KR20050019722A - Method and apparatus for group call services - Google Patents

Abstract

The voice signaling gateway 10 provides group call and callback services between the iDEN network 20 users 21 and the users 31-62 of the various other networks 30-60. The voice signaling gateway has a packet data interface 17 and a web interface 16. In another embodiment of the present invention, integrated applications server 70 is added to voice signaling gateway 100 to provide group call services. The integrated applications have functions to support group calls that were in the voice signaling gateway 10 and form a standalone special feature system.

Description

Method and apparatus for group call services

The present invention relates to group call services and more particularly to group call services over multiple networks.

Recently, group call services are provided by dedicated networks such as an integrated digital enhanced network (iDEN). A group call is a call in which the originator selects the person or people whom they want to call and the target user's phone sends the caller's words immediately without the ringing and answering of normal telephone calls. In another embodiment, the group call may be sent to the target for acceptance by the target. Another group call service is called call-back. This service provides the function of a target to recombine or reestablish a group call that has been established / established.

The iDEN system is currently a "closed system" that provides group call services to customers in the iDEN TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) network. Other networks, such as Code-Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Global System Mobile (GSM), Internet Protocol (IP) and 802.11 type networks, are present groups It does not support call services. Non-iDEN subscribers may wish to make group calls to the existing customer base of iDEN subscribers and vice versa or to mixed iDEN and non-iDEN groups.

Users of group call services are typically organized into talk groups. Talk groups usually include users who share a common task, such as a work group. Workgroups can be configured so that all users are not iden or non-iDEN. Current dispatch call service systems cannot facilitate the connection of these various users.

Dispatch systems have been provided to alleviate this problem, but such group call systems involve many limitations, including lost calls, poor audio quality, and gaps between conversations.

Thus, there is a need to provide group call services for non-iDEN systems and group call services between iDEN users and non-iDEN systems.

1 is a block diagram of a system for facilitating group calls between iDEN networks and various non-iDEN networks through a gateway in accordance with the present invention;

2 is a flow diagram of a method for group calls between an iDEN and a non-iDEN in accordance with the present invention.

3 is a block diagram of a system for facilitating group calls between iDEN networks and various non-iDEN networks via an integrated application server in accordance with the present invention.

Group call services are becoming more and more prevalent. Non-iDEN subscribers need to make group calls to the existing customer base and vice versa of a significant number of iDEN subscribers.

The present invention includes the introduction of a new network element called Voice Signaling GateWay (VSGW). VSGW provides signaling between the iDEN and non-iDEN networks and bearer path conversion of all traffic. VSGW is a network independent of the non-iDEN network end. The VSGW may be used for conventional Internet Protocol (IP) for Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Global System Mobility (GSM), 802.11 (such as wireless LANs) and desktop group call services. The present invention does not require that iDEN network elements be modified and the present invention does not require that iDEN users communicate with users over a non-iDEN network.

1 is a block diagram of a voice signaling gateway 10 interconnected between an iDEN network 20 and a number of non-iDEN networks 30-60. Voice Signaling Gateway (VSGW) 10 provides group call service and call back service to iDEN and non-IDEN subscribers. The VSGW 10 uses DAP-DAP signaling with iDEN DAP and SIP signaling with non-IDEN call engines to establish group calls and call back. SIP is defined by IETF RFC3261.

VSGW 10 assigns delivery resources for SIP to DAP dispatch calls and vice versa. Dispatch Application Server (DAP) 24 is a dispatch application server that handles dispatch requests within the iDEN network 20. The VSGW 10 looks like a DAP on the iDEN network 20 side and looks like a SIP engine on the non-iDEN side. iHLR 22 is iDEN HLR (Home Location Resister). iHLR is a database that contains subscriber records / profiles and rules that specify how to handle dispatch calls of iDEN subscribers. iHLR is, for example, where iDEN subscriber 21 is registered in a network providing service to subscriber 21. iHLR 22 stores the subscriber profile and records and the identification of DAP 24 with which the subscriber is registered.

The iDAC 26 is an iDEN Dispatch Audio Controller (DAC). In iDEN network 20, iDAC 26 handles voice payload in a dedicated format called iRPT. DAP 24 provides forwarding traffic control to iDAC 26 over connection 25. VSGWb 12 of voice signaling gateway 10 operates like iDAC 26. Voice payloads on non-iDEN networks comply with the RTP standard and protocol conversion between RTP and iRTP is performed by the VSGWb 12. RTP is defined in IETF RFC1889.

The voice signaling gateway 10 includes a voice signaling gateway delivery control unit 12 and a voice signaling gateway signaling control unit 14. VSGWs 14 are coupled to iHRL 22 and DAP 24. VSGWb 12 is coupled to iDAC 26.

VSGW 10 also includes a packet copier 13 coupled to VSGWb 12. The packet copier can copy voice packets in multiple directions and optionally exclude the speaker.

The VSGW 10 also includes a packet data interface 17 coupled to the database 15. The VSGW 10 also includes a web interface 16 coupled to the database 15. Note that the term web interface is intended to include not only interfaces conforming to HTTP, XML and WAP protocols, but also derived from them. The packet data interface is used by subscriber devices to access applications on the VSGW 10 and to define, update, modify, and delete group definitions. The web interface 16 provides yet another mechanism for allowing users to access the aforementioned applications and define groups. Provisioning interface 19 allows the carrier / operator to define groups and store them in the database. VSGW 10 includes a database 15 that stores group definitions, memberships, profiles and properties. The database 15 is coupled to the providing interface 19, the packet data interface 17, the web interface 16, and also to the VSGWs 14. Finally, the VSGW 10 includes a Psedo iHLR (PiHLR) 18 that contains group call related location information. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the PiHLR may include subscriber profiles and group specific profiles for non-iDEN subscribers. DAP 24 communicates with PiHLR 18 using MAP protocol and VSGWs 14 communicates with iHLR 22 using MAP protocol.

MAP stands for Mobile Application Part (MAP) and is a standards-based protocol that enables real-time communication between nodes in a mobile cellular network. Typical use of the MAP signaling protocol is the transmission from the Visting Location Register (VLR) present in the DAP to the iDEN HLR (iHLR) 22. MAP includes a layer in the signaling systems 7 standards used by GSM networks and the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). The standard is ETSI TS129120V3. It is defined by 0.0.

The web interface 16 includes a CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) network 30, a GSM (Global System Mobile) network 40, an 802.11 (e.g., wireless LAN) network 50, and an Internet Protocol (IP) network ( 60 allows access to the database 15.

The VSGW 10 includes a packet duplicator 13, a group call engine VSGWs 14 and a VSGWb 12, and in a preferred embodiment, the talker arbitration functions may include the packet copier 13 Is provided through. Speaker arbitration functions may be included in VSGWs 14, DAP 24, or other call control entities in non-iDEN networks 30-60. The database 15 of the VSGW 10 includes group definitions (ie, users are in a particular group) such that each defined group can have members of an iDEN network and / or non-iDEN networks, as described above. Provides data storage for interfaces (eg, packet data and web interfaces). Database 15 may also be provided to provide iHLR-like services to users accessing dispatch services via IP network 60.

First, as shown in FIG. 1, the VSGW 10 provides group calls provided by an operator. The network or system operator defines the membership of group calls within the VSGW 10 through an operator console 90. The definition of the group is stored in the database 15 in the VSGW 10. As a result of group call definition to VSGW 10, group members may be iDEN TDMA networks, subscribers in non-iDEN TDMA networks or a combination of iDEN TDMA and non-iDEN TDMA network subscribers.

Each of the subscribers 21-62 calls the VSGW 10 with an assigned group call identity. The VSGW 10 receives the request and converts the group call identification to the member list using the database 15. The VSGW then sends a call to each group member 21-62.

Assuming that the call was originated by subscriber 21, each group member 31-62 receives a call from the group call originator, i. Some subscribers of non-iDEN networks 30-60 may be informed that this is a group call with the flexibility of providing Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) signaling. For example, when subscriber 31, a first group call member, joins a call, packet copier 13 sends a data packet to member 31 from member group call member subscriber 21 who connected or originated the call. Send it. In the preferred embodiment, during the group call duration, the packet copier 13 performs a speaker intermediary function. In other words, the packet copier 13 determines which subscriber 21-61 can be the speaker at any individual time. In other embodiments, speaker arbitration may not be required if the networks support full-duplex voice communication.

For example, when subscriber 62 joins a group call, packet copier 13 sends packets to subscriber 620 via IP network 60.

Secondly, for user-provided group calls, for example, subscriber 21 accesses VSGW 10 via packet data interface 17. As a result, the user-provided group call defines a membership group similar to the group calls provided by the operator described above, and a group call identification is generated. This group call identification is stored in the database 15 of the VSGW 10. For example, call originating subscriber 21 places a call indicating group call identification and the call proceeds as described above for the group call provided by the operator.

For group calls provided by the aforementioned operator and group calls provided by the user, the database maintains group definitions for a variable period of time. Another type of group call that a subscriber can make is a Selective Dynamic Group Call (SDGC). In SDGC, a user dynamically selects a set of group call participants (eg from an address book) and sends a call request to VSGW 10. In one embodiment, the active period of this selective dynamic group call is maintained for the duration of the call. In another embodiment, the group definition is maintained for a short period after the initial call ends. In the former case the database 15 does not define a group definition, whereas in the latter case it is stored for the specified active period of the optional dynamic group to support the callback service.

Third, in the optional dynamic group call, the subscriber 21 starts accessing the VSGW 10 via the packet data interface 17 or directly via the optional dynamic group call request. The call originating subscriber 21 defines the membership of the group call dynamically to the VSGW 10. The definition may be stored dynamically in the database 15 of the VSGW 10 or obtained directly from the subscriber 21 by the VSGWs 14. The VSGWs 14 initiate an SDGC to each group call member based on the information provided directly by the subscriber 21 or from data in the database 15. The SDGC includes group call identification and call flows are as described above for the group call provided by the operator.

2 is a call processing flowchart of the VSGW 10. Entering the start block, control is passed to block 69. Block 69 transfers control to block 72. Block 72 determines whether the request is for a call or for a group call. If the request is for a call, block 72 transfers control to block 74. Block 74 processes the private call in the usual manner.

If the request is for a group call, block 72 transfers control to block 76 via a group call (GC) path. In block 76, determine if the group call is valid. For example, it is determined whether group call identification is a valid identification. If not valid, block 76 transfers control to block 84 via the no path. Block 84 provides error handling.

If the group call is valid, block 76 transfers control to block 78 via the yes path. Block 78 expands the group list to generate a group call from a single request.

Next, block 80 sends a personal call to each of the group members represented in the database. Block 82 then determines if the response to each of the private calls is within a predetermined timeout. If not, block 82 transfers control to block 84 for error handling.

If the response by each of the group call members was within the timeout, then block 82 transfers control to block 86 connecting each of the group calls by packet copier 13. That is, each of the subscribers 21-62 is connected to each other.

Block 88 determines whether the connected group call is ready for conversation. If not, then at block 88 wait for the group call to be ready to talk. When the group call is ready to talk, block 88 transfers control to block 90 via the yes path.

Block 90 has a packet copier that performs speaker arbitration. That is, the packet copier 13 determines who is the next speaker and transmits this subscriber's words to each of the group call subscribers. Thereafter, block 92 determines whether the group call is active. If so, block 92 transfers control to block 88 via the yes path to determine when the new speaker is ready to talk. Thereafter, the processing of blocks 88, 90, 92 is repeated. If the group call is not active, block 92 transfers control to block 94 via the no path. Block 94 ends the call.

3 shows another embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of the present invention, the VSGW 10 is replaced with the modified VSGW 100 and the integrated application server 70. The integrated application server (IAS) 70 may be functionally located separate from the VSGW 100. The group call processing that was in the VSGW 10 is now transferred to the IAS 70. IAS 70 now includes a group call signaling controller 71.

The GCs 71 are coupled to the packet copier 13. The packet data copiers of Figs. 1 and 3 have the same period.

The GCs 71 are coupled to the database 15. The database 15 is coupled to the web interface 16, the packet data interface 17 and the presentation interface 19. Each of these functions 15, 16, 17 provides the same functions as described for blocks 15, 16, 17, 19 of VSGW 10 in FIG. 1. The configuration of FIG. 3 provides IAS 70 to handle group calls as a separate server and provides flexibility with VSGW 100 to provide iDEN gateway functions. IAS 70 processes group calls as described in FIG. The processing of the IAS 70 for call groups provided by the operator, group calls provided by the user, and optional dynamic group calls is the same as the processing described in FIG. 2 for the VSGW 10. That is, in this embodiment of the present invention, the group call processing function is removed from the VSGW 10 and injected into the separate server IAS 70. VSGW 100 includes VSGWs 14, VSGWB 12 and PiHLR 18 functions as described in FIG. 2.

In view of the foregoing, it can be seen that the present invention provides group calls and callbacks that are not network dependent. In addition, group call and call back features may serve subscribers of conventional iDEN TDMA networks as well as CDMA, GSM, 802.11 type and IP networks. This invention provides a non-iDEN TDMA interface with a compliant interface and does not require changing iDEN TDMA networks. In addition, existing iDEN TDMA type handsets need not be modified. Finally, call groups can be established between iDEN TDMA and non-iDEN TDMA subscribers. This provides the interconnections of group calls to multiple subscribers.

Claims (36)

An apparatus for providing group call services between an iDEN network and a plurality of non-iDEN networks, the apparatus comprising: Voice signaling gateway (VSGW) means coupled to the plurality of non-iDEN networks and the iDEN network, An originating unit located in one of the plurality of non-iDEN networks or iDEN network, the at least one target unit of the plurality of target units in the other one of the plurality of non-iDEN networks or iDEN network The originating unit coupled to the VSGW means for initiating a group call to Means for storing information for each of the plurality of target units of the group call in the VSGW means, the information comprising group related information for the plurality of non-iDEN networks and an iDEN network. Call service provision device. The method of claim 1 wherein the voice signaling gateway (VSGW) means: A VSGW signaling controller for generating signaling information for the iDEN network and the plurality of non-iDEN networks, and And a VSGW forwarding traffic controller for converting forwarding traffic between the iDEN network and the plurality of non-iDEN networks. The VSGW signaling traffic controller of claim 1, wherein the VSGW signaling controller is coupled to the VSGW forwarding traffic controller via a forwarding control connection, whereby the VSGW signaling controller is configured to communicate the VSGW forwarding traffic controller between the iDEN network and the plurality of non-iDEN networks. Group call service providing apparatus for controlling the traffic forwarded through. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the VSGW means is transmitted by the originating unit to each of the plurality of target units and by each of the plurality of target units to the other one of the originating unit and the plurality of target units. And a packet copier coupled to the VSGW forwarding traffic controller for copying forwarded forwarding traffic packets. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the VSGW means further comprises a packet data interface coupled between the originating unit and the database, wherein the packet data interface transmits group definition and group specific information to and from the database. Group call service providing apparatus. 3. The group of claim 2, wherein the VSGW means further comprises a web interface coupled between the originating unit and the database, the web interface sending group definition and group specific information to and from the database. Call service provision device. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the means for storing further comprises a database for storing an identification of each target unit of the plurality of target units for a plurality of group calls. 3. The group of claim 2, further comprising a mobile application part signaling connection between the VSGW signaling controller and a home location register (HLR) means, wherein the mobile communication operator signaling connection provides location information. Call service provision device. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a mobile communication operator signaling connection between the DAP and pseudo-iHLR means, wherein the mobile communication operator signaling connection provides location information. 8. The group call of claim 7, wherein the VSGW means further comprises a provisioning interface coupled between an operator console and the database, the provisioning interface transmitting group definition and group specific information to and from the database. Service provision device. The network of claim 1, wherein the plurality of non-iDEN networks include: Code division multiple access (CDMA) networks, Global system mobility (GSM) network, An Internet Protocol (IP) network, and Group call service providing apparatus comprising at least one of the 802.11 type network. A method for a group call by a voice signaling gateway (VSGW) between an iDEN network and a plurality of non-iDEN networks, Determining if the request from the originating unit is for a group call with the plurality of target units and the plurality of non-iDEN networks of the iDEN network, Determining an identification and a network destination for each of the plurality of target units, wherein the network destination is an iDEN network or a non-iDEN network; Converting forwarding traffic of the first protocol of the originating unit into one of a plurality of protocols corresponding to the iDEN network and the plurality of non-iDEN networks, Transmitting the transformed forwarding traffic from the originating unit to the plurality of target units. The method of claim 12, Converting the signaling traffic of the first protocol of the originating unit into one of a plurality of protocols corresponding to the iDEN network and the plurality of non-iDEN networks, Converting signaling traffic of the one of the plurality of protocols of one of the plurality of target units into another one of the plurality of protocols or the first protocol, and Sending the converted signaling traffic from one of the plurality of target units to another of the plurality of target units or to the originating unit. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: converting forwarding traffic of the one of the plurality of protocols of one of the plurality of target units into another one of the plurality of protocols or the first protocol, and Sending the converted signaling traffic from one of the plurality of target units to another one of the plurality of target units or to the originating unit. 13. The group call method of claim 12, further comprising determining whether a response of each of the plurality of target units is within a predetermined time. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising combining the originating unit and each of the plurality of target units for a conversation if the response of each of the plurality of target units is within the predetermined time. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: determining whether the originating unit or one of the plurality of target units is ready to talk, and Waiting until one of the plurality of target units or the originating unit is ready to talk. 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising arbitrating to a speaker between one of the plurality of target units and the originating unit. The method of claim 18, Determining whether the group call is active, If the group call is active, Determining whether the originating unit or one of the plurality of target units is ready to talk, Waiting until one of the plurality of target units or the originating unit is ready to talk, and Repeating the step of arbitrating for the speaker between the one of the plurality of target units and the originating unit. An apparatus for providing group call services between an iDEN network and a plurality of non-iDEN networks, the apparatus comprising: A voice signaling gateway (VSGW) coupled to the iDEN network, An integrated application server (IAS) coupled to the plurality of non-iDEN networks and the VSGW, A source unit located in one of the plurality of non-iDEN networks or the iDEN network, the target unit of at least one of the plurality of target units, in the other one of the plurality of non-iDEN networks or in the iDEN network The originating unit coupled to the IAS means for initiating a group call to the unit, and Means for storing information for each of the plurality of target units of the group call in the IAS means, the information comprising group related information for the plurality of non-iDEN networks and an i-DEN network. , Group call service provision device. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the integrated application server means is: And a group call signaling controller for generating signaling information for the iDEN network and the plurality of non-iDEN networks. 22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the IAS means is sent by the originating unit to each of the plurality of target units and by each of the plurality of target units to the other one of the originating unit and the plurality of target units And a packet copier coupled to the group call controller GCs for copying forwarded forwarding traffic packets. 22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the IAS means further comprises a packet data interface coupled between the originating unit and the database, the packet data interface transmitting group definition and group specific information to and from the database. , Group call service provision device. 22. The group of claim 21, wherein the IAS means further comprises a web interface coupled between the originating unit and the database, the web interface sending group definition and group specific information to and from the database. Call service provision device. 21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the means for storing further comprises a database for storing an identification of a target unit of each of the plurality of target units for a plurality of group calls. 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the plurality of non-iDEN networks Code division multiple access (CDMA) networks, Global system mobility (GSM) network, An Internet Protocol (IP) network, and Group call service providing apparatus comprising at least one of the 802.11 type network. 21. The apparatus of claim 20, further comprising a mobile communication operator signaling connection between the DAP and pseudo-iHLR means, wherein the mobile communication operator signaling connection provides location information. 26. The group call of claim 25, wherein the IAS means further comprises a provisioning interface coupled between an operator console and the database, the provisioning interface transmitting group definition and group specific information to and from the database. Service provision device. A method for a group call by an integrated application server (IAS) via a voice signaling gateway (VSGW) between an iDEN network and a plurality of non-iDEN networks, Determining if the request from the originating unit is for a group call with the plurality of target units and the plurality of non-iDEN networks of the iDEN network, Determining an identification and a network destination for each of the plurality of target units, wherein the network destination is an iDEN network or a non-iDEN network; Converting forwarding traffic of the first protocol of the originating unit into one of a plurality of protocols corresponding to the iDEN network and the plurality of non-iDEN networks, Transmitting the transformed forwarding traffic from the originating unit to the plurality of target units. The method of claim 29, Converting signaling traffic of the first protocol of the originating unit into one of the plurality of protocols corresponding to the iDEN network and the plurality of non-iDEN networks, Converting signaling traffic of the one of the plurality of protocols of one of the plurality of target units into another one of the plurality of protocols or the first protocol, and Sending the converted signaling traffic from one of the plurality of target units to another one of the plurality of target units or the originating unit. 30. The method of claim 29, further comprising converting forwarding traffic of the one of the plurality of protocols of one of the plurality of target units into another one of the plurality of protocols or the first protocol. , And Sending the converted signaling traffic from one of the plurality of target units to another one of the plurality of target units or the originating unit. 30. The method of claim 29, further comprising determining whether a response of each of the plurality of target units is within a predetermined time. 33. The method of claim 32, further comprising combining the originating unit and each of the plurality of target units for a conversation if a response of each of the plurality of target units is within the predetermined time. 34. The method of claim 33, further comprising: determining whether the originating unit or one of the plurality of target units is ready to talk, and Waiting until one of the plurality of target units or the originating unit is ready to talk. 35. The method of claim 34, further comprising arbitrating to a speaker between one of the plurality of target units and the originating unit. The method of claim 35, wherein Determining whether the group call is active, If the group call is active, Determining whether the originating unit or one of the plurality of target units is ready to talk, Waiting until one of the plurality of target units or the originating unit is ready to talk, and Repeating the step of arbitrating for the speaker between the one of the plurality of target units and the originating unit.