IES84271Y1 - A messaging system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT The invention relates to a system and method of managing SMS messages, between a subscriber of the first mobile operator network and another subscriber of a second mobile operator network in a telecommunications system, the method comprising the steps of delivering a SMS message from said first subscriber in said first mobile operator network to said subscriber of said second mobile operator network; intercepting a SMS message inbound delivery attempt in said second mobile operator network before delivery of said SMS message; routing said intercepted SMS message delivery attempt via a smart services control node in second operator mobile network; examining said message delivery attempt for possible invocation of a smart service to said SMS message; and invoking said smart services for said SMS message destined to said subscriber of said second mobile operator network in response to said examination. The invention can be implemented in a single network or between two or more networks.

Description

Title A Messaging System and Method Field ofthe Invention The present invention relates to a system and method of managing SMS messages between a subscriber of a first mobile operator network and another subscriber of a second mobile operator network in a telecommunications system. In particular the invention provides a system and method for introducing value added services, sometimes called smart services, to standard SMS messages.

Background to the Invention Short messaging Service (SMS) are being used increasingly particularly by mobile telephone users. One of their principal uses to date is for sending text messages from one mobile telephone user to another, for example, confirming an appointment, or just simply sending a greeting. Short Message Service (SMS) is rapidly becoming the messaging medium of choice for larger and larger segments of the public. It enables the sending of short text messages to wireless phones, and in this way it enables mobile phone users the benefits of limited functions from the worlds of paging, email and instant messaging. In the simplest form of operation an SMS message is sent from one mobile entity to another mobile entity via a SMS Centre (SMSC) SMS messages can be transmitted within the same mobile telephone network or to anyone with roaming service capability. They can also be sent to digital phones from a Web site (server) with an intemet link or from one digital phone to another. Typical uses ot‘ SMS include interpersonal communication and notifying services to mobile phone owners. These notification services include message notifications related to arrival of voicemail, email and fax messages, and reminder services; email inter- working (this refers to allowing SMS message to be converted and sent as e—mail and vice-versa); paging inter-working; and infonnation services such as weather reports, traltic reports, stock quotes, exchange rates etc.

Due to the popularity of SMS messaging new applications are being developed for example picture messaging and multi—media messaging applications, which pose considerable technical challenges to network operators. Additionally smart services or value added services for SMS are been developed like auto ‘on vacation’ response or copy/divert to E-mail amongst others. A problem with providing these services is that existing SMS Centre (SMSC) architectures are not suitable for implementing these new types of smart services. This has the result that network operators are reluctant to develop these smart services as they affect the core SMSC architecture.

Another problem with the development of smart services for SMS messaging is that it is very difficult for mobile network operators (MNOS) to offer smart services for a SMS message, which originates from a subscriber belonging to other mobile network operator (MNO) and destined to his subscriber. For example Subscriber R belongs to MNO A. Subscriber S belongs to MNO B. MNO A wishes to offer Smart Services to his subscribers (one of them being R). When subscriber R receives a message originated from Subscriber S, the short message is delivered directly by the SMSC in the MNO B’s network to Subscriber R. The SMSC in the MNO A’s network has no knowledge of this messages. For this reason, MNO A cannot offer SMS based Smart Services implemented in a SMSC.

European Publication No. EPl25S414 ‘Comverse’ discloses a system and method for enabling improved management of SMS messages, and in particular automatic replies, forwarding, filtering, saving and deleting of SMS messages on a wireless handset or alternative SMS enabled device. An SMS Center is used for managing SMS messages, an Auto—Reply Message Server (ARMS) stores Auto—Reply Messages and allows a message receiver to set up, change, or delete Auto—Reply Messages, and an SMS Automatic Handling Server (SAHS) handles message instructions for a message receiver. The ARMS and SAHS may be separate components, a unified component, and may be operational such that only one of them may be included in the system. However a problem with this type of system is that it does not allow for smart services to be implemented for SMS messages originating from a subscriber in one network to be delivered to a subscriber in another network.

A turthcr problem with offering Smart Services for SMS messages is how to handle retries of the SMS message originated in other network operators when the message fails to reach its intended recipient. This case arises where the original attempt fails, for example the recipient may be out of coverage and the remote SMSC will retry the message. The complication arises from the fact that there is nothing in the SMS message that indicates that it is a retry (e.g. a unique message [D which is repeated in the retry message). Unless detecting retries a node implementing SMS smart services (referred to as 21 SMS smart services control node) will see this a distinct and different message and will thus re-apply the same smart service to the same message. This may be highly undesirable from a service perspective. The problem is further exacerbated if the smart sen/ice control node were to implement specialised billing for a particular services and would result in a double charge.

Another problem with mobile device users is the receipt of unsolicited SPAM SMS messages. An increasing way for companies to target potential consumers is to send unsolicited text messages to users for services they do not require.

Object of the Invention lt is therefore an object of the invention to provide an improved system and method for managing SMS messages and to provide additional smart services to a SMS message in a telecommunications system.

Another object of the invention is to provide a system and a method of managing SMS messages between a subscriber of a first mobile operator network and another subscriber of a second mobile operator network in a telecommunications system Summary of the Invention According to the present invention there is provided, as set out in the appended claims, a system and method of managing SMS messages between a subscriber of a first mobile operator network and another subscriber of a second mobile operator network in a telecommunications system the method comprising the steps of: I.) ‘Jr delivering a SMS message from said subscriber in said first mobile operator network to said subscriber of said second mobile operator network; intercepting a SMS message inbound delivery attempt in said second mobile operator network before delivery of said SMS message; routing said intercepted SMS message delivery attempt via a smart services control node in second operator mobile network; examining said message delivery attempt for possible invocation of a smart service to said SMS message; and invoking said smart services for said SMS message destined to said subscriber of said second mobile operator network in response to said examination.

Preferably, the step of intercepting includes intercepting an inbound HLR query associated with said message delivery attempt. One of the advantages of the present invention is that the interception of the delivery attempt allows the SMS message to be routed through a Smart Services Control Node (SSCN), where the Smart Service logic is invoked. This solution provides a simple method and architecture system for implementing Smart Services. The advantage of intercepting the inbound HLR signal is that there are no changes required in remote networks and no fundamental changes required in operating the recipient network. Additionally, there is no technical need for the message originator to put in a special indicator for the smart service, for example a special address or no new signals are needed to indicate that a smart service is required.

Preferably, the step is carried out of examining the intercepted HLR query to detennine that it Smart Service needs to be applied to said SMS message. The method is to route the SMS message to the Smart Services Control Node. In one embodiment this is accomplished by replacing in the HLR query response the MSC/SGSN network location address of the second device with the network location address of the Smart Services SMS control node. The Smart Services Control Node acts as a pseudo mobile station controller (MSC) for the SMS message. The MSC/SGSN network location address is a parameter of the HLR query response Ideally the invention carries out the step of intercepting said HLR query is based on a condition that said query originated from another network. Additionally the step of carrying out smart services on said SMS message when said condition determines whether a smart service needs to applied to said SMS message is performed. The criteria for intercepting the inbound SMS delivery attempt is based on the condition that the SMS delivery attempt originated from another network. The intercepted SMS delivery attempt is examined by the Smart Services Control Node (SSCN). The result of the examination is a determination of whether a smart service needs to be applied to the message. In the case that a smart service needs to be applied, the routing label for MSC network location address of the recipient is modified in the HLR query response to be the network location address of the SSCN.

Suitably, in some scenarios the invention carries out the step of delivering said SMS message from said Smart Services Control Node to the second device. This is accomplished by delivering the message via the original MSC/ SGSN network location address that was cached in said Smart Services Control Node obtained from said intercepted SMS delivery attempt.

Suitably, in other scenarios the invention carries out the step of terminating said SMS message delivery when the Smart Service Logic requires that said SMS message is not to he delivered to the subscriber in the second network, for example the Samrt Servcie is to filter out SPAM SMS messages originating from SMS centres belonging to other networks.

Ideally, in another embodiment, the step of terminating the SMS message delivery attempt in the said smart services control node is carried out when the said smart service requires that the said SMS message is not delivered to said subscriber of the said second operator network.

Preferably, a unique identifier for said SMS message is generated at said smart services SMS control node wherein said unique identifier is generated from one or more of the following SMS message elements: Originating Address, Destination Address, fragment number. SMS Centre timestamp. Ideally the unique identifier is stored in a storage memory of said SMS services SMS control node. ideally. the invention carries out the step of comparing the stored unique identifier with unique identifiers of each SMS message delivery attempt processed by said smart services SMS node for detecting duplicate retry SMS messages delivery attempts.

Preferably, the steps are carried out of generating a database of unique identifiers in said storage memory and deleting said stored unique identifiers after a preset period of time.

There is also provided a computer program comprising program instructions for causing zi computer program to carry out the above method which may be embodied on a record medium, carrier signal or read-only memory.

Brief Description of the Drawings The features and advantages of the invention will be presented in conjunction with the following illustrations listed below in which: Figure l is a network diagram overview of the present invention illustrating a first and second operator network.

Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention for a HLR Query interception.

Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention for a SMS message delivery.

Figure 4 is a flow diagram for handling SMS messages on a first attempt according to one aspect of the present invention shown in Figure 2.

Figure 5 is a flow diagram for handling SMS messages on a retry second attempt according to another aspect of the present invention shown in Figure 3.

Detailed Description of the Drawings Referring to Figure 1 there is illustrated a first operator network or other mobile network operator indicated generally by the reference numeral (10) and a second operator network illustrated by the reference numeral (20). The first operator network ( Ht) comprises a mobile station controller (MSC) (11), a home location register (HLR) (13) and an associated SMS centre (13) all of which are connected to a signalling routing node (14), each component of the first operator network is known in the art.

The two networks are connected via a signalling network (normally SS7 standard), which primarily consist of signalling routing nodes, also known as Signalling Transfer Points (STPS). In the first operator network, there is shown a signalling routing node (14) and in the second operator network, there is also shown a signalling routing node (21). The second operator network (20) also comprises a home location register (HLR) (22), a SMS centre (23), a mobile switching centre (26), all connected to the signalling routing node (21). The second operator network (20) comprises a smart services SMS control node (24) and an intelligent signalling routing node (25). The intelligent signalling routing node (25) is connected to the signalling network at the signalling routing node (21). The signalling routing nose (25) is capable of routing messages to the Smart Services control node (24) and the home location register (HLR) (22).

In operation, a user with a device wishing to send an SMS message from the first operator network (10), the device being for example a mobile telephone, wishes to send an SMS message from the first device in the first operator network (10) or roaming in another operator network to a second device in the second operator network (20). The SMS message delivery is managed by the short message service centre (13). The Short Message Service Centre (13) initiates a message delivery attempt by sending a location query to the HLR (22) associated with the second device. This home location register (HLR) query is a signalling message and is therefore transmitted over the signalling network to the second operator network (20) via the signalling routing nodes (21) and (25). in the Second Operator’s network, the intelligent signalling routing node (25) intercepts the inbound delivery attempt and routes it to the Smart Services Control Node (SSCN) (24). The SSCN (24) examines the inbound delivery attempt to detennine whether Smart Services need to be invoked or applied to the SMS message from the examination.

If a Smart Service message is required for the message, the SSCN modifies the location parameter of the inbound delivery attempt, for example modifying the HLR query response, which is returned to the SMSC (13) in the first operator’s network. The modified value is such that the SMSC (13) in the first operators network delivers the actual message to the SSCN (24). In this regard the SSCN (24) is acting as the sewing MSC‘ towards the SMSC (13) in the first operators network (10).

The Smart Services associated with the SMS message is executed by the Smart Services SMS control node (24). Alternatively, the Smart Service Control Node (24) can request an external system, for example Lawful intercept server, to execute the Smart Service.

Examples of Smart Services, but not limited to thereto, are auto ‘on vacation’ response, copy/divert to e—mail, malicious content filter, legal interception of SMS messages for law enforcement, copy to messages to an alternate destination, divert messages if it is not reachable, infonnation for outbound roamers, group messaging or personalised short codes. Once a Smart Service is considered to be applicable to the message, the SMS Delivery Attempt is re-routed via the Smart Service Control Node for Smart Service handling. The Smart Service Control node either executes the Smart Service logic (e.g.

“Copy to email”) on the SSCN locally or requests a separate system to execute the Smart Service logic.

The deployment of the signalling routing node (25), sometimes called an intelligent signalling router, can intercept the inbound delivery attempt or the HLR queries for SMS traffic. The present invention provides a special routing expression configured in the signalling routing node (25) to relay the HLR query to the Smart Services SMS control node (24). As an example: if the signalling routing node (25) determines that the HLR query signalling message is originating from another network. The Smart Services SMS Control node (24) examines the query and determines if a Smart Service is applicable to the associated SMS message. This could be based for example on the recipient telephone number (MSISDN) which can be ascertained from the examination of the intercepted HLR query. If the Smart Services SMS control node (24) determines that a Smart Service needs to be applied, the node (24) modifies a parameter in the HLR query response such that the SSCN (24) acts as the serving MSC (or SGSN in GSM networks) for the actual short message and ensuring that the SMSC (13) routes the message to the smart services SMS control node (24). The method and system of the present itivention provides that the modification replaces the messaging service centre location address of the recipient’s device with the network address of the Smart Services control node (24). Thus the Smart Services control node (24) acts as a pseudo mobile switching centre (MSC). The Smart Services (SMS) control node (24) stores in a memory space of the node (24) the “real” MSC address for later use. This ensures that the SMS messages are delivered via the Smart Services control node (24), which then processes the SMS message for Smart Services. If the Smart Service application requires that the SMS message is still delivered to the recipient, the SMS control node (24) delivers the SMS message to the MSC (26) address that were cached from the original HLR query. In this way the invention provides a simple mechanism for delivering Smart Services associated with the SMS message.

Referring to figure 2 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. An STP signalling router (30) routes a HLR query to the HLR (22). In this scenario the intelligent signalling routing n0de(25) uses a special routing rule to route the HLR query response directly to the smart services control node (24). The smart services control node replaces the location address (usually specified as an MSC address) in the HLR query response with the network location address of the smart services control node address for off network traffic. This ensures that the subsequent message delivery attempt (carried in GSM using the MT-FSM signal) from the SMSC (13) will be sent to the smart services control node (24). Figure 3 illustrates this SMS delivery attempt (via the MT-FSM signal) for a user in the second network (20) who has subscribed to smart services which is described in more detail in Figure 5 below.

Another aspect of the invention is that the Smart Services control node (24) implements Smart Services by using signal triggers for the execution of the Smart Service logic. An important aspect is the fact that the trigger is meta data relating to the message and not the actual message itself. The Smart Services control node (24) functions as a relay node switch from an SMS message delivery perspective. This ensures that the delivery receipt and the Call Detail Record (CDR) is not generated in the remote SMS centre (l3).

Referring now to Figures 4 and 5 illustrates a flow diagram of how to manage an SMS message that is deemed to require Smart Service processing, however the SMS message has multiple delivery attempts due to temporary errors (e.g. paging problem in the network (20)). Smart Service Logic is such that it is applied to the message rather than each message delivery attempt. The invention in the Smart Services SMS control node (24) generates a unique message ID for each SMS message delivery attempt that is processed for a Smart Service. The generated unique identifier is generated from at least all of the following features: originating address, destination address, fragment number. SMS centre time-stamp, or any other parameter to define a unique identifier.

The algorithm for the generating the unique identifier is guaranteed to be the same for each delivery attempt. The unique identifier is stored by the Smart Services SMS control node (24) in a storage memory (not shown). For each SMS message delivery attempt that passes via the Smart Services SMS control node (24), the unique identifier is generated and a check is then made to see if a similar or duplicate identifier is in the storage memory. If the identifier value already exists in the memory store, then this message is detennined to be a retry message delivery attempt and the SMS control node (24) does not process the SMS message for any repeated Smart Services handling.

Consequently Smart Service handling is only done once for SMS messages that require multiple delivery attempts.

Referring to the flow diagram of figure 4 in detail illustrates another implementation of carrying out retry handling aspect of the present invention; 1. SMS Message is originated by another network subscriber (identified by MSISDN A) and is thus submitted to his/her SMSC (13) (labelled foreign F- SMSC in Figure 5). The recipient (B) is a subscriber of the home network (20).

The F—SMSC (13) initiates a first delivery attempt by sending an HLR query to the HLR (22) associated with B. The HLR Query is intercepted by the intelligent signalling router (25) and routed to the SSCN (24). The SSCN (24) checks if the recipient B has Smart Services provisioned (in this case “copy to lnbox”). If YES, it notes the message attempt for the recipient B.

(J '.II The HLR Query is onwards routed to the HLR. The HLR (22) looks up the subscriber B (identified by MSISDN B) and returns delivery details (e.g.

Mobile Subscriber ID, MSC address) in the Query response.

. The HLR sends the Query acknowledgement. The signalling network (or the HLR) routes the message via the intelligent signalling router (25). The intelligent signalling router (25) routes the Query response to the Smart Services Control Node (24).

The SSCN (24) replaces the network location MSC address with its own network location address. The SSCN (24) then routes the HLR Query response back to the F-SMSC (13) .

. F-S MSC (13) proceeds to deliver the message text by sending an SMS Deliver message to the indicated network location address - in this case the SSCN (24).

The SSCN (24) generates a unique message ID for this message using a algorithm that generates an output that is (i) an unique ID for this said message that was originated by subscriber A and sent via the F-SMSC (13) to destination B and (ii) is the same value if the said same message is processed by said unique ID algorithm again.

The SSCN (24) checks the message ID store for a duplicate entry to detennine if this message has already being processed by the SSCN (24). In this instance no record exists.

. The unique Message ID is stored.

As B is provisioned with for example a “Copy to Inbox” smart service, the message details and content is passed to an external system, which performs the copy. The external system instructs the SSCN (24) to proceed with message delivery processing.

I0. The SSCN (24) restores the original MSC address as captured in Step 4. The SSCN routes the message to the MSC.

. The MSC attempt to deliver the message to B’s handset (not shown above). The delivery attempt fails due to an external error (e.g. paging problem).

. The MSC returns a negative acknowledgement to the F-SMSC.

Referring now to the flow diagram of figure 5 which describes how a retry attempt of the said SMS message is handled 2 SMS Message is originated by another network subscriber (identified by MSISDN A) and is thus submitted to his/her SMSC (13) (labelled foreign F- SMSC in Figure 5). The recipient (B) is a subscriber of the home network (20).

The F—S MSC (13) initiates a first delivery attempt by sending an HLR query to the HLR (22) associated with B. The HLR Query is intercepted by the intelligent signalling router (25) and routed to the SSCN (24). The SSCN (24) Checks if the recipient B has Smart Services provisioned (in this case the example is “copy to lnbox”). If YES, it notes the message attempt for the recipient B.

The HLR Query is onwards routed to the HLR. The HLR (22) looks up the subscriber B (identified by MSISDN B) and returns delivery details (e.g. Mobile Subscriber ID, MSC address) in the Query response.

. The HLR sends the Query acknowledgement. The signalling network (or the HLR) routes the message via the intelligent signalling router (25). The intelligent signalling router (25) routes the Query response to the Smart Services Control Node (24).

. The SSCN (24) replaces the network location MSC address with its own network location address. The SSCN (24) then routes the HLR Query response hack to the F-SMSC (13). la) VI F-SMSC (13) proceeds to deliver the message text by sending an SMS Deliver message to the indicated network location address - in this case the SSCN (24).

(W. The SSCN (24) generates a unique message ID for this message using the same algorithm.

. The SSCN (24) checks the message ID store for a duplicate entry to detemiine if this message has already being processed by the SSCN (24).

. In this instance a duplicate record exists and thus the “Copy to Inbox” service is not initiated.

. The SSCN (24) restores the original MSC address as captured in Step 4. The SSCN (24) routes the message to the MSC (21). l(l.The MSC (21) attempts to deliver the message to B’s handset (not shown above). The delivery attempt succeeds.

I 1. The MSC returns a positive acknowledgement to the F-SMSC (24).

[I is important to appreciate that the SMS Smart Services control node (24) can relay control of the message to an external Smart Services Server (not shown) for execution of the smart service logic, for example copy message to recipient’s mail Inbox. The term ‘Smart Services Server’ is a generic tenn used to describe systems that implement Smart Service logic, for example pre-paid billing gateway, unified messaging system, and SMS SPAM filtering systems which are available in the art. A Smart Services Server can be co-located with SMS Smart Services Control node (24) Another important aspect of the present invention is the ability of the SSCN (24) to determine whether a message originates from a barred source or barred entity, for example another SMSC from another network. The SSCN (24) stores a list or database oi‘ barred address locations in storage memory of the SSCN (24) and checks each SMS incssztgc that is routed through the SSCN (24) against barred address locations. In the event that the SSCN (24) determines that a SMS message originates from a barred source the sending of the SMS is terminated. This SMS source determination is particularly useful to prevent unwanted and/or unsolicited SMS messages from remote network entities been delivered to users in the network. it will be appreciated that a database or data store of unique identifiers for each SMS message is stored in the SSCN (24) for comparison with other unique identifiers to ensure that a SMS message delivery attempt is not a retry message. The unique identifiers are only stored for a preset period of time in order to make the process for comparison efficient. In a typical embodiment the unique identifiers are only stored for one week.

In this specification, the term device or communication device relates, not alone to mobile telephones, but is also used to encompass land-line telephones, laptop computers, personal digital accessories (PDAs), personal computers, or any other device that is capable of transmitting and/or receiving SMS data. Any such device may include, but is not limited to, PowerMac® or iMac® computers manufactured by the Apple® Corporation of Cupertino, California, USA; a Portable Digital Assistant (PDA) such as a Palm m505® manufactured by PalmOne® Inc. of Milpitas, California, USA; a Portable Digital Computer (PDC) such as an [PAQ® manufactured by the Hewiett— Packard® Company of Palo Alto, California, USA; or even a mobile phone such as a Nokia 9500 manufactured by the Nokia® Group in Finland, all of which are generally configured with processing means, output data display means, memory means, input means and wired or wireless network connectivity.

The embodiments in the invention described with reference to the drawings comprise a computer apparatus and/or processes perfonned in a computer apparatus. However, the invention also extends to computer programs, particularly computer programs stored on or in a carrier adapted. to bring the invention into practice. The program may be in the form of source code, object code, or a code intermediate source and object code, such as in partially compiled form or in any other fonn suitable for use in the implementation of the method according to the invention. The carrier may comprise a storage medium such as ROM. e.g. CD ROM, or magnetic recording medium, e.g. a floppy disk or hard disk.

PJ 'Ji The carrier may be an electrical or optical signal which may be transmitted via an electrical or an optical cable or by radio or other means.

The words “comprises/comprising” and the words “having/including” when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments hereinbefore described but may be varied in both construction and detail.

Claims (5)

Claims

1. A method of managing SMS messages between a subscriber of a first mobile operator network and another subscriber of a second mobile operator network in a telecommunications system the method comprising the steps of: delivering a SMS message from said first subscriber in said first mobile operator network to said subscriber of said second mobile operator network; intercepting a SMS message inbound delivery attempt in said second mobile operator network before delivery of said SMS message; routing said intercepted SMS message delivery attempt via a smart services control node in second operator mobile network; ’“ examining said message delivery attempt for possible invocation of a smart service to said SMS message; and invoking said smart services for said SMS message destined to said subscriber of said second mobile operator network in response to said examination.

2. The method of managing SMS messages as claimed in claim 1 wherein the step of intercepting includes intercepting an inbound HLR query associated with said message delivery attempt.

3. A computer program comprising program instructions for causing a computer to perfonn the method of claims l or 2.

4. A system of managing SMS messages between a subscriber of a first mobile operator network and another subscriber of a second mobile operator network in a telecommunications system, the system comprising: means for delivering an SMS message from said subscriber in said first mobile operator network to said subscriber of said second mobile operator network; means for intercepting the SMS message inbound delivery attempt in said second mobile operator network before delivery of said SMS message; 17 means for routing said intercepted SMS message delivery attempt via a smart services control node in second operator mobile network; means for examining said message delivery attempt for possible invocation of a smart service to said SMS message; and 5 means for invoking said smart services for said SMS message destined to said subscriber of said second mobile operator network from said examination.

5. A method of managing SMS messages as substantially hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying description and drawings.