WO2004114544A1 - Method and system for providing walkie-talkie service based on mobile communication network - Google Patents

Method and system for providing walkie-talkie service based on mobile communication network Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2004114544A1
WO2004114544A1 PCT/KR2004/001425 KR2004001425W WO2004114544A1 WO 2004114544 A1 WO2004114544 A1 WO 2004114544A1 KR 2004001425 W KR2004001425 W KR 2004001425W WO 2004114544 A1 WO2004114544 A1 WO 2004114544A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
subscriber
service
subscriber terminal
short message
setup information
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/KR2004/001425
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Yun-Kyeong Lee
Dong-Hyun Ban
Original Assignee
Digitalwave,Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Digitalwave,Inc filed Critical Digitalwave,Inc
Publication of WO2004114544A1 publication Critical patent/WO2004114544A1/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
    • H04W4/06—Selective distribution of broadcast services, e.g. multimedia broadcast multicast service [MBMS]; Services to user groups; One-way selective calling services
    • H04W4/10—Push-to-Talk [PTT] or Push-On-Call services
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
    • H04W4/16—Communication-related supplementary services, e.g. call-transfer or call-hold
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B1/00—Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups H04B3/00 - H04B13/00; Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
    • H04B1/38—Transceivers, i.e. devices in which transmitter and receiver form a structural unit and in which at least one part is used for functions of transmitting and receiving
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
    • H04W4/12—Messaging; Mailboxes; Announcements
    • H04W4/14—Short messaging services, e.g. short message services [SMS] or unstructured supplementary service data [USSD]
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W76/00—Connection management
    • H04W76/40—Connection management for selective distribution or broadcast
    • H04W76/45—Connection management for selective distribution or broadcast for Push-to-Talk [PTT] or Push-to-Talk over cellular [PoC] services
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W8/00—Network data management
    • H04W8/26—Network addressing or numbering for mobility support

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method and system for providing walkie-talkie service based on a mobile communication network.
  • Radios which were developed for military use in the middle of the 20th century, have extended the range of use thereof to civilian sectors after World War, and have been popularized as an effective and rapid short distance communication means as they have been miniaturized to improve carrying convenience.
  • mobile phones have been popularized, but radios have been widely used by persons engaged in construction sites, government and public offices and after-sale service because of the prompt use thereof, the economic advantage that additional communication expenses are not incurred and the convenience that a plurality of persons can simultaneously communicate with each other through the radios .
  • conventional radios have disadvantages in that dedicated terminals are required and communications are enabled only between terminals having matching frequencies .
  • the conventional combined unidirectional radio and wireless terminal could include the function of a radio in a conventional terminal by separately setting a radio communication module and a mobile communication module in a wireless terminal.
  • the conventional combined unidirectional radio and wireless terminal is characterized by including a key input unit for transmitting a switching selection signal and a transmission/reception selection signal, a mode selection switch for receiving a switching control signal and switching the combination to a CDMA mobile communication mode or radio mode, a frequency supply unit for generating and supplying a local signal for Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) communications and generating and supplying a local signal for a radio, a radio transmission/reception unit for demodulating an Radio Frequency (RF) reception signal for a radio into an Intermediate Frequency (IF) reception signal for a radio and transmitting the IF reception signal for a radio, and modulating an IF transmission signal for a radio into an RF transmission signal for a radio and transmitting the RF transmission signal to an antenna, and an MSM for transmitting the switching control signal to the mode selection switch, receiving the IF signal, converting the IF signal into a voice signal, transmitting the voice signal, converting the voice signal into an IF signal and transmitting the IF signal,
  • the conventional combined unidirectional radio and wireless terminal can add the function of a radio to a wireless terminal using a combined CDMA/FM modem. Additionally, the conventional combined unidirectional radio and wireless terminal is used at the time or place when or where CDMA communications are unstable, so that it is effective in improving the performance of a system and providing desirable communication quality to users .
  • the conventional combined unidirectional radio and wireless terminal does not include a conference call function.
  • a conference call has advantages in that a plurality of persons can make a call at the same time and additional terminals are not required because general wired telephones or mobile phones can be used.
  • the conference call has disadvantages in that a subscription procedure is complicated in the case of company-specific service, the costs of use increase because a system, which the user has to construct, is complicated, and principal customers are limited to company customers . Description of Drawings
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a system for providing walkie-talkie service based on a mobile communication network, in which a plurality of subscriber terminals on a mobile communication network can simultaneously receive voice traffic using a time switch in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of an intelligent peripheral according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the module of the IP according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a process for subscribing to and setting up mobile communication network-based walkie- talkie service in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a process of using the mobile communication network-based walkie-talkie service in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a process of using the mobile communication network-based walkie-talkie service in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a process of setting up the same call between subscriber terminals in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing the format of data that is transmitted from the subscriber terminal to the HLR in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 9 is a table showing the structure of service setup information stored in the subscriber server in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing the structure of a T-switch in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a process of converting a mode in which an initial transmission right is assigned to a subscriber in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a process of converting a mode in which the transmission right is assigned in response to the transmission right request in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a process of converting a mode in which a call path to a specific subscriber terminal is released at the request of the specific subscriber terminal during walkie-talkie service in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a method and system for providing walkie-talkie service based on a mobile communication network, in which users can conveniently make a conference call using mobile communication terminals without purchasing separate radios and using the existing mobile communication network without a separate facility.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and system for providing walkie-talkie service based on the mobile communication network, in which a plurality of subscriber terminals on a mobile communication network can simultaneously receive voice traffic using a switching module.
  • a method of providing walkie-talkie service based on a mobile communication network through an Intelligent Peripheral (IP) coupled with at least one subscriber terminal via a mobile communication network and to a subscriber server and a Short Message Service Center (SMSC) the method including the steps of receiving a service access request signal from the subscriber terminal, the service access request signal including a group setup number; transmitting a signal, which requests service setup information corresponding to the subscriber, to the subscriber server, the service setup information request signal including the group setup number, the service setup information being stored in association with the group setup number and including at least group setup information and other subscriber setup information; receiving the service setup information from the subscriber server; generating callback short message information based on the service setup information; transmitting the generated callback short message information to the SMSC, the SMSC generating a callback short message based on the callback short message information and transmitting the callback short message to at least one other subscribe
  • IP Intelligent Peripheral
  • SMSC Short Message Service Center
  • the IP may turn on a TX of the subscriber terminal and an RX of the at least one other subscriber terminal during the switching.
  • the callback short message may include address information that allows the at least one other subscriber terminal to access the IP.
  • the switching may be performed by a Time-switch (T-switch) .
  • the method may further include the steps of receiving a transmission right request key input signal from one of the subscriber terminal and the other subscriber terminal; and transmitting an authorization signal to the terminal in response to the transmission right request key input signal .
  • the method may further include the steps of receiving a transmission right release key input signal from the terminal; and transmitting a transmission right termination signal, which corresponds to release of a transmission right set on the terminal, to the subscriber terminal and the other subscriber terminal in response to the transmission right release key input signal; wherein at least one of the subscriber terminal and the other subscriber terminal can transmit the transmission right request key input signal for obtaining a transmission right to the IP based on the transmission right termination signal.
  • an IP coupled with at least one subscriber terminal via a mobile communication terminal and to a subscriber server and a SMSC to provide walkie-talkie service
  • the IP including a means for receiving a service access request signal from the subscriber terminal, the service access request signal including a group setup number; a means for transmitting a signal, which requests service setup information corresponding to the subscriber, to the subscriber server, the service setup information request signal including the group setup number, the service setup information being stored in association with the group setup number and including at least group setup information and other subscriber setup information; a means for receiving the service setup information from the subscriber server; a means for generating callback short message information based on the service setup information; a means for transmitting the generated callback short message information to the SMSC, the SMSC generating a callback short message based on the callback short message information and transmitting the callback short message to at least one other subscriber terminal corresponding to the other subscriber setup information; a means for checking whether the at least
  • a system for proving walkie- talkie service based on a mobile communication network the system being coupled with at least one subscriber terminal via the mobile communication network and to a subscriber server and a SMSC to provide the walkie-talkie server including a memory in which a program is stored; and a processor for executing the program in conjunction with the memory; wherein, according to the program, the processor performs the steps of receiving a service access request signal from the subscriber terminal, the service access request signal including a group setup number; transmitting a signal, which requests service setup information corresponding to the subscriber, to the subscriber server, the service setup information request signal including the group setup number, the service setup information being stored in association with the group setup number and including at least group setup information and other subscriber setup information; receiving the service setup information from the subscriber server; generating callback short message information based on the service setup information; transmitting the generated callback short message information to the SMSC, the SMSC generating a callback short
  • a method and system for providing walkie-talkie service based on a mobile communication network in which users can conveniently make a conference call using mobile communication terminals without purchasing separate radios and using the existing mobile communication network without a separate facility. Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, there can be provided a method and system for providing walkie-talkie service based on a mobile communication network, in which a plurality of subscriber terminals on the mobile communication network can simultaneously receive voice traffic using a switching module.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a system for providing walkie-talkie service based on a mobile communication network, in which a plurality of subscriber terminals on the mobile communication network can simultaneously receive voice traffic using a time switch in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • an Intelligent Peripheral (IP) 103 is coupled with a Mobile Switching Center (MSC) 101, a Short Message Service Center (SMSC) 107 and a subscriber server 105, and is coupled with at least one subscriber terminal via a mobile communication network. Furthermore, the subscriber server 105 is coupled with an Automatic Response System (ARS) 111, a wired Internet system (WEB) 113 and a wireless Internet system (WAP) 115 via a communication network 109, such as the Internet.
  • ARS Automatic Response System
  • WEB wired Internet system
  • WAP wireless Internet system
  • the IP 103 functions to provide the mobile communication network-based walkie-talkie service according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention to at least one subscriber terminal using the MSC 101. Furthermore, the IP 103 further functions to request the validation of subscriber information from the subscriber server 105. The IP 103 further functions to transmit callback short message information to the SMSC 107 so as to check whether at least one other subscriber, whom at least one subscriber wanting to use the mobile communication network-based walkie-talkie service of the present invention has preset through his or her subscriber terminal, will participate in the service. In this case, the callback short message information may include at least information about the other subscriber that will participate in the service. The SMSC 107 generates a callback short message based on the callback short message information and transmits the callback short message to the other subscriber terminal .
  • the SMSC 107 receives the callback short message information from the IP 103.
  • the callback short message information may include the information about the other subscriber as described above. Thereafter, the SMSC 107 generates a callback short message based on the callback short message information, and transmits the callback short message information to a subscriber terminal corresponding to the other subscriber.
  • the subscriber server 105 is coupled with the ARS 111, the WEB 113 or the WAP 115 through the communication network 109, such as the Internet.
  • the subscriber server 105 stores service setup information, including group setup information that is used to be provided with the mobile communication network-based walkie-talkie service and other subscriber setup information corresponding to at least one other subscriber who will participate in the mobile communication network-based walkie-talkie service, which at least one subscriber previously set using the ARS 111, the WEB 113 and the WAP 115 to use the mobile communication network-based walkie-talkie service.
  • the subscriber server 105 recognizes a subscriber validation request signal and transmits the service setup information to the IP 103 when the IP 103 wants to validate the service setup information.
  • At least one subscriber who wants to use the mobile communication network-based walkie-talkie service according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, previously sets service setup information, including group setup information that is used to be provided with the mobile communication network-based walkie-talkie service and other subscriber setup information corresponding to at least one other subscriber who will participate in the mobile communication network-based walkie-talkie service, in the subscriber server 105 via the ARS 111, the WEB 113 or the WAP 115.
  • the IP 103 recognizes the service access request signal of at least one subscriber terminal that wants to use the mobile communication network-based walkie-talkie service. Thereafter, the IP 103 requests the validation of subscriber information from the subscriber server 105. Accordingly, the subscriber server 105 transmits the service setup information to the IP 103 in response to the request for the validation of subscriber information. Furthermore, the IP 103 transmits short message information to the SMSC 107 to check whether at least other subscriber, which at least one subscriber, who wants to use the mobile communication network-based walkie-talkie service, previously set using the subscriber terminal, will participate in the service.
  • the SMSC 107 which has received the callback short message information, generates a callback short message based on the callback short message information, and transmits the callback short message to a subscriber terminal corresponding to the other subscriber. Thereafter, the other subscriber, who wants to participate in the service, notifies the IP 103 of his or her participation using the subscriber terminal thereof via a callback function.
  • the IP 103 receives a callback response from the other subscriber, the IP 103 can set up the same call with respect to all subscriber terminals, who want to participate in the service, through switching.
  • the subscribers can use the walkie-talkie service of the present invention using the subscriber terminals thereof via the set-up call.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of an IP according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • the IP 103 may include a memory system 250, at least one Central Processing Unit (CPU) 260 coupled with the memory system 250 and adapted to perform high-speed operations, an input device 270 and a communication device 280.
  • CPU Central Processing Unit
  • the CPU 260 includes an Arithmetic Logic unit (ALU) 262 for performing computing, a register 264 for temporarily storing data and instructions, and a controller 266 for controlling the operation of the IP 103.
  • ALU Arithmetic Logic unit
  • the CPU 260 may be one of the processors having various architectures, such as Alpha of Digital Corporation, MIPS of MIPS technology Corporation, NEC, IDT and Siemens, x86 of companies including Intel, Cyrix, AMD and Nexgen, and PowerPC of IBM and Motorola.
  • the memory system 250 includes a high-speed main memory 252 in storage medium form, such as a Random Access Memory (RAM) and a Read Only Memory (ROM) , an auxiliary memory 254 in long-term storage medium form, such as a floppy disc, a hard disc, a tape, a CD-ROM or a flash memory, and a device for storing data using electricity, magnetism, optics or other storage media.
  • main memory 252 may include a video display memory for displaying an image via a display device.
  • the input device 270 may include a keyboard, a mouse, and a physical transducer, such as a touch screen or microphone.
  • a device for performing communications with at least one subscriber terminal 117, 119, 121 or 123, the SMSC 107 and the subscriber server 105 via a mobile communication network, such as a network interface or RF transmission/reception antenna, may be used as the communication device 280.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the module of the IP according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • the IP may include a transmission/reception processing module 362 for processing communications with at least one subscriber terminal, a SMSC and a subscriber server, a switching processing module 364 for performing switching to activate the RX of at least one other terminal that has responded to a callback short message, and a mode conversion module 366 for controlling the variation of a transmission right while the walkie- talkie service of the present invention is being used through a set-up call .
  • the entire configuration of the IP is described based on the application modules below.
  • the IP may use one of the various Operating Systems (OSs) as a system OS.
  • OSs Operating Systems
  • the OS controls the operation of an application module 360 by providing a high-level instruction to an Application Program Interface (API) 302.
  • API Application Program Interface
  • the IP includes a high-level instruction processing unit 304 for identifying a corresponding application module 360 based on a high-level instruction provided by the API 302, decoding the high-level instruction and providing the resulting instruction to a necessary part.
  • the application module control unit 350 controls the operation of the application module 360 according to an instruction provided by the high-level instruction processing unit 304. That is, the high-level instruction processing unit 304 determines whether a corresponding application module 360 exists according to a high-level instruction provided via the API 302, decodes the high-level instruction into an instruction, which can be recognized by the corresponding application module 360, if the corresponding application module 360 exists, and transmits the resulting instruction to a corresponding mapping unit or controls message transmission. Accordingly, the application module control unit 350 includes mapping units 351, 353 and 355 and interface units 352, 354 and 346, each of which corresponds to the transmission/reception processing module 362, the switching processing module 364 and the mode conversion module 366, respectively.
  • the transmission/reception processing module mapping unit 351 is provided with a high-level instruction to perform communications with at least one subscriber terminal, a SMSC and a subscriber server by the high-level instruction processing unit 304, maps the high-level instruction to a device-level instruction that can be processed by the transmission/reception processing module 362, and provides the resulting instruction to the transmission/reception processing module 362 via the transmission/reception processing module interface unit 352.
  • the switching processing module mapping unit 353 and the switching processing module interface unit 354 are parts that perform switching to activate the RX of at least one other subscriber terminal that has respond to a callback short message. That is, the switching processing module mapping unit 353 is provided with a high-level instruction adapted to use the switching processing module 364 by the high-level instruction processing unit 304, maps the high- level instruction to a device-level instruction, and provides the device-level instruction to the switching processing module 364 via the switching processing module interface unit 354.
  • the mode conversion module 366 is a part that controls the variation of a transmission right while the walkie- talkie service of the present invention is being used through a set-up call.
  • the mode conversion module mapping unit 355 is provided with a high-level instruction applied- through the high-level instruction processing unit 304, and maps the high-level instruction to a device-level instruction that can be recognized by the mode conversion module 366.
  • the device-level instruction is provided to the mode conversion module 366 via the mode conversion module interface unit 356.
  • FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a process for subscribing to and setting up the mobile communication network-based walkie-talkie service in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • a subscriber accesses the subscriber server via the WEB at step 401. Thereafter, the subscriber server assigns a group setup number to the subscriber at the request of the subscriber at step 403. At this time, the subscriber server allocates a certain space of a storage device, which is internally provided, to store service setup information, including group setup information and other subscriber setup information, to correspond to the group setup number. Thereafter, the subscriber server receives the other subscriber setup information from the subscriber, stores the other subscriber setup information in the allocated storage space, and thus, sets the service setup information at step 405.
  • the subscriber server receives a signal, which requests the modification and deletion of the preset service setup information, from the subscriber, and updates the preset service setup information to the modified and deleted service setup information in response to the request signal. Thereafter, the call, which was set up between the subscriber server and the subscriber, is released at step 407.
  • the subscriber after the subscriber has accessed the subscriber server via the ARS or WAP, the subscriber can perform steps 403 to 405 at step 409.
  • FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a process of using the mobile communication network-based walkie-talkie service in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • the subscriber accesses the IP using a subscriber terminal processed by the subscriber based on the group setup number via the mobile communication network at step 501. Thereafter, the subscriber requests the service setup information from the subscriber server based on the group setup number at step 503.
  • the subscriber server extracts service setup information, including group setup information and other subscriber setup information stored in the certain space of the storage device to correspond to the group setup number, and transmits the service setup information to the IP at step 505. Thereafter, the IP extracts other subscriber information based on the received service setup information, generates callback short message information to be transmitted to at least one other subscriber terminal, and transmits the callback short message information to the SMSC at step 507.
  • the SMSC generates a callback short message based on the callback short message information, and transmits the callback short message to the at least one other subscriber terminal at step 509.
  • At least one other subscriber who has received the callback short message, can respond using a terminal processed by him or her to use the mobile communication network-based walkie-talkie service of the present invention.
  • the IP recognizes the at least one other subscriber who has responded to the callback short message at step 511, and sets up the same call between the subscriber terminal and the other subscriber terminal, who has responded to the callback short message, using the switching module at step 513. Based on the same call, the subscriber and the other subscriber can use the mobile communication network-based walkie-talkie service of the present invention using their terminals .
  • FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a process of using the mobile communication network-based walkie-talkie service in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • the process based on the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is performed in real time, whereas the process shown in FIG. 6 is the process, in which the subscriber previously sets other subscriber information to use the mobile communication network-based walkie-talkie service of the present invention, and thereafter, updates the other subscriber information via the ARS or WAP. Accordingly, descriptions of contents identical with those shown FIGS. 4 and 5 are omitted.
  • the IP inquires of the subscriber terminal whether the subscriber terminal wants a real-time call, and then performs step 611 if the subscriber terminal wants the real-time call . The IP terminates the process if the subscriber does not want a real-time call.
  • the ARS or WAP transmits an interface, in which the subscriber can select specific callback short message information, to the subscriber terminal. If the subscriber selects specific callback short message information based on the interface, the IP transmits the specific callback short message information to the SMSC. The SMSC generates a callback short message based on the specific callback short message information and transmits the callback short message to the other subscriber terminal. Since the remaining steps are the same as those described in conjunction with FIGS. 4 and 5, detailed description thereof is omitted.
  • FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a process of setting up the same call between subscriber terminals in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • a subscriber transmits a signal, which requests access to the service of the present invention, to .
  • a Home Location Register (HLR) using the subscriber terminal of the subscriber via the mobile communication network at step 701.
  • the HLR extracts the identification number (or address) of the IP and a group setup number and transmits the group setup number to the IP using the identification number at step 703.
  • the IP transmits a signal, which requests service setup information, to the subscriber server based on the group setup information at 705.
  • the service setup information includes group setup information and other subscriber setup information. Thereafter, the subscriber server extracts the service setup information, which has been stored in a certain space of an internal storage device, based on the group setup number, and transmits the service setup information to the IP at step 707.
  • the IP generates callback short message information based on the service setup information, and transmits the callback short message information to the SMSC at step 709.
  • the SMSC generates a callback short message based on the callback short message information, and transmits the callback short message to at least one other subscriber terminal at steps 711 and 713.
  • the at least one other subscriber terminal which has received the callback short message, responds to the callback short message using the terminal of the other subscriber at step 719, and can access IP at steps 715 and 717.
  • FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing the format of data that is transmitted from the subscriber terminal to the HLR in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • the data transmitted from the subscriber terminal includes an IMSI field 841, an ISDN number field 843, a VLR address field 845, an IP identification number field 847, and a group setup number field 849.
  • the HLR extracts the identification number (or address) stored in the IP identification number field 847 and the group setup number stored in the group setup number field 849, and transmits the group setup number to the IP using the identification number.
  • FIG. 9 is a table showing the structure of service setup information stored in the subscriber server in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • the service setup information includes group setup information and other subscriber setup information.
  • the group setup information includes a group setup number.
  • the other subscriber setup information may include the terminal identifier of at least one other subscriber.
  • FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing the structure of a T-switch in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • the T-switch functions to allow the IP to recognize at least one other subscriber terminal that has responded to the callback short message and to activate the RX of the at least one other subscriber terminal recognized.
  • the switching function can be performed by a switching processing module.
  • FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a process of converting a mode in which an initial transmission right is assigned to a subscriber in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • a specific subscriber transmits a transmission right request key input signal to the IP using the terminal of the specific subscriber based on the same call set up between the subscriber terminal at step 901.
  • the IP transmits a transmission right authorization signal to the specific terminal in response to the transmission right request key input signal at step 903. That is, the IP can activate the TX of the specific subscriber terminal and the RXs of subscriber terminals except for the specific subscriber terminal using the T- switch or switching processing module.
  • the specific subscriber transmits a transmission right release key input signal to the IP using the specific subscriber terminal at step 905.
  • the IP transmits a transmission right release signal to the specific subscriber terminal at step 907, and may transmit a termination signal, which indicates the release of the transmission right of the specific subscriber terminal, to subscriber terminals except for the specific subscriber terminal at steps 909 and 911. That is, the IP activates the RX of the specific subscriber terminal using the T-switch or switching module, and transmits the termination signal to the subscriber terminals except for the specific subscriber terminal.
  • FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a process of converting a mode in which the transmission right is assigned in response to the transmission right request in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • the IP transmits a transmission right authorization signal to a specific subscriber terminal (subscriber 3) at step 937 if the IP receives a transmission right request key input signal from the specific subscriber terminal at step 935. That is, the IP activates the TX of the specific subscriber terminal (subscriber 3) and the RXs of subscriber terminals except for the specific subscriber terminal using the T-switch or switching processing module.
  • FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a process of converting a mode in which a call path to a specific subscriber terminal is released at the request of the specific subscriber terminal during walkie-talkie service in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • the IP transmits a transmission right authorization signal to a specific subscriber terminal (subscriber 4) at step 947 if the IP receives a transmission right request key input signal from the specific subscriber terminal at step 945. That is, the IP activates the TX of the specific subscriber terminal (subscriber 4) and the RXs of subscriber terminals except for the specific subscriber terminal using the T-switch or switching processing module. Thereafter, the IP receives a service release key input signal from the specific subscriber terminal (subscriber 4) at step 949, the IP can release the call of the specific subscriber terminal.
  • the IP turns off a switch related to the specific subscriber terminal (subscriber 4) using the T-switch or switching processing module.

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Abstract

A method and system for providing walkie-talkie service based on a mobile communication network is disclosed. The method includes the steps of receiving a service access request signal from the subscriber terminal; transmitting a signal, which requests service setup information corresponding to the subscriber, to the subscriber server; receiving the service setup information from the subscriber server; generating callback short message information based on the service setup information; transmitting the generated callback short message information to the SMSC; checking whether the at least one other subscriber terminal wants service access, using a response to the callback short message from the at least one other subscriber terminal; and performing switching so that a same call is set up between the subscriber terminal and the at least other subscriber terminal.

Description

DESCRIPTION
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING WALKIE-TALKIE SERVICE BASED ON MOBILE COMMUNICATION NETWORK
Technical Field The present invention relates to a method and system for providing walkie-talkie service based on a mobile communication network.
Background Art
Radios, which were developed for military use in the middle of the 20th century, have extended the range of use thereof to civilian sectors after World War, and have been popularized as an effective and rapid short distance communication means as they have been miniaturized to improve carrying convenience. Meanwhile, with the development of mobile communication technology, mobile phones have been popularized, but radios have been widely used by persons engaged in construction sites, government and public offices and after-sale service because of the prompt use thereof, the economic advantage that additional communication expenses are not incurred and the convenience that a plurality of persons can simultaneously communicate with each other through the radios . However, conventional radios have disadvantages in that dedicated terminals are required and communications are enabled only between terminals having matching frequencies . To make up for the disadvantages of such radios, an application (Korean Unexamined Pat. Publication No. 10-2001-0018867) related to a conventional combined unidirectional radio and wireless terminal was disclosed. The conventional combined unidirectional radio and wireless terminal could include the function of a radio in a conventional terminal by separately setting a radio communication module and a mobile communication module in a wireless terminal. That is, the conventional combined unidirectional radio and wireless terminal is characterized by including a key input unit for transmitting a switching selection signal and a transmission/reception selection signal, a mode selection switch for receiving a switching control signal and switching the combination to a CDMA mobile communication mode or radio mode, a frequency supply unit for generating and supplying a local signal for Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) communications and generating and supplying a local signal for a radio, a radio transmission/reception unit for demodulating an Radio Frequency (RF) reception signal for a radio into an Intermediate Frequency (IF) reception signal for a radio and transmitting the IF reception signal for a radio, and modulating an IF transmission signal for a radio into an RF transmission signal for a radio and transmitting the RF transmission signal to an antenna, and an MSM for transmitting the switching control signal to the mode selection switch, receiving the IF signal, converting the IF signal into a voice signal, transmitting the voice signal, converting the voice signal into an IF signal and transmitting the IF signal . Additionally, the conventional combined unidirectional radio and wireless terminal can add the function of a radio to a wireless terminal using a combined CDMA/FM modem. Additionally, the conventional combined unidirectional radio and wireless terminal is used at the time or place when or where CDMA communications are unstable, so that it is effective in improving the performance of a system and providing desirable communication quality to users . However, the conventional combined unidirectional radio and wireless terminal does not include a conference call function. A conference call has advantages in that a plurality of persons can make a call at the same time and additional terminals are not required because general wired telephones or mobile phones can be used. However, the conference call has disadvantages in that a subscription procedure is complicated in the case of company-specific service, the costs of use increase because a system, which the user has to construct, is complicated, and principal customers are limited to company customers . Description of Drawings
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a system for providing walkie-talkie service based on a mobile communication network, in which a plurality of subscriber terminals on a mobile communication network can simultaneously receive voice traffic using a time switch in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of an intelligent peripheral according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the module of the IP according to another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a process for subscribing to and setting up mobile communication network-based walkie- talkie service in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a process of using the mobile communication network-based walkie-talkie service in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a process of using the mobile communication network-based walkie-talkie service in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a process of setting up the same call between subscriber terminals in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing the format of data that is transmitted from the subscriber terminal to the HLR in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9 is a table showing the structure of service setup information stored in the subscriber server in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing the structure of a T-switch in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a process of converting a mode in which an initial transmission right is assigned to a subscriber in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a process of converting a mode in which the transmission right is assigned in response to the transmission right request in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a process of converting a mode in which a call path to a specific subscriber terminal is released at the request of the specific subscriber terminal during walkie-talkie service in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Disclosure
Technical Problem
An object of the present invention is to provide a method and system for providing walkie-talkie service based on a mobile communication network, in which users can conveniently make a conference call using mobile communication terminals without purchasing separate radios and using the existing mobile communication network without a separate facility.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and system for providing walkie-talkie service based on the mobile communication network, in which a plurality of subscriber terminals on a mobile communication network can simultaneously receive voice traffic using a switching module.
Technical Solution
In order to accomplish the above objects, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of providing walkie-talkie service based on a mobile communication network through an Intelligent Peripheral (IP) coupled with at least one subscriber terminal via a mobile communication network and to a subscriber server and a Short Message Service Center (SMSC) , the method including the steps of receiving a service access request signal from the subscriber terminal, the service access request signal including a group setup number; transmitting a signal, which requests service setup information corresponding to the subscriber, to the subscriber server, the service setup information request signal including the group setup number, the service setup information being stored in association with the group setup number and including at least group setup information and other subscriber setup information; receiving the service setup information from the subscriber server; generating callback short message information based on the service setup information; transmitting the generated callback short message information to the SMSC, the SMSC generating a callback short message based on the callback short message information and transmitting the callback short message to at least one other subscriber terminal corresponding to the other subscriber setup information; checking whether the at least one other subscriber terminal wants service access, using a response to the callback short message from the at least one other subscriber terminal; and performing switching so that a same call is set up between the subscriber terminal and the at least other subscriber terminal.
In preferred embodiment, the IP may turn on a TX of the subscriber terminal and an RX of the at least one other subscriber terminal during the switching. Furthermore, the callback short message may include address information that allows the at least one other subscriber terminal to access the IP. Furthermore, the switching may be performed by a Time-switch (T-switch) . The method may further include the steps of receiving a transmission right request key input signal from one of the subscriber terminal and the other subscriber terminal; and transmitting an authorization signal to the terminal in response to the transmission right request key input signal . The method may further include the steps of receiving a transmission right release key input signal from the terminal; and transmitting a transmission right termination signal, which corresponds to release of a transmission right set on the terminal, to the subscriber terminal and the other subscriber terminal in response to the transmission right release key input signal; wherein at least one of the subscriber terminal and the other subscriber terminal can transmit the transmission right request key input signal for obtaining a transmission right to the IP based on the transmission right termination signal.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an IP coupled with at least one subscriber terminal via a mobile communication terminal and to a subscriber server and a SMSC to provide walkie-talkie service, the IP including a means for receiving a service access request signal from the subscriber terminal, the service access request signal including a group setup number; a means for transmitting a signal, which requests service setup information corresponding to the subscriber, to the subscriber server, the service setup information request signal including the group setup number, the service setup information being stored in association with the group setup number and including at least group setup information and other subscriber setup information; a means for receiving the service setup information from the subscriber server; a means for generating callback short message information based on the service setup information; a means for transmitting the generated callback short message information to the SMSC, the SMSC generating a callback short message based on the callback short message information and transmitting the callback short message to at least one other subscriber terminal corresponding to the other subscriber setup information; a means for checking whether the at least one other subscriber terminal wants service access, using a response to the callback short message from the at least one other subscriber terminal; and a means for performing switching so that a same call is set up between the subscriber terminal and the at least other subscriber terminal.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for proving walkie- talkie service based on a mobile communication network, the system being coupled with at least one subscriber terminal via the mobile communication network and to a subscriber server and a SMSC to provide the walkie-talkie server including a memory in which a program is stored; and a processor for executing the program in conjunction with the memory; wherein, according to the program, the processor performs the steps of receiving a service access request signal from the subscriber terminal, the service access request signal including a group setup number; transmitting a signal, which requests service setup information corresponding to the subscriber, to the subscriber server, the service setup information request signal including the group setup number, the service setup information being stored in association with the group setup number and including at least group setup information and other subscriber setup information; receiving the service setup information from the subscriber server; generating callback short message information based on the service setup information; transmitting the generated callback short message information to the SMSC, the SMSC generating a callback short message based on the callback short message information and transmitting the callback short message to at least one other subscriber terminal corresponding to the other subscriber setup information; checking whether the at least one other subscriber terminal wants service access, using a response to the callback short message from the at least one other subscriber terminal; and performing switching so that a same call is set up between the subscriber terminal and the at least other subscriber terminal .
Advantageous Effects
In accordance with the present invention, there can be provided a method and system for providing walkie-talkie service based on a mobile communication network, in which users can conveniently make a conference call using mobile communication terminals without purchasing separate radios and using the existing mobile communication network without a separate facility. Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, there can be provided a method and system for providing walkie-talkie service based on a mobile communication network, in which a plurality of subscriber terminals on the mobile communication network can simultaneously receive voice traffic using a switching module.
Best Mode
Subsequently, preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings below. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a system for providing walkie-talkie service based on a mobile communication network, in which a plurality of subscriber terminals on the mobile communication network can simultaneously receive voice traffic using a time switch in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 1, an Intelligent Peripheral (IP) 103 is coupled with a Mobile Switching Center (MSC) 101, a Short Message Service Center (SMSC) 107 and a subscriber server 105, and is coupled with at least one subscriber terminal via a mobile communication network. Furthermore, the subscriber server 105 is coupled with an Automatic Response System (ARS) 111, a wired Internet system (WEB) 113 and a wireless Internet system (WAP) 115 via a communication network 109, such as the Internet.
The IP 103 functions to provide the mobile communication network-based walkie-talkie service according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention to at least one subscriber terminal using the MSC 101. Furthermore, the IP 103 further functions to request the validation of subscriber information from the subscriber server 105. The IP 103 further functions to transmit callback short message information to the SMSC 107 so as to check whether at least one other subscriber, whom at least one subscriber wanting to use the mobile communication network-based walkie-talkie service of the present invention has preset through his or her subscriber terminal, will participate in the service. In this case, the callback short message information may include at least information about the other subscriber that will participate in the service. The SMSC 107 generates a callback short message based on the callback short message information and transmits the callback short message to the other subscriber terminal .
The SMSC 107 receives the callback short message information from the IP 103. In this case, the callback short message information may include the information about the other subscriber as described above. Thereafter, the SMSC 107 generates a callback short message based on the callback short message information, and transmits the callback short message information to a subscriber terminal corresponding to the other subscriber.
The subscriber server 105 is coupled with the ARS 111, the WEB 113 or the WAP 115 through the communication network 109, such as the Internet. The subscriber server 105 stores service setup information, including group setup information that is used to be provided with the mobile communication network-based walkie-talkie service and other subscriber setup information corresponding to at least one other subscriber who will participate in the mobile communication network-based walkie-talkie service, which at least one subscriber previously set using the ARS 111, the WEB 113 and the WAP 115 to use the mobile communication network-based walkie-talkie service. Furthermore, the subscriber server 105 recognizes a subscriber validation request signal and transmits the service setup information to the IP 103 when the IP 103 wants to validate the service setup information.
With reference to the above construction, the method of providing the mobile communication network-based walkie- talkie service according to the present invention is schematically described below. At least one subscriber, who wants to use the mobile communication network-based walkie-talkie service according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, previously sets service setup information, including group setup information that is used to be provided with the mobile communication network-based walkie-talkie service and other subscriber setup information corresponding to at least one other subscriber who will participate in the mobile communication network-based walkie-talkie service, in the subscriber server 105 via the ARS 111, the WEB 113 or the WAP 115.
The IP 103 recognizes the service access request signal of at least one subscriber terminal that wants to use the mobile communication network-based walkie-talkie service. Thereafter, the IP 103 requests the validation of subscriber information from the subscriber server 105. Accordingly, the subscriber server 105 transmits the service setup information to the IP 103 in response to the request for the validation of subscriber information. Furthermore, the IP 103 transmits short message information to the SMSC 107 to check whether at least other subscriber, which at least one subscriber, who wants to use the mobile communication network-based walkie-talkie service, previously set using the subscriber terminal, will participate in the service. The SMSC 107, which has received the callback short message information, generates a callback short message based on the callback short message information, and transmits the callback short message to a subscriber terminal corresponding to the other subscriber. Thereafter, the other subscriber, who wants to participate in the service, notifies the IP 103 of his or her participation using the subscriber terminal thereof via a callback function. When the IP 103 receives a callback response from the other subscriber, the IP 103 can set up the same call with respect to all subscriber terminals, who want to participate in the service, through switching. The subscribers can use the walkie-talkie service of the present invention using the subscriber terminals thereof via the set-up call.
FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of an IP according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2, the IP 103 may include a memory system 250, at least one Central Processing Unit (CPU) 260 coupled with the memory system 250 and adapted to perform high-speed operations, an input device 270 and a communication device 280.
The CPU 260 includes an Arithmetic Logic unit (ALU) 262 for performing computing, a register 264 for temporarily storing data and instructions, and a controller 266 for controlling the operation of the IP 103. The CPU 260 may be one of the processors having various architectures, such as Alpha of Digital Corporation, MIPS of MIPS technology Corporation, NEC, IDT and Siemens, x86 of companies including Intel, Cyrix, AMD and Nexgen, and PowerPC of IBM and Motorola. The memory system 250 includes a high-speed main memory 252 in storage medium form, such as a Random Access Memory (RAM) and a Read Only Memory (ROM) , an auxiliary memory 254 in long-term storage medium form, such as a floppy disc, a hard disc, a tape, a CD-ROM or a flash memory, and a device for storing data using electricity, magnetism, optics or other storage media. Furthermore, the main memory 252 may include a video display memory for displaying an image via a display device.
Furthermore, the input device 270 may include a keyboard, a mouse, and a physical transducer, such as a touch screen or microphone. A device for performing communications with at least one subscriber terminal 117, 119, 121 or 123, the SMSC 107 and the subscriber server 105 via a mobile communication network, such as a network interface or RF transmission/reception antenna, may be used as the communication device 280. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the module of the IP according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 3, the IP may include a transmission/reception processing module 362 for processing communications with at least one subscriber terminal, a SMSC and a subscriber server, a switching processing module 364 for performing switching to activate the RX of at least one other terminal that has responded to a callback short message, and a mode conversion module 366 for controlling the variation of a transmission right while the walkie- talkie service of the present invention is being used through a set-up call . The entire configuration of the IP is described based on the application modules below.
The IP may use one of the various Operating Systems (OSs) as a system OS. The OS controls the operation of an application module 360 by providing a high-level instruction to an Application Program Interface (API) 302.
The IP includes a high-level instruction processing unit 304 for identifying a corresponding application module 360 based on a high-level instruction provided by the API 302, decoding the high-level instruction and providing the resulting instruction to a necessary part. The application module control unit 350 controls the operation of the application module 360 according to an instruction provided by the high-level instruction processing unit 304. That is, the high-level instruction processing unit 304 determines whether a corresponding application module 360 exists according to a high-level instruction provided via the API 302, decodes the high-level instruction into an instruction, which can be recognized by the corresponding application module 360, if the corresponding application module 360 exists, and transmits the resulting instruction to a corresponding mapping unit or controls message transmission. Accordingly, the application module control unit 350 includes mapping units 351, 353 and 355 and interface units 352, 354 and 346, each of which corresponds to the transmission/reception processing module 362, the switching processing module 364 and the mode conversion module 366, respectively.
The transmission/reception processing module mapping unit 351 is provided with a high-level instruction to perform communications with at least one subscriber terminal, a SMSC and a subscriber server by the high-level instruction processing unit 304, maps the high-level instruction to a device-level instruction that can be processed by the transmission/reception processing module 362, and provides the resulting instruction to the transmission/reception processing module 362 via the transmission/reception processing module interface unit 352.
The switching processing module mapping unit 353 and the switching processing module interface unit 354 are parts that perform switching to activate the RX of at least one other subscriber terminal that has respond to a callback short message. That is, the switching processing module mapping unit 353 is provided with a high-level instruction adapted to use the switching processing module 364 by the high-level instruction processing unit 304, maps the high- level instruction to a device-level instruction, and provides the device-level instruction to the switching processing module 364 via the switching processing module interface unit 354. The mode conversion module 366 is a part that controls the variation of a transmission right while the walkie- talkie service of the present invention is being used through a set-up call. The mode conversion module mapping unit 355 is provided with a high-level instruction applied- through the high-level instruction processing unit 304, and maps the high-level instruction to a device-level instruction that can be recognized by the mode conversion module 366. The device-level instruction is provided to the mode conversion module 366 via the mode conversion module interface unit 356.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a process for subscribing to and setting up the mobile communication network-based walkie-talkie service in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 4, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a subscriber accesses the subscriber server via the WEB at step 401. Thereafter, the subscriber server assigns a group setup number to the subscriber at the request of the subscriber at step 403. At this time, the subscriber server allocates a certain space of a storage device, which is internally provided, to store service setup information, including group setup information and other subscriber setup information, to correspond to the group setup number. Thereafter, the subscriber server receives the other subscriber setup information from the subscriber, stores the other subscriber setup information in the allocated storage space, and thus, sets the service setup information at step 405. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the subscriber server receives a signal, which requests the modification and deletion of the preset service setup information, from the subscriber, and updates the preset service setup information to the modified and deleted service setup information in response to the request signal. Thereafter, the call, which was set up between the subscriber server and the subscriber, is released at step 407. In another embodiment of the present invention, after the subscriber has accessed the subscriber server via the ARS or WAP, the subscriber can perform steps 403 to 405 at step 409.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a process of using the mobile communication network-based walkie-talkie service in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 5, the subscriber accesses the IP using a subscriber terminal processed by the subscriber based on the group setup number via the mobile communication network at step 501. Thereafter, the subscriber requests the service setup information from the subscriber server based on the group setup number at step 503.
The subscriber server extracts service setup information, including group setup information and other subscriber setup information stored in the certain space of the storage device to correspond to the group setup number, and transmits the service setup information to the IP at step 505. Thereafter, the IP extracts other subscriber information based on the received service setup information, generates callback short message information to be transmitted to at least one other subscriber terminal, and transmits the callback short message information to the SMSC at step 507. The SMSC generates a callback short message based on the callback short message information, and transmits the callback short message to the at least one other subscriber terminal at step 509. At least one other subscriber, who has received the callback short message, can respond using a terminal processed by him or her to use the mobile communication network-based walkie-talkie service of the present invention. The IP recognizes the at least one other subscriber who has responded to the callback short message at step 511, and sets up the same call between the subscriber terminal and the other subscriber terminal, who has responded to the callback short message, using the switching module at step 513. Based on the same call, the subscriber and the other subscriber can use the mobile communication network-based walkie-talkie service of the present invention using their terminals .
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a process of using the mobile communication network-based walkie-talkie service in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 6, the process based on the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is performed in real time, whereas the process shown in FIG. 6 is the process, in which the subscriber previously sets other subscriber information to use the mobile communication network-based walkie-talkie service of the present invention, and thereafter, updates the other subscriber information via the ARS or WAP. Accordingly, descriptions of contents identical with those shown FIGS. 4 and 5 are omitted. At step 607, the IP inquires of the subscriber terminal whether the subscriber terminal wants a real-time call, and then performs step 611 if the subscriber terminal wants the real-time call . The IP terminates the process if the subscriber does not want a real-time call. Thereafter, the ARS or WAP transmits an interface, in which the subscriber can select specific callback short message information, to the subscriber terminal. If the subscriber selects specific callback short message information based on the interface, the IP transmits the specific callback short message information to the SMSC. The SMSC generates a callback short message based on the specific callback short message information and transmits the callback short message to the other subscriber terminal. Since the remaining steps are the same as those described in conjunction with FIGS. 4 and 5, detailed description thereof is omitted.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a process of setting up the same call between subscriber terminals in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 7, a subscriber transmits a signal, which requests access to the service of the present invention, to .a Home Location Register (HLR) using the subscriber terminal of the subscriber via the mobile communication network at step 701. After the HRL has received the service access request signal, the HLR extracts the identification number (or address) of the IP and a group setup number and transmits the group setup number to the IP using the identification number at step 703. The IP transmits a signal, which requests service setup information, to the subscriber server based on the group setup information at 705. In this case, the service setup information includes group setup information and other subscriber setup information. Thereafter, the subscriber server extracts the service setup information, which has been stored in a certain space of an internal storage device, based on the group setup number, and transmits the service setup information to the IP at step 707.
The IP generates callback short message information based on the service setup information, and transmits the callback short message information to the SMSC at step 709. The SMSC generates a callback short message based on the callback short message information, and transmits the callback short message to at least one other subscriber terminal at steps 711 and 713. The at least one other subscriber terminal, which has received the callback short message, responds to the callback short message using the terminal of the other subscriber at step 719, and can access IP at steps 715 and 717. Thereafter, the IP recognizes the access from the other subscriber terminal and activates a Time-switch (T-switch) provided therein, so that the same call can be set up between the subscriber terminal and the at least one other subscriber terminal at step 721. FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing the format of data that is transmitted from the subscriber terminal to the HLR in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 8, the data transmitted from the subscriber terminal includes an IMSI field 841, an ISDN number field 843, a VLR address field 845, an IP identification number field 847, and a group setup number field 849. The HLR extracts the identification number (or address) stored in the IP identification number field 847 and the group setup number stored in the group setup number field 849, and transmits the group setup number to the IP using the identification number.
FIG. 9 is a table showing the structure of service setup information stored in the subscriber server in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 9, the service setup information includes group setup information and other subscriber setup information. The group setup information includes a group setup number. Furthermore, the other subscriber setup information may include the terminal identifier of at least one other subscriber.
FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing the structure of a T-switch in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 10, the T-switch functions to allow the IP to recognize at least one other subscriber terminal that has responded to the callback short message and to activate the RX of the at least one other subscriber terminal recognized. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the switching function can be performed by a switching processing module.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a process of converting a mode in which an initial transmission right is assigned to a subscriber in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 11, a specific subscriber transmits a transmission right request key input signal to the IP using the terminal of the specific subscriber based on the same call set up between the subscriber terminal at step 901. The IP transmits a transmission right authorization signal to the specific terminal in response to the transmission right request key input signal at step 903. That is, the IP can activate the TX of the specific subscriber terminal and the RXs of subscriber terminals except for the specific subscriber terminal using the T- switch or switching processing module. When the specific subscriber does not want transmission anymore, the specific subscriber transmits a transmission right release key input signal to the IP using the specific subscriber terminal at step 905. In response to the transmission right release key input signal, the IP transmits a transmission right release signal to the specific subscriber terminal at step 907, and may transmit a termination signal, which indicates the release of the transmission right of the specific subscriber terminal, to subscriber terminals except for the specific subscriber terminal at steps 909 and 911. That is, the IP activates the RX of the specific subscriber terminal using the T-switch or switching module, and transmits the termination signal to the subscriber terminals except for the specific subscriber terminal.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a process of converting a mode in which the transmission right is assigned in response to the transmission right request in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 12, after the IP has transmitted a signal, which indicates the release of the transmission right of the specific subscriber terminal, to subscriber terminals at steps 921 and 923, the IP transmits a transmission right authorization signal to a specific subscriber terminal (subscriber 3) at step 937 if the IP receives a transmission right request key input signal from the specific subscriber terminal at step 935. That is, the IP activates the TX of the specific subscriber terminal (subscriber 3) and the RXs of subscriber terminals except for the specific subscriber terminal using the T-switch or switching processing module. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a process of converting a mode in which a call path to a specific subscriber terminal is released at the request of the specific subscriber terminal during walkie-talkie service in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 13, after the IP has transmitted a signal, which indicates the release of the transmission right of a specific subscriber terminal, to subscriber terminals at steps 941 and 943, the IP transmits a transmission right authorization signal to a specific subscriber terminal (subscriber 4) at step 947 if the IP receives a transmission right request key input signal from the specific subscriber terminal at step 945. That is, the IP activates the TX of the specific subscriber terminal (subscriber 4) and the RXs of subscriber terminals except for the specific subscriber terminal using the T-switch or switching processing module. Thereafter, the IP receives a service release key input signal from the specific subscriber terminal (subscriber 4) at step 949, the IP can release the call of the specific subscriber terminal. That is, the IP turns off a switch related to the specific subscriber terminal (subscriber 4) using the T-switch or switching processing module. The present invention is not limited to the above- described embodiments, and it is apparent that various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method of providing walkie-talkie service based on a mobile communication network through an Intelligent Peripheral (IP) coupled with at least one subscriber terminal via a mobile communication network and to a subscriber server and a Short Message Service Center (SMSC) , the method comprising the steps of: receiving a service access request signal from the subscriber terminal, the service access request signal including a group setup number; transmitting a signal, which requests service setup information corresponding to the subscriber, to the subscriber server, the service setup information request signal including the group setup number, the service setup information being stored in association with the group setup number and including at least group setup information and other subscriber setup information; receiving the service setup information from the subscriber server; generating callback short message information based on the service setup information; transmitting the generated callback short message information to the SMSC, the SMSC generating a callback short message based on the callback short message information and transmitting the callback short message to at least one other subscriber terminal corresponding to the other subscriber setup information; checking whether the at least one other subscriber terminal wants service access, using a response to the callback short message from the at least one other subscriber terminal; and performing switching so that a same call is set up between the subscriber terminal and the at least other subscriber terminal.
2. The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein the IP turns on a TX of the subscriber terminal and an RX of the at least one other subscriber terminal during the switching.
3. The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein the callback short message includes address information that allows the at least one other subscriber terminal to access the IP.
4. The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein the switching is performed by a Time-switch (T-switch) .
5. The method as set forth in claim 1, further comprising the steps of: receiving a transmission right request key input signal from one of the subscriber terminal and the other subscriber terminal; and transmitting an authorization signal to the terminal in response to the transmission right request key input signal.
6. The method as set forth in claim 5, further comprising the steps of: receiving a transmission right release key input signal from the terminal; and transmitting a transmission right termination signal, which corresponds to release of a transmission right set on the terminal, to the subscriber terminal and the other subscriber terminal in response to the transmission right release key input signal; wherein at least one of the subscriber terminal and the other subscriber terminal can transmit the transmission right request key input signal for obtaining a transmission right to the IP based on the transmission right termination signal.
7. An IP coupled with at least one subscriber terminal via a mobile communication terminal and to a subscriber server and a SMSC to provide walkie-talkie service, the IP comprising: means for receiving a service access request signal from the subscriber terminal, the service access request signal including a group setup number; means for transmitting a signal, which requests service setup information corresponding to the subscriber, to the subscriber server, the service setup information request signal including the group setup number, the service setup information being stored in association with the group setup number and including at least group setup information and other subscriber setup information; means for receiving the service setup information from the subscriber server; means for generating callback short message information based on the service setup information; means for transmitting the generated callback short message information to the SMSC, the SMSC generating a callback short message based on the callback short message information and transmitting the callback short message to at least one other subscriber terminal corresponding to the other subscriber setup information; means for checking whether the at least one other subscriber terminal wants service access, using a response to the callback short message from the at least one other subscriber terminal; and means for performing switching so that a same call is set up between the subscriber terminal and the at least other subscriber terminal.
8. A system for proving walkie-talkie service based on a mobile communication network, the system being coupled with at least one subscriber terminal via the mobile communication network and to a subscriber server and a SMSC to provide the walkie-talkie server, the system comprising: a memory in which a program is stored; and a processor for executing the program in conjunction with the memory; wherein, according to the program, the processor performs the steps of: receiving a service access request signal from the subscriber terminal, the service access request signal including a group setup number; transmitting a signal, which requests service setup information corresponding to the subscriber, to the subscriber server, the service setup information request signal including the group setup number, the service setup information being stored -in association with the group setup number and including at least group setup information and other subscriber setup information; receiving the service setup information from the subscriber server; generating callback short message information based on the service setup information; transmitting the generated callback short message information to the SMSC, the SMSC generating a callback short message based on the callback short message information and transmitting the callback short message to at least one other subscriber terminal corresponding to the other subscriber setup information; checking whether the at least one other subscriber terminal wants service access, using a response to the callback short message from the at least one other subscriber terminal; and performing switching so that a same call is set up between the subscriber terminal and the at least other subscriber terminal.
PCT/KR2004/001425 2003-06-23 2004-06-15 Method and system for providing walkie-talkie service based on mobile communication network WO2004114544A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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KR10-2003-0040605 2003-06-23
KR1020030040605A KR100426171B1 (en) 2003-06-23 2003-06-23 Method and system for providing walkie-talkie service based on mobile communication network

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20020015009A1 (en) * 2000-06-19 2002-02-07 Davis Patrick Harold Transit sign
EP1182895A1 (en) * 2000-08-15 2002-02-27 Lucent Technologies Inc. Method and apparatus for performing a voice dispatch call in a digital communication system
US6484037B1 (en) * 1999-10-28 2002-11-19 Ericsson Inc. Method of establishing group calls in a communications system

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6484037B1 (en) * 1999-10-28 2002-11-19 Ericsson Inc. Method of establishing group calls in a communications system
US20020015009A1 (en) * 2000-06-19 2002-02-07 Davis Patrick Harold Transit sign
EP1182895A1 (en) * 2000-08-15 2002-02-27 Lucent Technologies Inc. Method and apparatus for performing a voice dispatch call in a digital communication system

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