and therefore has no signal reception for a long time, or is otherwise unavailable for a relatively long period of time. In accordance with the method of Fig. 2C, the second subscriber will only be notified once of each subscriber that attempted reaching her during the time that she was unavailable. In such a manner, though there may be dozens of call attempts by a small few number of people, the second subscriber will receive one notification for each person, and therefore only a small number of notifications and not dozens of notifications.

Referring now to Fig. 2D showing another method, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. In Step 222, after a first failed attempt to call the second subscriber is detected and before a notification (e.g., using transient call) is made with respect to such call attempt, the first subscriber makes a second attempt to call the second subscriber. The second attempt is successful (e.g., the call is established, no unavailability condition occurs, or the like) . Based on a detection of the successful call, in Step 236, no notification is provided of the failed call attempt. In some exemplary embodiments, the notification module, such as 120 of Fig. 1, may avoid issuing the notification as it may be considered to be no longer relevant in view of the successful call.

Referring now to Fig. 2E showing a flowchart of another method, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

In Step 212, the call attempted by the first subscriber fails due to detached condition of the second subscriber. The second subscriber may have turned her mobile telecommunication device off, may be located in a location in which there is no cellular signal reception, or the like.

In Step 250, the HLR, such as 160 of Fig. 1, may be monitored to detect when the detached condition ends. When the second subscriber becomes attached to the network, the HLR may be updated. In some exemplary embodiments, the HLR may be configured to actively notify a module, such as Notification Module 120 of Fig. 1, of the status change. Additionally or alternatively, a module may actively monitor communication to the HLR, such as by monitoring signaling switch, such as 140 of Fig. 1, to detect when the status of the second subscriber is being changed from detached to another status, such as attached.

By monitoring the status change of the second subscriber in the HLR, the disclosed subject matter may be notified of when the detached condition of the second subscriber ends, and before such time no repetitive attempts to establish the transient call are performed.

It will be understood that after the detached condition ends, the attempt to establish a transient call may still be unsuccessful, such as due to a busy condition or due to another detached condition. In some exemplary embodiments, repetitive attempts to establish the transient call may be performed until successful. In case of a new detached condition that is detected in response to an attempt to establish a transient call, the HLR may be monitored once more to detect when the new detached ends.

In some exemplary embodiments, the HLR information is only available with respect to subscribers that are associated with a carrier. In such embodiments, HLR monitoring as exemplified in Fig. 2E may be performed with respect to first and second subscribers that that share a common carrier.

Referring now to Fig. 2F showing a flowchart of another method, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

In Step 260, in response to a detection of a detached condition of the second subscriber (212) , a hidden SMS message may be transmitted to the second subscriber. In accordance with some embodiments of telecommunication systems, such as GSM, the hidden SMS may never be shown on the device of the second subscriber and she may be oblivious to its transmission.

In some exemplary embodiments, in case the hidden SMS cannot be transmitted (e.g., due to detached condition) , the hidden SMS is dropped and upon the second subscriber becoming available (e.g., HLR status being updated to attached) , a retransmission request may be issued with respect to the hidden SMS.

In Step 270, a retransmission request of the hidden SMS message is detected, and based on such detection, it may be deduced that the detached condition of the second subscriber has ended. Accordingly, transient call may be established (220) and the second subscriber may be notified of the attempt to reach her using the missed call notification (230) .

It will be understood that hidden SMS messages may be used to detect when a detached condition ends. The use of hidden SMS messages for such detection may be useful in case the first and second subscriber do not share the same carrier or in view of a limitation to monitor the status of the second subscriber in the HLR (e.g., 160 of Fig. 1) .

Referring now to Fig. 2G showing a flowchart diagram of a method, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

In Step 210, it is detected that the initiated call had failed due to insufficient balance condition of the first subscriber. The failure detection may be performed by a device, such as a Detection Module 110 of Fig. 1, which may be integrated into the telecommunication system as separate component or embedded in another component.

In Step 224, a transit call on behalf of the first subscriber is performed to the second subscriber. The transit call is performed immediately after receipt of insufficient balance condition therefore the telecommunication device of the second subscriber is able to receive the transient call just a few seconds after initial call attempt. As a result, the telecommunication device may indicate a missed call notification based on the transient call. The transit call may be initiated by a notification module, such as 120 of Fig. 1.

In Step 234, the second subscriber is notified of the call by the missed call notification on the telecommunication device. The missed call notification may be based on the transit call and associated with the call attempt. The missed call notification may indicate, based on Caller ID of the transient call, the first subscriber as the subscriber that attempted to reach the second subscriber.

Referring now to Fig. 2H showing a flowchart diagram of a method, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

In Step 200, a first subscriber initiates a short-message (SMS) to a second subscriber, such as by typing the message in SMS application and sending it to the second subscriber number using a cellular phone or other telecommunication device.

In Step 210, it is detected that the initiated short-message (SMS) had failed due to insufficient balance condition of the first subscriber. The failure detection may be performed by a device, such as a Detection Module 110 of Fig. 1, which may be integrated into the telecommunication system as separate component or embedded in another component.

In Step 220, the first subscriber is asked by USSD message about the option to proceed the call notification. There are two options available: do send missed call notification to second subscriber or do not send missed call notification to second subscriber.

Depending on the choice of the first subscriber, in case subscriber wants to send missed call notification (Step 232) , the system process sending missed call notification by Step 233 as similar as was explained before

In Step 233, a transit call on behalf of the first subscriber is performed to the second subscriber. As a result, the telecommunication device may indicate a missed call notification based on the transient call. The transit call may be initiated by a notification module, such as 120 of Fig. 1

In Step 234 in case subscriber does not want to send missed call notification, the system ends processing of this short message and do not send missed call notification

In Step 241, the second subscriber is not notified of the call by the missed call notification on the telecommunication device.

Referring now to Fig. 3 showing a block diagram of components of an apparatus, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. An apparatus 300 may be a computerized apparatus adapted to perform methods such as depicted in Figures 2A-2F.

In some exemplary embodiments, Apparatus 300 may comprise a Processor 302. Processor 302 may be a Central Processing Unit (CPU) , a microprocessor, an electronic circuit, an Integrated Circuit (IC) or the like. Alternatively, Apparatus 300 can be implemented as firmware written for or ported to a specific processor such as Digital Signal Processor (DSP) or microcontrollers, or can be implemented as hardware or configurable hardware such as field programmable gate array (FPGA) or application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) . Processor 302 may be utilized to perform computations required by Apparatus 300 or any of it subcomponents.

In some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, Apparatus 300 may comprise an Input/Output (I/O) Module 305, such as a Network Interface Controller (NIC) , that may be used to connect Apparatus 300 with other components of a telecommunication system, a computerized network, or the like.

In some exemplary embodiments, Apparatus 300 may comprise a Memory Unit 307. Memory Unit 307 may be persistent or volatile. For example, Memory Unit 307 can be a Flash disk, a Random Access Memory (RAM) , a memory chip, an optical storage device such as a CD, a DVD, or a laser disk； a magnetic storage device such as a tape, a hard disk, storage area network (SAN) , a network attached storage (NAS) , or others； a semiconductor storage device such as Flash device, memory stick, or the like. In some exemplary embodiments, Memory Unit 307 may retain program code operative to cause Processor 302 to perform acts associated with any of the steps shown in Figures 2A-2F.

The components detailed below may be implemented as one or more sets of interrelated computer instructions, executed for example by Processor 302 or by another processor. The components may be arranged as one or more executable files, dynamic libraries, static libraries, methods, functions, services, or the like, programmed in any programming language and under any computing environment.

A Detection Module 310, such as 110 of Fig. 1, may be configured to detect call attempts that did not succeed due to unavailability condition of the recipient. In some exemplary embodiments, Detection Module 310 may monitor communication between components of telecommunication network, such as between MSC, SCP and HLR, by utilizing Communication Sniffer 309 that may be configured to monitor communication through a signaling switch, such as 140 of Fig. 1.

In some exemplary embodiments, Detection Module 310 may be configured to instruct Notification Module 320 to issue a notification to subscribers based on detected failed attempts to call the subscribers. In some exemplary embodiments, Notification Module 320 may be configured to attempt issuing the notification until such time as the notification is successful issued.

In some exemplary embodiments, Notification Module 320 may utilize a Notification Queue 330 to retain the information of the notification to be issued. In some exemplary embodiments, in response to a successful notification issued by Notification Module 320, the corresponding entry may be removed from Notification Queue 330. Additionally or alternatively, Detection Module 310 may detect successful calls and in response to a detection that a first subscriber called a second subscriber and that such call was established (e.g., no unavailability condition was received in response to the call establishment attempt) , a corresponding entry, if exists, that indicates that the first subscriber attempted to call the second subscriber, may be removed from Notification Queue 330. In some exemplary embodiments, removal of such an entry avoid providing a notification after the call was successfully established, as the second subscriber may already be aware of the call (e.g., using a missed call notification in case she did not answer the call, by the fact she did talk with the first subscriber in case she did answer the call, or the like) .

In some exemplary embodiments, duplicative notification may be avoided by not inserting to Notification Queue 330 an entry that identifies the first and second subscribers in case there already exists such an entry in Notification Queue 330. Additionally or alternatively, Notification Queue 330 may be implemented as a set, which does not allow for duplicative entries.

In some exemplary embodiments, ISUP Implementer 327 may be configured to implement actions using ISUP protocol. In some exemplary embodiments, ISUP Implementer 327 may be utilized by Notification Module 320 to issue the transient call by issuing an ISUP transit call on behalf of the first subscriber. Additionally or alternatively, in response to receiving an acknowledgement that the second subscriber received the ISUP transit call, such as by receiving an ISUP ACM message, an ISUP CPG message, or the like, ISUP Implementer 327 may be configured to disconnect the call, such as by issuing ISUP REL message. Such an implementation may cause the second subscriber to receive only a short call and a missed call message on her device.

In some exemplary embodiments, SIP Implementer 327 may be configured to implement actions using SIP protocol. In some exemplary embodiments, SIP Implementer 327 may be utilized by Notification Module 320 to issue the transit call by issuing an SIP INVITE message on behalf of the first subscriber. Additionally or alternatively, in response to receiving an acknowledgement that the second subscriber received the SIP transit call, such as by receiving an SIP 180 RINGING message, SIP Implementer 327 may be configured to disconnect the call, such as by issuing SIP BYE message. Such an implementation may cause the second subscriber to receive only a short call and a missed call message on her device.

In some exemplary embodiments, Notification Module 320 may utilize Hidden SMS Module 340, HLR Monitor 350, or the like, in order to be notified that a detached condition of the second subscriber has ended, without actively attempting to initiate a call to the second subscriber.

In some exemplary embodiments, Reconciliation Module 308 may be configured to implement additional voice revenue calculation based on system notifications and resulted callbacks from second subscriber by using Notification Module 320 and external call detailed records from Telecommunication System.

In some exemplary embodiments, Hidden SMS Module 340 may be configured to send a hidden SMS to the second subscriber and monitor for a retransmission request of the hidden SMS. The retransmission request may be viewed as an indication that the detached condition of the second subscriber has ended.

In some exemplary embodiments, HLR Monitor 350 may be configured to monitor for updates in the HLR that are associated with the second subscriber. HLR Monitor 350 may be configured to detect that the status of the second subscriber has changed from detached to attached or to a similar status, thereby detecting that the detached condition has ended.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of program code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function (s) . It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a" , "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising, " when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the disclosed subject matter may be embodied as a system, method or computer program product. Accordingly, the disclosed subject matter may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc. ) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit, ” “module” or “system. ” Furthermore, the present invention may take the form of a computer program product embodied in any tangible medium of expression having computer-usable program code embodied in the medium.

Any combination of one or more computer usable or computer readable medium (s) may be utilized. The computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be, for example but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device, or propagation medium. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer-readable medium would include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM) , a read-only memory (ROM) , an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory) , an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CDROM) , an optical storage device, a transmission media such as those supporting the Internet or an intranet, or a magnetic storage device. Note that the computer-usable or computer-readable medium could even be paper or another suitable medium upon which the program is printed, as the program can be electronically captured, via, for instance, optical scanning of the paper or other medium, then compiled, interpreted, or otherwise processed in a suitable manner, if necessary, and then stored in a computer memory. In the context of this document, a computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be any medium that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The computer-usable medium may include a propagated data signal with the computer-usable program code embodied therewith, either in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. The computer usable program code may be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wireline, optical fiber cable, RF, and the like.

Computer program code for carrying out operations of the present invention may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. The program code may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user’s computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user’s computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN) , or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider) .

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

An apparatus comprising:

a detection module configured to detect in a telecommunication system a call or short-message initiated by a first subscriber and directed towards a second subscriber, wherein the call was not established due to an unavailability condition caused by a technical reason associated with the second subscriber, or insufficient balance condition caused by a reason associated with the first subscriber, or a detection module configured to detect in a telecommunication system a short message (SMS) initiated by a first subscriber and directed towards a second subscriber, wherein the short message (SMS) was not delivered due to an insufficient balance condition caused by a reason associated with the first subscriber； and

a notification module configured to issue a transit call to the second subscriber in response to a detection by said detection module, wherein the transit call is associated with an identification of the first subscriber, whereby the second subscriber being notified of the call from the first subscriber by missed call notification； and

a reconciliation module configured to calculate additional generated voice revenue for mobile carrier in response to a notification by said notification module, wherein the additional revenue is associated with an incoming call back from of the second subscriber after notification being sent to him.
The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the unavailability condition is a busy condition in which the second subscriber is engaged； and wherein the telecommunication system is configured so as not to provide the second subscriber with a call waiting feature.
The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the unavailability condition is a detached condition in which a telecommunication device of the second subscriber is detached from telecommunication system.
The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the unavailability condition is insufficient balance condition in which a telecommunication device of the first subscriber is out of balance of his pre-paid account.
The apparatus of Claim 3, wherein the telecommunication system comprises a Home Location Register (HLR) indicative of statuses of subscribers of a telecommunication carrier, wherein said notification module is configured to monitor a status of the second subscriber in the HLR and to issue the transient call in response to a status change in the HLR indicating that the second subscriber became attached.
The apparatus of Claim 3, wherein the first and second subscribers are associated with different telecommunication carriers, wherein said notification module is configured to transmit a hidden Short Message Service (SMS) message addressed to the second subscriber, and to monitor for a response to the hidden SMS message requesting retransmission of the hidden SMS message upon the second subscriber becoming attached.
The apparatus of Claim 1,

wherein the telecommunication system comprises a signaling switch that is configured to communicate signals between sub-components of the telecommunication system； and

wherein said detection module is configured to monitor signals communicated through the signaling switch.
The apparatus of Claim 1,

wherein the telecommunication system comprises a Mobile Switching Center (MSC) , wherein devices of subscribers of the telecommunication system connect to the MSC in order to initiate calls； and

wherein said notification module is configured to connect to the MSC and initiate the transit call on behalf of the first subscriber.
The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein said notification module is configured to repeatedly attempt issuing the transit call until the transit call is successfully issued, until a predetermined number of attempts are made, or until a predetermined time elapsed since the call was initiated.
The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein said detection module is configured to detect a second call by the first subscriber to the second subscriber, wherein in response to detection that the second call was established, instructing said notification module to avoid issuing the transit call.
The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the second subscriber using a telecommunication device to communicate over the telecommunication system, whereby the telecommunication device providing a missed call notification in response to the transient call.
A method performed in a telecommunication system, the method comprising:

detecting, by a processor, that a call, which was initiated by a first subscriber and directed towards a second subscriber, was not established due to an unavailability condition, wherein the unavailability condition caused by a technical reason associated with the second subscriber or first subscriber； and

in response to the detection of the call and after the unavailability condition ends, issuing a transit call to the second subscriber, wherein the transit call is associated with an identification of the first subscriber, whereby the second subscriber is being notified of the call from the first subscriber after the second subscriber becomes available.
The method of Claim 11, wherein the second subscriber using a telecommunication device to communicate over the telecommunication system, whereby the telecommunication device providing a missed call notification in response to the transient call.
The method of Claim 11further comprising:

monitoring a Home Location Register (HLR) of a telecommunication carrier to detect change in status of the second subscriber from detached to attached； and

performing said issuing the transit call in response to the status change detection.
The method of Claim 11, wherein the first and second subscribers are associated with different carriers, wherein the method further comprises:

transmitting a hidden Short Message Service (SMS) message addressed to the second subscriber；

monitoring for a response to the hidden SMS message requesting retransmission of the hidden SMS message； and

performing said issuing the transit call in response to detecting the response.
The method of Claim 11further comprises:

after said detecting that a call, which was initiated by the first subscriber and directed towards the second subscriber, was not established due to the unavailability condition, detecting that a second call, which is initiated by the first subscriber and directed towards the second subscriber, is not established due to a second unavailability condition； and

performing said issuing the transient call a single time,

whereby avoiding providing duplicate notifications to the second subscriber.
The method of Claim 11 further comprises:

after said detecting that a call, which was initiated by the first subscriber and directed towards the second subscriber, was not established due to the unavailability condition, detecting that a second call, which is initiated by the first subscriber and directed towards the second subscriber, is established； and

avoiding issuing the transient call,

whereby avoiding providing notifications to the second subscriber with respect to one or more attempts of the first subscriber to communicate with the second subscriber prior to the first subscriber succeeding to communicate with the second subscriber.
The method of Claim 11, wherein the unavailability condition is a busy condition in which the second subscriber is engaged； and wherein the telecommunication system is configured so as not to provide the second subscriber with a call waiting feature.