WO2005043926A2

WO2005043926A2 - Method for providing ringback tone substitute multimedia

Info

Publication number: WO2005043926A2
Application number: PCT/KR2004/002841
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jong Cheol Park; Sok Bom Kim; Sung Ryong Hong
Original assignee: Widerthan.Com Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2003-11-04
Filing date: 2004-11-04
Publication date: 2005-05-12
Also published as: KR100632007B1; KR20050043043A; WO2005043926A3

Abstract

A substitute multimedia ringback tone providing method for diversifying the format of the ringback tone to maximize the personality of each user transmitting the ringback tone data utilizing previously established circuit resources. When a wireless communications system receives a call connection request from a calling terminal, the system determines whether the calling terminal has capability of playing the substitute multimedia ringback tone and whether the receiving terminal is subscribed with the substitute multimedia ringback tone service. If the calling terminal has the playing capability and the receiving terminal is subscribed with the service, the system routes the call from the calling terminal to a substitute multimedia ringback tone providing server, so that the server plays substitute multimedia ringback tone of the form: text, still image such an avartar, moving picture, sound, or the combination thereof designated by the called party.

Description

METHOD FOR PROVIDING RINGBACK TONE SUBSTITUTE MULTIMEDIA

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a call setup precess in a communications network and, more particularly, to a method for providing substitute information previously designated by a called party for the ringback tone.

BACKGROUND ART When a calling subscriber originates a call in a communications network, a terminating switch provides a ringback tone until a called subscriber responds to the call. Recently, a substitute ringback tone service providing substitute tone designated by the phone user instead of uniform ringback tone having a fixed frequency and a fixed intermission period became increasingly popular with the phone users. The subscriber using this service choose and register the substitute tone through the Internet, so that the substitute tone is provided to the calling party for each received call. The substitute ringback tone service enhances the personality of each user and enables the calling subscriber to recognize wrong dialing before the called party's answering to the call. Nevertheless, however, the personality of each user is not maximized because the substitute tone for each subscriber is selected from a pool of the sound sources edited by the contents provider, it is common that many subscribers choose and share the same substitute tone. On the other hand, since the substitute ringback tone is played through the speaker of the calling terminal, the calling party must hold the speaker of the terminal against his ear until the called party answers

the call, which is not desirable taking the electromagnetic wave into account.

An attempt to provide still image or moving picture to the calling terminal for introducing visual effects to the substitute ringback tone has not been tried yet, because such a trial may need the release the previously assigned circuit resource and the assignment of packet resource and result in the increase of delay in the system.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Technical Object of the Invention

To solve the above problem, one object of the present invention is provide a method for providing substitute multimedia ringback tone which diversifies the format of the ringback tone to maximize the personality of each user and can transmit the ringback tone data utilizing previously established circuit resources to efficiently manage the system resources. Also, another object of the present invention is to provide a method for providing the substitute multimedia ringback tone data to the originating terminal through a wireless communications network.

Technical Solution of the Invention The substitute multimedia ringback tone providing method of the present invention for achieving one of the above objects is implemented in a wireless communications system having a base station and a switching system connected to the base station and being connected to a substitute ringback tone playing server. When receiving a call connection request from a calling terminal, the system determines whether the calling terminal has capability of playing the substitute multimedia ringback tone and whether the receiving terminal is subscribed with the substitute multimedia ringback tone service. If the calling terminal has the playing capability and

the receiving terminal is subscribed with the service, the system routes the call from the calling

terminal to the substitute multimedia ringback tone providing server, so that substitute multimedia ringback tone data is provided to the calling terminal and substitute multimedia ringback tone of the form selected from a group consisting of text, still image such as an avatar, moving picture, sound, or the combination thereof designated by the called party is played in the calling terminal. When the receiving terminal answers to the call, the playing of the substitute multimedia ringback tone stops and a call channel is set up between the calling terminal and the receiving terminal.

In a preferred embodiment, the substitute multimedia ringback tone data is transmitted through a channel assigned between the calling terminal and a originating switch just after the call attempt of the calling party to the called party. In other words, the wireless communications system provides the substitute multimedia ringback tone data through a voice call channel initially set up between the calling terminal and the originating switch without assigning a separate channel other than the voice channel. In order that the substitute multimedia ringback tone data for implementing still image or moving picture is transmitted to the calling terminal in a short time and the picture composing the multimedia is displayed without a failure, the switching system preferably assigns wider bandwidth in the resource allocation that of a common voice call channel when the switching system receives the call connection request from the calling terminal having the capability of playing the substitute multimedia ringback tone. In such a case, a base station receiving a wireless resource allocation request from the calling terminal first determines the calling terminal's capability of playing the substitute multimedia ringback tone, and the system allocates wired trunk resources allocation based on the capability of the calling terminal. The system

allocates the wired trunk resource of a common voice mode suitable for voice communications

when the calling terminal does not have the playing capability while allocating the wired trunk resource of a simultaneous voice and data (SVD) mode having wider bandwidth than the voice mode when the calling terminal has the playing capability.

The calling terminal is preferably equipped with software for recognizing substitute multimedia ringback tone packets based on a packet type identifier included in the substitute multimedia ringback tone data packet and playing each multimedia component in the data packet separately.

The method for providing substitute multimedia ringback tone data for achieving another one of the above objects is implemented in a server system capable of being connected to a switch of a wireless communications system. The server system stores substitute multimedia ringback tone data of the form selected from a group consisting of text, still image, moving picture, or the combination thereof into a predetermined storage according to choice of a subscribed user. When a call connection request for the user is generated in the wireless communications system, the server system receives an address message including subscriber identification information from the wireless communications system, and provides the substitute multimedia ringback tone data to a calling terminal through a call channel set up between the wireless communications system and the server system. When the user answers to the call of the calling terminal through the wireless communications system, the server system releases the call set up between the wireless communications system and the server system in response to

a release request from the wireless communications system. Preferably, the server system provides the substitute multimedia ringback tone data to the calling terminal after formatting the data to be suitable for a voice channel. At this time, it is preferable to add an identifier indicating the substitute multimedia ringback tone data. Preferably, the substitute multimedia ringback tone data includes information for

controlling playing of multimedia components constituting the substitute multimedia ringback

tone. The server system may provide the substitute multimedia ringback tone data to the user through wireless Internet in response to a request of the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above objectives and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detailed preferred embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings in which: FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a wireless communications system for implementing the substitute multimedia ringback tone providing method of the present invention; FIG. 2 illustrates an example of data format of multimedia ringback tone data provided by the substitute ringback tone playing server shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a state transition diagram showing an example of a basic call state model "T_BCSM" in a terminating switch shown in FIG. 1; FIGS. 4 and 5 are flowcharts showing the substitute multimedia ringback tone providing method according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

EMBODIMENTS The wireless communications system shown in FIG. 1 is a GSM system which adopts a protocol defined in "Customized Applications for Mobile network Enhanced Logic (CAMEL)

Phase 4. CAMEL Application Part (CAP) Specification (Release 5) " published on Dec. 2002 by 3GPP (The 3rd Generation Partnership Project) organized by ARIB, CWTS, ETSI, T1,TTA,

and TTC. However the present invention is not restricted by above the system, but can be

embodied in another system regardless of wireless standard and capability of providing CAMEL

or similar function. When a calling terminal 10 attempts a call to a receiving terminal 12 in a condition that the calling terminal 10 has a capability of playing the substitute multimedia ringback tone and the receiving terminal 12 is subscribed with the substitute multimedia ringback tone service, the wireless communications system 20 provides the calling terminal 10 with the substitute multimedia ringback tone set by a called subscriber instead of usual ringback tone until the receiving terminal 12 responds to the call. In this specification including the claims, the expression "multimedia" includes sounds, text, still image such as the avatar of the called subscriber, moving picture, or a combination thereof. In the wireless communications system 20 of FIG. 1, a base station 22 demodulates an uplink traffic signal from the calling terminal 10 to provide to an originating switch (O VISC/VLR) 24, and modulates a downlink traffic signal from the originating switch 24 to provide to the calling terminal 10. The initial process for allocating wired trunk resources follows the specification of IS-95 in the case that the wireless communications system 20 is a 2G or 2.5G system, while the process follows a standard of AAL signaling if the system 20 is a 3G system. Similarly, the base Station 28 relays the signals between a terminating switch (T_MSC/VLR) 26 and a receiving terminal 12. Even though a single switch and a base station are shown in FIG. 1 for each of the terminals 10 and 12, it should be noted that a plurality of switches are interconnected hierarchically in the wireless communication system 20 and multiple base stations are installed for each switch. Also, it is to be understood that the role of the originating switch 24 and the terminating switch 26 may be exchanged, and a single switch can

carry out the roles of the two switches. Meanwhile, a Home Location Register (HLR) 30 is a register having a function of an

intra-network database and maintains information of subscribers and locations of subscribers as known in the art. Particularly, according to present invention, the HLR 30 stores the information of each terminal for playing substitute multimedia ringback tone, service subscription information of the terminal, and routing information for routing a call to the substitute ringback tone playing server 60. The originating switch 24 and the terminating switch 26 are connected to each other through a No.7 signaling network and are connected to the HLR 30. When a subscriber terminal carries out location registration in its service area, the terminating switch 26 registers the location information in the HLR 30. At this time, the terminating switch 26 receives the service subscription information of the subscriber and the routing information for routing a call to the substitute ringback tone playing server 60 to store in its Visitors Locations Register (VLR), and provides the substitute ringback tone service using such information whenever a call terminating to the terminal is generated in the network. Even though a single HLR provides services to both the originating switch 24 and the terminating switch 26 in FIG. 3, both switches may be served by respective HLRs. A Service Control Point (SCP) 32 connected to the terminating switch 26 through the No.7 signaling network controls the operation of the terminating switch 26 by performing the qualification test of the information received from the terminating switch 26 and the service control functions such as the interpretation of routing information. Whenever a service request is generated, the terminating switch 26 requests the service analysis and the interpretation of the routing information to the SCP 32, and processes all the receiving calls under the control of the SCP 32. Particularly, according to the present invention, when receiving an Initial Address Message (IAM) for the terminal subscribed with the substitute multimedia ringback tone service from the originating switch 24, the terminating switch 26 suspends the call process to the receiving terminal, acquires the routing information and the service subscription information for

the called party from the HLR 30, and provides the these information to the SCP 32 to be controlled by the SCP 32. Here, the routing information and service subscription information of the called party may be received from the HLR 30 and stored in the VLR in advance. Preferably, the substitute multimedia ringback tone signal is provided to the calling terminal 10 through a voice channel as an usual voice call signal. In order to transmit and receive the voice call signal and substitute data signal through the voice channel, a message packet transmitted and received through the voice channel in the wireless communications system 20 of the present invention is provided with a packet type identifier indicating whether the packet is a voice packet or a data packet. The packet type identifier can be added to the message packet as a separate tag. However, one of reserved fields described in system standard protocol may be used as the packet type identifier as well. Additionally, the packet type identifier may be added only to the substitute data signal while being omitted in the usual voice signal. Though the substitute multimedia ringback tone is played after the completion of addressing to the receiving terminal, it is preferable to assign wider bandwidth in the resource allocation between the base station 22 and the originating switch 24 than that of the common voice call channel, so that the substitute multimedia ringback tone data is transmitted to the calling terminal 10 instantly or in a short time and the picture composing the multimedia is displayed without a failure from the beginning. For this purpose, when requesting wired trunk resource allocation to the originating switch, the base station 22 having received a wireless resource allocation request from the calling terminal 10 preferably determines the calling terminal's capability of playing the substitute multimedia ringback tone first, and then requests the wired trunk resource allocation specifying a channel mode based on the capability of the

terminal. The channel modes include a "Voice Mode" indicating a channel for transmitting and receiving voice packets, a "Data Mode" indicating a channel for transmitting and receiving data packets, and a "Simultaneous Voice and Data (SVD) mode" indicating a channel for transmitting and receiving voice and the data packets simultaneously. Here, it is preferable to assign wider bandwidth for the SVD mode than the Data Mode, so that at least the image and the text data in the substitute multimedia ringback tone data is provided to the calling terminal 10 in a short time.

In FIG. 1, an intelligent peripheral (IP) 40 provides the substitute ringback tone to the terminating switch 26 in response to a request of the terminating switch 26. In the IP 40, the substitute ringback tone information server 50 includes a substitute ringback tone information table 52 for storing multimedia ringback tone information selected by each subscriber and provides the multimedia ringback tone file information to the playing server 60 responding to a request of the playing server 60. Here, the information server 50 and the playing server 60 may be incorporated into a single server. The information server 50 includes or may be connected to a web server, WAP server and a CTI/ARS system which enables the subscriber to subscribe or withdraw the service and alter the configuration of the substitute multimedia ringback tone. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the subscriber can search and select multimedia components such as 'sound', 'text', 'still image', and 'moving pictures' which the subscriber wants to provide to the calling party, and can register the combination of the components in the information server 50. In such an embodiment, the information server 50 may be provided with multiple templates for composing the multimedia substitute ringback tone, so that the components selected by the subscriber are automatically combined with one of the

templates by a software. The combined multimedia is stored in the playing server 60 and the

information of the combined multimedia is stored in the information server 50. Particularly, the substitute multimedia ringback tone can be set differently depending on the calling party, the group of calling parties, or the call attempt time. In particular, the still image or the moving picture can be uploaded directly by the subscriber through the Internet. Since such a registration server system can readily be made by a person skilled in the art on this specification, detailed description thereof is omitted. When an ISUP call is set up between the terminating switch 26 and the playing server

60, the playing server 60 queries the sound or multimedia information set by the called party to the information server 50, and provides packets of multimedia file notified by the information server 50 to the calling terminal 10 through the terminating switch 26 and the originating switch 24. Particularly, when the substitute ringback tone includes multimedia components, the playing server 60 sets and transmits the packet type identifier indicating the simultaneous voice and data mode, so that the substitute multimedia ringback tone data be transmitted through the voice channel as the usual voice call signal and the calling terminal 10 plays corresponding multimedia until the called party answers to the call. On the other hand, the calling terminal 10 should be capable of recognizing and playing the substitute multimedia ringback tone packet. Since such capability of the terminal can be implemented easily by a person skilled in the art by modifying the software based on the specification of the present invention, detailed description thereof is omitted. As described above, the HLR 30 retains the terminal information including the capability of playing the substitute multimedia ringback tone and enables the substitute multimedia ringback tone service based on the information. When receiving the substitute multimedia ringback tone data after generating a call to the receiving terminal 12, the calling terminal 10 recognizes that the substitute ringback tone is multimedia type based on the packet type identifier included the

packet and plays the substitute multimedia ringback tone. In other words, the originating

terminal 10 receives the substitute multimedia ringback tone data previously set by the subscriber and plays the sound through the speaker and shows the still image such as the avatar or the moving picture through the display.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of data format of multimedia ringback tone data provided by the playing server 60. The substitute multimedia ringback tone data includes moving picture data field 202, still image data filed 212, text data field 222, and sound data field 232, and each of the fields are discriminated from the adjacent fields by respective identifiers 202, 212, 222, and 232. Also, it is preferable that each field 202, 212, 222, 232 includes the contents data as well as timing control data for controlling the instant and time interval of the playing the substitute multimedia ringback tone. For example, a plurality of still images may be displayed alternately every second, a moving picture may follow a text such as "My wife gave birth to a daughter!! !" or "I was promoted in the office today." displayed during one or two seconds, or a text message may flow over a still image or a moving picture. Furthermore, a moving picture or text message may be played repetitively until the called party answers to the call. Since the playing operation itself is implemented by a program executed in the playing server 60 and/or the calling terminal 10 and such a program can readily be made by a person skilled in the art on this specification, detailed description thereof is omitted. A simple program module for the playing of the substitute multimedia ringback tone data may be included in the data format shown in FIG. 2, or the playing pattern may be set by the subscriber as well. The substitute multimedia ringback tone data shown in FIG. 2 is packetized by dividing into a fixed length size and adding headers, and is provided to the calling terminal 10 after being formatted to be suitable for a voice traffic channel message standard of the wireless

communications system 20.

As mentioned above, the playing server 60 combines the multimedia components selected by the user according to the format shown in FIG. 2 into a substitute multimedia ringback tone file and stores the file for the user while the information server 50 stores the information of the substitute multimedia ringback tone file. In such an embodiment, when the playing server 60 receives the address request from the terminating switch 26, the playing server 60 checks the file information corresponding to the called party from the information server 50, reads out the corresponding file, adds the packet type identifier to the file and adjusts the format to transmit to the calling terminal. Alternatively, however, the playing server 60 may store each multimedia component separately and the information server 50 stores the information of the plural multimedia components. In this case, when the playing server 60 receives the request from the terminating switch 26, the playing server 60 forms the substitute multimedia ringback tone file according to the format shown in FIG. 2.

On the other hand, the user who needs the substitute multimedia ringback tone data for decorating the terminal or other purposes can request to the playing server 60 to receive the data over the world wide web or WAP. Meanwhile, in a preferred embodiment, the terminating switch 26 performs a call process in accordance with the protocol of CAMEL. FIG. 3 shows a Basic Call State Model in the terminating switch 26 (TJBCSM) defined in the CAMEL. The call state model shown in FIG. 3 includes three repetitive points-in-call (PIP), i.e., a "TJSfull" state, a "Terminating Call Handling" state, and a "T_Active" state, among which states three detection points (DPs) are set. Also, the call state model includes a "T_Exception" state for processing an exceptional state. Table.1 summarizes the detection points. Table 1: Detection Points (DPs)

The states shown in FIG. 3 will be described briefly. The "T_NιιH" state, which is entered after a preceding call is terminated and cleared (i.e., after the detection point DP 17) or the basic exceptional state is processed in the "T_Exception" state, is a state for performing the operations of: initializing the interfaces with exterior device, receiving an ISUP initial address message, and analyzing information to transmit routing information to the HLR 30. This state is terminated when a response is received from the HLR 30 and the analysis of the T_CSI is completed or an exceptional condition such as a call abandonment of the calling party happens. The "Terminating Call Handling" state, which is entered when a response is received from the HLR 30 and the analysis of the subscription information of the subscriber is completed

(i.e., after the detection point DP12), is a state for performing the operations of: analyzing the response of the HLR, and sending a ring signal to the receiving terminal 12 until the called party answers. This state is terminated when the called party answers the call or an exceptional condition such as a call abandonment of the calling party happens. The "T_Active" state, which is entered when the called party answers the incoming call (i.e., after the detection point DP 15), is a state for performing the operations of: setting up a call channel between the calling party and the called party set, supervising the call process, and waiting for the completion of the call. This state is terminated when the termination of the call is notified by the called party or the calling party or an exceptional condition happens. The terminating switch 26 process all the terminating calls according to such a call state model. Whenever a certain detection point is detected, the terminating switch 26 generates triggering identification information to request the service analysis and interpretation of the routing information to the SCP 32. Particularly, according to the present invention, when receiving an Initial Address Message (IAM) for the terminal subscribed with the substitute ringback tone service from the originating switch 24, the terminating switch 26 suspends the call process to the receiving terminal, generates the triggering identification information for the initial call attempt, acquires the routing information and the service subscription information for the called party from the HLR 30 according to the triggering identification information, and provides the triggering identification information to the SCP 32 to be controlled by the SCP 32. Here, the routing information and service subscription information of the called party may be received from the HLR 30 and stored in the VLR in advance. FIGS. 4 A and 4B show the process of providing substitute multimedia ringback tone according to an embodiment of the present invention. The process shown in the figures generally includes steps of initial addressing for setting up a call (steps 100 through 134), steps of playing substitute multimedia ringback tone (steps 136 through 146), and answering steps (steps 148 through 162) . When a calling terminal 10 generates a call to the terminal of a subscriber and requests wireless resource allocation to the base station 22 (step 100), the base station 22 allocates wireless resource to the calling terminal 10 in response to the request (step 102). At this time, the calling terminal 10 transmits its capability information (e.g., the capability of reproducing the substitute multimedia ringback tone or the terminal type information), so that the base station or the switching system can determine the capability of the calling terminal for playing the

substitute multimedia ringback tone. In step 104, the base station 22 requests wired trunk resource allocation to the originating switch 24. At this time, the base station 22 designates one of three channel modes: the "Voice Mode", the "Data Mode", and the "Simultaneous Voice and Data (SVD) Mode"

based on the capability information of the calling terminal acquired in the step 100, and includes

the channel mode information into the allocation request. For example, in the case that the calling terminal does not have the capability of playing the substitute multimedia ringback tone

and generated a voice call, the channel mode is set to the "Voice Mode". In the case that the calling terminal does not have the capability of playing the substitute multimedia ringback tone

and generated a cata call, the channel mode is set to the "Data Mode". Meanwhile, if the calling terminal has the capability of playing the substitute multimedia ringback tone and generated a

voice call, the channel mode is set to the "Simultaneous Voice and Data (SVD) Mode". In response to the allocation request, the originating switch 24 allocates wired trunk

resource to the base station 22 (step 106). In more detail, when receiving a request of occupying a specific connection identifier, i.e., a Virtual Path Identifier (VPI)/ Virtual Channel

Identifier (VCI) as the resource allocation request, the originating switch 24 first determines

whether the resource is available. If the resource is available, the originating switch 24 allocates the resource to the base station 22. If the resource is not available because of being used or a

fault, the originating switch 24 instructs the base station 22 to request another VPI/VCI value,

which process is performed until the allocation is completed. Once the resource is allocated, the

allocated VPI/VCI value is maintained in the line between the ATM nodes during the

connection. While the base station 22 requests the resource allocation to the originating switch 24

by providing a specific connection identifier in the preferred embodiment of the present

invention, the originating switch 24 may check available connection identifiers after receiving

the allocation request from the base station 22 to allocate one of available connection identifiers

to the base station, alternatively. After assigning the wired trunk resource to the base station 22, the originating switch 24 requests the location information of the receiving terminal to the HLR 30 (step 108). In step

110, the HLR 30 requests the routing information for the called party to the terminating switch 26 corresponding to the receiving terminal 12. The terminating switch 26 responds to the

request of the HLR 30 by providing the routing information including Temporary Local Directory Number (TLDN) (step 112). Here, the TLDN is an identifier temporarily given to the

receiving terminal during the call setup process. In step 114, HLR 30 provides the originating switch 24 with the location information including the routing information.

When the receiving terminal 12 is turned off or busy, the originating switch 24 provides an message or a tone notifying the status of the terminal. When the receiving terminal 12 is

turned on and not busy, however, the originating switch 24 attempts an ISUP call by

transmitting the Initial Address message (IAM) to the terminating switch 26 (step 116). Here, the Initial Address Message includes information for identifying the calling party and the called

party (e.g., MIN's of the calling party and the called party). As mentioned above, the terminating switch 26 complies with the Basic Call State Model

(T_BCSM) defined in the CAMEL and illustrated in FIG. 3, and has a detection point DP 12 for the initial call attempt (e.g., "Terminating_Attempt_Authorized" state). Upon receiving the

Initial Address Message from the originating switch 24, the terminating switch 26 generates the

triggering identification information (for example, trigger type information) for the initial call

attempt (step 118). Subsequently, the terminating switch 24 suspends the call process to the

receiving terminal 12 and transmits a service request including the triggering identification

information and subscriber identification information to the SCP 32 (step 120).

Receiving the service request from the terminating switch 26, the SCP 32 acquires a

service key and routing information for the called party from the HLR 30 based on the subscription information of the called party and the triggering identification information. Here, the service key refers to an identification information defining the additional service to be accompanied by the specified triggering information. In the preferred embodiment, the service key includes the service subscription information of the called party and the type of the substitute ringback tone set by the user, i.e., multimedia or sound, and the routing information represents the routing information to the playing server 60. Also, the SCP 32 acquires the specification information of the calling terminal representing the capability of playing multimedia ringback tone from the HLR 30. Alternatively, however, the number of the terminal having the capability of playing multimedia ringback tone may be differentiated from the terminal having not the capability, and the specification of the calling terminal may be identified based on the phone number. Subsequently, the SCP 32 determines the service to be provided by the terminating switch 26 based on the service key of the called party and the specification of the calling terminal (step 122). Table. 2 shows an embodiment of a process of determining services based on the calling terminal specification and the service key of the called. Table. 2: Service Determination Process

As can be seen in the table, in case that the calling terminal can play the substitute multimedia ringback tone and the called party is subscribed with the substitute multimedia ringback tone service, the SCP 32 makes the terminating switch 26 be routed to the playing

server 60 as described below. In case that the called party is not subscribed with the service,

the SCP 32 makes the terminating switch 26 provide usual ringback tone or other service to the calling terminal regardless of the capability of playing the substitute multimedia ringback tone

of the calling terminal. Here, the 'other service' refers to another service, for example, of routing to another substitute ringback tone playing server providing substitute sound ringback

tone in the case that the called party is subscribed with the substitute sound ringback tone service. Meanwhile, when the calling terminal is not capable of playing the substitute multimedia ringback tone but the called party is subscribed with the service and set for the substitute sound ringback tone, the SCP 32 makes the terminating switch 26 be routed to the playing server 60

so that the playing server 60 provides the substitute sound ringback tone to the calling terminal. Referring back to FIG. 4 A, when it is determined that the call is to be routed to the playing server 60 for providing the substitute multimedia ringback tone, the SCP 32 transmits,

to the terminating switch 26, an initial call setup preparation message including the called party

identification information and the routing information to the playing server 60 (step 124).

When receiving initial call setup preparation message, the terminating switch 26 transmits

its function specification information to the SCP 32 (step 126). When the function specification

information is received, the SCP 32 determines whether the terminating switch 26 can perform

the function of generating and controlling a call to the playing server 60. When the terminating

switch 26 is determined to have such a capability, the SCP 32 requests the terminating switch

26 to generate a call to the playing server 60 (step 128). In the case that the message received from the SCP 32 in the step 128 dictates a call process to the playing server 60, the terminating switch 26 transmits, to the playing server 60, the Initial Address Message (IAM) including the called party identification information and the routing information to the playing server (step 130). When the Initial Address Message (IAM) is received from the terminating switch 26, the playing server 60 transmits an Address Completion Message (ACM) to the terminating switch 26 (step 132). When receiving the Address Completion Message (ACM) from the playing server 60, the terminating switch 26 transmits another Address Completion Message (ACM) corresponding to the received ACM to the originating switch 24 (step 134). On the other hand, just after transmitting the ACM in the step 132, the playing server

60 transmits a substitute tone information query message including the called party identification information (e.g., the MEN of the called party) obtained in the step 130 to the information server 50 (step 136). When the information server 50 receives the substitute tone information query message, the information server 50 provides the substitute tone information (e.g., the file name or the file code designated by the subscriber) corresponding to the identification information of the called party (e.g., the MIN of the called party) to the playing server 60 (step 138). Upon receiving the substitute tone information from the information server 50, the playing server 60 reads the substitute multimedia files corresponding to the substitute tone information, adapts the file format into the voice channel and adds the packet type identifier, and then transmit the files to the calling terminal 10 via the switches 26 and 24. The calling terminal 10 recognizes the substitute multimedia ringback tone files based on the packet type identifier and plays the

substitute multimedia ringback tone (step 140). Preferably, information server 50 stores information of substitute multimedia ringback

tone components selected by each user, and the playing server 60 stores the files for implementing the components. In such a case, the information server 50 provides the playing server 60, in the step 138, with the information of substitute multimedia ringback tone components corresponding to the called party identification information contained in the substitute tone information query message to the playing server 60, which combines the components into the format of FIG. 2 and adds the packet type identifier, and then transmit the files to the calling terminal 10. Alternatively, however, the playing server 60 may store the substitute multimedia ringback tone file formatted as FIG. 2, and the information server 50 may store the file information. Accordingly, the playing server 60 reads the formatted substitute multimedia ringback tone file and to provide to the calling terminal 10 in the step 140. Referring back to FIG. 4B, in step 142, the SCP 32 requests the terminating switch 26 to set up an answering trigger detection point (DP 15) for detecting the generation of the answering event in the terminal corresponding to the called party identification information. The terminating switch 26 receiving the request sets the answering trigger detection point (DP 15) so as to detect the answering event message from the terminal corresponding to the called party identification information . In step 144, the SCP 32 requests the terminating switch 26 to continue the call process to the terminal corresponding to the called party identification information. In response to this request, the terminating switch 26 proceeds a series of process to continuing the call process to the terminal corresponding to the called party identification information while carrying out

paging of the called party terminal (step 146). Next, the steps of answering by the called party (steps 148 through 162) are described. If the called party answers the call during the play of the substitute ringback tone (step

148), the terminating switch 26 identifies the receiving terminal by the called party identification

information included the answering event message. Subsequently, the terminating switch 26 detects the answering trigger detection point (DPI 5: T_Answer) for the receiving terminal in

the Basic Call State Model (T_BCSM), and generates a answering trigger (step 150) to send

a service request including the triggering identification information corresponding to the answering trigger to the SCP 32 (step 152). If the triggering identification information received in the step 152 corresponds to the answering trigger, the SCP 32 requests the terminating switch 26 to release the call to the

playing server 60 and connect the call to the receiving terminal 12 (step 154). The terminating switch 26 receiving the request transmits an ISUP call release request (REL) to the playing

server 60 and carries out a series of the call release process before setting up a terminating call

to the terminal corresponding to the called party identification information (step 156). When receiving the call release request (REL) from the terminating switch 26, the playing server 60

carries out the series of the call release process and transmits a message confirming the release of the call to the terminating switch 26 (step 158). The terminating switch 26 transmits the answering message (ANM) to the originating

switch 24 in step 160, and delivers conversation between the calling party and the called party

(step 162). Although the present invention has been described in detail above, it should be

understood that foregoing description is illustrative and nor restrictive.

For example, even though the substitute multimedia ringback tone providing system 40

is interfaced to the terminating switch 26 preferably, the substitute multimedia ringback tone

providing system 40 may be interfaced to the originating switch 24 as well.

Thus, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many obvious modifications

can be made to the invention without departing from its sprit or essential characteristics. We

claim all modifications and variation coming within sprit and scope of the following claims. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention enables the substitute multimedia ringback tone which is a

combination of moving picture, still image, text, and sound, and thus maximizes the personality of each user receiving a call. The service of the present invention is distinctive in the viewpoint

of the calling party also because the calling party needs not to hold the speaker of the terminal against his ear during the play of the substitute multimedia ringback tone.

Meanwhile, since the present invention provides the substitute multimedia ringback tone data to the calling terminal through the simultaneous voice and data mode set up initially, it is

not necessary to release previously allocated resource and allocate the packet resource again for

providing the multimedia data. Accordingly, the present invention does not deteriorate but can maintain the efficiency of system resources by reducing data transmission time and minimizing

required wired trunk and wireless resources for providing the service.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. In a wireless communications system having a base station and a switching system connected to the base station, and being connected to a substitute ringback tone playing server, a method for providing a substitute multimedia ringback tone, comprising the steps of: (a) when a call connection request is received from a calling terminal through the base station, determining whether the calling terminal has capability of playing the substitute multimedia ringback tone, assigning a wired trunk resource of voice mode between the base station and the switching system if the calling terminal does not have the capability, and assigning a wired trunk resource of simultaneous voice and data mode between the base station and the switching system if the calling terminal has the capability; (b) when the calling terminal has the capability of playing the substitute multimedia ringback tone and the called party is subscribed with substitute multimedia ringback tone service, routing the call from the calling terminal to the substitute multimedia ringback tone providing server instead of providing conventional ringback tone so that the substitute multimedia ringback tone providing server provides the substitute multimedia ringback tone designated by the called party to the calling terminal; and (c) when a receiving terminal answers to the call, releasing the call to the substitute multimedia ringback tone providing server and setting up a call to the receiving terminal so that a call channel is set up between the calling terminal and the receiving terminal.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein, in said step (b), when the called party subscribed with the substitute multimedia ringback tone service but set sound tone rather than

multimedia as the substitute ringback tone, the call from the calling terminal is routed to the

substitute multimedia ringback tone providing server regardless of the calling terminal's capability of playing the substitute multimedia ringback tone.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein, in said step (a), the base station

selects one of the voice mode and the simultaneous voice and data mode and requests the wired trunk resource allocation to the switching system providing the selected mode information, and the switching system determines whether the resource is available for that mode and then alloates the resource.

4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein, in said step (a), the base station transmits information of the calling terminal's capability of playing the substitute multimedia ringback tone to the switching system, and the switching system allocates the resource based on the capability information.

5. In a server system capable of being connected to a switch of a wireless

communications system, a method for providing substitute multimedia ringback tone data,

comprising the steps of: (a) storing data of substitute multimedia ringback tone of the form selected from a group

consisting of text, still image, moving picture, or the combination thereof into a predetermined

storage according to choice of a subscribed user through the world wide web or the WAP; (b) when a call connection request for the user is generated in the wireless

communications system, receiving an address message including subscriber identification

information from the wireless communications system, and providing the substitute multimedia

ringback tone data to a calling terminal through a call channel set up between the wireless

communications system and the server, so that the substitute multimedia ringback tone corresponding to the substitute multimedia ringback tone data is played in the calling terminal; and

(c) when the user answers to the call of the calling terminal through the wireless communications system, releasing the call set up between the wireless communications system and the server in response to a release request from the wireless communications system.

6. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein, in said step (b), the substitute multimedia ringback tone data is provided to the calling terminal after being formated to be suitable for a voice channel.

7. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein, in said step (b), the substitute multimedia ringback tone data is provided to the calling terminal after a predetermined identifier indicating the substitute multimedia ringback tone data is added.

8. The method as claimed in one of claims 5-7, wherein the substitute multimedia ringback tone data includes information for controlling playing of multimedia components constituting the substitute multimedia ringback tone.

9. The method as claimed in one of claims 5-7, further comprises a step of: providing the substitute multimedia ringback tone data to the user through wireless

internet in response to a request of the user.

10. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein said step (a) comprises the step of: (al) receiving selection of the user for each multimedia component of a multimedia group consisting of text, still image, moving picture, and the sound or some of them; and

(a2) combining the multimedia components chosen by the user to generate the substitute multimedia ringback tone data and storing the substitute multimedia ringback tone data in the storage.

11. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein, in said step (a2), the server system combines the multimedia components chosen by the user, presents the combined multimedia to the user, and stores the substitute multimedia ringback tone data in the storage when the subscriber confirms to the combined multimedia.

12. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein said step (al) comprises a step of: receiving selection of the user for a calling party for providing the substitute multimedia ringback tone, wherein, in said step (b), the server system receives the caller identification information through the address message, and provides the substitute multimedia ringback tone data to the calling terminal only when the caller identification information corresponds to the calling party

chosen by the user, whereby the substitute multimedia ringback tone is provided differently depending on

the calling party.

13. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein said step (al) comprises a step of: receiving selection of the user for time period for providing the substitute

multimedia ringback tone, wherein, in said step (b), the server system provides the substitute multimedia ringback tone data to the calling terminal only when the address message is received during the time period designated by the user, whereby the substitute multimedia ringback tone is provided differently depending on the time at which the address message is received.

14. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein, in said step (al), one of the multimedia component is uploaded from the user.

15. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein, in said step (al), the server system receives selection of the user for playing pattern of the substitute multimedia ringback tone including time period for playing each multimedia component, wherein, in said step (a2), the server system generates the substitute multimedia ringback tone data including the playing pattern information, wherein, in the step (b), the server system provides the substitute multimedia ringback tone data to the calling terminal so that calling terminal plays the substitute multimedia ringback tone according to the playing pattern information.