GB2307374A - Optimised Trigger List For Use in Intelligent Network Communications System - Google Patents

Abstract

An intelligent network communication system (100) includes a home mobile network (101) and a visiting mobile network (103) interconnected through a public switched telephone network/integrated service digital network (105). Each of the mobile networks (103, 105) includes a communication switch (109, 121) and location registers (111, 113, 125, 127) that store among other things trigger parameters (TPs) for individual subscribers of the communication system (100). Each individual subscriber has a home mobile network (101) and information relating to that subscriber is stored in a Home Location Register (HLR) (111). In the home location register (111) there is among other things a trigger parameter identification number (TPIN). The TPIN identifies one of a plurality of predetermined trigger parameter sets which are available in the home mobile network (101).

Description

OPTIMISED TRIGGER LIST FOR USE IN INTELLIGENT NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS Field of the Invention Generally, the present invention relates to intelligent network communication systems and more specifically to a trigger parameter identification number for use in an intelligent network communication system.

Background of the Invention Generally, intelligent networks (IN) operate by setting triggers on communication systems. These triggers suspend call handling in certain points in the stages of incoming and outgoing communications. When a trigger occurs, a message is sent to a Service Control Processor (SCP). The SCP responds with a command indicating how the call is to proceed.

In the past, intelligent network communication systems configured a trigger list for each subscriber who utilised the system. When a user registered in the communication system, the subscribers trigger list was loaded into the communication switch to monitor that subscribers particular trigger list. In fixed telephone networks such as land line telephone networks there was no need to optimise the loading of the trigger list into the switch, partially because the data does not change in normal operation and the subscriber lines did not relocate.

In mobile telephone networks, especially those that support visiting subscribers from other networks (roaming), there is a need to configure the triggers on a per subscriber basis when each subscriber registers into a particular system.

If standard intelligent network techniques are used to configure the triggers for each subscriber on demand, then there will be a substantial signaling load on the central nodes and on the interconnecting inter-network signaling links between mobile network stations. This signaling load would be required to transfer the data of individual trigger lists between a subscriber's home network and a roaming network. Even if the capacity of these links were increased significantly, the performance of the system as perceived by the subscribers would be very poor.

Additionally, when the intelligent network services are enhanced or re configured because of some changes all trigger data in individual trigger lists would need to be downloaded for all of the subscribers. Such a process could take many hours of tying up the communication systems.

Thus, it would be advantageous to have a optimised configuration mechanism for providing individual trigger lists for an intelligent network communication system.

Summary of the Invention The present invention provides an intelligent network (IN) communications system for handling communications for a plurality of communication units, the IN communication system comprising: a base station servicing incoming and outgoing communications for said plurality of communication units; a plurality of communication channels for communicating between said network and said communication units; a mobile switching center (MSC) having armed triggers set for each registered communication unit; the IN communications system characterized by: each communication unit having an associated trigger parameter identification number (TPIN) stored in a local register of the IN communication system wherein the TPIN represents one of a plurality of predetermined sets of trigger parameters for use by the MSC.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is an illustration in block diagram form of an intelligent network communication system including two mobile networks interconnected through a PSTN/ISDN (public switched telephone network/integrated service digital network).

Description of a Preferred Embodiment A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a description of an intelligent network communication system that includes a home mobile network, a visiting mobile network interconnected through a public switched telephone network/integrated service digital network. Each of the mobile networks includes a communication switch and location registers which store among other things trigger parameters for the individual subscribers of the communication system.

Each individual subscriber has a home mobile network and information relating to that subscriber is stored in a Home Location Register (HLR). In the home location register there is among other things a trigger parameter identification number (TPIN). The TPIN identifies one of a plurality of predetermined trigger parameter sets which are available in the home mobile network.

When the subscriber registers into his home mobile network by turning on his radio telephone or communication device, the home location register uploads the TPIN into the communication switch identifying one of the known parameter sets. The switch then requests a service control processor to upload the appropriate trigger parameter set.

When a subscriber roams into a second mobile network or visiting mobile network, he is again registered into the system. A part of the registration process is uploading his TPIN from the location register into the communication switch. Again, the communication switch will request from a service control processor the parameter set associated with that particular TPIN. If the visiting service control processor (VSCP) can not identify the appropriate set of trigger parameters it may use the TPIN to determine what the home mobile network identity is for that particular subscriber. The VSCP then requests via a PSTN/ISDN (public switched telephone network/integrated service digital network) to locate the home mobile network and request a download of the trigger parameters associated with that particular TPIN.Once that particular visiting mobile network has downloaded that TPIN, it is stored in the visiting service control processor for use at a later point in time.

Additionally, if it was desired for maintenance purposes or purposes of enhancing the service provided to a particular group of subscribers, then a pre determined trigger list could be updated once in the home mobile networks SCP for that entire range of subscribers who use the particular TPIN. This would substantially reduce maintenance and enhancement downloading requirements from a network operator.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an intelligent network communication system 100 in accordance with the present invention. The IN communication system 100 includes an HPLMN (home public land mobile system) 101 and a VPLMN (visiting public land mobile system) 103 that are interconnected via a PSTN/ISDN 105. The HPLMN 101 or home mobile network includes a base station system 107 (BSS), a Mobile Switching Centre 109 (MSC), a Home Location Register 111 (HLR), a Visiting Location Register 113 (VLR), and a Service Control Processor 115 (SCP). The home mobile network 101 provides radio communication services to communication units or subscribers contained within a fixed geographic area. The communication services are provided via a plurality of radio communication channels as indicated in FIG. 1 by radio channel 117. One such subscriber is the communication unit 118. This home mobile network 101 provides service to both home subscribers and visiting subscribers, however, for the purposes of clarity of explanation the home mobile network 101 is servicing those subscribers who refer to mobile network 101 as their home mobile network.

The Visiting Mobile Network or VPLMN 103 is a system geographically separated from HPLMN but providing similar radio communication services as those provided by the HPLMN 101. For the purposes of our discussion the VPLMN will be a visiting mobile network for our subscriber 129. The VPLMN 103 includes a base station system 119 (BSS), a mobile switching centre 121 (MSC), a home location register 123 (HLR), a visiting location register 125 (VLR) and a service control processor 127 (SCP). Again the visiting mobile network 103 provides radio communication services to a plurality of communication units within a fixed geographic area.

One such communication unit is indicated by a mobile telephone 129 via a radio communication channel 131.

The VPLMN 103 and the HPLMN 101 are interconnected via a PSTN/ISDN 105, as is known in the field of telephony.

The intelligent network communication system illustrated in Figure 1 in the preferred embodiment is based on the current GSM mobile networks currently available, however, that system has been enhanced to carry out specific intelligent network functions as well as the TPIN id's and related subject matter.

Upon registration of the subscriber's communication unit 118 in the home mobile network, the subscriber's subscription information stored in the HLR 111 is accessed. This access includes uploading a TPIN into the MSC 109. The TPIN identifies a pre determined list of trigger parameters that are stored in the SCP 115. The pre determined list of trigger parameters are uploaded into the MSC 109 for use by the intelligent network services provided in the home mobile network via the SCP 115. The particular functions of the trigger parameters will be described below.

Upon registration of the subscribers communication unit 129 in the visiting mobile network 103 again the subscription information of that particular user is accessed from the VLR 125. The particular subscription information includes a TPIN. The TPIN is used by the MSC 121 to identify one of a plurality of pre determined sets of trigger parameters stored in the SCP 127. If this is the first time that this particular subscriber of one using that particular TPIN is registering in the system the pre determined list of trigger parameters will not be available in the SCP 127. Then the MSC 121 uses the TPIN to identify the home mobile network for the subscriber 129 and accesses the pre determined trigger parameter list stored in the SCP 115 of the home mobile network 101 via the PSTN/ISDN 105.

The intelligent network portion of the communications system 100 is handled by the corresponding SCPs 115 and 127 of the mobile networks 101, 103. The trigger points (TPs) are the points in a call at which certain events are detected that may be handled by the SCP of the mobile network. A TP can be armed in order to notify the SCP that the TP was encountered, and potentially to allow the SCP to influence subsequent handling of the communication. If the TP is not armed, the MSC continues the processing without SCP involvement.

The TPs are characterised by the following attributes: a) Arming/disarming mechanism - The mechanism by which the TP is armed. A TP may be statically armed or dynamically armed.

b) Criteria - In addition to the condition that a TP be armed, conditions that must be met in order to notify the SCP.

c) Relationship - given that an armed TP was encountered and TP criteria are met, the MSC may provide an information flow via a relationship: - If this relationship is between the MSC and the SCP for the purpose of operator specific service processing it is considered to be a IN relationship. There are two types of IN relationships: - An IN service control relationship if the SCP is able to influence the call/ call independent processing via the relationship - An IN service monitor relationship if the SCP is not able to influence the call/ call independent processing via the relationship d) Call processing suspension/ Call independent processing suspension - Given that an armed TP was encountered and TP criteria are met for a IN service control relationship the call processing may be suspended to allow the SCP to influence subsequent processing.

When the processing is suspended, the MSC sends an information flow to the SCP requesting instructions, and waits for a response. When processing is not suspended, the MSC sends an information flow notifying the SCP that a TP was encountered, and does not expect a response.

This attribute is set by the same mechanism that arms the TP.

Three different types of TPs are identified: - Trigger Point - Request (T-TP-R) This trigger point is statically armed and initiates a IN service control relationship when encountered (if TP criteria is met). Processing is suspended when the TP is encountered.

- Event Trigger point - Request (E-TP-R) This trigger point is dynamically armed within the context of a IN service control relationship. Processing is suspended awaiting instructions from the SCP.

- Event Trigger point - Notification (E-TP-N) This trigger point is dynamically armed within the context of a IN service control or monitor relationship.

Processing is not suspended when encountering the TP.

For a subscriber originated communication, the IN feature shall enable execution of Operator Specific Services (OSS) requiring support by (and/or information from) one of the HPLMN 101 or the VPLMN 103. This requires communication between the SCP and the MSC and VLR also referred to as a visited service switching function (VSSF). A list of mobile originating TPs has been defined.

At the first armed TTP-R where the TP criteria are met, the MSC/VLR shall suspend the call handling, establish a connection to the SCP and send the required information. After suspending the call handling the MSC shall wait for instructions from the SCP on how to handle the call. The SCP may then arm further E-TPs.

In the preferred embodiment, the required information includes: - Service Key; - The TP that has been encountered; - Criteria met; - IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identification) of the calling party: - Basic MSISDN (Mobile Station ISDN) of the calling party; - Calling Party Sub-address; - Location information of the calling party; - Bearer Capability requested by the calling party; - Called party number; - Mobile station classmark of calling party Calling Party Category; - Redirecting Number (for forwarded calls, if available); - Redirecting Info (for forwarded calls, if available); - CUG check info (if any); After receiving the results, the MSC continues the BC call processing (possibly with new information received from the SCP).

If the TP is not armed and/or TP criteria are not met, the control is returned to the MSC and the call processing can continue without further interaction.

Procedures in the SCP and Instructions Issued by the SCP Once the InitialTP indicating that a T-TP-R has been encountered is received the SCP shall be able to instruct the VPLMN to act as described below.

- bar the call (i.e. release the call prior to connection) and notify the calling party of the cause. This is done using a Release Call information flow.

- allow the call as originally requested without change.

allow the call with modified information (e.g., change the called party number). This is done using a Connect information flow.

- perform subscriber charging activities (billing, AoC) according to information (e.g. the e-parameters) provided by the SCP.

- arm control TPs [ETPs] for the duration of that call attempt. If these armed TPs are subsequently encountered, the VPLMN shall stop call processing, inform the SCP and await instructions.

- arm monitoring TPs [ETPs] for the duration of that call attempt. If these armed TPs are subsequently encountered, the VPLMN shall inform the SCP.

- release an established call and inform both parties of the cause.

As previously discussed, a TPIN references one of a plurality of predetermined sets of TPs. A mobile network may have any number of different sets of TPs.

Some examples of TPs include the following:

Trigger Points Description: TP 3 Analysed~Info Normal SETUP received (called address is available and the nature of address is known). TP 4a The Called Party has got this kind of Called~Party~Barred calls barred. TP 4b The Calling Party has got this kind of Calling~Party~Barred calls barred. TP 4 This TP is encountered when the MSC Route~Select~Failure is unable to select a route or when an indication is received that the call cannot be presented to the terminating party (e.g. network congestion) TP 5a Indication that terminating party is O~Called~Party~Not~Re not reachable. This indication can be achable received either by backward signalling as a result of call setup towards a terminating party where the MSC acts only as originating MSC or as a result of the MSC acting as GMSC for a mobile to mobile call. TP5 Called Indication that terminating party is Party~Busy busy. TP 6 0 No Answer Indication that the terminating party does not answer within a specified time period. TP 7 O~Answer Indication that the call is accepted and answered by the terminating party. TP 8 0 Mid Call A call related service feature request is received from the originating party (e.g., HOLD request). TP 9 O~Disconnect A disconnect indication is received from the originating party or from the terminating party. TP10 O~Abandon Originating party abandons the call, before terminating party answers.

TP 19 Indication of incoming call received Term~Attempt~Recei in the GMSC. Routing information v e d has been received from the HLR (SendRoutingInfo res) including SM (or subset of SM applicable for GMSC). TP 20a Called party has this kind of calls Called Part Barred barred. TP20 This TP is encountered when the Route~Select~Failure GMSC is unable to select a route or when an indication is received that the call cannot be presented to the terminating party (e.g. network congestion) T P 13 a Indication that terminating party is T Called Party~Not~R not reachable. Normally this eachable indication will be received by means of a MAP operation from the VMSC indicating that the called party is not reachable Top 13 Indication that terminating party is T~Called~Party~Busy busy. TP14 T~No~Answer Terminating party does not answer within a specified duration TP15 T~Answer Call is accepted and answered by terminating party TP 16 T~Mid~Call A call related servicelservice feature request is received from 'terminating party TP17 T Disconnect A disconnect indication is received TP17 T~Disconnect A disconnect indication is received from the terminating party or from the originating art

TP 18 T~Abandon Indication of originating party abandon received.

Utilizing TPINs allows an operator to update, upgrade or modify the predetermined sets of TPs without a major undertaking. In the past, the operator would be required to update each subscribers list of TPs. With the use of TPINs, the operator merely needs to redefine the predetermined sets of TPs to include new, modified, or upgraded TPs.

Thus, the TPIN allows the IN communication system to operate more efficiently. First, storage of the relevant trigger parameter information is more efficient in the HLR and VLR by utilizing a TPIN to represent one of a plurality of trigger parameter sets. Second, the downloading of information between the HPLMN and the VPLMN can be greatly reduced. Third, updating, enhancing and maintaining the trigger parameter information is more efficient.

Claims (8)

Claims

1. An intelligent network (IN) communications system for handling communications for a plurality of communication units, the IN communication system comprising: a base station servicing incoming and outgoing communications for said plurality of communication units; a plurality of communication channels for communicating between said network and said communication units; a mobile switching center (MSC) having armed triggers set for each registered communication unit; the IN communications system characterized by: each communication unit having an associated trigger parameter identification number (TPIN) stored in a local register of the IN communication system wherein the TPIN represents one of a plurality of predetermined sets of trigger parameters for use by the MSC.

2. An IN communications system in accordance with claim 1 wherein the set of trigger parameters are also stored in the local register.

3. An IN communications system in accordance with claim 1 further characterised by a set of trigger parameters for a TPIN are located in a remote register and are down loaded to the local register in response to the communication unit registering in the IN communication system.

4. An IN communications system in accordance with claim 1 further characterised by means for updating trigger parameters for a plurality of communication units by replacing at least one of the plurality of sets of predetermined trigger parameters with a new set of predetermined trigger parameters.

5. A method of providing trigger parameters for a switch of an intelligent network (IN) communications system, the method comprising the steps of: operating a communication unit in the IN communication system; accessing registration information including a trigger parameter identification number (TPIN); and loading the switch with a set of predetermined trigger parameters using the TPIN.

6. A method according to claim 5 wherein the step of loading the switch further comprises the steps of: first searching a local service control processor for the set of predetermined trigger parameters that are identified by the TPIN; identifying, in response to the step of first searching failing, a remote communication system using the TPIN; second searching a remote service control processor in the remote communication system for the set of predetermined trigger parameters that are identified by the TPIN; and uploading the set of predetermined trigger parameters into the switch.

7. A method of providing trigger parameters for a switch of an intelligent network (IN) communications system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings.

8. An intelligent network (IN) communications system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings.